Icehotel sweden ice

The Icehotel in Jukkasjärvi, Sweden, is the world's first and largest ice hotel, rebuilt each year since 1989 using ice blocks from the Torne River.

About this subject

The Icehotel is located in Jukkasjärvi, 200 km above the Arctic Circle in Sweden. Founded in 1989 by entrepreneur Yngve Bergqvist, it began as a simple ice gallery and evolved into a themed hotel attracting visitors worldwide. The structure is built entirely from ice and snow blocks taken from the Torne River, known for its purity and crystalline texture. About 30,000 tons of ice and snow are used each season, and the hotel covers approximately 5,500 square meters.

Construction takes place between November and December when temperatures drop below freezing, and the hotel remains open from December to April. It melts naturally in spring, returning to the river. The Icehotel is not just accommodation; it includes an ice bar, a chapel where weddings are held, and themed suites decorated by artists from around the world. Indoor temperatures range between -5°C and -8°C, and guests sleep in special sleeping bags lined with reindeer fur.

Culturally, the Icehotel represents a fusion of ephemeral art and sustainable tourism. Each year, international artists are invited to sculpt the suites, creating unique works that are never replicated. Ice architecture also inspires innovations in design and engineering, with techniques to maintain structural stability. The hotel has gained notoriety as a luxury and adventure destination, frequently listed among the world's most extraordinary hotels.

Trivia: The Icehotel has served as a set for films like "The Adventures" and was recognized as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2016. The village of Jukkasjärvi has only about 500 inhabitants but receives over 50,000 visitors per year during the winter season. In addition to the main hotel, there is also a permanent version called Icehotel 365, which operates year-round thanks to solar-powered refrigeration systems.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Icehotel completely melt every spring?

Yes, the original Icehotel melts naturally in spring, and its water returns to the Torne River. Since 2016, a permanent version, Icehotel 365, operates year-round with solar-powered refrigeration.

What is the temperature inside the Icehotel at night?

The indoor temperature ranges between -5°C and -8°C. Guests sleep in special sleeping bags lined with reindeer fur on ice beds covered with mattresses.

How are artists selected to decorate the ice suites?

The Icehotel holds an annual competition for artists worldwide. Submissions are reviewed by a jury, and selected artists are challenged to create sculptures and installations within ice blocks.