Why Stay in an Ice Hotel?
If living like a well-to-do Eskimo is something that sounds appealing, staying in an ice hotel is a great way to experience some of the sub-zero parts of the world. Ice hotels are the next big thing in a long list of destination hotels that are attempting to redefine a traveller’s idea of what a vacation is and could be.
Ice hotel by bjaglin
What Is an Ice Hotel?
What started as a seasonal display of man’s artistic and creative power over ice has turned into a booming resort business. Constructions methods vary, but typical construction includes stacking and forming sculpted blocks of ice and snow. Some hotels start by sculpting around metal frames and remove them as the ice hardens. Walls can be up to 4-ft thick in some places, to help support the weight of all that ice.
Isn’t it Freezing?
The walls, beds, furniture, and bars are 100% ice in a typical ice hotel. Some may even have restaurants and other amenities. One need not worry about freezing one’s you-know-what off, as the bathrooms are located off-site in a much warmer location. Inside, one can find temperatures ranging from 17 to 23 degrees Fahrenheit, so layering warms blankets and fur lined clothing is a must if one wants to make it through a night.
Where Are Ice Hotels Located?
Ice hotels are now located in a number of traditional cold weather climate locations. The Scandinavian countries, Canada, Russia, Romania and a few other places are where a traveller can typically find these icy fortresses.
The first, and arguably most popular, would be in the village of Jukkasjarvi, Sweden and was built in 1989. This one is open from December through April and prices start at $185 per night. The only ice hotel in the Americas would be in Quebec, Canada, and is open from January thru March. The Quebec ice hotel, like a few other locations, even has a ice chapel for wedding ceremonies.
Norway has the Kirkenes Snow Hotel, the Ice Lodge, and the Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel in Alta. Romania is also relatively new to the ice hotel scene, opening up a hotel in 2006 next to Balea Lake. This one is open from December thru late April / Early May. In Finland, they have constructed an entire snow village near the Levi ski resort. There is also once in Kemi and Sinetta.
Ice hotel church, Ice Hotel Church, Jukkasjärvi, Sweden by bjaglin
So Which Hotel Is the Best?
Each Ice Hotel has different features and amenities making it truly a unique experience. The Swedish location, being the oldest, has the most activities. Whether it’s snowmobiling, skiing, or a winter forest adventure, Sweden has everything one would expect.
For those looking to save a few dollars, Finland’s is the least expensive, coming in under $100 per night. In Norway, the ice hotels win for remoteness and having the best locations. The hotel in Alta is right on the Arctic Ocean, so one could actually request an Ocean View room.
Some people like to go off the beaten path, and one could do that at the Lapland ice hotel. Near the Russian Border – it a several hundred mile drive, and really gives one the feeling of “being one with nature”.
What Should One Expect Before and During a Stay?
This ice hotel review suggests that first and foremost one needs to read up on what the hotel does and does not provide. For example many hotels will provide blankets, sleeping bags, and other cold weather dress. Some might be (BYOWS – Bring Your Own Warm Stuff). Listen to the hotel’s advice!
Be sure to only commit to one night at a time, especially if this is one’s first time. If the cold temperature turns out to be too much to get a good night’s sleep, one would welcome the option to check into a warmer hotel. Make sure all party members know what the stay entails. The experience shouldn’t be diminished by lesser committed individuals who don’t have ice water in their veins.
Ice hotel, Sweden by Rubén Laguna
Conclusion
Assuming global warming doesn’t doom this business within the next few decades, ice hotels are a unique way to stay overnight in a cold location, making it seem even more exotic and adventuresome than it already is.
People are always looking to be a part of the next big thing in travel, and ice hotels sure are a way to pad one’s travel resume. The bragging rights alone are reason enough to experience an ice hotel. For those looking for a complete winter experience, immersing oneself into the season – morning, noon, and night – an ice hotel is the way to go. From the adventure seeker to the individual looking to chill in luxury accommodations, ice hotels have it all!
Guest Post by Baltic Travel Company – Baltic tours, Holidays, Cruises and Travel in Scandinavia and Eastern Europe.
Category: Travel Tips
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