This blog post delves into the history, creative process, and experience of staying at this extraordinary hotel, answering some of the most common questions about a trip to this frozen marvel.
Content List
- From Humble Beginnings to a Global Icon
- The Art of Creation: A Hotel Reborn
- The ICEHOTEL Experience: Sleeping on Ice
- Art, Adventure, and the Northern Lights
- FAQs About Visiting the ICEHOTEL
From Humble Beginnings to a Global Icon
The ICEHOTEL’s story began in 1989 when a group of ice-sculpting artists in Jukkasjärvi ran out of space. Consequently, they decided to use a large, cylindrical igloo they had built as an art gallery. One night, a group of foreign tourists with nowhere to stay asked if they could sleep inside the igloo, wrapped in reindeer hides. The next morning, they woke up exhilarated by the experience. This spontaneous overnight stay sparked the idea that would grow into the world’s first ICEHOTEL.
“The ice is a magnificent medium. It’s solid and liquid, and it holds light in a magical way. It’s also very temporal, which makes it all the more beautiful.”
— A quote attributed to an ICEHOTEL artist, often cited in articles and documentaries.
The Art of Creation: A Hotel Reborn
Every year, in late autumn, artists and builders return to the Torne River. They harvest tons of “snice” (a mixture of snow and ice) and massive blocks of crystal-clear ice. Using these materials, they construct a new ICEHOTEL from the ground up, with a completely new design. The artistic suites are particularly impressive, with a different artist from around the world uniquely designing each one. These designs can range from fantasy worlds and jungle themes to modern minimalist structures, all meticulously carved from ice. The hotel typically opens in mid-December and slowly melts away in the spring, returning to the river from which it came.
The ICEHOTEL Experience: Sleeping on Ice
A night at the ICEHOTEL is an adventure in itself. The rooms maintain a constant temperature of around -5 to -8 degrees Celsius (23 to 17 degrees Fahrenheit). But don’t worry, you won’t freeze! To be specific, guests receive thermal sleeping bags rated for extreme temperatures, and a reindeer hide on the bed provides insulation. Many travelers find the experience surprisingly comfortable and often describe the deep, peaceful sleep that comes from being enveloped in the quiet cold. As a result, many guests also book a “warm room” at the adjacent permanent ICEHOTEL 365 for a portion of their stay, which is a popular choice.
Art, Adventure, and the Northern Lights
The ICEHOTEL is more than just a place to sleep. It’s a hub for arctic adventures and a gallery of frozen art.
- ICEBAR: You must visit the ICEBAR. They serve all drinks in glasses made of ice, a cool experience in every sense of the word.
- ICE Art: You can spend hours simply wandering the halls, admiring the stunning sculptures and unique art suites. Each one is a testament to the creativity of the artists and the beauty of ice as a medium.
- Northern Lights: Because of its location in Swedish Lapland, the ICEHOTEL is a prime spot to witness the spectacular Aurora Borealis. Many excursions, such as snowmobiling or dog sledding, are offered with Northern Lights viewing in mind.
- Other Activities: Guests can also enjoy husky sledding, snowmobiling tours, and ice sculpting classes.
FAQs About Visiting the ICEHOTEL
How cold is it inside the ICEHOTEL?
The temperature inside the rooms is consistently between -5 to -8 degrees Celsius (23 to 17 degrees Fahrenheit), regardless of the outside temperature, which can drop much lower.
Where do you go to the bathroom?
All facilities, including restrooms, saunas, and luggage storage, are located in a nearby warm building that you can access 24/7.
Is there a permanent ICEHOTEL?
Yes, the ICEHOTEL 365 was built in 2016. It is a year-round structure that uses solar power to stay frozen, offering a permanent experience with an ICEBAR and art suites. The seasonal ICEHOTEL is still built and rebuilt each year alongside it.
What should I wear for my stay?
For your time in the hotel, wear warm, comfortable layers and a hat. When sleeping, it’s best to wear thermal undergarments and a hat inside your sleeping bag to stay warm.
