Is the Arctic SnowHotel Worth Staying at? My Experience Sleeping in a Glass Igloo
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Considering splurging on one of Finnish Lapland’s most Instagram-famous accommodations—the Arctic SnowHotel & Glass Igloos?
Well, then you’re likely wondering:
Is the premium price tag actually worth it or just expensive marketing hype?
Will you actually see the Northern Lights through a glass ceiling?
And is sleeping in a room made of literal ice and snow as magical as it sounds, or will you be miserable and freezing all night long?
After spending two nights at the Arctic SnowHotel & Glass Igloos in January 2024—experiencing both the Glass Igloo accommodation and touring the actual SnowHotel rooms—I have the inside scoop on what this unique property delivers versus what it promises.
This honest review is perfect for travelers who are deciding between splurging on this bucket-list hotel and saving money with a standard accommodation.
I’ll be completely transparent: at over $500 per person per night, this was the most expensive accommodation of our entire Finland trip, and yes, there were some disappointing moments (like the Aurora alarm that never worked and condensation blocking our glass ceiling view).
But there were also genuinely magical experiences I couldn’t have had anywhere else—like relaxing in the world’s only snow sauna.
I’m sharing every detail of our stay, from the restaurants on offer to the various activities you can participate in, so you can decide if this splurge aligns with your budget and expectations for your Arctic adventure. I’ll even tell you how to visit even if you’re not a hotel guest.
Why is the Arctic SnowHotel & Glass Igloo Unique?
Arctic SnowHotel is one of the biggest snow hotels in the world and sleeps about 70 guests. This spectacular attraction opens annually on December 15th and is carved uniquely yearly.
As for the SnowHotel section, the walls and furniture of each room are decorated with ice art and illuminated artwork. And this is what you can tour in addition to their ice bar.
Even if I didn’t stay at the hotel, I’d say it’s certainly worth the time doing the tour (which I’ll dig more into later). Each room has a totally different theme—rock’ n’ roll, aliens, bears, etc. And each year, it’s different as they never build the same exact SnowHotel twice.
How the SnowHotel is Built
The process starts by storing ice blocks from the nearby frozen lake for use next year.
Then, when the time comes to build, they shoot lake water into the air which creates snow that’s far denser than ‘average’ snow.
They compress it to make a large mound. From there, they carve out the hallways and build the rooms with the snow and preserved ice. Some are done by molds they have (the hallways, for example), but a large part is done by hand.
It then, inevitably, melts away once Finland gets a bit too warm for a hotel made of snow (March 31st) until the next year rolls around.
While building this hotel is an incredible feat each year, the creativity required to remake it again and again and still create something new is equally incredible.
How to Get to the SnowHotel from Rovaniemi
To get to the Arctic SnowHotel & Glass Igloos, you can either go by car or book a transfer through the hotel. We ended up doing the latter as we didn’t have our rental car until later on in our Rovaniemi itinerary.
The hotel is approximately half an hour (26 km/16 mi) from Rovaniemi’s city center. Transportation from Rovaniemi Airport takes about 40 minutes (35 km/22 mi).
The cost of the shuttle transfer is €20/person/one-way. It’s an additional €10/person/one-way for pick up from Ounasvaara Chalets, Arctic Treehouse Hotel, Lakituvat cottages, and railway station.
We went to the railway station because we thought that was closest to our hotel before this. However, we found out on the shuttle that we could have been picked up super close to our former hotel, so be sure to confirm with the Arctic SnowHotel what the best pickup is for you. You must book your transfer no later than 24 hours before.
Your Room Choices at the Arctic Snowhotel
Staying in the SnowHotel
I’ll preface this by saying we did not stay in the SnowHotel. We merely toured it. The rooms are empty during the day, so anyone touring or staying in the hotel can wander about them. Only in the evening past a certain hour are they reserved for guests staying in them. I was confused about “touring rooms” until this was explained to me, so hopefully this clears it up for you as well.
We did speak to some people who stayed in the SnowHotel, and they enjoyed it. They said they weren’t cold, which was what I was most curious about. However, because the rooms are made of ice and snow, the bathrooms are down the hall and not located ensuite. So, if that’s a concern for you, this may not be the room for you.
I will say that all the rooms were incredibly ornate. I was astonished by each one as we entered so if you’re looking for a unique stay in Lapland, this is it!
Staying in a Glass Igloo
My travel buddy and I did stay in a Glass Igloo while here. For two reasons: 1) the Glass Igloos are cheaper than the SnowHotel rooms, and 2) we hoped to see the Aurora Borealis through the glass (I’ll dive more into that below).
As for the room, I enjoyed the fun element of staying in an igloo-shaped cabin. It was surprisingly warm for the fact that each igloo is its own separate building just a short walk from the main hotel.
It was quiet and had it’s own shower and bathroom. It’s the snow version of glamping in my opinion.
The couple of downsides are that since the glass is transparent, you need to be aware of where you are getting dressed. If you’re in the bathroom, it’s fine, as it’s tinted, so you can’t see in; however, if you aren’t, just be aware that your neighbors can see you.
