Inside Sweden’s Stunning Icehotel, The World’s First Frozen Resort

The iconic Icehotel in Swedish Lapland has opened for the winter season with a dazzling array of new artworks adorning its rooms. The world’s first and largest accommodation made entirely of ice, which welcomes thousands of visitors from around the world annually, is celebrating its 35th anniversary this year.

Building the complex has taken six weeks, using 500 tons of ice from the Torne River and 10 Olympic-sized swimming pools of ‘snis’—a mixture of snow and ice. The creation process started in the spring when ice blocks were harvested and then stored at Icehotel’s ice production hall. In recent weeks, a dedicated team of builders, artists and lighting designers has worked round the clock to complete the complex.

The hotel is now open for guests to experience the unique sensation of sleeping surrounded by world-class ice and snow art. The works have been created by 26 artists from 13 countries under the guidance of creative director Luca Roncoroni.

What is the famous Icehotel in Sweden?

Icehotel is a complex rebuilt each winter combining accommodation and artworks which melt back into the Torne River when spring arrives. This year, visitors stay in a suite featuring a giant rhinoceros, take refuge in the immersive art ‘hideaway’ or sleep amongst Sami craftsmanship in the suite ‘Áhku Fáhcat’, which means grandmother’s mittens in Sami. There are also rooms featuring a kiln, a cozy bird’s nest and South Korean-inspired craftsmanship.

In addition to the 12 art suites, there are also 20 ice rooms, a Ceremony Hall filled with icy floral splendor for weddings and events and the iconic Main Hall measuring almost 30 meters long with chandeliers created from 220 handcrafted ice crystals.

New for this winter season, Icehotel has partnered with Vidde Mobility to offer the world’s first electric, circular snowmobiles so that guests can be more attuned to nature while on board. Other activities on offer include ice sculpting, dog sledging, the Jukkasjärvi sauna ritual and wilderness dining.

When it comes to food, guests can look forward to local delicacies and dining experiences inspired by the Arctic surroundings, such as a four-course ice menu with some courses served on ice, and a 12-course Chef’s Table menu at the Veranda.

How To Experience Icehotel Year-Round

Icehotel 365 is part of the complex which is open year-round. Here, there are an additional 18 art and deluxe suites, an ice gallery and the newly created Icebar In Orbit, which takes guests on a space journey. Here, guests can sip on a drink beside a life-sized ice and snow astronaut, or make a quick exit via a slide carved from ice and snow.

How To Book Your Stay At Icehotel

Tour company Discover the World offers a wide range of Icehotel trips combining stays with Abisko National Park, as well as a city stopover in Stockholm. Prices start from £625 ($794) for a 3-night break based on two sharing on a B&B basis including one night ‘sleeping on ice’ and two nights in warm accommodation.