Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel
Experience the magic of the Arctic at Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel, a unique ice hotel rebuilt annually with stunning art.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best chance for Northern Lights
Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel
Best Time
Best chance for Northern Lights
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience the magic of the Arctic at Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel, a unique ice hotel rebuilt annually with stunning art.
"An unforgettable Arctic experience with true Nordic luxury and a personal touch."
Pack for the Cold! :snowflake:
Thermal base layers, warm socks, hats, and gloves are essential for sleeping and exploring.
Book Tours in Advance :calendar:
Popular activities like husky sledding and Northern Lights hunts fill up quickly.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Igloo Hotel Itself
Experience sleeping in a room sculpted entirely from ice and snow, with unique art installations.
Ice Sculptures and Art
Marvel at intricate ice sculptures and art pieces that adorn the hotel's interior each year.
Northern Lights Viewing
Witness the magical aurora borealis dance across the Arctic sky from this prime location.
Arctic Wilderness Lodge
Enjoy the surrounding natural beauty and the lodge's amenities, including an outdoor hot tub.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Arctic Chill
Book Ahead for Peak Season
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Pack for the Cold! :snowflake:
Thermal base layers, warm socks, hats, and gloves are essential for sleeping and exploring.
Book Tours in Advance :calendar:
Popular activities like husky sledding and Northern Lights hunts fill up quickly.
Aurora Photo Tips :camera:
Adjust light balance and saturation on your phone to make aurora colors pop.
Consider a Suite :bed:
Suites offer stunning views and extra comfort for a luxurious Arctic stay.
Tips
from all over the internet
Pack for the Cold! :snowflake:
Thermal base layers, warm socks, hats, and gloves are essential for sleeping and exploring.
Book Tours in Advance :calendar:
Popular activities like husky sledding and Northern Lights hunts fill up quickly.
Aurora Photo Tips :camera:
Adjust light balance and saturation on your phone to make aurora colors pop.
Consider a Suite :bed:
Suites offer stunning views and extra comfort for a luxurious Arctic stay.
Summer Visit Caution :warning:
Some amenities may be closed, and the food options can be limited, especially if you don't eat fish.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Guests rave about the unforgettable Arctic experience at Sorrisniva, highlighting the luxurious rooms, attentive staff, and the spectacular Northern Lights. The unique Igloo Hotel and its ice art are consistently praised. However, some visitors note that dining options can be limited, especially outside peak season, and service can be inconsistent during quieter periods.
"🌟An Unforgettable Arctic Experience - True Nordic Luxury with a Personal Touch
Our stay at Sorrisniva was absolutely exceptional. We booked the Mary Suite and were blown away by the unobstructed floor-to-ceiling windows that stretched from the living area into the bedroom, offering breathtaking snowy views. The suite was the epitome of cozy Nordic luxury, with incredibly comfortable bedding and pillows that ensured a perfect rest. We also appreciated the thoughtful twice-daily housekeeping that kept everything impeccable.
The front desk staff were consistently helpful and courteous, and we were impressed by the variety of tours available. Since we came specifically for the aurora, we joined the northern lights hunt for two consecutive nights.
A very special thanks goes out to our guide, Petra. She is a true professional! She meticulously analyzed the weather and other conditions each night to determine the best possible location for viewing. Her dedication paid off—we witnessed the most spectacular auroras of our entire Norway trip! Petra also kindly offered a complimentary photo service and sent us all the stunning pictures afterward.
A quick tip for fellow guests: I use a Samsung Android phone. I found that by taking Petra's already great photos and maxing out the light balance, then playing with the saturation and contrast or a filter, you can really make the colors of the aurora pop!
Thank you, Petra, for your patience and attention to detail. Thank you, Sorrisniva, for a truly memorable Arctic adventure. We couldn't have asked for a better experience."
kelly hiew mei ng
"A cute small hotel that gives you the opportunity to step into an amazing world.
I was there during the winter and it was a very nice experience.
The staff was truly attentive and friendly."
David Dicandi
"Considering that is a luxury resort, the expectations were high. Rooms and structure is amazing, but: Spa treatments were not available, one of the restaurant was closed and the offer of the other was limited (only 4 main courses). So, I definitely recommend, but they must improve service even during low season (summer)."
AAP
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel is located about 30-40 minutes from Alta. You can arrange transportation through the hotel or consider a taxi. Many visitors rent a car for flexibility in exploring the region.
Public transport options directly to the Igloo Hotel are limited. It's best to arrange private transport or a taxi from Alta.
During winter, roads are generally well-maintained, but it's always wise to check local road conditions. Driving is a common and convenient option.
Yes, Alta Airport (ALF) is the closest airport, with connections to major Norwegian cities like Oslo. From the airport, you can arrange onward travel to Sorrisniva.
