A friendly competition seems to be brewing within Europe’s nordic countries as Finland’s ice hotel is preparing to enter its ninth year of operation with a massive 300 tonnes (300,000 kg) ice structure that will be turned into the largest ice dome in europe.
Located nearly 200 km above the Arctic Circle and close to the ski resorts of Levi and Yllas, the Snow Hotel, is entering its ninth year of operation, is built entirely of snow and ice and covers approximately 20,000 square metres. The architectural design and the themes of interior decoration vary from year to year, always offering guests a unique experience.
From sipping Finlandia vodka in ice glasses at an IceBar to slip-sliding the night away in an ice disco to marveling at the magnificent sculpture art all around the area, the Snow Hotel is making a name for itself.

Findland

Construction begins when the temperature drops about ten degrees below zero which is usually at the end of October or the beginning of November. During the winter season there are about 3,000 square metres of covered indoor spaces built as a combination of different snow and ice structures. The architectural design and the themes of interior decoration vary from year to year. Visitors will find an á la carte restaurant with ice carved tables, in addition to amazing snow galleries full of beautifully illuminated ice art.
At Snow Village you can also experience an overnight stay in a room made of snow. Because of the good insulating features of snow, the indoor temperature of Snow Village remains always between -2 and -5 degrees Celsius, regardless of the outdoor temperature.
For wedding couples Snow Village offers a remarkable setting for an unforgettable day of ceremony and celebration. To start with couples can choose between an ice chapel with furnishings made of ice and a traditional, cozy wooden chapel.

Snow Village will open again on December 10th, 2009 and will remain open until April 15th, 2010 with day visitors welcome from 10am to 10pm.

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