Published on
November 14, 2025
Switzerland joins Norway, Sweden, Romania, Finland, and more in accelerating Europe’s tourism growth with unique ice hotel and igloo experiences, as these countries tap into the growing demand for novel and immersive winter accommodations. By offering travelers the chance to sleep in ice-carved rooms, experience the northern lights from glass igloos, and embrace the winter magic of snow-covered landscapes, these destinations are revolutionizing the way people experience winter travel. This shift is not only drawing adventure-seekers but also boosting local economies, extending tourism seasons, and creating unforgettable travel memories.
Europe’s tourism landscape is being reshaped by the growing popularity of unique accommodations that tap into the winter allure of snow-covered landscapes and frosty adventures. Among the rising stars in this niche are ice hotels and igloos, offering a distinctive stay in an environment of snow and ice. These innovations are accelerating Europe’s tourism growth, drawing travelers from across the world who seek new, once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Switzerland is now joining Norway, Sweden, Romania, Finland, and more in transforming Europe into a hub of winter tourism, where the appeal of staying in ice hotels and igloos extends well beyond traditional ski resorts. In this article, we explore how each of these countries is capitalizing on this trend to boost their tourism economies and offer travelers something unique.
Switzerland: A Premium Destination for Ice Hotels and Igloo Stays
Switzerland, known for its majestic Alps and world-renowned ski resorts, has long been a favorite destination for winter sports enthusiasts. But in recent years, the country has diversified its winter tourism offerings, embracing the growing demand for novel accommodations. Switzerland’s most celebrated ice hotel is the Iglu-Dorf, located in the ski resort areas of Zermatt and Davos. The Iglu-Dorf (Igloo Village) offers a completely immersive experience, where visitors sleep in igloos constructed from snow and ice, designed with intricate sculptures and artistic carvings. Each winter, the igloos are rebuilt from scratch, ensuring that no two stays are alike.
In addition to igloo accommodations, Switzerland has embraced the concept of glass igloos, which offer stunning views of the Northern Lights in certain regions. These igloos offer travelers a cozy stay while also providing the unique experience of observing one of nature’s most spectacular phenomena from the comfort of a warm and private space.
Switzerland is also home to luxurious snow hotels like the Hotel Riffelalp, which offers guests stunning views of the Matterhorn and the surrounding snow-capped mountains. The combination of natural beauty and extraordinary accommodations has positioned Switzerland as one of Europe’s premium winter destinations, attracting not only skiers but also those seeking a serene and unforgettable winter escape.
Norway: The Arctic Wonderland of Snow Hotels and Igloos
Norway, with its stunning fjords and northern lights, is another key player in Europe’s snow hotel boom. The country’s northernmost regions, such as Kirkenes and Alta, are renowned for their ice hotels, where visitors can sleep in rooms made entirely of ice, surrounded by breathtaking natural scenery. One of the most famous of these establishments is the Kirkenes Snowhotel, which offers igloo-like rooms designed with intricate ice sculptures, some even featuring ice furniture and ice chandeliers.
The Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel in Alta is another iconic destination, rebuilt every winter using snow and ice from the surrounding area. Visitors can marvel at the ice bar, ice restaurant, and ice chapel, all crafted with intricate designs that reflect Norway’s artistic and architectural flair. In addition to these ice hotels, Norway also offers experiences such as dog sledding, snowmobiling, and northern lights viewing, making it a comprehensive destination for winter adventure seekers.
Norway’s focus on sustainability and environmental conservation has also made its snow hotels and igloos a more eco-friendly choice for travelers. Many establishments incorporate energy-efficient practices and use locally sourced materials for their constructions, ensuring that the snow hotel experience remains in harmony with the surrounding natural environment.
Sweden: The Pioneer of Ice Hotels and Igloo Culture
Sweden is widely considered the birthplace of the ice hotel phenomenon, with the iconic Icehotel in Jukkasjärvi leading the charge in the late 1980s. The Icehotel, located above the Arctic Circle in Swedish Lapland, was the first of its kind and continues to be a global leader in ice hotel experiences. Each year, the hotel is rebuilt using ice from the nearby Torne River, with unique rooms designed by artists from all over the world. Guests can sleep in rooms that are carved from ice, offering a surreal and unforgettable experience.
