"No one used to come here, now all our suites are taken". ICEHOTEL's rooms are true masterpieces of architecture and sculpture, but 100 percent composed of ice and snow. Story of the famous hotel in Lapland and its intrepid creator.
The hotel
Every spring, in the tiny Swedish village of Jukkasjärvi, with only 900 inhabitants north of the Arctic Circle, there is a unique spectacle: the ICEHOTEL melts and returns to the Torne River, from which everything originated. This extraordinary hotel, considered one of Sweden's tourism gems, has been rebuilt every winter since 1989, offering an experience that attracts tens of thousands of visitors from around the world, Michelin reports in a special feature in its online magazine.
The history of the ICEHOTEL is linked to the intuition of Yngve Bergqvist, who moved to Jukkasjärvi in the 1970s recognizing the tourism potential of the region. Despite the extreme climate, with temperatures that can drop as low as -40°C (-40°F), Bergqvist began to promote activities such as rafting and fishing, turning the village into a popular destination for adventure seekers. However, the idea of winter tourism was born by accident, when a group of visitors, finding themselves without accommodation, accepted an invitation to sleep in an icy hall. The next morning, their enthusiastic comments inspired the creation of the ICEHOTEL.
Every year, artists from around the world gather in Jukkasjärvi to sculpt blocks of ice taken from the Torne River and transform them into thematic suites, ceremonial rooms and unique works of art. The rooms at ICEHOTEL Winter, open from December to April, are true masterpieces: from the organic shapes of “Sea Inside” to majestic sculptures like “Frozen Moment,” each space is an immersion in the imagination. For those visiting in summer, ICEHOTEL 365 offers a permanent option with temperatures maintained between -5°C and -8°C. Here, Deluxe suites combine ice charm with modern comfort, including saunas and private bathrooms.
Sleeping in an ice room is a unique experience, but it is recommended to alternate it with the cozy warmth of Kaamos hotel rooms or traditional Arctic Cabins. These accommodations, with their natural materials and Scandinavian details, offer an ideal retreat after a day of adventure. A trip to the ICEHOTEL is also a journey into taste. The main restaurant serves dishes made from local ingredients such as reindeer, moose, and Arctic berries, while the Old Homestead combines history and cuisine in an intimate atmosphere. For an exclusive experience, The Veranda offers a tasting menu inspired by Lappish culinary traditions.
Whether observing the Northern Lights by snowmobile or on horseback, participating in ice sculpting workshops, or experiencing a husky sleigh ride, the ICEHOTEL is the ideal starting point for exploring the magic of Swedish Lapland. In summer, rafting on the Torne River and trekking through the mountains offer different but equally fascinating perspectives.
The ICEHOTEL is not just a place to stay, but a living work of art that celebrates the beauty and fragility of Arctic nature. A stay here is an experience that remains etched in the heart and memory, an ode to ice that is renewed every year, offering new wonders to its guests.
