The hype
Travelers universally praise the bucket-list novelty and the helpful staff, but many find the food overpriced and the Snow Hotel sleep quality 'challenging'.
Arctic Snowhotel & Glass Igloos
$400-900/ night
Book this if You want the ultimate 'Fire & Ice' bucket list combo: one survivor-style night in a freezer and one luxury night watching auroras from a heated glass bubble.
Why People Love It
- The 'Aurora Alarm' that buzzes you awake so you never miss the lights
- Motorized beds in glass igloos for lying flat while sky-gazing
- The surreal experience of steaming in a sauna made entirely of snow
Quick Take: A logistical masterpiece of Arctic tourism that charges a premium for you to freeze for the 'gram before retreating to a warm glass bubble.
Reviewed by @mlverbanick: I'll never forget the silence of the snow room or the thrill of the Aurora Alarm waking me up. The contrast between the freezing ice art and the warm glass igloo was perfect. It's not just a hotel, it's a full Arctic adventure that I'm so glad I experienced.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The 'Snow Hotel' is physically draining; most guests recommend staying there only one night and booking a Glass Igloo for the rest of the trip to actually sleep.
- You are chasing the Northern Lights and want a dedicated alarm system
- You enjoy novelty wellness experiences like snow saunas
- You are comfortable with 'glamping' logistics (shared bathrooms for Snow Hotel rooms)
Cleanliness & Maintenance
8.8
- Housekeeping: Generally thorough. Igloos are kept tidy, though some guests note grit/sand on walkways tracking inside.
- Bathroom hygiene: Private igloo bathrooms are clean but small. Shared facilities for Snow Hotel are high-traffic and can get messy.
- Maintenance: Snow Hotel is rebuilt annually, so it's pristine. Igloo heated glass works well to melt snow.
- Linens & towels: Sleeping bags are high-quality and rated for extreme cold. Towels in shared areas can be scarce if you arrive late.
- Odors & scents: Fresh and crisp air everywhere, except for the strong woodsmoke smell near the Kota restaurant.
Sleepability™
6.5MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Crunching snow from guests walking past igloos
- Echoes in the Snow Hotel corridors
- The Aurora Alarm (if activated)
Before you book
Good to know
- Thermal overall rentals cost extra (~€20-30/stay) if you don't bring your own gear.
- The 'Snow Sauna' is a paid extra, not included in the standard room rate.
- Breakfast is included and is widely considered the culinary highlight (look for the lingonberry crumble).
What to pack
- Merino wool base layers (essential for the Snow Hotel sleeping bag)
- A balaclava or beanie to wear while sleeping in the Snow Hotel
- Slip-on shoes for quick dashes to the bathroom from the igloos
Room Genie
Best picks
- Glass Igloo (360° roof) for the actual Northern Lights viewing and sleep
- Family Glass Igloo for extra space (fits up to 5)
Rooms to avoid
- Snow Hotel Standard Room for more than one night (it's an experience, not a rest)
- Igloos closest to the reception/walkways if you want privacy from tour groups
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I would love a Glass Igloo located on the outer edge of the formation, furthest from the reception lights, to maximize darkness for aurora viewing.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is the Snow Hotel actually cold inside?
Yes. It stays between 0°C and -5°C (23-32°F) at all times. You sleep in a high-grade thermal sleeping bag on top of reindeer hides.
What happens if I can't handle the cold in the Snow Hotel?
There is a heated 'backup' lounge with bunk beds where you can retreat, but it is basic and often lacks amenities like fresh towels.
Do the Glass Igloos have private bathrooms?
Yes, every Glass Igloo has a small private bathroom with a shower and toilet. Snow Hotel rooms share communal facilities.
How do I get there from Rovaniemi?
The hotel operates a shuttle bus from the airport and Santa Claus Village for a fee (approx. €22-30/person). Taxis are significantly more expensive (€60+).
Is there an alarm for the Northern Lights?
Yes, the 'Aurora Alarm' is a dedicated service where staff monitor the sky and buzz a device in your room if lights appear.
Can I bring my luggage into the Snow Hotel room?
No. Luggage freezes. You leave it in a locker room and only bring your sleeping layers and toiletries to the ice room.
Insider Tips
- ✨
Put your boots in the bottom of your sleeping bag in the Snow Hotel so they aren't frozen blocks of ice in the morning.
- ✨
The 'Ice Bar' drinks are expensive (~€12), but you're paying for the glass made of ice—it's a photo op fee, basically.
- ✨
You can carve your own ice sculpture for free; ask reception about the workshops.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'Walk of Shame' at 3 AM when guests give up on the ice room and trudge to the warm lounge.
💡The Snow Sauna is incredibly humid—it's basically a steam room inside an igloo, so you can't see anything.
💡The Glass Igloos get very bright very early in spring (March/April); bring a sleep mask if you want to sleep past 5 AM.
💡The 'Ice Chapel' is a real functioning church where you might stumble upon a wedding.
💡The dinner at Kota Restaurant is cooked over an open fire, which is cool, but your clothes will smell like smoke for the rest of the trip.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Arctic Snowhotel & Glass Igloos is located and what's nearby.