ICEHOTEL Jukkasjärvi★★★
The ICEHOTEL in Jukkasjärvi (18 km from Kiruna, about 200 inhabitants) is the most famous ice hotel in the world — and one of the most extraordinary overnight experiences ever. Since 1989, it has been recreated every year in November from ice and snow of the Torneälv (Torne River) and melts away again in spring. Unique every year, ephemeral every year — like a sand mandala made of ice.
The Creation
Work begins in October: 2,500 tons of ice are cut from the frozen Torneälv (ice blocks of crystalline clarity) and 30,000 tons of "snice" (a mixture of snow and ice) are sprayed over steel molds with high pressure, which are then removed. The hotel opens in early December — and each room is a work of art. Melting begins in April, and by May, all the water is back in the river — the cycle begins anew.
What Awaits You?
- Art Suites: Each year, international ice artists from around the world design unique suites — each room a one-of-a-kind. Sculptures, illuminated ice walls, thematic rooms: a giant ice elephant, an underwater world of ice, a northern light of colored light in the ice — the creativity is boundless. Temperature: stable -5°C (outside it can be -30°C — so the hotel is relatively warm!).
- Sleeping: In thermal sleeping bags (tested to -30°C) on reindeer skins. It is surprisingly warm and cozy — instructions for proper bundling are given in the evening. Waking up in an ice sculpture, with your breath as a cloud and the bluish light of the ice, is unforgettable. At 7:30 AM, staff wake you with hot lingonberry juice at the bedside.
- ICEHOTEL 365: Since 2016, there has also been a year-round version — a solar-cooled, permanent ice building with 20 Art Suites and Deluxe Suites, where you can sleep among ice sculptures even in summer at +30°C outside temperature. The combination of midnight sun outside and -5°C inside is surreal.
- ICEBAR by ICEHOTEL: Drinks from ice glasses at a bar counter made of ice. The cocktails (from 195 SEK) are surprisingly good — the "Northern Light" (Vodka, Blue Curaçao, Lime) is the classic. The glasses are freshly cut for each guest.
- Church: The ICEHOTEL church made of ice is officially approved for weddings — several couples marry here each year at -5°C. The ceremony lasts 20 minutes (you can't endure longer in an evening dress).
Prices & Booking
| Room Type | Price/Night (approx.) | Season | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cold Room (Snow & Ice, Basic) | from 2,800 SEK (245 €) | Dec–Apr | Simple ice room, shared bathroom (warm!) |
| Art Suite (Ice Artist Design) | from 5,000 SEK (435 €) | Dec–Apr | Individually designed artwork made of ice. The highlight! |
| ICEHOTEL 365 Deluxe Suite | from 6,500 SEK (565 €) | Year-round | Permanent ice suite with its own bathroom (warm). |
| Warm Accommodation (Chalets/Kaamos) | from 2,200 SEK (190 €) | Year-round | Cozy wooden chalets with heating. Perfect complement to the ice night. |
Activities from ICEHOTEL
- Northern Lights Safari by Snowmobile: 3 hrs, from 1,800 SEK (157 €). Through the snowy wilderness in search of the polar light.
- Dog Sledding: From 1,500 SEK (130 €) for 2 hours. Start directly from the ICEHOTEL grounds.
- Ice Sculpture Workshop: Create your own ice sculpture with chisel and chainsaw (2 hrs, 995 SEK / 87 €).
- Sami Cultural Experiences: Reindeer sled ride, stories by the campfire, traditional food in a Kåta.
💡 Tipp
Book one night in the ice and a second in a warm chalet — this way you experience both. The price often includes breakfast, sauna (to warm up after the ice night!), and a warm drink in the morning. The combination of ICEHOTEL + Northern Lights tour + dog sledding is the ultimate Lapland package. Book at least 3 months in advance — the Art Suites are quickly booked out, especially around Christmas and New Year. The best travel time for the ICEHOTEL: January/February (deepest winter, best northern lights chances, but cold: -20 to -30°C). March: warmer, more daylight, still snow and northern lights — the most relaxed choice.