It also got a bit smelly sometimes with the bathroom. We just opened the door to allow some fresh air in and it cleared in minutes, so not a huge deal, but something to be aware of.
Check out other Glass Igloos in Finland to find your perfect fit!
Can You See the Northern Lights at the Arctic SnowHotel?
Yes, while staying at the Arctic SnowHotel and Glass Igloos, you can see the Northern Lights. But I’ll make one note: as the top of the Igloo regularly got wet from the weather (see above), the view inside wasn’t always clear. Had we gone in a dryer month, we may have experienced things differently. However, January is snowy.
The hotel also touted that they had an Aurora Alarm to ensure you awoke even in the middle of the night if they appeared. We made sure to set it, but the alarm never went off, even the evening that my travel buddy spotted them just outside our Igloo.
So, if you’re staying in a Glass Igloo solely to see the Northern Lights, I’d recommend checking the weather for whichever month you’re going. If it’s a month when precipitation may occur, you may want to consider staying elsewhere for a lesser fee and go on an Aurora Hunting tour instead.
Fun Things to Do at this Rovaniemi Hotel
Drink at the Ice Bar
I really love an Ice Bar. The one at the Arctic SnowHotel is only open at certain times during the day but has wider opening hours during the evening.
You can get a shot in an ice shot glass, then smash it against the wall after you’re done. I know it sounds a bit weird, but they can’t reuse them because, like, how do you wash ice? Tossing the tiny glass at the wall is encouraged.
They also had a table made of ice where you spun a spinner and it’d tell you which shot to get—very fun!
☃️ If you can’t get to this ice bar, there is also one at Snowman World in Santa’s Village—one of the top places to go in Rovaniemi!
Take a Guided Tour
On the guided tour, I learned how they make the SnowHotel and saw the incredible snow and ice carvings, so I highly recommend it—even if you don’t end up staying at the hotel.
On my tour, I met one of the builders, who explained how they create this magnificent feat yearly. As I previously mentioned, it starts by retreiving ice blocks from the nearby lake to be used the next year.
When the time comes to build, they shoot lake water into the air to create dense snow that they compress to make a large mound.
From there, they carve out the hallways and build the rooms with the snow and preserved ice. Some are done by molds (e.g., the hallways), but a large part is created by hand.
🎟️ Tickets: A tour of the SnowHotel is cheaper when booked directly on their website, but you can pair it with another activity below for a more comprehensive experience. Either way, I highly recommend grabbing a ticket to visit the Arctic SnowHotel.
Check out the World’s Only Snow Sauna
Arguably, the most unique thing I did in Finnish Lapland was heading into a Snow Sauna, as it’s the only one in the world! I truly don’t know if I can properly explain this, but I’ll try, as I highly recommend this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
The Snow Sauna is made from snow. Similar to how they make the SnowHotel, except they aren’t doing ornate carvings or placing ice sculptures inside, and the sauna benches are made from wood.
After a quick ‘regular’ sauna to cleanse you, a guide takes you down a walkway to your dedicated ‘snow’ sauna.
Wearing my bathing suit, towel, and slippers they provided, I ducked my head and ascended a few steps. Inside, you’ll find yourself within what looks like a mini-igloo lit with a green glow.
They make a certain number of snow saunas yearly, and yes, eventually, they melt. So, each one only has so many uses. And honestly, not knowing what ‘number’ you are added to the excitement of this experience. Don’t worry; they won’t let it collapse on you or anything like that. I just mean in the speculative sense.
Just like a regular sauna, you control putting the water into the stove. Once you do, the steam will be so thick you will not be able to see your pal with you. I swear she disappeared until the steam evaporated enough for me to see her just inches away! And the guide will show you how the snow sauna works, so no worries for those who are sauna newbies.
You can literally hear it crackling around you as the steam permeates the icy walls. While the snowy walls radiate cold, you won’t ever truly feel cold in there.
After that, you can go to either the outdoor jacuzzi or back to the Finnish sauna. We opted for the jacuzzi and added the extra bottle of champagne. It was quite a night!
🎟️ Tickets: Again, this activity is cheaper when booked directly on their website, but you can pair it with another activity below for a more comprehensive experience. Just make sure to select “Snow Sauna,” as they have regular saunas, too.
Visit the Sky Bar
The Sky Bar is the SnowHotels’ newest addition. It’s a lovely place to grab a drink and relax out of the cold.
I didn’t experience this, but they say that on a clear night, you can head to the second floor to see the Northern Lights. My worry would be the same as my Igloo, but maybe you’ll have better luck!
Go Tubing
I’m a sucker for tubing, I went as a child, and it’s been a favorite of mine since! You can borrow snowshoes, toboggans, snow tubes and kick sledges free of charge, and you’ll easily find them just beyond the hotel.
They even built up a hill to go down. I had a blast tubing and then trying the kick sledges!
Hang out with Reindeer
Alright, hang out may be a strong term since the reindeer were chilling. But the prior evening, I saw people feeding them, so maybe it depends on their meal schedule!
Fun fact: did you know Finnish Lapland has a reindeer population of about 200,000? That’s 20,000 more reindeer than people!
