Introduction – Sleeping in a Masterpiece of Ice and Art
Imagine spending the night in a room made entirely of snow and crystal-clear ice, sculpted into breathtaking art installations that glitter under soft blue light.
Welcome to Icehotel Sweden, the world’s original and most iconic ice accommodation — a once-in-a-lifetime experience located in the small village of Jukkasjärvi, 200 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle.
Every winter, artists and designers from all over the world gather here to transform frozen blocks of ice harvested from the Torne River into ephemeral art suites, bars, and chapels — only to melt away when spring returns. Icehotel Sweden
Book Here Icehotel Sweden
But since 2016, the magic never ends: the Icehotel 365 allows guests to enjoy this Arctic fantasy year-round, even in summer, using solar power to keep the ice intact.
This is not just a place to sleep. It’s a destination that combines art, sustainability, adventure, and Nordic luxury — and once you’ve been here, no winter will ever feel the same again.
The History of Icehotel Sweden
The Icehotel’s story began in 1989, when a small ice exhibition in Jukkasjärvi inspired founder Yngve Bergqvist to turn frozen creativity into something bigger. The following winter, he invited travelers to sleep inside an igloo-like structure built entirely from snow and ice — and the concept of the world’s first Icehotel was born.
From that humble beginning, Icehotel has grown into a world-famous landmark, rebuilt every year using more than 1,000 tons of ice and 30,000 tons of snow.
Each December, new art suites emerge, designed by international artists with unique themes — from surreal underwater worlds to futuristic dreamscapes. Every visit feels like walking into a new fantasy.
Architecture & Design – A Frozen Gallery
One of the reasons Icehotel Sweden stands out is its artistic DNA. Each room, corridor, and installation is a collaboration between artists, architects, and ice sculptors in Icehotel Sweden
No two years are ever the same. You could return every winter and still be amazed by completely new designs.
The Art Suites are the highlight — individually designed rooms where you sleep on a bed of ice covered in reindeer hides and warm thermal sleeping bags. The atmosphere is otherworldly: soft lighting glows through translucent walls, ice chandeliers shimmer overhead, and sculptures rise like frozen dreams around you.
Even the Ice Church, used for weddings and blessings, is re-created every season with new artistic interpretations. It’s one of the most photographed wedding venues in Scandinavia — a place where love quite literally freezes in time.
What It’s Like to Stay at the Icehotel Sweden
Sleeping at –5°C might sound extreme, but the experience is surprisingly comfortable and unforgettable.
Guests usually spend one night in the cold accommodation (inside the ice rooms) and the rest in warm cabins or hotel chalets nearby. Before bedtime, you’ll receive a full briefing on how to stay warm, and then you’re wrapped in specialized Arctic sleeping bags.
As you drift off, you can feel the stillness of the Arctic night — the only sounds being the soft crackle of ice and the distant howl of the wind.
In the morning, you’re awakened with a cup of warm lingonberry juice, followed by a hot sauna session and breakfast in the warm lounge.
It’s an experience that’s both primal and luxurious, simple yet deeply emotional — a connection with nature and art all at once.Icehotel Sweden
Book here:
Beyond the Ice: Activities in and Around Jukkasjärvi
The Icehotel isn’t just about sleeping in the cold — it’s a gateway to incredible Arctic adventures.
Here are the top things to do in and around the region:
1. Chase the Northern Lights
From September to March, the skies above Jukkasjärvi explode in waves of green and purple light.
Book a Northern Lights snowmobile safari or a dog-sledding tour for the most magical view.
(You can find tours via GetYourGuide or Viator.)
2. Husky and Reindeer Sledding
Meet local Sami reindeer herders, learn about their ancient traditions, and glide through snowy forests behind a reindeer team.
Or join a husky sled adventure, steering your own team of dogs across the frozen tundra — an absolute bucket list highlight.
3. Ice Sculpting Classes
Take part in one of the Icehotel’s ice sculpting workshops, where you can create your own frozen masterpiece using the same Torne River ice as the hotel artists.
4. Visit the Icebar by Icehotel
Sip a vodka cocktail served in an ice glass at –5°C, surrounded by shimmering walls of ice.
The Icebar is one of the most famous in the world — and it’s worth visiting even if you don’t stay overnight.
