LeVar Thomas
When most travelers think of Finland, images of Northern Lights, reindeer sleigh rides, and snowy forests often come to mind. But tucked away in Finnish Lapland lies a place that brings all of these wonders together in one dazzling experience: the Arctic SnowHotel.
This spectacular hotel is built entirely from ice and snow every winter, offering adventurous guests the chance to sleep in an ice room, dine at an ice restaurant, sip drinks in a frozen bar, and relax in saunas under the Arctic sky.
If you’ve ever dreamed of experiencing a winter wonderland in its purest form, the Arctic SnowHotel in Finland should be at the very top of your travel list.
What Makes the Arctic SnowHotel So Special?
Every year, starting in November, architects and artists craft the Arctic SnowHotel from thousands of tons of snow and ice. By late December, the hotel is complete and ready to welcome guests until the snow begins to melt in the spring. Unlike a traditional hotel, the Arctic SnowHotel is temporary, meaning no two years are ever the same. This makes a stay here truly unique.
Inside, you’ll find over 20 snow and ice rooms, a stunning ice chapel, and intricately carved sculptures that transform the halls into a frozen gallery. Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with family, the hotel offers an inclusive and magical atmosphere that brings people together from around the world.
Sleeping in Ice Rooms at the Arctic SnowHotel
The main attraction is, of course, the chance to sleep in a room made entirely of ice. The Arctic SnowHotel provides insulated sleeping bags and reindeer hides that keep guests cozy despite indoor temperatures that remain between -2 and -5 degrees Celsius.
It might sound chilly, but the experience is more comfortable than many expect. Imagine curling up inside a sleeping bag while surrounded by glowing ice walls carved with artistic patterns. Waking up in this frozen environment is unlike anything you’ll find at a standard hotel, making it an unforgettable memory.
The Glass Igloos: A Warm Alternative
Not everyone wants to spend the night on ice, and the Arctic SnowHotel has the perfect alternative. Their glass igloos combine modern comfort with front-row views of the Arctic sky. These heated domes offer full beds, private bathrooms, and large glass roofs that make it easy to watch the Northern Lights dance above.
For travelers hoping to catch the Aurora Borealis without braving the freezing cold, the igloos are ideal. Imagine sipping hot cocoa while lying in bed, watching streaks of green and purple light sweep across the sky. It’s pure magic, and one of the main reasons many visitors choose the Arctic SnowHotel.
Dining at the Ice Restaurant and Ice Bar
Another highlight of staying here is the chance to dine at the Ice Restaurant, where everything from the walls to the tables is carved from ice. Meals often feature traditional Finnish dishes, such as salmon, reindeer, and root vegetables, served on ice plates that keep your food perfectly chilled.
Afterward, you can head to the Ice Bar, where drinks are served in glasses made entirely of frozen water. Whether you choose a cocktail, juice, or local spirit, sipping from a cup of ice is a novelty you’ll remember forever.
Sauna and Snow: A Finnish Tradition
No trip to Finland is complete without experiencing a sauna, and the Arctic SnowHotel takes this tradition seriously. Guests can enjoy a warm steam sauna, a wood-heated sauna, or even a snow sauna, where walls of ice create a refreshing twist on the experience.
After heating up in the sauna, brave visitors often step outside to roll in the snow before returning to the warmth. It may sound extreme, but it’s a Finnish ritual that boosts circulation, relaxes muscles, and makes you feel wonderfully alive.
Activities Around the Arctic SnowHotel
Staying at the Arctic SnowHotel in Finland is more than just a night on ice. Guests can book a variety of winter activities to make the most of their Arctic adventure. Popular options include:
- Northern Lights tours by snowmobile, sled, or on foot
- Reindeer sleigh rides through snowy forests
- Husky dog sledding for an exhilarating Arctic rush
- Ice fishing on frozen lakes
- Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in pristine landscapes
Each activity provides a different way to experience Lapland’s breathtaking environment and connect with local traditions.
When to Visit the Arctic SnowHotel
The hotel is typically open from late December through March, depending on weather conditions. The best time to visit is between January and early March when snow is at its peak and Northern Lights sightings are frequent.
Since the Arctic SnowHotel is seasonal and extremely popular, it’s important to book well in advance. Many travelers plan their stay up to a year ahead to secure their preferred dates, especially if they want to combine an ice room stay with a glass igloo experience.
How to Get to the Arctic SnowHotel
The Arctic SnowHotel is located near the city of Rovaniemi, the gateway to Finnish Lapland. Rovaniemi is accessible by plane, train, or bus from Helsinki. From there, the hotel is about a 30-minute drive, with shuttle services available for guests.
Rovaniemi is also famous as the official hometown of Santa Claus, making it a wonderful stop for families and holiday travelers. Pairing a visit to Santa Claus Village with a stay at the Arctic SnowHotel creates a truly magical Finnish adventure.
Why the Arctic SnowHotel Should Be on Your Bucket List
The Arctic SnowHotel in Finland isn’t just a place to stay, it’s a complete immersion into the magic of the Arctic. Between sleeping on ice, gazing at the Northern Lights from a glass igloo, savoring meals at the ice restaurant, and warming up in traditional saunas, every moment feels surreal.
For travelers seeking a destination that blends natural wonder, cultural tradition, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences, the Arctic SnowHotel offers it all. Whether you’re chasing the Aurora Borealis, exploring Lapland, or simply looking for an extraordinary escape, this hotel proves that sometimes the coldest places leave the warmest memories.
