Sleep Surrounded by Snow and Ice: The Snow Hotel is a Luxurious and Safe Adventure in Lapland

In the evening darkness, the Snow Hotel is an impressive sight. A massive, windowless structure of snow, surrounded by illuminated ice sculptures and a magical atmosphere. It feels somewhat like being on the set of a movie, uncertain about how to behave or what you’re allowed to touch. A slight thrill. What is it like to sleep in a snow hotel?

The guide acquaints us with the hotel’s facilities and corridors, answers questions, and explains the procedures. The doors don’t have locks; instead, a ‘Do not disturb’ sign is placed at the entrance of the room along with a curtain to obstruct the view. There is security on the premises at night, and a contact person’s phone number is prominently displayed everywhere. Apparently, you can call this number at any time to ask anything. We also order a northern lights alert, so if the sky lights up, a staff member will wake us up and guide us outside to watch the celestial display.

In the warm locker room, we are instructed on how to sleep in the snow hotel; with a sleeping bag and a warm inner bag. If, however, you become anxious or have any other concerns during the night and find the snow room uncomfortable, you can always go back to the locker room to continue sleeping in a bunk bed.

However, opting for a bunk bed would be a significant downgrade from what the snow rooms are. They are artworks! Stunningly beautiful and fairy-tale-like spaces where snow, ice, lights, and imagination blend so beautifully. Staying in a snow hotel is a mix of arctic luxury, ice art, and even a bit of camping. It feels surreal to lie on a bed, comfortably soft (and warm), covered in reindeer hides, while gazing at a two-meter-tall ice sculpture radiating cold next to you. Each room is a suite, a magnificent and unique sight.

Next to the beds, there are switches to turn off the lights of the artworks and electrical outlets for charging, for example, a phone. Warm and high-quality toilet facilities are located at the end of a separate corridor, so if you need to get up during the night, it requires a short walk. Similarly, shower and sauna facilities are in a separate building outside the snow hotel.

The room feels somewhat surreal. The thickness of the snow walls practically insulates all sound; not a whisper can be heard from outside. It’s impossible to follow daylight as there are no windows, and the sense of time fades away. It’s a wonderful feeling. One great aspect of the snow hotel is that the experience is equally fantastic in any weather, as external conditions have no impact on what happens inside the room.

Be Prepared:

• For sleeping: warm base layers, wool socks, a warm hat, gloves
• Most of your belongings will be stored in a separate warm room
• Items you bring into the snow room may freeze or get wet overnight

Where to Experience this?

• Arctic Snow Hotel, Rovaniemi
• Snow Village Lainio, Kittilä
• Winter Village Torassieppi, Muonio
• Kemi Snow Castle, Kemi.
• NOTE! Annual execution may vary.

This post is also available in: German