The idea of sleeping inside a frozen palace has moved from fantasy films to real travel itineraries. The Icehotel in Jukkasjärvi, Sweden – the original ice hotel – has been rebuilt every winter since 1989 and serves as the setting for Hallmark’s “Winter Castle.” This article compares the three most-visited ice castle hotels so you can decide which one matches your winter dream.
Last checked: 2026-06-22
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What is an ice hotel?: A temporary hotel built from snow and ice, open only in winter. · Movie location: Hallmark’s ‘Winter Castle’ filmed at Icehotel in Jukkasjärvi, Sweden. · Number of ice hotels: At least 5 active in Nordic countries and Canada. · Season: Typically open from January to March.
How we researched this
Last checked: 2026-06-22.
Sources reviewed: official property websites (icehotel.com), Booking.com listings, TripAdvisor reviews, Canadian Geographic feature, Wikipedia, travel blogs (Eternal Arrival, Megan Starr, Calling for the Wild).
No on-site visits or staff interviews were conducted; pricing data reflects publicly listed rates and may vary by booking date and package.
Ice Castle Hotels at a Glance
- ICEHOTEL in Jukkasjärvi, Sweden, is the world’s first and largest hotel built from snow and ice, reconstructed every winter. (ICEHOTEL Official)
- Hôtel de Glace near Québec City is described as North America’s only ice hotel. (Canadian Geographic)
- Global ice hotel room prices range from about US$300 to US$3,000 per night depending on location, room category, and season. (Wikipedia)
- ICEHOTEL 365 in Sweden offers a winter-only section that is rebuilt annually, plus a separate year-round cold structure.
Key Numbers
- Annual rebuild cycle: All ice hotels are rebuilt each winter from scratch.
- Indoor temperature: Typically -5°C to -8°C (23°F to 18°F)
- Worldwide count: At least 5 active ice hotels across Sweden, Norway, Canada, Finland, and Greenland.
- Movie connection: Hallmark’s “Winter Castle” (2019) was filmed at the original Icehotel in Jukkasjärvi, Sweden.
- Average stay duration: Most guests book a single night in an ice room, often combined with a warm cabin.
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| What is an ice hotel? | A temporary hotel built from snow and ice, open only in winter. (Wikipedia) |
| Movie location | Hallmark’s “Winter Castle” filmed at Icehotel in Jukkasjärvi, Sweden. (ICEHOTEL Official) |
| Number of ice hotels | At least 5 active in Nordic countries and Canada. (Calling for the Wild) |
| Season | Typically open from January to March. (Wikipedia) |
Comparing the Top Ice Castle Hotels
| Name | Location | Season | Construction Material | Unique Feature | Temperature Inside |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Icehotel (Jukkasjärvi, Sweden) | Marknadsvägen 63, 981 91 Jukkasjärvi, Sweden | Winter (Jan–Mar) + ICEHOTEL 365 year-round | Snow and ice from Torne River | World’s first; yearly art redesign; movie setting | -5°C to -8°C |
| Hotel de Glace (Quebec, Canada) | Near Québec City, Canada | January to March | Snow and ice | North America’s only ice hotel; Nordic thermal area | -5°C to -8°C |
| Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel (Alta, Norway) | Alta, Norway | January to March | Snow and ice | Full-service ice hotel with bar, restaurant, and northern lights packages | -5°C to -8°C |
Our Pick: ICEHOTEL Jukkasjärvi
For Hallmark movie fans, ice art enthusiasts, and couples celebrating a special occasion, the original Icehotel offers the most iconic experience. It combines the movie-set recognition with year-round availability via ICEHOTEL 365, and its design is re-created annually by international artists.
Where is the Ice Castle hotel in Hallmark movie?
The real-world location of Winter Castle’s ice hotel
The Hallmark film “Winter Castle” (2019) was shot on location at the Icehotel in Jukkasjärvi, Sweden, about 17 km from Kiruna airport. The property sits on the Torne River, whose frozen water supplies the ice for construction each year. TripAdvisor reviewers note that the hotel “feels like an art gallery” because each winter’s design is unique. (TripAdvisor)
What is the Icehotel in Jukkasjärvi?
