A couple recently shared their unforgettable experience at the Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel, located at Sorrisniva Arctic Wilderness Lodge in Alta, Norway. For $475 per night, they undertook what they described as a once-in-a-lifetime adventure: sleeping on ice and snow.
Though it was their most expensive hotel stay to date, they felt it was well worth the bucket-list opportunity. Arriving at the hotel early, they encountered the dark yet mesmerizing surroundings, including the chance to witness the northern lights.
The ice hotel welcomes visitors for tours, allowing the couple to explore before checking in at 8 p.m. They enjoyed food at the hotel lobby, basking in the dramatic atmosphere. An exciting highlight was their visit to the hotel's iconic ice bar, where drinks are served from shot glasses made of ice. The couple reveled not just at the novelty but also the uniqueness of sipping drinks on reindeer-hide-draped ice seats.
Once they finally made their way to their suite around 10 p.m., they had to transport their bulky sleeping bags through frosty temperatures. The ice bedroom, illuminated with otherworldly purple lighting, featured two sections: a sitting area and the main sleeping area equipped with ice as its foundation. Rather than traditional furnishings, their headboard boasted a beautifully carved snow sculpture of the tree of life, significant to Norse mythology.
Despite the suite's charm, there was no bathroom, which was another challenge for the couple. They were warned to avoid drinking too much before bedtime to keep from venturing outside to another building. It turned out to be quite the experience trying to fall asleep on what is, fundamentally, ice.
The author candidly admitted the sleeping experience wasn't ideal, especially for someone unfamiliar with camping or roughing it. While her husband sighed soundly through the night, she struggled to get comfortable, feeling clammy within the sleeping bag. The sense of adventure kept her mind racing, making it difficult to drift off.
By 7 a.m., they were eagerly ready for warmth and eagerly anticipated the Nordic breakfast buffet available at the lodge. Reflecting back, the experience at the Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel was fulfilling, yet the author concluded with clarity: "I'm glad we stayed there, but I don't need to do it again." She imagined returning to partake in the tours and ice bar, but would opt for accommodations nearby with the comforts of warmth.
