Iceland Ice Hotel Holiday Packages

Why are there no ice hotels in Iceland?

While the name Iceland suggests a landscape perfect for hundreds of ice hotels, this isn’t so true! Iceland doesn’t have a large amount of frozen water upon which to harvest ice. Unfortunately, ice hotels depend on a massive supply of ice, drawn from nearby rivers or lakes. The regions of Iceland that are covered in snow throughout the year are highly inaccessible. Building a permanent ice hotel just isn’t going to work! Nevertheless, Iceland boasts plenty of wonderful attractions and architectural wonders that holidaygoers should absolutely visit.

If you have your heart set on visiting an ice hotel, we at Arctic Direct can provide a range of luxury ice hotel packages to suit all budgets! Whilst they may not be located in Iceland, the countries of Sweden, Norway and Finland offer an equally amazing experience.

Visiting an ice hotel

Curious about visiting an ice hotel? Here are some important tips to bear in mind:

1. Thin thermals – Layering up thin thermals is more effective for keeping warm than wearing one or two thick, heavy layers. This is because, with thermal wear, the thickness of the material isn’t what warms you up – it’s the air pockets within! We absolutely recommend wearing thermals to an ice hotel, though, as it’s sure to be quite cold.
2. Don’t wear a scarf – Wearing a hat is advisable, but scarves easily soak up all the moisture from your mouth. This moisture cools, and makes you feel quite uncomfortable and cold! Stick to woolly hats and gloves when visiting an ice hotel, instead.
3. Cover your shoes – To keep your shoes warm and intact during your stay at your ice hotel, cover them with a blanket or coat during the night! This ensures the cool ice doesn’t seep into the shoe, which can make it exceptionally cold and damp to wear the next morning.

ICEHOTEL Sweden – The Original Concept

Instead of searching for ice hotels in Iceland, try Sweden! ICEHOTEL Sweden is the original concept for ice hotels throughout the Nordic countries. Located in Jukkasjärvi in the northernmost part of Sweden, ICEHOTEL is made up of gorgeous suites, galleries, and even a church! Guests can explore the Swedish wilderness during the day, and return to a sculpturally magnificent room – totally made from ice – in the evening.

This Swedish ice hotel has experienced so much success, the original founders decided to establish ICEHOTEL 365. In the same style, guests can unwind in winter suites, made of ice handcrafted by international artists. Each room is completely bespoke, and luxe beds are covered with cosy reindeer hides and a thermal sleeping bag! You’ll be warm, relaxed and amazed at the Arctic beauty that surrounds you.

We highly recommend paying either of these ICEHOTEL locations a visit. This is a surreal experience, where guests can treasure newfound memories for life.

What can I do in Iceland?

Wondering what activities you can try in Iceland? There is so much choice, but we would absolutely advise that visitors attempt the following:

1. The Northern Lights – The Northern Lights are most visible between late August and mid-April in Iceland. As Icelandic winter is so dark, the lights illuminate the night sky magnificently!
2. Horse Riding – Icelandic horses are famous for their cleverness, friendliness, and all-round reliability! Horse riding tours are the best way to explore Iceland’s unique terrain in style.
3. Hiking – The Laugavegur trail is perfect for avid hikers visiting Iceland, running throughout the volcanic landscape of Landmannalaugar to the biting glaciers of Thorsmork. In general, Iceland has a rugged terrain ideal for hiking trails and adventures!
4. Watching The Midnight Sun – Iceland’s Midnight Sun peaks around the 21^st of June, which marks the summer solstice! The sun never sets, which leaves visitors with enough daylight to explore everything Iceland has to offer.