Exploring Alta’s Igloo Hotel: Ice Sculptures, Greek Mythology & Snowy Adventures
The Igloo Hotel in Alta first opened its icy doors at the start of the new millennium. Despite a brief break during the COVID-19 pandemic, it has been open every year since. Each season, a new theme is brought to life through intricate ice sculptures and snowy masterpieces. During Christmas 2024, Elodie visited while on a cruise stop in Alta. Here’s what she thought.
Location and Arrival at the Igloo Hotel
The Igloo Hotel is located at the Sorrisniva Resort, just a quick 20-minute drive from the cruise terminal. It was an afternoon tour, though in Norway at Christmas time, this doesn’t mean much as it was already dark by the time we departed. Our guide greeted us at the hotel’s entrance, offering a brief introduction and explained how the hotel is created and designed each year.
Exploring the Igloo Rooms
Making our way into the hotel and we were advised to take our time viewing the various rooms and suites on offer. The guide had mentioned that the standard rooms were all identical, so we peeked into one before moving on to the suites. This allowed us to spend as much time as possible exploring the unique features of each suite. Surprisingly temperature inside wasn’t as shocking as I expected —it was noticeably warmer than outside. The Igloo Rooms are simple, featuring an ice plinth covered with furs for warmth. There is also a mattress of sorts underneath to ensure comfort. These rooms also include interconnecting options for families daring enough to spend the night in the icy surroundings.
Themed Igloo Suites: A Mythological Experience
Next, we explored the main attraction: the Igloo Suites. The theme for this year was Greek Mythology, and it changes every year, so no two visits are ever the same. Each suite is dedicated to a unique Greek god or goddess, a guardian to protect hotel guests as they sleep. Throughout the hotel, we encountered figures like Zeus, Hercules, and Poseidon (the God of Water—thankfully, he was there to keep the ice in check!). Medusa was my favourite sculpture, beautifully backlit, giving her a haunting green glow.
The Igloo Hotel boasts a range of modern amenities (for a snow hotel), including a chapel and a bar. Here, you can sip a puckering blue cocktail (vodka and Curaçao) served in an ice cube glass. There’s also a non-alcoholic version available. You can book an overnight stay at the Igloo Hotel or visit for the day, as I did. A warm and welcoming visitors’ centre is just a few steps away, offering a restaurant and facilities for those braving an overnight stay.
My Final Thoughts:
I’m still undecided about whether I’d have the courage to sleep in the Igloo Hotel. However this day trip was an unforgettable experience. I would highly recommend it to anyone visiting Alta for the day.
