Icehotel
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Icehotel

4.5
·5k reviews·, Sweden

World's first hotel made of ice and snow, offering unique art suites, sub-zero bar, and Arctic adventures above the Arctic Circle.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Winter Mornings

Fewer crowds, crisp air

CrowdLow
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Icehotel

Icehotel

Best Time

Winter Mornings

Fewer crowds, crisp air

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

World's first hotel made of ice and snow, offering unique art suites, sub-zero bar, and Arctic adventures above the Arctic Circle.

4.5
(5k reviews)

"Staying at the Icehotel was absolutely incredible. Everything was crafted with amazing artistry and attention to detail."

Vertical photo
TIP

Layer Up for Comfort

Pack thermal base layers, wool socks, and warm accessories. You'll be glad you did! :snowflake:

Book Activities Early

Popular tours like Northern Lights and dog sledding sell out fast. Book ahead! :ticket:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Art Suites

Art Suites

ICEHOTEL

Each winter, artists create unique, breathtaking rooms sculpted entirely from ice and snow.

ICEBAR

ICEBAR

ICEHOTEL

Sip cocktails from glasses made of ice in this sub-zero bar with stunning ice sculptures.

Northern Lights

Northern Lights

Jukkasjärvi, Sweden

Witness the magical aurora borealis dance across the Arctic sky during clear winter nights.

ICEHOTEL 365

ICEHOTEL 365

ICEHOTEL

Experience a portion of the ICEHOTEL year-round, thanks to innovative solar-powered cooling.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Cold: What to Pack

Prepare for sub-zero temperatures by packing thermal base layers, wool socks, and a warm hat and gloves. While sleeping bags are provided, extra warm clothing is essential for comfort outside your ice room. Consider bringing a portable charger as batteries drain faster in the cold.

Booking & Timing Your Visit

Book your stay and popular activities like Northern Lights tours well in advance, especially during peak season. ICEHOTEL 365 offers year-round stays, but the iconic ice rooms are only available in winter. Check the exact opening dates for the seasonal ice hotel.

Best Times

When
Winter Mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, crisp air
Crowd
Low
When
Winter Evenings
Why
Northern Lights potential
Crowd
Medium
When
Summer (ICEHOTEL 365)
Why
Year-round experience
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Coolest hotel ever. Report from an ice hotel, which turns out to be less boring than I expected.

Layer Up for Comfort

Pack thermal base layers, wool socks, and warm accessories. You'll be glad you did! :snowflake:

Book Activities Early

Popular tours like Northern Lights and dog sledding sell out fast. Book ahead! :ticket:

reddit.com

I stayed at ICEHOTEL in Jukkasjärvi, Sweden

reddit.com

Ice Hotel Sweden

Embrace the Ice Room

It's a unique experience! Use the provided sleeping bag and warm room access. :zzz:

Explore All Rooms

The hotel is open to the public until 6 PM to view all the art suites. :camerawithflash:

reddit.com

[Kiruna] A couple of questions for our upcoming trip!

Tips

from all over the internet

Layer Up for Comfort

Pack thermal base layers, wool socks, and warm accessories. You'll be glad you did! :snowflake:

Book Activities Early

Popular tours like Northern Lights and dog sledding sell out fast. Book ahead! :ticket:

Embrace the Ice Room

It's a unique experience! Use the provided sleeping bag and warm room access. :zzz:

Explore All Rooms

The hotel is open to the public until 6 PM to view all the art suites. :camerawithflash:

Stay Warm at the Bar

Enjoy a drink at the ICEBAR, but don't linger too long if you're sensitive to cold! :cocktail_glass:

What Travellers Say

4.5
(5k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Guests consistently rave about the ICEHOTEL's breathtaking artistry and unique, once-in-a-lifetime experience. The ice suites and ICEBAR are highlights, though some find sleeping in sub-zero temperatures challenging. The staff are praised for their friendliness and helpfulness, and activities like Northern Lights tours are highly recommended.

"Discover the extraordinary ICEHOTEL in Jukkasjärvi, Sweden, the world’s first accommodation made entirely of ice and snow. Situated above the Arctic Circle, it offers breathtaking ice suites, creative sculptures, and the magical view of the Northern Lights. Rebuilt each winter using ice from the Torne River, it also features ICEHOTEL 365, which stays open all year using solar-powered cooling. Guests can enjoy Arctic adventures like dog sledding, ice sculpting, and fine dining on ice. Blending innovation, nature, and art, the ICEHOTEL promises an unforgettable experience in the stunning wilderness of Swedish Lapland."

