Photo by Jeangagnon. If there is one thing that, in the collective imagination, more than any other represents the culture of the peoples close to the Arctic Circle, it is undoubtedlythe igloo. It is the most primordial construction made entirely of blocks of pressed ice, the symbol par excellence of the Inuit civilisation.
For some years now, however, fascinating new ice buildings have been developed and constructed, far more complex than simple igloos: we are talking about ice hotels. These marvellous hotel structures are becoming increasingly popular among lovers of novelty, and are now a reality for all travellers who prefer unusual settings to classic, "boring" luxury hotels.
Let's find out which are the most beautiful Ice Hotels in the world...
11 - Igloo Hotel, Andorra
What gives the IglooHotel its sensational charm is its geographical location: it is the only hotel on the list that is not located in the far north.
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In fact, it is located in Grandvalira, in the small principality of Andorra, a micro-state on the border between Spain and France known worldwide as a beautiful tourist destination. To tell the truth, its structure is much more modest than the others, but its small size is an added value that gives it an even more irresistible charm.
Price and cost: Between €250 and €600 per couple, depending on the period and type of Iglu chosen.
10 - Iglu Dorf, Switzerland
This small village offers the possibility of sleeping inside spacious igloos, the walls of which are decorated with sculptures created by Inuit artists. The village can accommodate a maximum of 30 people, who can rest or enjoy snowshoeing, activities and night hikes.
Price and cost: Between €240 and €600 per couple depending on the period and type of Iglu chosen (Standard, Romantic, Suite).
9 - Kirkenes Snow Hotel, Norway
The Kirkenes Snow Hotel was opened in 2006 and is now one of the most popular hotels for holidaymakers in Norway.
It is rebuilt annually using over 15 tonnes of ice and contains wonderful suites adorned with incredible sculptures.
Thanks to the thickness of the walls, it manages to keep the temperatures relatively high, making the guests' stay thoroughly enjoyable.
Price and cost: From €500 per couple.
8 - Snow Castle, Finland
In Finland, specifically in the city of Kemi, there is a fantastic structure that makes its guests feel like snow princes and princesses.
The Snow Castle is located in the Gulf of Bothnia in Finland, and has now become a symbol of Kemi, a source of pride for the whole town.
It has now been built for over 19 years and sleeping inside one of its incredible suites is a truly unforgettable experience.
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The peculiarity that makes this 'enchanted castle' so beautiful is the presence of special rooms with glass ceilings that allow guests to see thenorthern lights from the comfort of their beds.
Price and cost: Between €210 and €400 per couple, depending on the period and type of stay.
7 - Aurora Ice Hotel, Alaska (USA)
TheAurora is located in the town of Fairbanks, Alaska. Apparently, the owners chose this name because they are convinced that it is the best place in the world to admire the beautiful Northern Lights. It is famous for being the only hotel on ice that is open 365 days a year. This is possible thanks to a modern cooling system that allows the structure to remain open even during the hottest seasons. What then warm, in Alaska ...
Price and cost: From €700 per couple.
6 - Village des Neiges, Canada
Photo by JeangagnonTheVillage des Neiges in Montreal has been open to the public since January 2011 and is located in Jean-Drapeau Park.
In conjunction with its seasonal opening, recreational events are organised throughout the city. For this reason, it represents a unique experience for every type of traveller. It has 30 rooms, including 10 ultra-luxury suites and a restaurant. It offers all kinds of entertainment: children can have fun in the wonderful maze and ice slides, adults can relax in the open-air spa.
Price and costs: From €760 per couple.
5 - Snow Village, Finland
Every year the Snow Village is built in Finland according to a different architectural design.
Shapes and dimensions are changed, but the statues made of ice and snow remain a constant and fascinating attraction inside.
As much as one million kilos of snow are used for its construction over an area of twenty thousand square metres.
At the Snow Village you can sleep in one of the 30 rooms, visit the chapel or enjoy a drink in the lovely bar.
Price and costs: From €360 per couple.
4 - Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel, Norway
The Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel is located just a handful of kilometres from the Arctic Circle.
It was established 15 years ago and is one of the first ice hotels ever built. The hotel has a recognisable style: the interiors are designed according to themes such as Viking culture and the aurora boraele. Among the services offered by the staff are guided excursions under the starry sky and snowmobile tours.
Price and costs: From €520 per couple.
3 - Kakslauttanen Artic Resort, Finland
Also in Finland is Kakslauttanen Artic Resort:'the most enchanting resort in all of Lapland'. We really can't blame those who call it that, even though it's not exactly an ice hotel.
It offers all kinds of comforts to guests, a warm and cosy ambience with rooms and suites so beautiful that this hotel comes close to perfection. In addition, it allows guests to spend the night in one of the fantastic 'glass igloos', under the starry sky, to enjoy the northern lights at their best.
Special mention also goes to the surrounding area, which has enormous natural riches that are definitely worth a visit.
Price and cost: From €510 per couple.
2 - Hotel de Glace, Canada
Not far from Quebec is theHotel de Glace, a fantastic hotel with aluxurious décor. The interiors are as elegant as few, with many fabulous sculptures and decorations. The space occupied is quite vast, with over 40 rooms, a shop selling various items and a bar. Note of praise for the staff, by many accounts always friendly and helpful to customers.
Price and cost: From €460 per couple.
1 - Ice Hotel, Sweden: the World's Largest Ice Hotel
Naturally at the top of the list is theIce Hotel in Jukkasjäroi, Sweden.
It was the first ice hotel ever built and now boasts another important record: it is the largest in the world.
Inside the approximately 5,000 square metre structure, everything is made of ice.
Not only the rooms, therefore, but also the furnishings such as sofas and beds, the latter of course carefully covered with heat-insulating material, which is indispensable for spending a night in this magical place.
Price and cost: Between €500 and €1000 per couple, depending on the period and the type of room chosen.