Founded in 1989, this is the planet’s first ice hotel. It is rebuilt every winter using blocks harvested from the Torne River, and its “ICEHOTEL 365” wing allows year-round ice-room stays. The address is Marknadsvägen 63, 981 91 Jukkasjärvi, Sweden. For travelers seeking a distinctive winter escape, the Kananaskis Nordic Spa Hotel offers a different type of cold-weather retreat in Canada.
“It feels like an art gallery – the ever-changing art in new guises each winter is the real draw.”
TripAdvisor reviewer on ICEHOTEL Sweden
Is the ice hotel worth it?
Pros and cons of staying at an ice hotel
Guest reviews on TripAdvisor and Eternal Arrival highlight both the magic and the practical trade-offs. On the plus side, the artistic interiors, the storytelling of the yearly rebuild, and the northern lights backdrop create a once-in-a-lifetime experience. On the downside, the sub-zero temperatures, shared bathroom facilities (unless you book a premium suite), and the premium cost can be challenging.
Pros
- Unique art and architecture – each year is different
- Opportunity to sleep in a frozen sculpture
- Access to northern lights viewing (seasonal)
- Bundled activities (dog sledding, ice-sculpting workshops)
Cons
- Cold rooms require thermal bags; not a standard hotel sleep
- Shared washing facilities in basic ice rooms
- High price point (US$300–$3,000/night)
- Limited season (typically Jan–Mar)
One Eternal Arrival writer who stayed at ICEHOTEL 365 called it “absolutely worth it” and emphasized the artistic quality of the seasonal ice hotel. (Eternal Arrival)
What guests say about the experience
Multiple TripAdvisor reviews mention that a single night in an ice room is enough – “worth a visit but you don’t need more than one night” is a common refrain. The hotel’s warm accommodations (traditional cabins and rooms) allow guests to alternate between the ice adventure and comfort. For another perspective on Canadian winter lodging, travelers reading this guide might also compare the Best Forfait Hotel Quebec.
The bottom line: If you value a unique, artistic winter experience and can handle cold sleeping conditions, one night at an ice hotel is a memorable splurge. Two nights may be overkill.
Can you stay in an ice castle?
Overnight accommodations in ice rooms
Yes, all three hotels in our comparison offer overnight stays inside their ice and snow structures. Guests sleep on a bed base made of snow and ice, topped with a thick mattress and covered with a thermal sleeping bag. Rooms are typically smaller than standard hotel rooms and lack private bathrooms – guests use warm common facilities in an adjacent building.
At ICEHOTEL, check-in is at 15:00 and check-out at 11:00. The property offers a mix of cold ice rooms and warm cabins, so you can book a “one night ice + one night warm” package. Booking.com guests note that the staff provides a thorough orientation on how to dress and prepare for the cold room. (Booking.com)
What to expect during a night in an ice hotel
Standard rooms are unheated (the interior stays at -5°C to -8°C). Guests are provided with a thermal bag rated for extreme cold, woolly socks, and a hat. Many hotels offer hot drinks and a nearby sauna to warm up. The Hôtel de Glace in Quebec includes access to a Nordic thermal area and a welcome cocktail served in an ice glass. According to a detailed independent review, ICEHOTEL 365 in Sweden allows guests to sleep in ice rooms even during summer, in addition to the winter-only rebuilt section, effectively extending the traditional ice hotel season.
How much does it cost to sleep in an ice hotel?
Price ranges for ice hotel stays
Wikipedia states a global range of US$300–$3,000 per night. For ICEHOTEL specifically, high-season winter art suites run about US$750 per night, while off-season cold rooms drop to roughly US$385. Day visits (no overnight) are much more affordable: about 315 SEK (≈US$33) off-season and 395 SEK (≈US$42) high-season. (Eternal Arrival)
Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel and Hôtel de Glace typically fall within the middle of that band, with package deals that include meals and activities. A direct comparison by a travel vlogger pegged day-visit fees at €25 for ICEHOTEL and €29 for a Finnish SnowHotel. (YouTube – WHICH ICE HOTEL IS BETTER?)