While not always explicitly advertised, it's worth contacting Sorrisniva directly to inquire about any available shuttle services or recommended transfer options from Alta.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, if you are not staying overnight, you can purchase a ticket to visit the Igloo Hotel during its opening hours to explore the ice art.
The Igloo Hotel is typically open daily from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM for visitors. It's always best to confirm current hours before your visit.
Prices can vary, but rooms start from around 290€ per night. Booking in advance is recommended, especially for suites.
Yes, you can purchase day tickets to explore the hotel and its ice sculptures. This is a great option if you want to experience the magic without the overnight stay.
The Igloo Hotel is a seasonal attraction, typically opening around December and melting away in April.
🎫 ❄️ Onsite Experience
Temperatures inside the Igloo Hotel are consistently around freezing point (0°C or 32°F), even when it's colder outside.
You'll be provided with a sleeping bag rated to -40°C, a pillow, and a mat. Wear thermal base layers, warm socks, and a hat for maximum comfort.
Yes, Sorrisniva offers various Arctic activities like Northern Lights hunts, husky sledding, and snowmobiling.
Yes, the Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel typically features an ice bar where you can enjoy drinks.
Absolutely! The ice sculptures and unique architecture make for fantastic photo opportunities.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Sorrisniva offers a restaurant with breakfast and dinner options. However, during the summer, one restaurant may be closed, and the menu can be limited, often featuring fish.
Typically, breakfast is included with overnight stays at the Igloo Hotel.
The menu can be limited, especially outside of peak season. It's advisable to inform the hotel in advance about dietary restrictions to see if they can accommodate.
The restaurant often focuses on local ingredients and Arctic cuisine. During summer, the offerings might be more restricted.
During off-season or when restaurants are closed, options for snacks or light meals might be scarce. It's best to check with the hotel about availability.
📸 📸 Photography
Winter evenings offer the best chance for Northern Lights photography. Daytime provides good light for capturing the ice sculptures and the hotel's exterior.
Sorrisniva often offers guided Northern Lights tours that include photography assistance and sometimes even complimentary photo services.
For Northern Lights, use a wide-angle lens, a tripod, a high ISO, a wide aperture, and a long exposure time. Experiment with settings to capture the best results.
Yes, photography is encouraged inside the Igloo Hotel to capture the intricate ice art and unique architecture.
Adjusting light balance, saturation, and contrast on your phone or camera can enhance the colors of the aurora.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider booking a family suite for more space. During the day, activities like husky sledding and exploring the ice sculptures provide plenty of entertainment. Tip: Ensure children are dressed in multiple warm layers, including thermal underwear, fleece, and waterproof outer gear. Bring extra warm socks and mittens. The outdoor hot tub can be a fun and warm activity for the whole family.
💰 Budget Travelers
However, budget-conscious travelers can still experience the magic by purchasing a day ticket to visit the Igloo Hotel and explore its ice art. This allows you to witness the unique architecture and sculptures without the overnight cost. Consider: Dining at the hotel can also be pricey. If you're on a tighter budget, consider packing some of your own snacks or exploring dining options in Alta if you have a car.
💖 Couples & Romantic Getaways
Booking a special suite with panoramic views can enhance the romantic atmosphere. Recommendation: Combine your stay with a guided Northern Lights tour for a truly magical evening. Enjoying the outdoor hot tub under the stars can also be a very romantic experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Magic of the Igloo Hotel
+1 The hotel features various rooms, including suites, each adorned with intricate ice sculptures created by local artists. The temperature inside remains consistently at or below freezing, offering a truly immersive Arctic experience. Visitors can choose to stay overnight in these frosty chambers, provided with specialized sleeping bags rated for extreme cold.
Even if you're not staying, day visits allow you to explore the stunning ice art and architecture. The hotel's theme and design change annually, ensuring a fresh experience for returning guests. +1Key takeaway: The Igloo Hotel is a temporary masterpiece, offering a unique blend of art, accommodation, and the raw beauty of the Arctic winter. Its ephemeral nature makes a visit all the more special.
Chasing the Aurora Borealis
The remote setting, away from significant light pollution, enhances the viewing experience. These tours are led by experienced guides who meticulously analyze weather patterns and solar activity to find the best viewing spots.
Pro-tip: Patience is key when aurora hunting. While guides increase your odds, the aurora is a natural phenomenon and sightings are never guaranteed.
Activities and Experiences
For those seeking a more relaxed experience, the lodge often features an outdoor hot tub, offering a warm respite while surrounded by the crisp Arctic air.
The lodge also provides opportunities for reindeer encounters and other cultural experiences that connect visitors with the Sami heritage of the region. Remember: Many of these activities are seasonal and weather-dependent. It's advisable to book them in advance, especially during peak winter season, to avoid disappointment.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit