While most people wouldn’t be ready to move up north to an igloo, many are enthralled by the idea of staying in an Inuit-style igloo for a shorter period of time. There is something about unique vacation experiences like that offered by the Iglu-Dorf (igloo village) that captivates the imaginations of young and old alike.
Unlike most ice hotels, you won’t have to go way up north to experience living inside snow and ice based architecture. There are five Iglu-Dorf locations in Switzerland and Germany which open annually between December and April. Swiss locations include Davos - Klosters, Engelberg - Titlis, Gstaad and Zermatt while the German location is found near Zugspitze, the highest mountain in Germany on the Austrian border.
All five igloos include plenty of captivating features, like events, shows, art exhibits, outdoor activities and winter sports. Those looking to overnight can stay in a traditional igloo or cozy up inside a romantic igloo, complete with private jacuzzi and champagne.
Fondue in an igloo? You bet! Cheese fondues traditional of the alps are served both inside the igloo villages as well as outside on the snow terraces. Follow dinner up with some cocktails at the igloo bar, and erase your guilt by burning off those calories the next day on an snowshoe tour.
Check out the video of the Zermatt location after the following 6 ice hotels.
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Unique Vacation Experiences
- There is a growing demand for unique vacation experiences, such as staying in an Inuit-style igloo.
- Ice Architecture
- The use of snow and ice-based architecture in hospitality is becoming a popular trend, offering a one-of-a-kind atmosphere.
- Winter Tourism
- Winter tourism destinations, especially those offering snow and ice activities, are gaining traction among travelers.
Where This Applies
- Hospitality
- The hospitality industry can capitalize on the trend of unique vacation experiences by creating ice hotels and igloo villages.
- Tourism
- The tourism industry can tap into the growing demand for winter tourism destinations, offering snow and ice-based activities and attractions.
- Food and Beverage
- The food and beverage industry can explore opportunities to provide unique dining experiences, such as serving traditional cheese fondues in snow and ice settings.
