You don't have to be a polar bear to feel right at home surrounded by ice and snow. Because shelters, built either entirely out of frozen water or at least in the middle of it, offer plenty of comfort in addition to the free fresh-cell treatment - and are warmer than you'd think. After all, ice is a pretty good insulator. And the rest is taken care of by skins, thick blankets and, last but not least, friction and body heat. Indeed, the world's ice hotels are pretty romantic, too. But which ones should be at the top of your bucket list?

Golden Crown Levin Igloos, Finland

Golden Crown Levin Igloos
Harjatie 4, 99130 Kittilä, Finland
Tel: +358 50 313 5637
Web: leviniglut.net
Price: from approx. € 690,-/night

If you're not sure whether a night in a hotel built entirely of ice is the right thing for you, you can try it out slowly. For example, stay in a glass igloo under the Arctic sky. The igloos at the Golden Crown Levin Igloo Resort offer a warm bed, unrestricted views of the night sky and the Northern Lights, and a few extras. For example, in addition to a bathroom and bedroom, the 53-square-metre Suite Igloos offer a private terrace with a heated Jacuzzi.

Octola Lodge, Finland

Octola Lodge
66°37'25.7 "N, 25°34'27.8 "E
Tel: +358 44 515 17 96
Web: octola.com.
Price: from approx. € 3.230 ,-/person for 2 nights (4 bedrooms)

The Octola Lodge, supposedly Finland's most luxurious hotel in the wilderness, is so far off the beaten track that you can't be bothered with an address. Coordinates are needed. And yet it's easy to get to. Because you can be picked up in style by helicopter from Rovaniemi airport. The property offers 12 accommodations, divided between Octola Lodge and Octola Villa. The entire property can be booked on request. Amenities in the Arctic Circle include private butler, Michelin-starred chef and concierge team. 

Snow Chalet, Italy

Hotel Lac Salin SPA & Mountain Resort
Via Saroch, 496, 23041 Livigno SO, Italy
Tel.: + 39 0342 990166
Web: lacsalin.com
Price: from approx. 590,-/night

The Snow Chalet of the Hotel Lac Salin SPA & Mountain Resort is made entirely of snow. So that guests don't freeze, there is a thermal sleeping bag and hot tea. A romantic candlelit dinner for two in the hotel's antique wooden parlour also provides warmth from within. In the morning, the team serves the first coffee in bed, then it's off to breakfast at the hotel across the street. 

Igloo Village, Switzerland

Igloo Village Gstaad
Rotzenbergstrasse 15, 6362 Stansstad, Switzerland
Tel.: +41 41 612 27 28
Web: iglu-village.com
Price: Igloo-Suite from approx. € 937,-/night

The Igloo Village Gstaad consists of several igloos - hence the name. But in addition to overnight stays, there is cheese fondue in the igloo restaurant, drinks in the snow bar and snow art. But back to the rooms. Staying in the romantic Igloo Suite is an unforgettable affair. The suite offers a private whirlpool, toilet, light and USB connection. The price includes half board, expedition sleeping bags, thermal mats, half board, champagne and aperitif.

ICEHOTEL, Sweden

ICEHOTEL Jukkasjärvi
Marknadsvägen 63, 981 91 Jukkasjärvi, Sweden
Tel.: +46 980 668 00
Web: icehotel.com
Price: from approx. € 135,-/night

The ICEHOTEL in Sweden is considered a pioneer in the field of "living in ice". Not only was it the first of its kind to open in 1989, it is still the largest hotel built entirely of snow and ice. The ice pieces are created anew every year, and all rooms are decorated with unique ice art. Between 15 and 20 standard rooms and twelve art suites are created each year. There is an ice bar, art exhibitions and also permanent accommodation. And if you want, you can even get married in Ceremony Hall. Motto: "The cooler the wedding, the hotter the marriage."