Ever wonder what it would be like to live in an igloo? As a resident of the lower-48 states, I?ve never even seen one up close and personal, let alone slept in one. Ice hotels sprang into existence in the 1980?s and have been built annually ever since. Let?s hope that the temperatures across the globe allow the existence of these ice beauties to continue.

Icehotel – Jukkasjarvi, Sweden

Icehotel located in Jukkasjarvi, Sweden is the original ice hotel. The igloo was originally built as the home for a local art exhibit, but was later suddenly used by a group of travelers in search of overnight accommodations. They loved the unique experience and the concept of the ice hotel was formed.

Temperatures inside the ice hotel are always between 17 and 23 degrees to avoid melting. All pieces of furniture, including the beds, couches, and bar are made of ice. They?re covered with fur, skins, and sleeping bags for warmth and comfort. For those that are concerned, the bathrooms are located in a separate building with heat.

The hotel has to be rebuilt every year. Artists, architects, and architecture students all contribute to the planning and building; the concept and design is different every year.

Ice Hotel Glace – Quebec, Canada

Ice Hotel Glace is located in Quebec, was built in 2000 and was inspired by the original Icehotel. This particular ice hotel is considered to be fancier than the hotel in Sweden and offers 34 rooms. The hotel is designed with a new feature every year and is usually open from mid-November until sometime in March, which warmer weather will begin to melt it away.

Ice Palace – Chena Hot Springs, Alaska

The Ice Palace in Chena Hot Springs, Alaska is the only ice hotel in the United States. Even the glasses you drink from are made of ice in this hotel. Visitors from all over are welcome to visit the hotel bar, regardless of whether or not they will be spending the night. Those who choose to stay are given a parka, snow pants, and boots before being shown to their rooms and regular hotel rooms are reserved for those who don?t find their bed of ice as comfortable as they imagined.

The Chena Hot Springs Ice Palace is well known for its display of ice sculptures. The design of the hotel is relatively static, but the ice sculptures change every year.

Alta Igloo Hotel – Alta, Norway

Alta Igloo Hotel in Alta, Norway is described as a rustic hotel. These rooms are designed for those looking to sleep in an igloo and are perfect for just that if you don?t mind a small room and a low ceiling. The hotel maintains a separate, heated building where you can store your luggage, shower, and change comfortably. The hotel is designed with a different theme in mind each and every year.

Photo Credits 1, 2, 3, 4

For more information on ice hotels, visit the following websites:

Travel Consumer
5-Star Accommodation
Ice Hotels and Igloos