Sujay Chakraborty

"A Magical and Unforgettable Experience
Staying at the Icehotel was absolutely incredible. Everything — from the ice sculptures to the design of the rooms — was crafted with amazing artistry and attention to detail. Sleeping in a room made entirely of ice was such a unique experience, and the thermal sleeping bags kept us perfectly warm all night.

The staff were so friendly and helpful, always making sure we were comfortable and well-informed. We also loved the activities, especially the Northern Lights tour and the husky sled ride.

It’s truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience and a place everyone should visit at least once. Highly recommended!"

Orbix Seeky

"We arrived in the morning and the staff was wonderful through the check-in process and throughout our stay. We stayed in the ice hotel for night 1 in a deluxe suite with a warm room. If you’re able, I highly recommend this if you are staying a night in a cold room. On entry into the ice hotel, our jaws hit the floor. The ice sculptures are stunning. The ice hotel is open to the public until 6:00PM so you are able to view every room, which each have a unique theme created by artists from around the world. The rooms must be seen to be believed. The pictures do not do them justice. After taking in the fact that this was our home for the night, we went to the ice bar to enjoy a drink. The cocktail menu is excellent and there’s a drink for all tastes. The highlight of the ice bar are the bartenders though. They were all so friendly and happy to engage in conversation for as long as they were able. As far as the night’s sleep, it was an experience. I was happy to do it once. You are sleeping on a surprisingly comfortable bed of ice in a sub-zero sleeping bag. This was somehow the hottest night’s sleep of my life in the coldest environment of my life. I’m glad I did it and glad I’m not doing it again. Night 2, we stayed in a warm room which is a quaint but comfortable cabin. We enjoyed that night’s sleep very much.
Breakfast is included at the restaurant across the street and was a standard buffet that was comparable to most other Swedish hotels I’ve stayed in. We booked the “Ice Dinner” for night 1, which features food served on blocks of ice from the river. Each course was quite tasty. I’d rate the meal a 4 out of 5. For night 2, we booked the Northern Lights dinner. This was a fantastic experience. It was essentially a personal chef that also guided you through seeing the Northern Lights, which we did. The meals prepared by the chef were phenomenal. I won’t ruin the surprise, but this experience is well worth the money. Highly recommended.
Overall we had a fantastic two nights at the ICEHOTEL 365 and would recommend it to anyone."

Jason Troesch

What People Like

Stunning ice art
Unique sleeping experience
Friendly staff

What People Dislike

Cold sleeping conditions
High prices

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The most common way to reach the Icehotel from Kiruna is by bus or taxi. The Icehotel offers a shuttle service to Kiruna Airport, but it primarily runs based on flight schedules. For more direct transport, consider pre-booking a taxi or checking local bus routes from Kiruna town to Jukkasjärvi. Reddit

Yes, you can travel from Abisko to the Icehotel. Take the train from Abisko to Kiruna, and then arrange onward transport from Kiruna to Jukkasjärvi via bus or taxi. Reddit

The most efficient way is to fly from Stockholm to Kiruna (KRN). From Kiruna Airport, you can take the Icehotel's shuttle service or a taxi directly to Jukkasjärvi. Alternatively, you can take an overnight train from Stockholm to Kiruna, which is a scenic but longer option.

Yes, there is parking available at the Icehotel for guests who are arriving by car. It's convenient for those who prefer to drive themselves.

The Icehotel is located in Jukkasjärvi, which is about a 15-20 minute drive (approximately 15 km or 9 miles) from Kiruna town. This makes it easily accessible from the nearest major town and airport.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

If you are staying overnight, your accommodation includes access to the art suites. However, if you are visiting during the day to see the art suites and ICEBAR, you will need to purchase a day ticket. It's advisable to book these in advance, especially during peak season. Reddit

The Icehotel is open to visitors for day tours from approximately 10 AM to 6 PM daily. The seasonal ice rooms are typically available from December to April, while ICEHOTEL 365 is open year-round. Always check the official website for the most current hours.

