A Winter Fairytale: Experiencing the Icehotel

Venture into a world crafted from ice and snow, where art meets accommodation in the heart of Swedish Lapland. The Icehotel in Jukkasjärvi beckons with its ephemeral beauty, offering an experience unlike any other.

Each year, as winter tightens its grip on the Arctic Circle, a team of artists and builders converge to create a masterpiece that will only last a season. From the frozen Torne River to the dazzling art suites, discover the allure of this unique destination.

Where Winter Dreams are Carved: The Icehotel's Genesis

The story of the Icehotel begins each spring with the harvesting of ice from the pristine Torne River, one of Sweden's national rivers. Massive blocks are carefully extracted and stored until mid-November, when the transformation begins anew. When the temperature drops to levels required for snow gun operations, usually in mid-November, the building process begins.

Builders use 500 tons of ice from the Torne River and 10 Olympic-sized swimming pools of snis, a mixture of snow and ice, to construct the hotel. The ephemeral nature of the hotel is a key part of its appeal, with the structure relying heavily on the sub-zero climate to maintain its integrity. The annual construction is a race against time, a testament to human ingenuity and collaboration with nature.

Artists from around the globe submit their designs for the art suites, each vying for a chance to contribute to this unique canvas. The selected artists then gather in Jukkasjärvi to bring their visions to life, working with ice and snow as their medium. The use of ‘snice’ (a carefully calculated mixture of snow and ice) is crucial, reflecting the sun's winter rays and preventing the hotel from melting. Challenges abound, from the short daylight hours to the ever-present sub-zero temperatures, testing the limits of creativity and endurance.

On December 13th, the Icehotel traditionally opens its doors, unveiling a breathtaking display of artistry. The grand opening showcases the art suites, ice suites, main hall, and ceremony hall, each a unique space crafted with meticulous detail. Visitors can wander through the sub-zero fairytale setting, marveling at the intricate ice sculptures and the sheer scale of the structure. It is a celebration of ice, art, and the magic of winter.

Suite Dreams: Immersing Yourself in Art Made of Ice

Each year, the Icehotel's rooms transform into a gallery of ephemeral art, thanks to the contributions of international artists. These unique art suites are individually designed, showcasing a diverse range of styles and themes. In past years, suites have featured everything from intricate ice carvings depicting mythical creatures to minimalist designs that play with light and shadow. It is an immersive experience, where guests can sleep surrounded by art.

The Icehotel 365 offers year-round ice experiences, including 18 art and deluxe suites that remain frozen even during the warmer months. These permanent suites provide a glimpse into the artistry of the Icehotel, regardless of the season. During the day, the suites function as an art exhibition, open to visitors who want to admire the craftsmanship. At night, they transform into unique accommodations for those seeking an unforgettable experience.

Despite the icy surroundings, guests can sleep comfortably in the art suites. The temperature inside the hotel hovers at a constant -5 degrees Celsius (23 degrees Fahrenheit). Guests are provided with thermal sleeping bags tested for extreme temperatures and reindeer hides to place on top of the ice beds. With a good base layer, thick socks, and a hat, guests can stay warm and cozy throughout the night. Warm spaces are always available at the nearby Riverside building which houses toilets, showers, and a sauna.

Staying one night in an art suite is an ideal way to experience the Icehotel. Guests will have access to their rooms from 6 PM when the hotel closes to the public. In the morning, a staff member will gently wake the guests with a cup of hot lingonberry juice.

Raise a Glass to Chill: The Ice Bar Experience

No visit to the Icehotel is complete without a stop at the Icebar, a unique venue where drinks are served in glasses made of ice. The atmosphere is both surreal and exhilarating, a chance to warm up in the crystal-clear cold with a signature cocktail. The ICEBAR BY ICEHOTEL In Orbit, inspired by space travel, was designed in collaboration with Christer Fuglesang, Sweden's first astronaut. It is part of ICEHOTEL 365, the year-round section of Icehotel.

The design elements of ICEBAR In Orbit transport guests on a journey through space. A life-sized ice astronaut stands as a centerpiece, while an ice slide offers a playful exit. The bar is constructed entirely of ice and snow, creating a truly immersive environment. Christer Fuglesang’s experiences shaped the bar's design, incorporating elements of space travel and the International Space Station (ISS).

The ICEBAR In Orbit offers a memorable journey through space, where guests can sip a drink beside a life-sized astronaut sculpted from ice and snow or make a quick exit via a slide carved from the same materials. The experience offers a unique way to celebrate the intersection of art, science, and the magic of the Arctic.

For those seeking a taste of the Icebar experience closer to home, there's also the world's first permanent ice bar in Stockholm, offering a similar chill in a more accessible location.

Beyond the Ice: Adventures in Jukkasjärvi's Winter Wonderland

While the Icehotel is a destination in itself, Jukkasjärvi and nearby Kiruna offer a wealth of winter activities for the adventurous traveler. From dog sledding through the Lapland landscapes to snowmobiling across the Arctic wilderness and Northern Lights viewing tours, there is no shortage of ways to experience the magic of the Arctic winter.

Dog sledding provides an opportunity to mush through Lapland's snow-covered landscapes, pulled by a team of energetic huskies. Many tours offer the chance to witness the Northern Lights dancing across the sky, creating an unforgettable experience. Imagine gliding through the silent forest, the only sounds the panting of the dogs and the crunch of snow beneath the sled. Some tours even offer overnight stays in wilderness camps, providing a deeper connection with nature.