5. Snowmobile Adventures & Wilderness Tours
Head deep into the Lapland wilderness with a guided snowmobile safari, exploring frozen lakes, pine forests, and Arctic wildlife.
6. Kiruna Town & Esrange Space Center
The nearby town of Kiruna offers fascinating cultural stops — from its relocated wooden church to the modern Esrange Space Center, where scientists study the Northern Lights.
7. Summer Adventures (Yes, Even in July!)
In summer, when the Icehotel 365 remains open, you can experience the Midnight Sun, go rafting on the Torne River, hike the surrounding national parks, or try stand-up paddling on glassy lakes.
Sustainability and Icehotel 365 Icehotel Sweden
When the Icehotel first announced that it would open year-round, many wondered how that was possible.
The answer? Solar energy.
During summer, the Arctic sun shines 24 hours a day, generating enough power to keep Icehotel 365 cool and operational. This unique building combines cutting-edge environmental technology with traditional design, symbolizing Sweden’s leadership in sustainable travel.
Even the ice harvesting process is eco-friendly — each year, new ice blocks are gathered from the Torne River and returned to it when they melt, ensuring a zero-waste cycle.
Practical Information
📍 Location: Jukkasjärvi, Kiruna Municipality, Swedish Lapland
✈️ Nearest Airport: Kiruna Airport (15 km)
🚗 Transfer: Shuttle buses and taxis are available from the airport (about 15–20 minutes).
Book Here
🕒 Best Time to Visit:
- Winter (Dec–Mar): For full ice experience and Northern Lights
- Spring (Apr–May): Warmer weather, snow still visible
- Summer (Jun–Aug): Midnight Sun & Icehotel 365 open 💶 Price Range: Around €300–€800 per night, depending on room type and season. 🎒 What to Bring: Thermal layers, snow boots, gloves, camera for Northern Lights photography.
Dining at Icehotel Sweden
The Icehotel Restaurant offers locally inspired dishes such as reindeer fillet, Arctic char, and cloudberries, all plated beautifully against a backdrop of snow.
There’s also the Verandan Restaurant, where multi-course tasting menus pair local ingredients with Swedish wines and spirits — an unforgettable culinary experience.
And don’t miss the Icebar — whether you’re sipping lingonberry vodka or a simple hot chocolate, every drink tastes better served on ice. Icehotel Sweden
Why You Should Stay Here Once in Your Life
The Icehotel isn’t just accommodation — it’s a statement of creativity and courage.
It’s where art meets nature, where human imagination meets the frozen beauty of the Arctic.
From the surreal glow of the Icebar to the calm silence of your frozen suite, every moment here feels like stepping into a dream.
No Instagram photo can capture the feeling of waking up surrounded by shimmering ice walls, knowing you’re part of something that will melt away forever come spring.
If you’re crafting your ultimate bucket list, this experience deserves a top spot. Icehotel Sweden
Insider Tips for Visiting
- Book early (6–9 months ahead) — especially for Christmas and New Year.
- Combine your stay: Spend one night in an ice suite and one or two nights in a warm cabin.
- Join an excursion (Northern Lights or husky safari) — it makes your trip unforgettable.
- Don’t overpack heavy coats — Icehotel provides Arctic outerwear.
- Stay flexible: Weather in Lapland can change quickly, so tours may shift times.
- Book your stay directly with Icehotel Sweden or via trusted platforms like Booking.com or Trip.com.
- Northern Lights & sledding tours can be booked through GetYourGuide for Kiruna/Jukkasjärvi.
- For flights: search via Trip.com or Skyscanner for best connections to Kiruna.
Related Amazing Bucketlist Articles
- Lapland Snow Village – Finland’s Frozen Wonderland
- Top 5 Ice Hotels in Scandinavia
- Santa Claus Village – Where Magic Lives All Year Round
- Luxury Winter Lodges & Cabins Across Europe
Conclusion
In the heart of Swedish Lapland, the Icehotel stands as a symbol of creativity, sustainability, and pure wonder.
It’s a masterpiece that lives and breathes with the Arctic seasons — built from nature, and eventually returned to it.
Whether you’re drawn by art, adventure, or the silence of snow, this is one of the most unforgettable experiences on Earth.
Few places combine imagination, sustainability, and raw beauty the way Icehotel Sweden does.
So pack your thermals, prepare your camera, and step inside the world’s coolest hotel — because this is one night you’ll never forget. Icehotel Sweden