Go Ice Fishing
One of the activities they offer is ice fishing. I did not go, but my travel buddy did, and she really enjoyed it. She also said it was just a couple of them, so small group if you’re interested.
Steam in the Sauna
I highly recommend the snow sauna, if that wasn’t apparent. Still, if that’s not your style or not in your budget, the regular ole Finnish sauna is included in the accommodation price.
If you’re looking for even more things to do at the Arctic SnowHotel & Glass Igloo, I recommend checking out their official site, which lists all this and more.
Places to Eat at this Ice Hotel
Ice Restaurant
The Arctic SnowHotel has many places to eat, which was one of the bonuses of staying there. I never had to venture very far to grab a bite. However, like in the Snowman World Snow Restaurant on my Rovaniemi itinerary, be warned that you’re eating in a cold room while at the Ice Restaurant. However, still highly recommended as it was an experience.
Not only was the restaurant ornately decorated with ice and snow carvings like the SnowHotel rooms, but I really enjoyed the fun elements, such as our dessert being served on a frozen snowflake.
When we went there weren’t many people there, but I recommend booking ahead, as I’m told it can sometimes get busy.
Kota Restaurant
The best meal I had at the Arctic SnowHotel was at their Kota Restaurant. They grill fresh salmon over an open flame, then take it off and serve it to you. I truly do not know how they can make it fresher or cook it more marvelously than this.
I had read many places online about getting the salmon here, and it did not disappoint! Because of this, book ahead, as I’m told it can sometimes get busy. When we went, the restaurant was packed, so don’t miss out!
Log Restaurant Lumikartano
Breakfast is included when staying at the Arctic SnowHotel, which I truly love! It is served in the Log restaurant, which is also open to guests after morning hours. I hung out in here when my travel buddy was off ice fishing.
Breakfast was pretty decent. I wasn’t in love with it as much as I was with their Kota restaurant, but I have no complaints either.
😋 For even more foodie recommendations in this area, check my Arctic Cuisine guide!
Final Thoughts on this Arctic SnowHotel Review
There are many benefits to staying at the Arctic SnowHotel & Glass Igloos, which I’ve mentioned in this review, such as the Snow Sauna, the ice restaurant and bar, snow tubing, a tour of the SnowHotel rooms, and some fantastic restaurants. However, it is the most expensive place we stayed in Finland.
The Glass Igloos are a bit cheaper than the SnowHotel rooms, but as the top of the Igloo regularly got wet from the weather, the view wasn’t always clear. That, coupled with the Aurora Alarm not working, worries me if you’re solely going to see the Northern Lights.
If you’re looking for a bit of luxury and not concerned with only the Auroras, I’d recommend staying at the Arctic SnowHotel & Glass Igloos.
But if you’re a budget traveler, I’d recommend staying elsewhere and just coming here for the fun extras like the Snow Sauna and a tour of the SnowHotel—both of which you’ll have to pay for whether you’re a hotel guest or not.
Arctic SnowHotel FAQs
Is the hotel in the Arctic Circle real?
Yep! You bet your bottom dollar is it! I know, the idea of a SnowHotel seems like it’d be out of a fairytale with an Ice Queen building it, or at least the Empress of Russia, Anna Ivanovna, who used her power to build an ice palace that was both a spectacle and a torture chamber. I assure you it is not a torture chamber, but it is certainly a spectacle—and one you can sleep in!
Are the Glass Igloos in Finland heated?
Yes. We actually got a bit too warm sometimes during the day when we went back to our room between experiences or just to relax. In those cases, we opened the door for a bit, which helped to regulate the heat. In the evening, it was perfect temp!
How much does it cost to stay in a Glass Igloo?
When we went (January 2024), it was $1,127.20 for two nights in a Glass Igloo, totaling $563.60 per person. As a budget traveler, this was a bit painful to fork over. However, because of all that they offer, the blow softened while I was there.
Do Glass Igloos have bathrooms?
Yes. They have a bathroom with a shower. However, the shower had a warning about spacing out showers between people due to a lack of warm water occasionally. We did not experience this, but if you plan on back-to-back showers, it’s something to be aware of.
Related Finnish Lapland Travel Guides
- How to Build a Rovaniemi Itinerary: Finnish Lapland Winter Guide
- Is the Arctic SnowHotel & Glass Igloos Worth Staying at?
- How to See the Northern Lights in Rovaniemi, Finland
- Arctic Cuisine Dining Guide: Best Lapland Finland Restaurants
- Is Rovaniemi Worth Visiting? 19 of the Best Reasons to Visit in Winter
- My Epic Experience Ice Floating in Rovaniemi: An Honest Review
- How Many Days in Rovaniemi? A Simple Guide for First-Timers
- Where to Stay in Rovaniemi: In a Glass Igloo or the City Center?
- 29 of the Best Things to Do in Rovaniemi Finland this Winter
- The Ultimate Finnish Lapland Winter Guide for First-Time Visitors to the Arctic Circle
- What to Pack for Lapland, Finland: How I Stayed Warm in -20°F
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