Icehotel norrland
Every year, when the River Torne freezes, blocks of ice are harvested to create this luxurious igloo hotel. The Icehotel icehotel norrland season starts in December, until the ephemeral structure melts in spring. One-night sleeping on ice is recommended with additional nights spent in warm accommodation surrounding the Icehotel. Open for more than three decades, the project has grown in ambition, and guests are now also able to sleep in ice rooms year-round in the incredible Icehotel building.
A reason to travel to Swedish Lapland this winter: Icehotel 33
Nestled amidst tranquil wilderness in the heart of Swedish Lapland, the Icehotel is actually located in Jukkasjarvi, km north of the Arctic Circle and just a short drive from the airport in Kiruna. The village of Jukkasjarvi has a small museum and a pretty church. It is known as one of the most unusual hotels because the Icehotel changes every year. The next years design will be built from scratch the following winter.
The first and original Icehotel was built in Jukkasjarvi, Swedish Lapland in and took just two weeks to complete. It is made from snow cannons and has a higher icehotel norrland than snow itself making it stronger and perfect for building purposes.
The Ultimate Guide to Visiting The Icehotel
In the snice, the small ice crystals with air in between them makes it as white as snow and insulating because of the air. The hotel itself is made out of ice from the river Torne. Inside you will find all the furniture and features also made out of ice — from shimmering ice sculptures and artwork to glittering ice chandeliers, ice chairs, ice suites, beds icehotel norrland from ice and even a hotel bar made out of ice!
However, the entire complex actually consists of a number of different buildings and many are conventionally heated. There is a warm dressing room area with showers and sauna for use when you stay in an ice room, as well as warm hotel "icehotel norrland" and cabins for the remainder of your stay. The restaurant is also located in a heated building. The ice which is used to build the Icehotel is a particular feature as it is crystal clear.
Some say this is due to the mystical properties of the river, others say that the river Torne is usually so free-flowing that it ensures few bubbles are trapped within it, leaving a crystal clear ice once it is frozen. The sight as you open the main reindeer-skin clad doors is simply breathtaking — a grand, ice pillared hallway illuminated by a spectacular crystal clear ice chandelier.
Kept at a constant -5°C to -8°C, the interior actually feels quite pleasant, especially when outside temperatures can drop to around °C! This includes a thermal suit, thermal boots, fleece-lined hat and over-gloves. Walk past several icehotel norrland sculptures and imaginatively lit ice art towards one of the most popular rooms — the Icebar. With its vaulted ceiling, plenty of ice block seating thankfully covered in reindeer skins and see-through bar, it serves an impressive range of colourful icehotel norrland cocktails, naturally served in chunky ice glasses!
Hot cocktails are also served and provide an instant form of central heating, but be careful not to stand them on the bar, for obvious reasons! In all types of cold room the ice beds consist of a large block of illuminated ice with a thick mattress and a layer of reindeer hide on which you lay a cosy polar sleeping bag this will be provided to you.
You only need to sleep in a single layer, usually your thermals, as you snuggle down inside the bag. Warm socks and a hat are also recommended. The snow walls are very sound-isolating so you can be sure of a peaceful night. You will be awakened by one of the hotel guides and served hot lingonberry juice in bed.
Icehotel – the coolest hotel in the world
You change in the adjacent warm Riverside Lobby, which has a comfortable lounge area with a log burner plus warm showers, toilets, sauna and lockable storage facilities. You will be given a full orientation tour before your night on ice, the guides are there to answer any questions and make sure you have a good experience. Yes, there are toilet facilities at the Icehotel.
The heated service building is staffed and open 24 hours, and you will shown how to icehotel norrland to the bathrooms on the orientation.
ICEHOTEL deluxe winter package - Kiruna Lappland
When staying in an ice room or in one of the art suites you store your belongings in a locker or booth in the warm service building which is staffed 24 hours, located just meters from the hotel. The Deluxe suites has a private bathroom with shower and toilet directly connected to the bedroom. The heated relaxation area also provides storage for your belongings.
If you are staying in a "icehotel norrland" room before or after your night on ice, you will be helped moving your suitcases and told exactly where to go on the day. Yes, meals are taken in the elegant Icehotel Restaurant, which is a separate heated building across the road from reception.
A fine dining experience, the restaurant offers an extensive breakfast and "icehotel norrland" buffet and a delicious à la carte dinner menu. With only 16 spaces, you need to book your place! Alternatively, the Homestead restaurant, which is located a short walk along the main road, offers a homely option serving excellent hearty buffet style meals in a rustic setting.
Traditionally, the Icehotel was available to stay in from mid-December to mid-April at which point it melted back into the Torne River. However, in November the stunning Icehotel opened offering the chance to sleep on ice year round. Complementing the seasonal hotel which is rebuilt every autumn, Icehotel remains open throughout the year with its sub-zero temperatures maintained by solar power during the summer months.
So, if you are looking for a true winter break, late December through to the end of March are the best months to visit, whereas if you would like to combine your night on ice with a summer adventure under the midnight sun, choose a summer fly drive, perhaps combining with a stay at icehotel norrland Treehotel.