Challenge yourself to stay in one of these cool ice igloos for your next aurora adventure. Experience the magic of sleeping under the stars in real ice igloos Northern Lights style!
When it comes to a truly unique way to experience the northern lights, many people are asking, where can you sleep in real ice igloos? It is, after all, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to visit the Arctic to capture a glimpse of the elusive lights.
It is a truly amazing experience to crawl inside of it igloo made entirely of ice, as you wait for the northern lights to make their appearance. If you have ever dreamed of experiencing the true, raw beauty of the Arctic or subarctic regions, then staying in isolated ice igloos northern lights accommodations provide you with an immersive experience like none other.
So where exactly, can you find real ice igloos northern lights accomodations? Well, you would be surprised to learn that not only can they be found and traditional destinations like Greenland or Canada, but they can also be found in destinations throughout both the Arctic and subarctic regions of the northern hemisphere.
Ice Igloos Northern Lights Accommodation
Here are several excellent locations throughout the northern hemisphere that provide you with ice igloos northern lights accommodations:
Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort
Location: Saariselkä, Finland
Website: Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort
The Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort is a popular destination in Finland, that is known for its ice igloos northern lights accomodations. You will find the resort in the beautiful Saariselkä wilderness, and while they offer glass igloos year-round, during the peak of the winter season they also set up ice igloos for those wanting a truly immersive experience in the Finnish countryside.
The snow igloos themselves are rebuilt each year from fresh snow, to provide you with a truly authentic Arctic experience. Inside, you will find sleeping bags that are specifically designed for the extremely cold temperatures and a bed that’s covered with reindeer skin.
Located well within the auroral oval, the Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort provides you with the ability to view the northern lights from the comfort of the igloo. In this region of Finland, the northern lights are visible for roughly 200 nights of the year. The remote location of the resort, which is far away from any artificial light pollution, ensures that you can get some of the most mesmerizing views of the auroras imaginable.
Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel
Location: Alta, Norway
Website: Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel
Situated in Alta, Norway, the Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel is an incredible destination that offers ice igloos northern lights accommodations. It is the northernmost ice hotel in the entire world, and every single year the resort is rebuilt using fresh natural ice. The hotel itself is filled with ice sculptures, intricate carvings, and even a bar made entirely from ice.
The igloos are kept at a consistent temperature of -4 to -7°C (19 to 24°F), which ensures that they stay frozen throughout the entire season. As a result, the hotel also provides all of its guests with thermal sleeping bags and reindeer hides to keep them warm throughout the bitter Arctic winter nights.
Hotel de Glace
Location: Quebec City, CanadaÂ
Website: Hotel de Glace
Known as North America’s only true ice hotel, the Hotel de Glace is a popular destination located just outside of Québec City. Each year this amazing hotel is rebuilt from scratch, featuring a new design and a new theme. This ensures that every stay is truly unique. The biggest attraction of the Hotel de Glace is the ice igloos northern lights accommodations, which are part of the larger structure that includes bars, a chapel, and a slide.
It is important to remember that while Québec is not located within the auroral oval, it is still possible to capture a glimpse of the elusive lights during the peak of the solar cycle. The hotel itself offers a serene and frosty ambience which makes for a truly memorable winter getaway. Experience the aurora borealis in a romantic and magical setting that only the Hotel de Glace can offer you.
Igloo Village Kühtai
Location: Kühtai, Austria
Website: Igloo Village Kühtai
Just like the Hotel de Glace in Canada, the Igloo Village Kühtai is not located within the auroral oval, yet it still offers visitors a unique ice igloo experience like none other. The popular Igloo Village Kühtai is situated in Austria, deep within the heart of the Alps. The village is one of the highest in the world and is located at 2,020 meters (6,627 feet) above sea level. Each of the igloos is hand sculpted every year and features snow art that reflects both the environment and of course, the local culture.
While the Alps are not typically associated with the aurora borealis, they offer visitors with clear, dark skies, that provides the occasional opportunity to view the auroras. On most nights, however, visitors to the Igloo Village Kühtai are treated to some of the deepest and darkest starry nights imaginable. Experience the breathtaking views of the night skyline over the majestic alpine peaks.
Arctic SnowHotel & Glass Igloos
Location: Rovaniemi, Finland
Website: Arctic SnowHotel & Glass Igloos
Rovaniemi is known as the official hometown of Santa Claus, and here, deep within the Finnish countryside, you will find the beautiful Arctic SnowHotel & Glass Igloos. Experience the magic of winter in a handcrafted, ice hotel that is re-created every single year. The traditional igloos provide you with an immersive experience, that is like none other.
Each of the rooms and igloos in the Arctic SnowHotel & Glass Igloos resort are kept at a frosty temperature of -5°C (23°F), to ensure that they stay frozen solid throughout the winter. And, when the auroras come out, their soft gentle glow lights up the ice walls to create a truly mesmerizing and magical experience.
Ice Hotel, Sweden
Location: Jukkasjärvi, Sweden
Website: Ice Hotel
Since 1989, the Ice Hotel has been a prominent pioneer in the ice accommodation industry. The hotel was originally built back in the late 80s, and has been rebuilt each year using blocks carved out of the Torne River. Located in Jukkasjärvi, the Ice Hotel offers a range of accommodations and suites that are specifically designed to provide you with a truly immersive experience. Each of the rooms comes complete with hand-carved ice sculptures and an artistic flair that makes each room and igloo a truly unique experience.
