ARCTIC SNOW HOTEL: AN IN-DEPTH GUIDE ON ROVANIEMI’S ONLY ICE HOTEL!
WANT TO EXPERIENCE THE MAGICAL ICE HOTEL IN ROVANIEMI?
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ABOUT ARCTIC SNOW HOTEL
WHERE IS THE ARCTIC SNOW HOTEL LOCATED?
The Arctic Snow Hotel is located an approximate 25 minute drive from the Finnish capital of Lapland, Rovaniemi. It is located in an otherwise sleepy lakeside village, making it the perfect spot the Northern Lights around the Snow hotel in the Winter months due to minimal light pollution!
WHAT MAKES THE ARCTIC SNOW HOTEL SO SPECIAL?
WHY SHOULD I VISIT THE ARCTIC SNOW HOTEL?
Welcoming guests since December 2008, The Arctic Snow Hotel is hands down the best ice hotel in Rovaniemi for many reasons.
Not only is it one of the largest snow hotel in the world, it also has epic public areas to enjoy even if you are not a guest such an ice bar, an ice restaurant and even an ice chapel!
All areas are incredibly designed with masterfully carved snow art, from the walls, furniture and even sculptures. Everywhere you look is mesmerising, a unique experience not to be missed when visiting Rovaniemi.
DAY TOURS TO ARCTIC SNOW HOTEL
Before we do a total DEEP DIVE about staying overnight at Arctic Snow Hotel, you might be thinking: “Jordie, I don’t want to stay overnight. I literally just want to visit. Can I do that?”
Yes, you absolutely can! The most hassle free option for most is to book onto Arctic Snow Hotel’s official guided half-day tour, Rovaniemi: Arctic Snow Hotel Tour listed on GetYourGuide.
In a nutshell, this includes-
- Round-trip transfers from Rovaniemi centre or Santa Claus Village.
- Full guided tour (with knowledgable commentary) around all of the Arctic SnowHotel, seeing spectacular ice sculptures, unique hotel rooms, and unique specialties, such as the Snow Sauna.
- Free time, option to order a shot from the Ice Bar (additional fee), served in a glass made from ice.
STAYING AT THE ARCTIC SNOW HOTEL
HOW MANY GUESTS DOES THE SNOW HOTEL SLEEP?
Incredibly, the Arctic Snow Hotel on average usually can sleep a maximum of 70 guests. However, if the -0°c temperatures arrive in Rovaniemi earlier, they have the opportunity and time to build even more!
WHEN CAN YOU STAY AT ARCTIC SNOW HOTEL?
You can only stay at the Arctic Snow Hotel during the Winter months in Rovaniemi, usually from mid-December to late March.
This is because the construction of the Snow Hotel is fully dependant on a good amount of snow fall and consistently low temperatures below 0°c.
IS THE SNOW HOTEL THE SAME DESIGN EVERY YEAR?
No! The Arctic Snow hotel design is different every year which makes it a mesmerising destination year on year, even for returning guests.
DO THE ICE CARVING DESIGNS CHANGE EVERY YEAR?
WHAT ARE THEY INSPIRED BY?
Every year, the dedicated Ice and Snow carving artists decide every year the theme of the Arctic Snow Hotel, in collaboration with the hotel.
The sculptors who masterfully craft the hotel come from Finland and around the world, always bringing in new, fresh and exciting ideas to wow guests year on year, concreting its stature of the best ice hotel in Rovaniemi.
WHAT IN-ROOM FACILITIES CAN GUESTS EXPECT DURING A STAY AT THE ARCTIC SNOW HOTEL?
Sleeping:
In the Snow Hotel rooms, there is surprisingly a good amount of facilities to ensure maximum comfort for guests despite the fact it is, literally, a room built out of snow!
Electrics:
In the Snow Hotel rooms, there is both room and feature floor lighting available with the switches perfectly positioned within reach from the bed. They do also offer electrical plugs for mobile phone charging.
Overnight instructions, warm and high-quality sleeping bags with a thick fleece interior to guarantee a comfortable overnight stay.
Not in the room, but nearby:
All shower and toilet facilities for guests are located in the main building close to the Snow Hotel.
A worry-free sleep:
If during the night you find yourself not wanting to stay any longer in the Snow Hotel, the Arctic Snow Hotel has a designated warm area set up where you can continue a warmer nights sleep should you need it. This care and consideration for their guests is another reason why it is the best ice hotel in Rovaniemi!
WHERE ARE THE SHOWERS & TOILETS AT THE ARCTIC SNOW HOTEL?
There are designated modern toilet, shower and changing blocks for hotel guests to use freely, located close to the snow hotel itself.
WHERE DO YOU KEEP YOUR LUGGAGE WHEN STAYING OVERNIGHT AT THE ARCTIC SNOW HOTEL?
