(Photo: Stephen Di Donato)
The first ice hotel ever made, Jukkasjärvi IceHotel- located on the Torne River in Sweden- will drag you into an enchanted adventure on ice that truly pleases all your senses. If you already love the brisk weather, then my friend, settle in with your hot cup of lingonberry juice. Being rebuilt every year with fresh snice (ice and snow) from the Torne River, this ice palace takes up to six weeks to recreate with each ice block weighing up to two tons.
(Sculpture: Emilie Steele & Sebastian Dell 'Uva)
Rooms
With temperatures hovering at around -5 degrees Celsius in the cold rooms (50 cold rooms in total), the suites are equipped for you staying warm despite the bed frame being sculpted of ice. Reindeer skins and pillows line each bed for your warmth to snuggle up at night. Included is a free loan of a snowsuit, boots, mittens, balaclava to stay comfortable during your stay. Also, breakfast, sauna entry, guided tour of the IceHotel, and storage for your things are part of the package deal. One night in a cold room and a couple of nights in a warm room is ideal, the hotel advises. The warm rooms (70 in total) come with two or three beds depending on your party and coupled with a private bathroom unlike the regular cold rooms.
While the typical cold rooms are only available for a limited time during the fall through beginning of spring, the 365 art and deluxe suites are open all year round being cooled by solar panels. I guess you can say, that is just too cool. Each is equipped with a private bathroom, ice bar, Wi-Fi, and ice gallery. These suites are each sculpted by various artists coming in from all over the world, all with the spice of their own style. As they say in Sweden, truly magnifik.
(Photo: James Padolsey)
Tours and activities
The name Jukkasjärvi comes from a Sami word that roughly translates as “meeting place by the water”, and every year the people do just that. For the first snowfall, artists gather together in the fall time to create a marvelous art exhibition display of snow, ice, and lights with the tones of the sparkling white and blue catching every glance. Every year they take new applications from artists- even those who have no experience sculpting ice- to try and give it a crack at designing the hotel rooms.
When in town, try dog sledding, skiing, and snowmobiling in winter. In the spring and summer; river rafting and cycling that meanders you through the uninhabited boreal forest. The IceHotel also offers ice sculpting classes, fishing adventures, and expeditions to see the majestic northern lights.
Food
Crack open a cold one in below freezing climate? Why not? The ICEBAR is the most captivating bar you will ever step a toe in. Crafted sculptures lining the walls and bar being completely made of ice- even the glasses- will just make your eyes dance like a ballerina. If you take too many sips, you may just start dancing yourself.
Serving food from the local area, the ICEHOTEL Restaurant invites you with a cocktail bar and dining room to help you escape from the cold to indulge in head chefs, Alexander Meiers decadent eating experience. These menu items are not your everyday recipes. Ever try fillet moose or reindeer? The reindeer comes topped with a jägermeister sauce, almond potato puree, and bright orange pumpkin and carrot. Of course, the menu is subject to change, but never to disappoint.
What time of the year should I come?
Visiting during December through February is by far the coldest months, with extreme temperatures and short hours of daylight. March through May is Arctic spring with long and mostly sunny days. The mild temperatures range between -10 C and 10 C. It all depends on your liking.
For more information head to https://www.icehotel.com/.
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