Located deep within the auroral oval, Sweden offers some of the most amazing opportunities to view the elusive lights. Not only is it possible to capture a glimpse of the aurora borealis directly from the hotel, but the hotel also offers guided tours that allow its guests to chase the auroras all across the Lapland wilderness.
Preparing for Your Ice Igloos Northern Lights Experience
It’s important to remember that while staying in an ice igloo is a truly unique experience, it’s important to remember that you will be staying in an extremely cold environment so you need to be prepared for your northern lights experience.
What to Expect: Sleeping, Amenities, and Temperatures
For starters, staying in ice igloos northern lights accommodations is a truly one-of-a-kind experience. The interior of the igloos are generally kept at subfreezing temperatures typically between-5°C and -7°C (23°F and 19°F). This ensures that the ice does not melt throughout the season. But rest assured that the hotels do provide you with the necessary amenities to keep you warm. You will have a thermal sleeping bag that is specifically designed for extremely cold environments, and many of the igloo accommodations also provide you with reindeer hides or other forms of insulation.
Despite how cold it is outside of the ice igloo, staying inside is surprisingly comfortable. You will find that the environment and ambiance inside the igloo are peaceful, and the silence provides you with the perfect environment for deep, restful sleep. Many of the igloos are also artistically carved and can be filled with a wide array of handcrafted ice sculptures.
Of course, you won’t have the luxuries of a heated hotel room, but most of the ice igloos offer at least the minimal amenities that you would need to stay warm. You’ll find that there are communal areas for warming up and socializing including saunas, hot tubs, as well as heated lounges.
Practical Tips for Packing, Clothing, and Other Preparations
When it comes to staying in an ice igloo, it’s important to pack the right clothing to ensure that you stay warm and cozy throughout your stay.
Layer Up:
To stay warm in the subzero temperatures of the Arctic, you will need to layer up. Proper layering starts with a moisture-wicking base layer to keep any sweat away from your skin. This is then followed by an insulating leader such as down or fleece and is finished off with a windproof or waterproof outer layer.
Don’t Forget the Extremities:
Keeping your core warm in the frigid temperatures is one thing, but keeping your extremities warm is an entirely different problem. You will need to make sure that your head, hands, and feet are properly protected from the environment. This means bringing high-quality thermal socks, insulated boots, and a quality hat as well as a pair of mittens. It’s important to remember that mittens will often keep your hands warmer than gloves because they are designed to allow your fingers to share their heat.
Sleepwear:
Of course, it’s also important to pack good sleepwear too. Sure, it might be tempting to simply wear your warmest clothes when you go to bed, but these thicker outdoor garments will make sleeping very difficult. Instead, pack lightweight, moisture-wicking sleepwear to wear as your base layer, and use the thermal sleeping bag to keep you warm throughout the night.
Additional Items:
Other things that you may want to pack for your trip include a headlamp or flashlight to light your way, a thermos for keeping your beverages warm, as well as hand warmers. At the same time, you should also invest in a quality pair of sunglasses, to prevent snow blindness on extremely bright days.
Important Ice Igloos Northern Lights Viewing Considerations
Because the northern lights are a natural phenomenon, their appearance is highly dependent upon conditions that are outside of our control. The aurora borealis is formed when the charged particles from the sun contact the Earth’s outer magnetosphere, charging the atmosphere and creating mesmerizing lights. Here are some important factors to take into consideration when planning your trip.
Time of Year:
The best time to view the northern lights is during the winter months. From late September until early April, the length of the night is long enough to ensure a greater chance of viewing the elusive lights. However, the darkest months of the year are between December and February, which provides you with the longest nights and the greatest chances of clear skies.
Location:
For best results, always choose accommodations that are located well within the auroral oval. This means choosing regions that are known for their higher probability of auroral activity such as Canada or Alaska. However Scandinavia, Finland, and even Sweden are also excellent choices.
Weather Conditions:
At the same time, ensuring that the skies are dark and clear is also crucial. Even a minimal amount of overcast skies during your trip can render viewing of the elusive lights nearly impossible. Always pay close attention to the weather forecast, and make sure to choose a resort that offers a wake-up call alert to let you know when the lights are visible during the middle of the night.
Avoid Light Pollution:
Any form of light can interfere with your ability to view the northern auroras. Not only is it important to stay away from major cities where artificial light can pollute the skies, but it’s equally important to make sure that you plan your trip around a new moon. Since many ice igloo accommodations are located in remote areas, there is no need to worry about artificial light pollution, rather you can simply focus on the moon phases instead.
Conclusion
In the end, sleeping in a real ice igloo underneath the aurora borealis is a must-do item on many people’s bucket lists. It provides you with the thrill of an Arctic adventure, and the serenity of one of the most spectacular light shows in the universe. Regardless of whether you choose to stay in the Finnish wilderness, the Yukon countryside, or even the most remote regions and Norway, it’s important to remember that each location offers its own unique blend of charm and magic to the experience.
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