Icehotel
Norrbottens län
Icehotel in Jukkasjärvi, Sweden, is the world's first and largest hotel made entirely of ice and snow. Located on the frozen Torne River, about 20 kilometers east of Kiruna, it is rebuilt every winter using ice harvested from the river. Founded in 1990 by Yngve Bergkvist, the hotel originated from an ice art exhibition by Japanese artists in 1989. Each year, the hotel spans approximately 5,500 square meters, with a unique architectural design that changes annually. The construction involves storing over 10,000 tons of ice and 30,000 tons of snow in a production hall, then sculpting the ice by artists worldwide into spectacular suites and corridors. The hotel includes a bar, a chapel, and rooms that accommodate over 100 guests. Since 2017, Icehotel operates year-round with advanced cooling technology, allowing visitors to experience its icy wonders beyond the winter months. The hotel also features the Ice Church, where many weddings and baptisms take place in a serene, cold environment. Additionally, Icehotel pioneered ice bars, serving drinks in glasses made from Torne River ice, with locations extending internationally. Visitors can also enjoy Arctic activities such as dog sledding and river rafting, making Icehotel a unique cultural and adventurous destination in the Arctic Circle.
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Tip: The best time to visit Icehotel is during the winter season from December to April when the ice structures are fully formed and the Northern Lights may be visible. For a unique experience, consider booking an overnight stay in one of the ice suites, and purchase tickets or packages in advance, especially during peak season. The hotel offers various Arctic activities year-round, and guests should prepare for cold temperatures and dress accordingly. Discounts may be available for early bookings or group packages. Reservations for weddings or events at the Ice Church should be made well in advance.
Interesting facts
- •Icehotel is rebuilt every year with a new design, making it a unique architectural artwork annually.
- •The ice used to build the hotel is harvested from the nearby Torne River each March and stored until construction begins.
- •The hotel includes an Ice Church where around 140 couples are married annually and about twenty children are baptized.
- •Icehotel pioneered the concept of ice bars, serving drinks in glasses made of ice from the Torne River.
- •Famous photographers and models, including Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell, have been part of photo shoots at Icehotel wearing creations by Gianni Versace.
- •The hotel spans approximately 5,500 square meters and accommodates over 100 guests during the winter season.
History
Icehotel was founded in 1990 by Yngve Bergkvist after Japanese ice artists inspired the creation of an ice art exhibition in Jukkasjärvi in 1989.
The first guests stayed overnight in an igloo-like Arctic Hall, marking the beginning of the hotel.
Since then, the hotel has been rebuilt annually using ice from the Torne River, growing in size and international recognition.
In 2017, Icehotel introduced year-round operations using refrigeration technology, expanding its availability beyond the traditional winter months.
Over the decades, it has become a cultural icon and one of Sweden's seven wonders.
Place Guide
Art Suites
Each winter, international artists create unique suites carved entirely from ice and snow, featuring intricate sculptures and designs that transform the hotel into a living art gallery.
Ice Church1990s
A chapel made of ice where many couples are married and children baptized each year, known for its serene atmosphere and a cappella singing during ceremonies.
Ice Bar1994
An innovative bar serving drinks in glasses made from Torne River ice, originally opened in 1994 in Jukkasjärvi and now a franchise concept with locations worldwide.
Contact
Phone: 0980-668 00
