Located in the Swedish village of Jukkasjärvi, Icehotel has gained its fame through its architecture made of snow and ice. Just 200 km north of the Arctic Circle, this Swedish ice hotel first began when founder Yngve Bergqvist invited ice sculptors to a workshop in 1989. Now decades later, Icehotel is a luxury getaway featuring private suites, an ice bar and activities that can be enjoyed year-round thanks to solar panels during the summer months. Placed just along the Torne River, the location makes it the perfect spot to enjoy the creativity and adventure behind the ice.
Rooms
Guests are able to choose from either cold or hot rooms along with a suite or chalet in the Icehotel. There is a specific theme in each room and they are hand carved by artists from around the world. Its most popular cold room, Art Suite 365, is available year-round in the hotel’s new building run by solar power. The art suites have a standard temperature of -5 to -8 degrees Celsius and come complete with Carpe Diem beds that have reindeer hides and also a thermal sleeping bag.
All warm rooms are on the ground floor and have heated floors, a green roof and also floor-to-ceiling windows to view the spruce and birch growing just outside. We recommend experiencing the best of both worlds and splitting your nights between a cold and hot room for the full experience. To book a room for your next trip, visit their website HERE.
Activities
Whether you prefer a relaxing day of nature photography or an exhilarating trip dog sledding, Icehotel has a wide variety of activities for its guests to choose from. With activities changing from summer to winter, it’s easy to have some fun no matter what time of year you visit. Test your adventure skills by river rafting down the Torne River or make your own art in an ice sculpting class for beginners. In the winter, guests can experience the breathtaking Northern Lights during a snowmobile safari or even dog sled through the wilderness to meet reindeer. We recommend the overnight dog sled excursion with a stay at their secluded wilderness camp and sauna. To see their full range of activities and book your own, visit their website HERE.
Food + Drink
Escape the freezing cold and treat your taste buds at the Icehotel Restaurant. With warm temperatures and local ingredients, head chef Alexander Meier offers guests both an a la carte or pre-booked menu featuring delicacies such as moose and bramble berries. Ranked as the top restaurant in Kiruna by White Guide 2016 & 2017, Icehotel Restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch. Its classic ice menu includes five courses consisting of salmon, arctic char, elk and more – served on ice of course! End your evening with a selection from their cocktail menu including both classic and special drinks. We recommend trying their Sparkling Polar Night for something truly spectacular.
Winner of multiple World Travel Awards in past years, Icehotel has now opened its doors year-round with Icehotel 365. Its new permanent building is open to guests throughout all seasons with their new solar panel system. The hotel also aims to become CO2 negative in the future.
From the luxury rooms to various activities and dining options, this Swedish ice hotel is a secret wonder hiding out in the Arctic. With the city name translating to “meeting place by the water”, the hotel seeks to connect people and cultures from around the globe. Its combination of luxury, art and creativity has led to one of the most unique hotels in the world. Looking for more ways to explore the Arctic? Check out Ashlan Cousteau’s recent trip to the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and her adventure with the caribou!
So, tell us, will you be booking a stay in this natural wonder?