Big luggage is not permitted in the Snow Hotel rooms. Any big luggage will be securely left in a designated luggage room. Guests will only take out what they need for an overnight stay to take into their Snow room. You are permitted of course to take your phones with you.
CAN YOU SEE OUT OF THE SNOW HOTEL ROOMS?
To keep the temperature in the Snow Rooms constantly stable between 0-5°c, the rooms are closed with no windows. However, fear not for all of those wishing to see the Northern Lights!
The Arctic Snow Hotel has a ‘Aurora Alarm’ service, where guests who have signed up at Reception can sleep knowing that if the Northern Lights do appear at any time of the night, they will be gently woken up and notified by staff! How great is that?
Want the best chance to see the Aurora during Winter in Rovaniemi? Make sure you book onto this best Rovaniemi Northern lights tour!
HOW MANY NIGHTS CAN I STAY AT THE ARCTIC SNOW HOTEL?
As the temperature inside is all the time between 0 and -5C degrees and the guests are sleeping in sleeping bags, just a one night stay is recommended in this ice hotel in Rovaniemi. This is because you tick the once-in-a-lifetime experience off already after just one night.
CAN ANYONE STAY OVERNIGHT AT THE ARCTIC SNOW HOTEL?
Staying overnight in a SnowHotel is not considered a risk to your health even if you are pregnant or have any other health issues. However, an overnight stay is not recommended for children under 5 years old.
WHEN CAN GUESTS CHECK-IN / CHECK-OUT OF THEIR ARCTIC SNOW HOTEL ROOM?
The check-in to the Snow Hotel is usually the evening around 7pm, as you wouldn’t obviously want to spend time in the Snow Hotel room as you do in a regular hotel room.
The rooms are part of the visiting attraction during the day from 10am – 7pm daily. The overnight guests can have the room outside of these times.
Check-out time from the Arctic Snow hotel is between 7am – 10am.
WHAT TO PACK FOR AN ICE HOTEL IN ROVANIEMI STAY
In SnowHotel you stay overnight in conditions close to freezing point. Therefore, it is advised by the hotel to pack the following items with you:
Arctic Snow Hotel packing suggestions:
- A warm hat
- Long-sleeved shirt
- Long trousers
- Wool socks
Our additional packing suggestions:
- A GoPro to capture amazing footage of the night sky or Northern lights!
- Refillable water bottle to take into the Snow Hotel with you.
- Your swimsuit! You will need this for the on-site sauna, snow sauna and outdoor jacuzzi experiences.
ICE HOTEL ROOM TYPES & PRICES
Room Type 1: Snow Hotel Double Room 💰💰
For 2 adults only. €169 per adult, €109 per child. Room size: 9m2.
Room Type 2: Snow Hotel Triple Room 💰💰
For 2 adults + 1 child. €169 per adult, €109 per child. Room size: 15m2.
Room Type 3: Snow Hotel Family Room 💰💰
For up to 6 adults. €169 per adult, €109 per child. Room size: 21m2.
Room Type 4: Snow Hotel Suite 💰💰💰
For 2 adults only. €449 per adult.
Room Type 5: Snow Hotel Family Suite 💰💰💰💰💰
For up to 6 adults. From €1099. Room size: 30m2.
What is the difference between a Suite and a Standard Room type at the Snow Hotel?
As well as being much more spacious, every snow suite has an exquisite snow sculpture and snow art all around the room, making a much more themed and magical experience. A suite will guarantee the most special experience at Arctic Snow Hotel. If you are only coming here once in your life, we suggest you stay in a suite!
What does the overnight price include for every Snow Hotel room type?
Every hotel guest staying at the Arctic Snow Hotel can expect their room rate to include:
- Guided tour around the Arctic Snow Hotel.
- Overnight instructions
- High-quality, internally fleeced sleeping bags in the rooms to ensure a warm nights sleep.
- Shower and toilet facilitiles.
- A complimentary wake-up service including a hot drink brought to your room.
- A complimentary ‘Aurora Alarm’ service to wake you up if the Northern lights are spotted throughout the night!
- A healthy and delicious breakfast buffet, held in the Log Restaurant from 8am-10am.
- Use of the traditional Finnish sauna.
- On check-out, guests will receive the perfect gift to take away with them: a diploma for “spending the night beneath ice and snow!”. A great way to always remember your memories at this ice hotel in Rovaniemi!
ON-SITE FACILITIES AT ARCTIC SNOW HOTEL
RESTAURANTS AT ARCTIC SNOW HOTEL
On the small complex where the Arctic Snow Hotel is based, there are three restaurant options to choose from: The Kota Restaurant, the Ice Restaurant and the Log Restaurant.
Top Tip: It is highly advised make all dinner reservations for restaurants, especially Kota restaurant, before your arrival in order to guarantee availability. Booking in advance by email or at the reception upon arrival.