Prices vary significantly depending on the type of room (ice room vs. warm room), the season, and whether you book a package. Expect ice rooms to be more expensive than warm rooms. It's best to check the official ICEHOTEL website for current pricing and deals. Reddit

Yes, you can visit the ICEBAR without staying overnight. There is usually an entrance fee, and you'll be provided with a thermal suit to wear inside. Drinks are purchased separately.

Discounts are sometimes available for longer stays, package deals, or during the shoulder seasons. Keep an eye on the ICEHOTEL website for any special offers or ice hotel deals. Reddit

🎫 ❄️ Onsite Experience

Sleeping in an ice room is a unique experience. You'll sleep on a bed made of ice, covered with reindeer skins and a thermal sleeping bag. While surprisingly warm, some guests find it a bit challenging. Warm rooms are available as a comfortable alternative or for a second night. Reddit

Activities include Northern Lights tours, dog sledding, snowmobiling, ice sculpting classes, cross-country skiing, and visiting the sauna. ICEHOTEL 365 also offers year-round activities. Reddit

Yes, the Icehotel can be a magical experience for families. While sleeping in an ice room might be intense for very young children, there are warm rooms available, and many activities are family-friendly. The art and unique environment are captivating for all ages.

For the ice rooms and ICEBAR, wear your warmest layers. The hotel provides thermal sleeping bags for the ice rooms. For the ICEBAR, you might be offered a thermal suit, but wearing your own warm clothing is recommended. Reddit

While the Icehotel is in a prime location for Northern Lights viewing, sightings are never guaranteed. The best chances are during clear, dark nights from late autumn to early spring. Guided Northern Lights tours increase your chances of spotting them. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The Icehotel offers several dining experiences. The main restaurant serves Arctic-inspired cuisine. There's also the unique 'Ice Dinner' where food is served on blocks of ice, and special Northern Lights dinners. Breakfast is typically included for hotel guests. Reddit

Drinks at the ICEBAR are generally priced similarly to other specialty bars, but the unique experience of drinking from ice glasses adds to the cost. Expect to pay a premium for the novelty. Reddit

Yes, the restaurants at the Icehotel are usually able to accommodate dietary restrictions, including vegetarian and vegan options. It's recommended to inform them of your needs when booking or upon arrival.

Yes, breakfast is typically included for guests staying in both the ice rooms and the warm rooms. This usually consists of a buffet with a good selection of hot and cold items.

The 'Ice Dinner' is a unique dining experience where courses are served on plates made of ice, often sourced from the Torne River. It's a memorable way to enjoy local flavors in a truly Arctic setting. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Everywhere! The art suites, the ICEBAR, the exterior architecture, and the surrounding snowy landscapes are all incredibly photogenic. Don't miss capturing the Northern Lights if you're lucky enough to see them. Instagram

In the low light of the ice rooms, use a wider aperture (lower f-number) and a higher ISO if needed, but be mindful of noise. A tripod is highly recommended for sharper images, especially for capturing the intricate ice sculptures. TikTok

For Northern Lights photography, use a wide-angle lens, a tripod, and manual settings. Set your camera to a long exposure (15-30 seconds), a wide aperture (f/2.8 or lower), and an ISO of 800-3200. Experiment to find the best settings for the conditions. TikTok

While generally encouraged, be respectful of other guests' privacy, especially in shared areas. Some artists may have specific requests regarding the photography of their work within the art suites. Always ask if unsure.

A good camera with manual controls, a wide-angle lens, a sturdy tripod, and extra batteries are essential. Consider a remote shutter release to avoid camera shake. A headlamp with a red light is useful for setting up shots in the dark without disturbing others.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The ICEHOTEL offers a unique adventure for families, though it requires some planning. While sleeping in a sub-zero ice room might be too intense for very young children, the hotel offers warm rooms that are comfortable and cozy. The art suites themselves are a huge hit with kids, sparking imagination with their fantastical ice sculptures. Reddit

Activities like dog sledding, snowmobiling, and ice sculpting workshops are fantastic for keeping children entertained and engaged. The ICEBAR is also a fun spot, with its impressive ice slide providing extra amusement. Ensure children are dressed in multiple warm layers to stay comfortable during outdoor excursions and visits to the colder parts of the hotel. TikTok

💰 Budget Travelers

While the ICEHOTEL is a luxury experience, there are ways to make it more budget-friendly. Consider visiting during the shoulder seasons (early winter or late spring) when prices might be lower. Opting for a warm room instead of an ice suite significantly reduces the cost while still allowing you to experience the hotel's unique atmosphere and dine at its restaurants. Reddit

Focus on the day visit option if an overnight stay is out of budget. This allows you to see the art suites, the ICEBAR, and the surrounding area without the accommodation cost. Pack your own snacks and drinks for daytime excursions to save on food expenses, and look for package deals that might bundle activities or meals.

