Summary
Short description
An art exhibition and hotel made of natural ice and snow from one of Europe’s last wild rivers
In pictures
About
Recommended for:
Activity adventure | Ice hotels | Natural world | Northern Lights
Location
The pioneering ICEHOTEL, the first of its kind, lies 200 km north of the Arctic Circle at Jukkasjärvi on the banks of the Torne River, one of the purest in the world. Located in a small village in Sweden, the ICEHOTEL is easily accessible despite its distinct nature. Although ICEHOTEL does not offer any transport except transfers, it is situated only 15km from Kiruna Airport and 17km from Kiruna train station.
Accommodation
A night at the ICEHOTEL is a night like no other, you can choose from a variety of suites, which display unique ice sculptures that thaw with the hotel in the spring, or project eerie lighting across the ceiling that is reminiscent of the Northern Lights. The simple but spacious Snow and Ice Rooms feature a raised ice bed covered in thermal sleeping bags and reindeer skins, whilst the larger themed Art Rooms, Art Suites and Deluxe Suites feature a heated en-suite bathroom and sauna. You can switch to a choice of warm rooms: an Arctic or Nordic Chalet for up to four people or a bright and airy Kaamos Room hotel double.
Dining
The ICEHOTEL Restaurant is in the heated building, and serves a suitably inventive takes on local delicacies including reindeer, moose and Arctic char. Menus mimic the seasons, with ingredients gathered from the deep mountain forests, rivers and lakes, with meals served on crystal-clear ice bowls and plates, made from the Torne River.
Facilities
Hotel facilities include the mother of all ICEBARS, offering bespoke cocktails, inspired by the latest hotel themes, and boasts an annual official launch, a popular event appreciated by all the guests staying at the ICEHOTEL. If you are looking to warm up instead, visit the 24-hour sauna or unwind by the roaring fire in the relaxation area. Adrenaline junkies must hit the slopes for some exciting skiing opportunities, while culture vultures should pay a visit to a Sámi village to learn about the unusual lifestyles of the region’s indigenous people, including their natural affinity with reindeers.
Stay here on these holidays
This is the perfect introduction to winter in Swedish Lapland as you combine stays at two of Scandinavia's most celebrated hotels with the chance to add in a raft of optional excursions.
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Head across the nearby Torne River on a snowmobile and explore by skis the forest close to Poikkijärvi. There'll be food and drink around a log fire, and you can keep the skies for the rest of the day.
Receive expert guidance on how to carve your own ice sculpture. You'll use ice from Torne River – the same source used to construct the ICEHOTEL!
Meet a reindeer herder at a Sámi camp and see the reindeer they look after. You'll learn about their husbandry, feed them, find out more about Sámi culture and even try a short reindeer sled ride.
Be shown the 10 steps to a perfect Swedish sauna, so you can enjoy peace, relaxation and a meditative state
Practise your landscape, animal and culture photography in the beautiful surrounds of Swedish Lapland
Accompanied by Icelandic ponies, head out under the beautiful, wintry night sky in search of both the Northern Lights and native moose!
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