The Northern Lights are a magical sight, an experience you'll remember forever. Can you make it any better? Yes, you can. Visiting an ice hotel lets you soak up a whole lot more of the unique arctic atmosphere, feel closer to nature in all its wild, snowbound glory, and enjoy a truly intimate relationship with the endless, pristine snow and ice.

When you're inside what's effectively a giant block of ice, it's almost as though you're part of nature rather than observing it from the outside. If you'd like to get more out of the aurora's remarkable splendour, put an ice hotel at the top of your holiday wish list. The best ones are designed with the Northern Lights in mind, and some are even created with special rooms and spaces for viewing them. 

The world's ice hotels are transient, and their temporary nature somehow makes them even more magical. The first hint of spring sees them melting, disappearing without a trace, to be rebuilt as soon as the cold weather returns. 

ICEHOTEL, Sweden – The original

Sweden's ICEHOTEL was first built in 1989, making it the original such hotel, 125 miles north of the Arctic Circle. It's set in the lovely Swedish village of Jukkasjarvi and every room is unique, each carved and sculpted by a different artist, each with its own theme. Roughly 1,600 tons of snow and ice from the nearby Torne River are used in its construction in November, and the hotel usually lasts until March before melting away to nothing. 

One of our popular optional excursions goes to the ICEHOTEL for a half-day visit where you can explore the grounds, check out the art exhibitions, stop by the restaurant or have a drink in the ICEBAR or lounge.

Other ice hotels in Lapland you can chill out at...

Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort in Saariselka, Finland – This special ice hotel is a wonderland of a place offering fabulous glass igloos, snow igloos and cute wooden chalets with private saunas. It comes with superb views of the aurora.

Hotel Niilanpaa in Kiilopaa, Finland – Set in the very heart of Lapland, this hotel's lovely Fell Centre igloos and snow chalets are all about adventure. A winter mountain visit here comes with a great chance of seeing the Northern Lights, and the hotel has built its own observatory for this purpose.

Lapland Hotels Snow Village in Kittila, Finland – This ice hotel is a proper Lapland Christmas special, perfect for the kids and a Northern Lights venue to remember. The village is a wonderland of snow rooms, snow suites and illuminated ice art, including a couple of ice restaurants, an ice cocktail bar and ice chapel. 

Inspired? If so, we'll be delighted to help you create create your ideal ice hotel and Northern Lights visit. 

Find out more about how you can experience these cool architectural wonders with us!

Originally published 11 March 2019, updated 10 October 2023