Located in the far north of Sweden, Icehotel in Jukkasjärvi is the world’s first and most famous ice hotel. First opened in 1989, the hotel is built anew every year from ice harvested from the nearby Torne River. It has been a pioneer in the concept of ice hotels and is considered the most iconic.
The hotel’s design changes every season, with rooms that range from intricately sculpted art suites to more basic ice rooms. Each year, international artists are invited to create bespoke ice art, meaning no two stays are ever the same. Guests can sleep in ice rooms that feature frozen beds covered in reindeer hides, and the walls are adorned with artistic sculptures made from ice. However, guests can also enjoy more traditional accommodations in the warm section of the hotel.
Why It’s Special: Besides the art installations and unique designs, Icehotel offers a wide array of activities, such as dog sledding, snowmobiling, and northern lights watching. Plus, you can enjoy a drink in the hotel’s famous Icebar, where even the glasses are made of ice.
