The World’s Coolest Ice Bars and Where to Find Them

Marcel Kuhn

CREDITS: Wikimedia CC BY-SA 3.0

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Icebar by ICEHOTEL, Sweden

Icebar by ICEHOTEL, Sweden (image credits: wikimedia)
Icebar by ICEHOTEL, Sweden (image credits: wikimedia)

Tucked away in the snowy village of Jukkasjärvi, Sweden, the Icebar by ICEHOTEL is a place where winter magic never melts. Every single year, artists and builders transform blocks of crystal-clear ice from the nearby Torne River into an ephemeral wonderland. Guests slip into thermal capes and gloves before stepping inside, where the temperature hovers around -5°C (23°F) no matter the season. The bar’s signature cocktails are served in glasses literally carved from ice, adding a frosty twist to every sip. Towering ice sculptures, some shaped like mythical creatures or frozen forests, surround visitors, making it feel like you’ve entered a dream. This extraordinary site is open all year, but when the landscape outside is coated in fresh snow during the Arctic winter, the experience is nothing short of breathtaking. People travel from all over the world just to step inside this icy masterpiece, and each year’s design is completely unique, making every visit a fresh adventure.

Minus5 Ice Bar, Las Vegas, USA

Minus5 Ice Bar, Las Vegas, USA (image credits: wikimedia)
Minus5 Ice Bar, Las Vegas, USA (image credits: wikimedia)

In a city better known for its sizzling temperatures, the Minus5 Ice Bar at the Luxor Hotel in Las Vegas is a frosty oasis. Here, over 90 tons of ice have been sculpted into everything from bar counters to benches, immersing guests in a wintry world. Visitors are kitted out in heavy jackets and gloves before entering, and the chill inside is a brisk -5°C (23°F). Cocktails are poured into solid ice glasses, making every drink a cool delight. The Minus5 experience is more than just drinks; interactive ice sculptures and themed photo ops make it a playful destination for all ages. This concept has proven so popular that it’s expanded to cities like New York and Sydney, bringing a taste of winter to unexpected places. Locals and tourists alike flock to Minus5, eager to escape the desert sun and enter a shimmering, sub-zero playground. The ever-changing ice art keeps the venue feeling fresh and exciting all year long.

Icebar, London, UK

Icebar, London, UK (image credits: unsplash)
Icebar, London, UK (image credits: unsplash)

Right in the heart of London, the Icebar offers an escape from the city’s usual hustle and bustle with its sparkling, frozen interior. Built from about 40 tons of pristine ice sourced from Sweden’s Torne River, the space feels both elegant and otherworldly. Every few months, the Icebar unveils a new theme, with artists carving intricate sculptures and designs that turn the bar into a living gallery. Guests wrap up in thermal cloaks and step into a world where even the seats and walls shimmer with frost. The menu features creative cocktails that look as good as they taste, each one served in a chunky ice glass. Whether it’s a date night or a group adventure, the Icebar promises a memorable experience that’s as cool as it gets—literally. The stable -5°C (23°F) temperature ensures that the icy magic never fades, even as London’s weather outside shifts from rain to shine.

SnowCastle of Kemi, Finland

SnowCastle of Kemi, Finland (image credits: wikimedia)
SnowCastle of Kemi, Finland (image credits: wikimedia)

Every winter, the SnowCastle of Kemi rises on the shores of the Gulf of Bothnia, transforming the Finnish landscape into something straight out of a fairy tale. This sprawling structure isn’t just a castle—it’s home to an ice bar, an ice restaurant, and even an ice hotel. The castle is rebuilt from scratch each year, with local artists and craftsmen sculpting dazzling towers, bridges, and intricate ice reliefs. At the ice bar, guests can sip on colorful drinks in frosty glasses, surrounded by glittering sculptures and softly glowing lights. The temperature inside stays at a crisp -5°C (23°F), a contrast to the often even colder conditions outside. Open from January through April, the SnowCastle draws thousands of visitors who come to marvel at its artistry and experience the thrill of drinking in a palace made entirely of snow and ice. The themed rooms, from romantic nooks to playful winter scenes, ensure there’s something for everyone.

Ice Lounge, Dubai, UAE

Ice Lounge, Dubai, UAE (image credits: unsplash)
Ice Lounge, Dubai, UAE (image credits: unsplash)

It seems almost impossible—a subzero bar in the middle of Dubai’s desert heat—but the Ice Lounge makes it a reality. Here, guests step out of the blazing sun and into a frosty world where temperatures dip to -6°C (21°F). The lounge is filled with shimmering ice sculptures and sleek ice furniture, creating a space that feels both futuristic and fantastical. Visitors don thick jackets and gloves provided at the door, making it easy to relax and enjoy the spectacle. The drinks menu features everything from icy mocktails to signature cocktails, all served in glasses carved from ice. This unlikely chilly retreat has become a must-see for tourists and residents alike, offering a unique escape from Dubai’s relentless warmth. The contrast between the scorching city streets and the frozen bar inside creates a sense of wonder that keeps people coming back for more.