In addition to its famous Icehotel, Sweden is also home to various other ice and snow accommodations, including the Icehotel 365, a year-round extension of the original, where visitors can experience the magic of ice year-round. Sweden’s reputation for creating extraordinary winter experiences has made it a top destination for those seeking an authentic Arctic adventure.
Moreover, Sweden’s natural beauty, combined with the cultural experience of staying in ice hotels and igloos, attracts travelers who are keen on exploring not just winter sports, but also the rich traditions of Swedish Lapland, including husky sledding, ice fishing, and learning about indigenous Sami culture.
Romania: A Unique Winter Wonderland
Romania, known for its dramatic landscapes and rich history, has emerged as a growing player in the European snow hotel market. The Hotel of Ice, located at Bâlea Lake in the Făgăraș Mountains of Transylvania, is a standout attraction. Built entirely from ice, the hotel offers a truly unique accommodation experience, where guests can sleep in ice beds, sip drinks at the ice bar, and even hold weddings in the ice chapel. The hotel is rebuilt each year and features intricate ice sculptures and designs that capture the essence of the surrounding landscape.
In addition to the Hotel of Ice, Romania has capitalized on its stunning winter scenery to offer travelers a diverse range of snow-related activities, including skiing, snowshoeing, and hiking. The country’s snow hotels and igloos have become a draw for those looking for something different from the usual ski resorts, with the added allure of staying in a remote and magical location.
Romania’s ice hotels offer visitors a one-of-a-kind experience that is deeply intertwined with the country’s folklore and traditions, giving tourists a deeper connection to the culture. This unique blend of adventure, culture, and luxury positions Romania as an emerging destination for winter travelers.
Finland: A Magical Winter Escape
Finland, often regarded as one of the best places to experience the winter magic of the northern lights, is another key destination in Europe for ice hotels and igloos. The Arctic SnowHotel in Rovaniemi, located in Finnish Lapland, offers visitors the chance to sleep in rooms made entirely of snow, with stunning ice sculptures and artworks adorning the hotel’s walls. The hotel is rebuilt each winter, offering a new experience for every guest.
In addition to its ice hotel, Finland is famous for its glass igloos, which offer the perfect setting for viewing the northern lights in privacy and comfort. These igloos are scattered throughout Finnish Lapland, and many of them are part of luxurious resorts that provide visitors with a range of winter activities, including snowmobiling, ice fishing, and reindeer safaris. Finland’s emphasis on combining natural beauty with cutting-edge accommodation makes it a top choice for travelers seeking a winter escape like no other.
Finland’s snow hotels and igloos have become a major draw for both domestic and international tourists. The country’s focus on sustainability and eco-friendly tourism also aligns with the growing global demand for environmentally conscious travel options, making Finland a destination that appeals to the modern traveler.
The Future of Snow Hotels and Igloos in Europe
As we look to the future of snow hotels and igloos, it’s clear that the demand for these unique winter accommodations will continue to grow. These experiences provide more than just a place to sleep—they offer an immersive way to engage with some of the world’s most beautiful and remote destinations. From the icy rooms of Sweden’s Icehotel to the igloo villages of Switzerland, each destination is building its own niche within the broader winter tourism market.
The snow hotel and igloo trend also offers significant economic benefits for the regions that host these establishments. Beyond attracting tourists during the winter months, snow hotels and igloos help extend the tourism season, bring higher-value visitors to less-developed areas, and support local economies through employment and spending on local services.
However, with climate change affecting snow reliability and winter conditions, these destinations will need to innovate and adapt to ensure their long-term sustainability. Many regions are investing in snow-making technologies and incorporating eco-friendly practices into their construction and operations to mitigate the impact of warmer winters.
Switzerland joins Norway, Sweden, Romania, Finland, and more in accelerating Europe’s tourism growth with unique ice hotel and igloo experiences, offering travelers unforgettable stays in snow and ice environments. These innovative accommodations are attracting global visitors and boosting local economies by extending the winter tourism season.
Switzerland, Norway, Sweden, Romania, and Finland are leading the charge in accelerating Europe’s tourism growth with the innovative use of ice hotels and igloos. These countries have successfully tapped into the growing demand for unique and memorable winter experiences, positioning themselves as key players in the global winter tourism market. As travelers increasingly seek out novelty and adventure, snow hotels and igloos will continue to offer an unparalleled way to experience the magic of winter. By combining natural beauty, sustainability, and innovative accommodation, these destinations are not only meeting the desires of today’s travelers but also paving the way for the future of winter tourism in Europe.