💖 Couples & Romantic Getaways

The ICEHOTEL provides an incredibly unique and romantic setting for couples. Imagine waking up in a beautifully sculpted ice suite, surrounded by shimmering art, and then enjoying a candlelit dinner or a drink at the ICEBAR. The magical ambiance, especially under the potential glow of the Northern Lights, creates unforgettable memories. Instagram

Consider booking a deluxe ice suite for an extra special experience, or combine a night in an ice room with a night in a cozy warm room for a balance of adventure and comfort. Activities like private Northern Lights tours or a romantic husky sled ride for two can add an extra layer of intimacy to your getaway. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Art of Ice: Sculptures and Suites

The ICEHOTEL is renowned for its artistic integrity, with each winter season bringing a fresh wave of creativity. International artists are invited to design and sculpt the unique art suites and public spaces entirely from ice and snow harvested from the Torne River. These aren't just rooms; they are temporary masterpieces, each with a distinct theme and intricate details that change annually. Visitors can explore these ephemeral galleries during the day, marveling at the craftsmanship and imagination on display. TikTok

The ephemeral nature of these creations is part of their magic. Once the spring thaw arrives, the ice melts back into the river, and the process begins anew. This commitment to art ensures that every visit to the ICEHOTEL offers a novel experience. The ICEBAR, also sculpted from ice, is another highlight, where guests can enjoy drinks served in glasses made from frozen water, surrounded by shimmering ice sculptures. Instagram

Beyond the art, the ICEHOTEL 365 offers a permanent, year-round experience. This section utilizes solar power to maintain sub-zero temperatures, allowing guests to sleep in ice rooms and enjoy the ICEBAR even during the summer months. It's a testament to innovative design and a way to experience the magic of ice accommodation regardless of the season.

Chasing the Aurora Borealis

The ICEHOTEL's location in Jukkasjärvi, Swedish Lapland, places it within the Aurora Oval, a prime region for witnessing the Northern Lights. While sightings are never guaranteed, the long, dark winter nights from September to March offer the best opportunities. The remote location, far from light pollution, significantly enhances the chances of seeing this spectacular natural phenomenon. Reddit

To maximize your chances, consider booking a guided Northern Lights tour. These tours often take you away from the hotel to darker locations and are led by guides knowledgeable about aurora forecasting and the best viewing spots. Some tours even combine the experience with dinner or other Arctic activities, making for a truly memorable evening. TikTok

Even if you don't venture out on a tour, keep an eye on the sky from the hotel grounds. Clear nights are crucial, so checking the weather forecast is advisable. The sheer wonder of the aurora dancing above the snow-covered landscape is an experience that complements the magic of the ICEHOTEL perfectly. Instagram

Arctic Adventures Beyond the Ice

A stay at the ICEHOTEL is more than just sleeping in a frozen wonderland; it's an gateway to thrilling Arctic adventures. Dog sledding through snow-laden forests is a quintessential Lapland experience, offering a silent, exhilarating journey powered by a team of enthusiastic huskies. Snowmobiling provides a faster-paced way to explore the vast, frozen wilderness, allowing you to cover more ground and discover remote landscapes. Reddit

For those seeking a more serene connection with nature, cross-country skiing or snowshoeing offers a peaceful way to immerse yourself in the Arctic environment. Many tours are available for all skill levels, providing equipment and guidance. The chance to experience the tranquility of the snow-covered wilderness is a significant draw for visitors. TikTok

Other popular activities include ice sculpting classes, where you can try your hand at creating your own frozen art, and sauna experiences, often followed by a bracing dip in the Torne River or a snow bath. These activities provide a deeper understanding and appreciation of the Arctic lifestyle and the unique environment surrounding the ICEHOTEL. Instagram

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