From glass domes beneath the northern lights to secluded woodland hideaways, these unusual stays bring you closer to nature.Jaco HoffmannFew travel experiences are as otherworldly as watching the night sky from the cozy cocoon of a glass-topped igloo. In the far north, that might mean watching the aurora borealis shimmer overhead, surrounded by pine forests and frozen lakes. But you don't have to travel to the Arctic Circle to experience an igloo-like stay. From snow-covered mountain landscapes in Germany to peaceful corners of Spain, these unusual stays can be found in some unexpected places across Europe and beyond.The impressive northern lights in Finnish Lapland Charley WardMany interiors lean into a Nordic theme—think Scandi-style decor, underfloor heating, faux-fur throws, and panoramic windows designed to maximise stargazing. In Nordic destinations, many of these igloos give you the chance to enjoy classic experiences nearby, such as husky and reindeer sledding, cold-water swimming, or a spell in a geothermal spa. Elsewhere, the appeal might be waking up to mountain views, exploring the surrounding countryside, or simply enjoying the novelty of sleeping inside a transparent dome.Wrap up, pour a hot chocolate, and settle in—here are the best igloos to bed down in for a memorable night under the stars.We've vetted these listings based on Superhost and Guest Favorite status, ratings, amenities, location, previous guest reviews, and decor.Top picksMore editor-recommended igloos on AirbnbOur top picks:Best for northern lights: Cozy igloo in Finnish LaplandBest for water views: Secluded stay in NorwayBest for families: Lakeside dome overlooking Lake SuperiorWoodland dome made for stargazing in the UKNumber of guests: 4Bed and bath: Studio, 1 bathWhy we love it: Pet-friendly, private deck, hot tubSet within 45 acres of secluded private woodland, this spacious dome is a cozy base for exploring the surrounding walking trails by day and stargazing after dark, thanks to the area's limited light pollution. Inside, there's a king-size bed, two fold-out single beds, armchairs, and a dining area, as well as a private bathroom with a hot shower and a small kitchenette equipped with a microwave, kettle, toaster, and fridge. Outside, the deck has plenty of seating and a barbecue, while a covered Scandinavian wood-fired hot tub overlooking the surrounding countryside can be used for an extra charge. Dogs are welcome too, making this a good option if you don't want to leave four-legged family members behind.Location: Shropshire, United KingdomThings to do nearby: Ludlow Castle, Tenbury Museum, Mortimer ForestLakeside dome overlooking Lake SuperiorNumber of guests: 4Bed and bath: 2 bedrooms, 1 bathWhy we love it: Lake views, fireplace, air-conditioning, hot tubPerched on a hillside above Lake Superior, this geodesic dome combines the feel of camping with all the comforts of home. Designed to be enjoyed year-round, it has a gas fireplace and heating for chilly Minnesota winters, as well as air-conditioning for warmer summer days. There's room for up to four guests, with a queen bed and a second lofted bed, plus a fully equipped kitchen and bathroom with a walk-in shower. The highlight, though, is the large private deck, where a hot tub overlooks the lake and can be used throughout the year. The town of Two Harbors is also just a short drive away, with cafés, restaurants, shops and a local brewery.Location: Two Harbors, MinnesotaThings to do nearby: Two Harbors town, Pierre the Voyager, Two Harbors Pierhead Light, Rock BeachSecluded stay in NorwayNumber of guests: 2Bed and bath: Studio, shared bathWhy we love it: Fjord views, secluded location, terracePerched on rocky terrain above Trondheim Fjord, Dome Smiberget makes the most of its spectacular waterfront setting. The geodesic dome feels wonderfully secluded, surrounded by trees with little between you and the water below. Inside, a wall of honeycomb-shaped windows wraps around the bed and seating area, framing sweeping views across the fjord and letting you watch the sky change without stepping outside. Come evening, you can stargaze from bed, while a small private terrace overlooking the water makes an idyllic spot to sit out when the weather plays along.Location: Indre Fosen, NorwayThings to do nearby: Ulvestøtta monument, Sukkertoppen mountain hikesIce dome and boutique distillery headquarters in GermanyNumber of guests: 2Bed and bath: Studio, 1 bathWhy we love it: Outdoor grill, swimming pond, boules courtDrive through the scenic Dresden Elbe meadows to reach this rüdehof, which serves as both the headquarters of a family distillery and a tranquil countryside retreat—best enjoyed under a layer of icing-sugar snow in winter. The igloo is more like a hobbit house, with all you need to shelter from the cold, including a double bed, compact kitchen, shower room, and a dining area with panoramic, bucolic views. You're secluded as can be, around 90 minutes from Hamburg within a two-hectare wild and rugged estate, now yours to explore at your leisure. Stoke the fire and grill outdoors at suppertime, then settle in for some stargazing. If you're feeling brave, there's a swimming pond; then warm up in the hot tub afterwards. A boules court is available for a few leisurely games before supper.Location: Amt Neuhaus, Niedersachsen, GermanyThings to do nearby: Stixer Wanderdüne hiking paths, Alte Eiche Forsthaus grüner Jäger momumental oak tree, HamburgCozy igloo in Finnish LaplandNumber of guests: 4Bed and bath: Studio, 1 bathWhy we love it: Fireplace, sledding, northern lights viewingThis is glamping, but not as most know it. On the cusp of Rovaniemi's thick pine forests, this igloo is furnished in true Nordic style with thick down blankets, plenty of wool rugs, cozy bedding, and a crackling log fireplace to huddle around in the evenings. Wrap up and head into the garden for wintry fun, including sledding—or simply huddle under the duvet to watch as frost forms and snow falls gently behind the windows.Location: Rovaniemi, FinlandThings to do nearby: Ounasvaara Ski Oy ski resort, Ounasvaara Winter Trail, Forestry Museum of LaplandUnique wooden dome in SpainNumber of guests: 4Bed and bath: Studio, 1 bathWhy we love it: Panoramic views, breakfast included, kitchenette stationSpain isn't the first place you'd think of for igloo adventures, but this Airbnb might just change your mind. Deep in Spain's Selva de Irati forest, this immersive retreat pairs stylish design with wild beauty, perched on a hilltop overlooking the lush Aezkoa Valley. Interiors are simple and sparse, leaving space to focus on the comfortable silence and the nature that surrounds—there are dreamy panoramic views over the mountains from every angle. Previous guests have loved this experience, saying the sunsets from here are especially lovely. For something a little different, it's hard to beat.Location: Orbaizeta, SpainThings to do nearby: Mirador de Zamariain viewpoint, Museo de Roncesvalles, Irati ForestCharley is the Commerce Writer at Condé Nast Traveller. She has worked as a commerce journalist for five years, joining Condé Nast in 2023 from her prior position as one of Hearst's shopping editors, where she covered homes and interiors. She has a Master’s degree in Journalism & Media Studies ... Read More
Sleep Under the Stars at These Incredible Igloo-Like Airbnbs Around the World
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