Scandinavia is renowned for its breathtaking natural landscapes, and its hotels are just as remarkable. Whether you want to sleep in an ice hotel, nest in a treehouse, or experience something truly out of the ordinary, Scandinavia offers an array of unique and memorable accommodations. Here are some of the most exceptional hotels you’ll find across the Nordic countries.
1. ICEHOTEL (Jukkasjärvi, Sweden)
Why It’s Unique:
The world’s first ice hotel, ICEHOTEL is built entirely from ice and snow and rebuilt each year with fresh designs.
- What to Expect: Sleeping in an ice room where the beds are made of ice and adorned with artistic ice sculptures. The temperature in the rooms stays between -5°C and -8°C (23°F to 17°F), so be prepared to bundle up in thermal sleeping bags provided by the hotel.
- Experience: You can sip cocktails from ice glasses at the Ice Bar, admire the incredible ice and snow art in the Art Suites, or even take part in ice sculpting workshops.
- Adventure Tip: Visit during the Winter Solstice Festival or the Ice Festival to witness stunning ice art competitions.
2. Treehotel (Harads, Sweden)
Why It’s Unique:
Treehotel offers futuristic and whimsical treehouse accommodations set high in the treetops of Swedish Lapland.
- What to Expect: Rooms like the Mirrorcube, which camouflages with the forest through reflective walls, or the Bird’s Nest, a spherical structure that looks like a giant bird’s nest.
- Experience: Experience true serenity with panoramic views of the forest, and enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and Northern Lights viewing.
- Adventure Tip: In winter, try snowshoeing or cross-country skiing through the snowy wilderness surrounding the hotel.
3. The Arctic TreeHouse Hotel (Rovaniemi, Finland)
Why It’s Unique:
Designed to blend seamlessly with the Arctic landscape, The Arctic TreeHouse Hotel offers luxury accommodation in elevated suites surrounded by the northern forest.
- What to Expect: Cozy and modern suites with panoramic windows that allow for spectacular views of the Northern Lights in winter. The rooms are designed to blend traditional Scandinavian design with contemporary comforts.
- Experience: Stay in the Lapland wilderness and visit the nearby Santa Claus Village, or take part in activities like husky sledding and snowmobiling.
- Adventure Tip: Ask for a room facing north to increase your chances of seeing the Northern Lights from the comfort of your own bed.
4. Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort (Saariselkä, Finland)
Why It’s Unique:
Famous for its glass igloos, Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort offers a spectacular way to experience the Arctic wilderness while staying warm and cozy.
- What to Expect: Spend the night in a glass igloo or a traditional log cabin, and watch the Northern Lights from the comfort of your bed through the igloo’s glass roof.
- Experience: The resort also features a snow hotel, an ice bar, and the chance to meet Santa Claus. In winter, you can take part in activities like husky safaris, ice fishing, and reindeer sleigh rides.
- Adventure Tip: The winter season (from late November to April) offers the best chance to view the Northern Lights in this pristine, snowy setting.
5. Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel (Alta, Norway)
Why It’s Unique:
Located in the heart of the Arctic, Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel is another incredible ice hotel where everything is made of snow and ice, including the furniture and decorations.
- What to Expect: Sleep in an ice room with sculptures carved into the walls, dine in an ice restaurant, and enjoy an ice drink at the ice bar.
- Experience: After a good night’s sleep in thermal sleeping bags, enjoy a reindeer sled ride or cross-country skiing through the stunning Arctic landscapes.
- Adventure Tip: Visit in the Polar Night (from November to January) for the magical experience of nearly 24 hours of darkness and the possibility of seeing the Northern Lights.
Conclusion
Scandinavia offers some of the most innovative and unforgettable accommodations, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in its wild, beautiful landscapes. From sleeping under the Northern Lights in a glass igloo to cozying up in a luxury treehouse, these unique hotels combine adventure, nature, and comfort in the most extraordinary ways. Whether you’re seeking ice, treetops, or remote islands, your Scandinavian adventure awaits with a stay in one of these truly unique hotels.
