8 Ice Bars You Won't Believe Exist
© Hemis / AlamyIcebar, Jukkasjärvi, Sweden
It's probably not a stretch that the land of never-ending winters holds the bragging rights for the world's first ice bar, established in 1994. Located above the Arctic Circle, It's situated inside a luxurious ice hotel, so expect nothing less than fur hats and pillows in the bar area. Every year artists redesign the bar with a different theme, in keeping with the rest of the hotel.
The franchise also has permanent locations in Stockholm and London.
Courtesy Hotel de Glace/© Xdachez.comHotel de Glace, Quebec
Luckily you don't have to head to the Arctic to experience an ice bar. Hotel de Glace (and its ice bar) is only open January through March, but at least the experience is authentic since every item is crafted from snow and ice. Added bonus: You can patronize the bar without staying at the hotel, thereby eliminating any concern about turning into an ice cube overnight.
© Agencja Fotograficzna Caro / AlamyChillout Dubai
Of course Dubai would lay claim to the Middle East's first ice bar. (The city already has a mega indoor ski resort.) Even though the ice bar has been around since 2007, it underwent a major overhaul last year.
Left all your warm gear at home? No worries, since not only does it provide warm coats, but gloves, shoes, and socks too. If you can stand the chill for beyond one drink (included in the admission price) there's also the option to order light fare such as soup and sandwiches. Or opt for a hot chocolate and rejoice in the fact that the deep freeze is temporary.
Ice Kube Bar, Kube Hotel, Paris
Head to Paris if you want to experience an ice bar in a hotel that's not made of ice. It lacks the family-friendly vibe of some ice bars that allow children before a certain time, so leave the kiddies behind if you want to sneak a few vodka shots.
Minus 5 Ice Bar
Everything is made of ice at this flashy chain, with locations in New York, Vegas, Monte Carlo, Orlando, and most recently, the Cayman Islands (pictured). An LED light show, themed ice rooms, and pumping music add to the scene (its motto is "The coolest experience"). A parka and gloves are included, or embrace the trendiness and spring for the faux fur option.
© CJ GUNTHER/epa/CorbisFrost Ice Bar, Boston
Coats and gloves are provided at this trendy bar, even though the temperature inside might be warmer than outside. Then again, that's the price you pay in order to experience a world where literally everything from the furniture to the glasses is made of ice.
© Reimar 5 / AlamyAurora Ice Bar, Alaska
It's not uncommon to find ice bars in ice hotels, but this one is in an ice museum. Although, unlike others, this one is more of a novelty since you have to pay the price of museum admission, along with your drink, before gaining access to it. However, it's open year-round and coats are provided. (BYO hats and gloves.)
Michael S. Yamashita/GettySapporo Snow Festival, Japan
Every year the week-long Sapporo Snow Festival, (held Feb. 5-11 this year), attracts about two million people from all over the world to the wintry island of Hokkaido. Besides larger-than-life snow sculptures (castles, pagodas) and snow slide fun, one can argue that no snow festival would be complete without an ice bar.
If you'll miss the snow festival window this year, you have another chance at an ice bar when Japan's first ice hotel, Royce' Ice Hills Hotel, opens Jan. 17 in the small, little-known town of Tobetsu, also in Hokkaido. While the tiny hotel has only three bedroom, it does include an ice bar. (Through March 15.)
Related links:
9 Unbelievable Ice Caves, From Switzerland to Siberia
