Sweden’s Icehotel: What It’s Like to Sleep in A Room Made of Ice

Welcome to the Icehotel in Jukkasjärvi, Swedish Lapland, where you can sleep in a room made entirely of ice and snow. A stay here isn’t just an overnight accommodation – it’s a bucket-list experience blending art, nature, and adventure in the Arctic. Immerse yourself in the magic of a Swedish winter with activities like chasing the Northern Lights and thrilling husky rides. End your day in the ice room, falling asleep surrounded by the serene beauty of winter.

Also read: Explore the Sweden Solar System on a Cosmic Road Trip 

Making of the Icehotel

The Icehotel is the world’s first and most famous hotel built entirely from ice and snow. Nestled 200 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle, this extraordinary hotel is reconstructed each winter using ice harvested from the nearby Torne River. Every year, artists from all over the globe create stunningly unique suites and art installations, ensuring no two visits are ever the same. When spring comes, the seasonal part of the hotel melts back into the Torne River. Cold rooms in the Icehotel are hence only available in the winter when the Torne River freezes, from December to April. 

For those who can’t make it during the winter, the Icehotel 365 offers a year-round experience. This permanent structure maintains its icy interiors even during the summer months, thanks to cutting-edge sustainable cooling technologies. There are also warm rooms for travellers who prefer to sleep in warmth while admiring the scenic beauty of winter. 

Also read: 10 Types of Tourism You’ve Never Heard Of (But Totally Should)

Different types of rooms at the Icehotel

The Icehotel offers a variety of accommodations to suit every traveller’s taste. 

• Ice Rooms:

  

  Image credits: norrphoto via Canva pro

  These standard cold rooms feature beautifully carved ice furniture and beds made from ice blocks topped with thermal bedding and reindeer hides.

• Art Suites:

  

  Image credits: Icehotel Official Website

  Each individually themed suite is a work of art, designed and carved by artists from around the world. No two Art Suites are the same, making every stay a unique experience.

• Deluxe Suites:

  

  Image credits: Ariadna Martínez | Flickr

  For those seeking luxury in the Arctic, the Deluxe Suites offer more space. The suites also have a private bathroom and warm showers directly connected to the room. 

• Warm Rooms:

  

  Image credits: Icehotel Official Website

  For visitors who prefer a more traditional stay, the warm rooms provide cosy accommodations with standard hotel amenities. 

In the winter, there are 53 Ice rooms, Art Suites and Deluxe Suites. There are seventy warm rooms, 44 hotel rooms and 28 chalets all year round. 

The Experience of Sleeping in an Ice Room

The main draw of the Icehotel is its cold accommodations. Made entirely of ice, the room provides a block of ice topped with reindeer hides and thermal bedding as the bed. Ice carvings adorn the wall, with minimal furnishings in the ice room. The ambient temperature hovers between -5°C and -8°C. 

Guests are provided with lockers to store their belongings in the warm service building before heading to their respective ice rooms. The service building is staffed and open 24 hours a day. The service building is located meters from the Icehotel, where the changing rooms, communal showers and toilets are located. There are no electric sockets to charge your phone inside the ice room, so guests have to charge their mobile devices before going to bed. 

Before bed, guests are briefed on how to stay warm and comfortable. Expedition-style sleeping bags tested for extreme temperatures are provided. Hence, guests can simply wear thermals, warm socks and a mid-layer jumper to sleep. 

Activities at the Icehotel

Apart from the unique accommodations, there are also winter activities to keep visitors occupied during their stay. 

• Northern Lights Tours:

  The Icehotel offers guided evening tours to maximize the chances of catching this breathtaking natural phenomenon.

• Dog Sledding:

  Visitors can experience the thrill of mushing a team of huskies through snowy forests and across frozen landscapes.

• Snowmobiling:

  Visitors can choose to explore the winter landscape on a snowmobile, with guided snowmobile tours available that take them to stunning viewpoints and secluded spots. 

• Ice Sculpting Classes:

  Visitors can learn to carve ice masterpieces under the guidance of expert instructors.

• Traditional Swedish Dining:

  The on-site restaurant serves dishes made from locally sourced ingredients, often presented on ice platters for a touch of thematic flair. 

It is recommended for guests to book just one night in an ice room alongside a few nights in a warm room. This provides ample time for guests to join wilderness excursions and winter activities during the day, with a warm room to return to at night. 

Also read: 5 Beautiful Locations to Visit After Dark: The Rise of Noctourism

The ice hotel offers a one-of-a-kind winter experience. Whether you’re an adventure seeker, a lover of art, or someone looking to create unforgettable memories, staying in an ice hotel is an unforgettable way to experience the magic of winter. So, are you ready to swap your tropical getaways for an icy escape?