5The SnowCastle of Kemi – Kemi, Finland
The SnowCastle of Kemi in Finland is an incredible ice hotel located on the Gulf of Bothnia, in the town of Kemi. This annual creation is built from snow and ice every winter, typically from January to April. Known for its breathtaking scale, the SnowCastle spans over 13,000 square meters and features a variety of stunning ice sculptures, carvings, and even an ice restaurant and bar.
The hotel’s accommodations include rooms made entirely from ice, with intricate, frozen art that decorates every wall. The SnowCastle is also home to an ice chapel, where couples can hold magical winter weddings. The temperature inside the hotel stays at a cool -5°C (23°F), and guests are provided with special sleeping bags to keep warm during the night.
Why It’s Special: The SnowCastle of Kemi is known for its vast size and intricate ice architecture. Its location by the sea adds a layer of beauty to the hotel, as the surrounding icy waters offer a picturesque winter backdrop. Visitors can enjoy snow activities like snowshoeing, ice fishing, and even take a cruise on the icebreaker ship Sampo to enjoy the unique winter landscape.