In 1989, a visionary Swede named Yngve Bergqvist had a groundbreaking idea: to construct an igloo along the frozen banks of the Torne River in Swedish Lapland, aiming to celebrate the artistry and craftsmanship of the indigenous Sami people. What started as a quaint showcase soon piqued the curiosity of adventurous travelers eager to immerse themselves in what the Swedes affectionately refer to as “the exotic.” Recognizing the potential, Bergqvist rapidly transformed Jukkasjärvi, a sleepy village in Sweden’s northernmost reaches, into a bustling tourist destination that now attracts around 40,000 visitors annually. However, the Icehotel has not been without its detractors, particularly among locals who argue that the influx of affluent tourists has altered the essence of their village. Regardless, Icehotel remains the preeminent winter destination in Swedish Lapland, and its undeniable success has inspired similar ventures across neighboring Norwegian and Finnish Laplands.
Best for Activities:
Sweden: A trip to the original Icehotel in Jukkasjärvi—140 miles north of the Arctic Circle—is truly something special. Though it may not be the most budget-friendly option, this massive monument of snow and ice is undeniably impressive. The range of accommodations is more varied than at other locales; the most economical choice is a standard double room, where guests sleep on a bed made of compacted snow packed with a reindeer skin—warmly nestled inside a sleeping bag. Prices start at £224, varying by season. With years of experience under its belt, the Icehotel has become the prime location for winter activities. A popular excursion is a thrilling 90-minute snowmobile adventure through the forest at £72 per person, while a dog sledding experience costs £124 per person. For more details, visit icehotel.com.
Best on a Budget:
Finland: Situated 155 miles north of the Arctic Circle, Kakslauttanen is a hidden gem in Finnish Lapland that offers guests a more intimate experience. Here, you’ll find individual snow igloos accommodating up to five people, with only 20 igloos available on the entire site, ensuring a cozy atmosphere. Rates stand at around £93 per person per night, with half-board options available. Guests also have the choice of staying in charming log cabins or glass igloos that provide stunning views of the northern lights. Each igloo comes equipped with thermal sleeping bags and cozy woolen socks. Additionally, a variety of safari options, including reindeer, husky, and snowmobiling excursions, are available, with snowmobiling trips lasting around two and a half hours costing £68. The nearest airport is Ivalo, and snowmobile pickups to Kakslauttanen are available for £133 per person. More information can be found at kakslauttanen.fi.
Best Location:
Norway: Perched on the shores of the Arctic Ocean, the Alta Igloo Hotel stands out for its stunning location, close to the northernmost point of Europe, the North Cape. In winter, Nordkapp becomes accessible only through organized tours, as the final stretch of road is cleared by snowplows. Tour buses, equipped with snow chains, navigate the wintery path, trailing behind the clearing trucks. A visit to the North Cape is a quintessential Lapland experience and pairs perfectly with a stay at Alta’s quaint igloo hotel. This cozy retreat has around 30 rooms, a few suites, and features charming ice sculptures, including an ice chapel—all starting at £180 per night. For more details, check ice-alta.no, with the nearest airport being Alta, well-connected to Oslo.
Best for Remoteness:
Norway: Lapland is larger than the UK yet is home to just about 900,000 residents. In this remote Scandinavian expanse, driving several hundred kilometers to reach a cinema is a common occurrence. If you relish isolation, Kirkenes, located near the Russian border in Lapland’s far east, is the epitome of remoteness—an astonishing 1,550 miles from Oslo but only 150 miles from Murmansk. The Snowhotel offers igloo-style rooms, priced at £336 for a double, which includes dinner, breakfast, and access to the sauna. While the accommodations compare favorably to other ice hotels, the real draw lies in the opportunity to venture into Russia and see bears. With daily buses connecting Kirkenes to Murmansk, trips can be arranged through local travel agents, such as Pasvikturist. It’s wise to sort out your Russian visa before making the journey. For more on the Snowhotel, visit radius-kirkenes.com.