Snowmobiling tours venture into the vast wilderness surrounding Jukkasjärvi, offering a thrilling way to explore the Arctic landscape. Electric snowmobiles are also available, offering a more sustainable way to experience the wilderness. Imagine speeding across frozen lakes and through snow-covered forests, the wind in your face and the vast expanse of Lapland stretching before you. Some tours include ice fishing, allowing you to try your luck at catching Arctic char or grayling.

Jukkasjärvi's prime location within the Aurora Oval makes it an ideal destination for Northern Lights viewing. Wilderness dinners under the aurora offer a unique and memorable experience, combining gourmet cuisine with the celestial display. Imagine sitting around a crackling fire, feasting on local delicacies as the Northern Lights dance above you, painting the sky with vibrant colors.

Chasing the Aurora: Abisko National Park's Winter Magic

A day trip to Abisko National Park is a must for any visitor to Jukkasjärvi, especially for those hoping to witness the Northern Lights. The park's unique microclimate, known as the 'Blue Hole' effect, makes it one of the best places in the world to see the aurora. The 'Blue Hole' is a meteorological phenomenon that owes its existence to the jet stream and prevailing winds that blow in from the Arctic Ocean in a westerly direction. The reliability of these stable westerly winds means that for the majority of the aurora season, the wind blows in the same direction over Abisko, creating a prevailing weather pattern known as a microclimate.

Even when surrounding areas are cloudy, Abisko often enjoys clear skies, thanks to this phenomenon. This, coupled with the mountain peaks that surround Abisko National Park on all sides, means that the windstream effectively 'tears a hole' in the cloud cover directly above Abisko and provides a window of approximately 10-20 square kilometers of clear skies no matter the weather surrounding it.

Beyond aurora viewing, Abisko National Park offers a range of winter activities. Snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and hiking are all popular options, allowing visitors to explore the park's stunning scenery. The Aurora Sky Station, located atop Mount Nuolja, provides a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape and is a prime location for Northern Lights viewing.

Kiruna Calling: Exploring the Heart of Swedish Lapland

Kiruna, the city near Jukkasjärvi, is worth a visit for its unique attractions and cultural experiences. The city's most iconic landmark is Kiruna Church, whose design is inspired by a Sami tent (lavvu) and Norwegian stave churches. The church's design has been significantly influenced by Sami huts and Norwegian stave churches.

From the outside, Kiruna's church stands out thanks to its red-painted wooden scales, known as“church shavings“. The entire building is intended to allude to the shape of a Sami tent, and the high windows give the interior a light and airy feeling. There's a parade of golden figures around the outside of the Church symbolising human emotions, including tenderness, love, compassion and despair.

On the inside, colored panes towards the lower part of the interior creates a shady, obscure environment by the side aisles because it reduces the amount of light entering the space. Situated as the focal point of the large painting is a depiction of a vast, limitless landscape. The church is closed for visitors until the opening at the new location at the end of 2026 due to the city transformation.

On a clear day, you can also catch a glimpse of Kebnekaise, Sweden's highest mountain, from Kiruna. To experience the local Sami culture, visit a reindeer farm and learn about their traditional way of life. This provides an opportunity to encounter reindeer up close and learn about the Sami people's deep connection to the land.

Journey to Jukkasjärvi: Planning Your Arctic Escape

Getting to Jukkasjärvi is relatively straightforward, with several transportation options available. Flights to Kiruna Airport (KRN) from Stockholm are the most common way to arrive, followed by a transfer to Jukkasjärvi.

From Kiruna Airport, you can take bus 501 or a taxi to Jukkasjärvi. Bus 501 from Kiruna Tuolluvaara to Jukkasjärvi Icehotel takes 21 minutes. Taxis are readily available outside the terminal. The bad news is that it will be expensive – at the time of writing local firm Taxi Kiruna was charging 450 SEK for a one-way trip. From Kiruna Train Station, you can take a taxi or bus 501 to Jukkasjärvi.

For those traveling by car, Jukkasjärvi is well signposted off the E10, around 9.5km east of Kiruna. Connections to E10 is through roads E6 in Norway, E8 in Finland and also E45 and E4 in Sweden. The ICEHOTEL adress is Marknadsvägen 63, 981 91 Jukkasjärvi.

Where to Unpack: Accommodation Options Near the Icehotel

In and around Jukkasjärvi, a variety of lodging choices are available. There are many hotels and cabins in Kiruna and Jukkasjärvi, ranging from inexpensive hostels to high-end hotels. For those on a tight budget, Malmfältens Logi & Konferens - Hostel is a good option, while for those seeking a more opulent stay, Camp Ripan is a fantastic option.

Staying in the Icehotel's ice rooms is a unique experience, but it's not for everyone. The temperature inside the ice rooms remains around -5°C (23°F), and guests sleep in thermal sleeping bags on top of reindeer hides. Many visitors opt to combine a night in the ice hotel with a stay in warm accommodations nearby.

There are other lodging choices in and around Jukkasjärvi for those seeking a more conventional hotel experience. Scandic Kiruna and Best Western Hotel Arctic Eden are two well-liked hotels in Kiruna that provide cozy rooms and contemporary conveniences. These hotels offer a convenient base for exploring the region, with easy access to both Jukkasjärvi and Abisko National Park.

Whether you choose to embrace the chill of the Icehotel or opt for the warmth of a traditional hotel, Jukkasjärvi offers a range of accommodation options to suit every traveler's needs. Plan your Arctic escape and prepare to be mesmerized by the magic of this winter wonderland.