Factors affecting cost
- Room category (basic ice room vs. art suite vs. warm cabin)
- Time of year (peak winter vs. shoulder season)
- Included extras (transfer, activities, meals)
- Location (Scandinavian properties generally command higher prices than Canadian or Romanian alternatives)
How do people sleep in the ice hotel?
How to stay warm
Insulation is the key. Hotels provide a thick mattress on the ice bed, a high-quality thermal sleeping bag, and often an extra liner. Guests are advised to wear thermal underwear, a hat, and socks inside the bag. Hot drinks and a hot sauna are usually available before bedtime.
What to wear
Layered clothing is essential: a thermal base layer, fleece mid-layer, and a down jacket for moving around the hotel. When sleeping, most guests strip down to the base layer inside the bag. The bags are designed to keep you warm even in -10°C conditions.
Sample one-night itinerary at ICEHOTEL Jukkasjärvi
- 15:00 – Check-in at ICEHOTEL. Attend the cold-room orientation.
- 16:00 – Explore the ice art hall and take photos.
- 18:00 – Dinner in the warm restaurant (book ahead).
- 20:00 – Northern lights spotting (if conditions allow).
- 21:00 – Sauna session, then change into sleeping layers.
- 22:00 – Sleep in the ice room. Hot drink before bed.
- 07:00 – Wake up, warm up in the sauna, breakfast.
- 11:00 – Check-out, transfer to Kiruna or continue with activities.
Best For: Which Traveler Fits Which Hotel
- Romantic couples: ICEHOTEL Jukkasjärvi for its artistry and warm-cabin options.
- Film enthusiasts: ICEHOTEL Jukkasjärvi – the real “Winter Castle” set.
- Adventure travelers: Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel in Alta for northern lights and wilderness activities.
- Luxury seekers: ICEHOTEL 365 art suites or the Hôtel de Glace’s Nordic thermal area.
Other Ice Castle Hotels Worth Knowing
Beyond the three main properties, Europe boasts at least five other ice/snow hotels. The Arctic SnowHotel near Rovaniemi, Finland, and the Kirkenes Snowhotel in Norway offer similar experiences at comparable price points. Further east, the Ice Hotel at Bâlea Lac in Romania provides an alternative in the Carpathian Mountains, often at lower rates. (Calling for the Wild)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an ice hotel made of?
Ice hotels are constructed from snow and sculpted ice blocks. The ice is harvested from local frozen rivers (e.g., Torne River for ICEHOTEL) and the walls are built using a mixture of snow and ice. The entire structure is temporary and rebuilt each winter.
How long do ice hotels last?
Most ice hotels operate from January to March. Once temperatures rise above freezing, the structure begins to melt and is not reopened until the next winter. ICEHOTEL 365 is an exception – it uses artificial cooling to stay open year-round.
Is the ice hotel from Winter Castle real?
Yes, the hotel featured in Hallmark’s “Winter Castle” (2019) is the real ICEHOTEL in Jukkasjärvi, Sweden. It is fully functional and guests can sleep there.
Can you stay at the ice hotel from the movie?
Yes, the ICEHOTEL in Jukkasjärvi accepts overnight reservations for its ice rooms. Check their official website for availability and pricing. The movie was filmed in the winter section, which is rebuilt each year.
How cold is it inside an ice hotel?
Inside temperatures stay around -5°C to -8°C (23°F to 18°F). This is cold enough to preserve the structure but manageable with proper clothing and thermal sleeping bags provided by the hotel.
Are there ice hotels in the US?
As of 2026, there are no permanent ice hotels in the United States. Temporary ice bars and pop-up igloos exist in some states, but the only full-size ice hotel in North America is the Hôtel de Glace in Québec, Canada.
Sources Cited
- ICEHOTEL Official – ICEHOTEL Winter
- Wikipedia – Ice Hotel
- Eternal Arrival – Is ICEHOTEL Sweden Worth It?
- Canadian Geographic – Spending the Night in North America’s Only Ice Hotel
- Booking.com – ICEHOTEL Listing
- TripAdvisor – ICEHOTEL Reviews
- Calling for the Wild – Europe’s Ice Hotels
- Megan Starr – Ice Hotels in Scandinavia & the Nordics
- YouTube – WHICH ICE HOTEL IS BETTER?