The Ice Bar, Reykjavik, Iceland

The Ice Bar, Reykjavik, Iceland (image credits: unsplash)
The Ice Bar, Reykjavik, Iceland (image credits: unsplash)

Reykjavik’s Ice Bar is a highlight for anyone exploring the Land of Fire and Ice. Tucked within the city’s vibrant nightlife scene, the bar welcomes guests into a world sculpted entirely from crystal-clear ice. The decor features whimsical and dramatic ice carvings, from Viking helmets to Arctic wildlife, making each visit feel like a mini adventure. The drinks list is full of creative cocktails, many infused with local flavors like wild berries or Icelandic herbs. The temperature stays at a frosty -5°C (23°F), so visitors are wrapped in cozy capes and gloves to stay warm. Friendly staff add to the welcoming vibe, making this a favorite stop for both tourists and locals looking for a unique night out. Whether you’re warming up after a chilly day of sightseeing or just seeking something different, the Reykjavik Ice Bar delivers a magical, memorable experience.

Ice Bar, Stockholm, Sweden

Ice Bar, Stockholm, Sweden (image credits: wikimedia)
Ice Bar, Stockholm, Sweden (image credits: wikimedia)

In the bustling center of Stockholm, the Ice Bar is a glimmering oasis of frost and fun. This iconic spot is rebuilt regularly, using crystal-clear ice harvested from Sweden’s northern rivers. Inside, guests are enveloped in an environment where even the drinking glasses and seats are made of solid ice. The temperature is set at -5°C (23°F), a sharp contrast to the busy city streets outside. Signature cocktails, often inspired by Swedish flavors, are served with flair by bartenders in warm attire. Visitors are outfitted in cozy capes and gloves, turning every visit into a playful dress-up occasion. The ever-changing ice sculptures keep the experience fresh, and the bar’s location makes it easy to fit into any Stockholm itinerary. Locals love the novelty, while tourists are delighted by the chance to sip a drink in a place that feels like the inside of a snow globe.

The Ice Bar, Toronto, Canada

The Ice Bar, Toronto, Canada (image credits: pixabay)
The Ice Bar, Toronto, Canada (image credits: pixabay)

Toronto’s Ice Bar stands out as a frozen gem in the heart of Canada’s largest city. The bar is constructed entirely from ice, with walls, tables, and even chandeliers glowing under colored lights. The chilly -5°C (23°F) atmosphere is kept comfortable with warm jackets and gloves provided to every guest. Creative cocktails, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, are served in sturdy ice cups, making every drink an adventure. The space is often filled with laughter as visitors marvel at the artwork carved into the walls and pose for frosty photos. The unique setting attracts both Torontonians and tourists, who are eager to cool down and try something new. Special events and seasonal themes keep the Ice Bar buzzing all year, making it a top destination on the city’s nightlife map.

The Ice Bar, Moscow, Russia

The Ice Bar, Moscow, Russia (image credits: wikimedia)
The Ice Bar, Moscow, Russia (image credits: wikimedia)

Moscow’s Ice Bar dazzles with its icy grandeur, offering visitors a rare glimpse into a world where winter reigns supreme. Everything inside, from the ornate bar front to the seating, is expertly carved from solid blocks of ice. The temperature is kept at -5°C (23°F), so guests bundle up in thick coats and gloves before entering. The bar’s menu features a mix of classic Russian spirits and inventive cocktails, each served in ice cups for extra chill. Sculptures of Russian landmarks or folklore characters add a sense of national pride and whimsy to the space. Locals and tourists alike are drawn here, seeking a novel experience that goes beyond the city’s usual nightlife. With its blend of artistry and fun, the Ice Bar has become a symbol of Moscow’s love for all things frosty and fabulous.

The Ice Bar, Tokyo, Japan

The Ice Bar, Tokyo, Japan (image credits: wikimedia)
The Ice Bar, Tokyo, Japan (image credits: wikimedia)

Tokyo’s Ice Bar brings a taste of arctic adventure to one of the world’s busiest cities. Located in a trendy nightlife district, the bar is a showcase of Japanese creativity and attention to detail, with ice sculptures ranging from cherry blossoms to playful anime figures. The interior is kept at a bracing -5°C (23°F), and guests are provided with insulated jackets to stay comfortable. The drinks menu features Japanese-inspired cocktails, often using local fruits or sake, which arrive in ice-carved glasses. Visitors love snapping photos amid the sparkling ice art, making this a favorite spot for social media enthusiasts. The Ice Bar’s combination of cool design and genuine hospitality makes it a standout among Tokyo’s many unique attractions. Whether you’re a resident or just passing through, stepping inside feels like entering a different world—one where winter is always in season.

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