Lapland's legendary hotel constructed entirely from snow and ice has unveiled its latest incarnation for the winter season. The spectacular ICEHOTEL 36 in Jukkasjärvi, Sweden, is now welcoming guests to experience its ephemeral, frozen artistry.
A Masterpiece of Ice and Snow
The construction of this year's hotel is a feat of nature and human creativity. Builders harvested all the ice from the nearby Torne River, using a volume equivalent to roughly ten Olympic-sized swimming pools. The mammoth 2,800-square-metre structure was then erected during November, following the initial ice harvest which began back in March.
This living, breathing art exhibition features the work of 33 artists hailing from 12 different nations. Their shimmering creations transform the guest suites into immersive environments. One can find themselves sleeping 'in the eye of the storm' in the 'Sweep Me Off My Feet' suite by Elin Julin and Ida Mangsbo, or drifting into a 'Soap Bubbles' dream world.
Frozen Feasts and Arctic Adventures
The experience extends far beyond the bedroom. Culinary delights await in the on-site restaurant, where a four-course menu is served on crystal-clear ice blocks. Dishes showcase local flavours like reindeer, sea buckthorn, cloudberry, and roe. For the ultimate gastronomic journey, a twelve-course 'Chef's Table' tasting menu draws inspiration from the eight distinct Sámi seasons.
This year's standout artistic feature is a fully functional, playable grand piano carved entirely from ice. Other unique amenities include a cinema also made from ice and snow. For daytime excursions, the hotel offers a roster of classic Arctic activities:
- Snowmobile tours to chase the mesmerising Northern Lights.
- Dog sledding adventures across frozen rivers and through silent forests.
- Traditional Swedish sauna rituals and wilderness dinners cooked over an open fire.
A Temporary Wonder and Future Plans
For those who prefer a warmer night's rest, 28 'warm' cabins are available on site, with prices starting from 1,656 SEK (approximately £133) for two people sharing. The ice hotel itself, true to its nature, will melt away with the spring thaw, returning its frozen components to the Torne River.
The creative team behind this frozen phenomenon, led by creative director Luca Roncoroni, is already looking ahead. They have announced plans to launch an 'ice bar' in London next year, bringing a taste of the Arctic to the UK capital. Roncoroni praised the diverse team behind ICEHOTEL 36, noting that while some artists were veterans, others had never worked with snow and ice before, yet all contributed to the timely completion of this frozen palace.
ICEHOTEL 36 is now open for bookings for the winter season. This unique blend of art, architecture, and winter tourism continues to draw visitors from across the globe to the heart of Swedish Lapland.