THE KOTA RESTAURANT
The Kota Restaurant is the most premium restaurant on-site which specialises is Lappish delicacies, though they are famed by their glow-fried salmon fillet!
They offer delicious meat or vegetarian dishes to enjoy in an enchanting subdued ambience against a blazing fire.
THE ICE RESTAURANT
The most unique dining experience award at Arctic Snow Hotel absolutely goes to the Ice Restaurant, set within the Arctic Snow Hotel itself!
You won’t be able to put your phone down from taking photos of this once-in-a-lifetime experience, whilst also enjoying the tasty food on offer: from elk salmon chicken or vegetarian tofu options!
THE LOG RESTAURANT
The Log Restaurant is where hotel guests will enjoy their complimentary breakfast buffet, included in the room rate. The buffet breakfast is served from 8am – 10am, offering a huge variety of hearty and delicious options.
You can also reserve a table at the Log Restaurant for dinner, but as mentioned previously book via e-mail in advance to avoid disappointment.
BARS AT ARCTIC SNOW HOTEL
On the small complex of Arctic Snow Hotel, there are two bar options to choose from: The Sky Bar and the Ice Bar.
THE SKY BAR
The Sky Bar is the complex’s recent addition, opening in 2018 and is in the same building as the Kota restaurant. This is the perfect place to go if instead of a full-on meal, you just fancy light snacks with some cocktails!
The bar provides a relaxing lounge experience across multiple levels, including an upper level with ‘glass igloo’ style panoramic windows to spot the Northern lights!
THE ICE BAR
Enjoy the unique opportunity of drinking your favourite tipples from glasses made of ice, in a bar entirely made of ice! Set in the Arctic Snow Hotel, the incredible Ice Bar can be enjoyed during Snow Hotel opening hours.
ON-SITE ACTIVITIES AT ARCTIC SNOW HOTEL
Just outside the Snow Hotel but still on the same complex, you can enjoy on-site facilities such as unique snow sauna and outdoor jacuzzi experiences at an additional cost!
OFF-SITE ACTIVITIES AT ARCTIC SNOW HOTEL
At the Snow Hotel reception, it is possible to book a wide range of fun activities at an additional cost, such as husky safaris, snowmobiling and even ice fishing!
Be sure to pre-book your activities in advance via e-mail, especially during peak Winter months, to avoid disappointment.
As a hotel guest, you can use the hotel’s toboggans, snowshoes and sledges free of charge during your stay!
OTHER ACCOMMODATION AT ARCTIC SNOW HOTEL
The Arctic Snow hotel also has a glass igloo accommodation option. With this option, you stay in the glass igloo instead but includes access to freely explore the Snow Hotel and all its facilities during your stay!
GETTING TO THE ARCTIC SNOW HOTEL
CAN YOU GET TO THE ARCTIC SNOW HOTEL IN ROVANIEMI PUBLIC TRANSPORT?
Unfortunately, no. The Arctic Snow Hotel is set in a very rural location, which is a 25 minute drive (27km) out from Rovaniemi city. Because their location is so remote, there is little to no public transport options to get here.
There are three main options to get to the Arctic Snow hotel:
GETTING TO THE ARCTIC SNOW HOTEL: BY CAR
One of the best and most convenient ways to get to the Arctic Snow Hotel is by car.
If you are a visitor and do not have your own car, there is the option to rent a car for a few days! This will allow you you freely drive to and from this ice hotel in Rovaniemi without restriction.
Though the Menevä taxi services in Rovaniemi are very convenient and reliable, they are also incredibly expensive. I believe they quoted us £60 one way from Rovaniemi to Arctic Snow Hotel. We would recommend them for shorter trips, but not long distance drives like this.
GETTING TO THE ARCTIC SNOW HOTEL: BY SHUTTLE BUS
The Arctic Snow Hotel does provide a shuttle bus service to pick up hotel guests for a small fee. This includes from a designated spot in Rovaniemi city or even from Rovaniemi airport.
Be sure to contact the Arctic Snow Hotel in advance to pre-book your shuttle buses!
GETTING TO THE ARCTIC SNOW HOTEL: BY GUIDED TOUR
Another way to guarantee transport there and back to Arctic Snow Hotel, particularly if you are just visiting for the day only, is on an organised guided day tour of the Arctic Snow Hotel!
Most tour operators will include a pick up / drop off from Rovaniemi city, and in most cases, hotel drop off within a certain radius of the city if you pre-arrange this with them beforehand.
Of course, as mentioned, you can also leave all the other options in your snow dust by driving yourself to the Arctic Snow Hotel by a snowmobile on this full-day tour!
This blog post was written by Jordie Flain!
Founder of TheFlainsTravel.com
A travel-obsessed Sagittarius creating honest, easy-to-follow guides. Powered by tea, chocolate and a slightly concerning amount of tomato ketchup.
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