A Work of Art: ICEHOTEL 36 in Sweden’s Jukkasjärvi

(eap) For 36 years, the ICEHOTEL 365 in Jukkasjärvi, Swedish Lapland, located around 200 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle, has attracted enthusiasts from all over the world who wish to experience the unique sensation of spending the night in a room made of ice and snow at an indoor temperature of minus five degrees Celsius. Since its opening, the hotel has welcomed more than one million visitors. According to its own information, the world’s first and largest ice hotel – apart from a section that is indeed open year-round – is rebuilt every year from the snow and ice of the Torne River and continuously expanded with new offerings and activities.

© ICEHOTEL 36 / Asaf Kliger After preparatory work for the hotel was resumed in March of this year, construction of the 2,800-square-metre structure began in November. Under the direction of Creative Director Luca Roncoroni, a team comprising a total of 89 builders, artists and lighting designers came together on this occasion to jointly realize the overall work of art made of ice and snow. The newly created section of the ice hotel was inaugurated in mid-December under the name Icehotel 36. Designed by 33 artists from twelve countries, including Germany, 20 new ice rooms and additional artworks have been created for this winter season. Among the new highlights is a fully playable grand piano made of ice. In the year-round hotel section, the offer includes 18 art and deluxe suites, an Ice Gallery and the ice bar “In Orbit”.

© ICEHOTEL 36 / Asaf Kliger “At ICEHOTEL, the guests truly become part of nature. Sleeping among art made of ice and snow, feeling the cold and the deep silence, or standing on the frozen Torne River watching the stars and the Northern Lights — something happens inside you. These are the moments we hope our guests bring home with them: quiet, beautiful, unforgettable,” says Marie Herrey, CEO of ICEHOTEL.

In order to further expand its concept and make the frosty experiences accessible worldwide, the operator recently introduced its “Icebar” concept to the Danish capital. Following the opening of ICEBAR BY ICEHOTEL Copenhagen, a similar ice bar is also scheduled to open in the heart of London in the near future. ■