Tucked away in the heart of Swedish Lapland lies a destination so unique, so magical, that it feels like stepping into another world: ICEHOTEL in Jukkasjärvi. Located just 200 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle, this hotel isn’t just a place to stay
Lees verder: Discover the Magic of ICEHOTEL, Sweden –—it’s a stunning piece of art that melts and is rebuilt every year. Whether you’re chasing the Northern Lights, dreaming of sleeping on ice, or simply curious about Scandinavian wonders, ICEHOTEL is an experience you’ll never forget.
In this detailed guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about the ICEHOTEL: its history, rooms, activities, sustainability, and tips to plan your trip. Plus, we’ll include affiliate links to tours and accommodations so you can book your dream Arctic getaway with ease.
What Is ICEHOTEL?
What Is ICEHOTEL?The ICEHOTEL is the world’s first and largest hotel made of ice and snow. Founded in 1989, it’s rebuilt from scratch every winter using ice blocks harvested from the nearby Torne River. The hotel melts back into the river each spring—making it a completely renewable work of art.
In recent years, ICEHOTEL expanded to include ICEHOTEL 365, a permanent structure that allows visitors to experience the magic of ice year-round, thanks to sustainable solar-powered cooling.
Location: Jukkasjärvi, Swedish Lapland
Location: Jukkasjärvi, Swedish LaplandICEHOTEL is located in the tiny village of Jukkasjärvi, about 17 km from Kiruna Airport (KRN) in northern Sweden. This remote Arctic location offers breathtaking natural landscapes, sparkling snowfields, and a great chance to see the Northern Lights from December to March.
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Types of Rooms: Ice, Art, and Warm Comfort
Types of Rooms: Ice, Art, and Warm Comfort
ICEHOTEL offers two main types of accommodation:
1.
Cold Rooms
These are the most iconic part of ICEHOTEL and include:
- Standard Ice Rooms: Made entirely of snow and ice, with beds built from ice blocks topped with mattresses and thermal sleeping bags. Temperature stays at about -5°C.
- Art Suites: Designed by artists from around the world, these rooms are elaborately sculpted with ice art and themes like forests, galaxies, animals, or mythology.
- Deluxe Suites (ICEHOTEL 365): Year-round suites that include a private warm bathroom and sauna connected to the room.
Sleeping in a cold room is surprisingly cozy—you’ll be wrapped in thermal gear and reindeer hides, and you’ll be briefed on how to sleep well in sub-zero temperatures.
2.
Warm Rooms
If you’re not quite ready to brave a night on ice, ICEHOTEL also offers warm rooms and cabins with comfortable beds, private bathrooms, and a Scandinavian design aesthetic.
Tip: Many guests book 1 night in a cold room for the experience and additional nights in warm rooms to relax.
Art & Design: A Living Gallery
Art & Design: A Living GalleryEach year, around 40 artists from all over the world are invited to create new themed rooms and sculptures. From icy chandeliers in the lobby to intricate dragons carved into walls, ICEHOTEL is a living gallery.
Even the ICEBAR serves drinks in ice glasses and features frozen sculptures and music—making it one of the coolest bars on Earth (literally).
Northern Lights & Winter Activities
Northern Lights & Winter ActivitiesICEHOTEL is a top destination for Northern Lights viewing, especially between December and March. Thanks to its remote Arctic location and low light pollution, chances of spotting the Aurora Borealis are excellent.
Other winter activities offered:
- Dog sledding through snow-covered forests
- Snowmobile safaris to hunt the Northern Lights
- Reindeer sleigh rides with Sámi guides
- Ice sculpting classes
- Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing
- Visit to a local Sámi village for cultural experiences
In summer, you can enjoy midnight sun, river rafting, and ice sculpting workshops inside ICEHOTEL 365.
Dining at ICEHOTEL
Dining at ICEHOTELICEHOTEL’s main restaurant offers gourmet meals inspired by Arctic cuisine. Expect:
- Local reindeer or moose dishes
- Fresh Arctic char
- Lingonberry sauces
- Vegan and vegetarian options
You can also dine at the ICE Restaurant, where dishes are served on plates made of ice, for a fully immersive experience.
ICEHOTEL 365: Experience Ice Year-Round
ICEHOTEL 365: Experience Ice Year-RoundOpened in 2016, ICEHOTEL 365 is a permanent structure cooled with solar-powered technology. This means you can visit and sleep in a cold room even during summer.
This section includes:
- 20 Art & Deluxe Suites
- A year-round ICEBAR
- Gallery for ice sculptures
Sustainability is key here. Solar panels collect energy during the summer’s 24-hour daylight to power the cooling system year-round.
Sustainability and Eco-Tourism
Sustainability and Eco-TourismICEHOTEL is committed to sustainability:
- Built entirely from natural ice and snow
- Melts back into the Torne River
- Solar-powered ICEHOTEL 365
- Promotes local Sámi culture and eco-friendly tours
The entire concept revolves around “leave no trace,” which means everything eventually returns to nature.
Best Time to Visit
Best Time to Visit| Season | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Dec–Mar | Snowy landscapes, cold rooms open, Northern Lights |
| Apr–May | Warmer days, start of melting season |
| Jun–Aug | ICEHOTEL 365 only, Midnight Sun, rafting |
| Sep–Nov | ICEHOTEL being rebuilt, fewer visitors |
Getting There
Getting There- Fly to Kiruna Airport (KRN) from Stockholm (1.5 hours)
- Transfer to ICEHOTEL via:
- Shuttle
- Private taxi
- Dog sled (yes, really!)
TIP: Book a Northern Lights airport transfer with dogsleds or snowmobiles for a once-in-a-lifetime arrival.
Prices & Booking
Prices & BookingPrices vary by room and season. Expect:
- Cold Rooms: from €300–€700 per night
- Art Suites: from €600–€1,000 per night
- Warm Rooms: from €250 per night
Many packages include breakfast, guided tours, and activity options.
Book your stay
You can also book curated tours via GetYourGuide:
What to Pack
What to Pack- Thermal underwear and wool layers
- Insulated boots
- Gloves, hat, and scarf
- Moisturizer and lip balm (the air is dry!)
- Swimsuit for the sauna and hot tub
You’ll be provided with thermal sleeping bags, balaclavas, and outerwear for your cold night.
Final Thoughts: Is ICEHOTEL Worth It?
Final Thoughts: Is ICEHOTEL Worth It?Absolutely. ICEHOTEL is not just a hotel—it’s an Arctic adventure, an art gallery, and a cultural experience all in one. Whether you’re going for the architecture, the Northern Lights, or the once-in-a-lifetime thrill of sleeping on ice, this destination delivers pure magic.
From the silence of the snowy forests to the glitter of frozen chandeliers, ICEHOTEL invites you to reconnect with nature in a stunningly surreal setting. It’s an essential stop for any luxury bucket list traveler.
