Icehotel needs little introduction. Set beside the Torne river in the village of Jukkasjärvi, about fifteen kilometres from Kiruna, it began in the late 1980s as a single igloo-like structure and has grown into a world-famous winter building that is melted and rebuilt every year. Each season, artists from around the world carve ice suites, each with its own design, and the main hall, bar and corridors are sculpted from river ice and snow. Guests who book an ice suite sleep on beds made of ice, covered in reindeer hides and rated sleeping bags, in a room that stays below freezing. Warm rooms and cabins are also part of the offering, so you can enjoy the ice art by day and return to a heated room if you prefer. A year-round ice space keeps some of the magic available outside the winter build.
Location and getting around
Jukkasjärvi is a small village with a wooden church, a few restaurants and activity providers, and it is a base for dog sledding, snowmobiling and aurora trips. Kiruna town is about twenty minutes away by road, and airport transfers are commonly arranged in advance. Many activities collect guests from the hotel, so ask when you book.
Rooms and facilities
The range of rooms varies, from ice suites to warm rooms and cabins, so check the options and their facilities on your dates. An ice stay typically comes with an introduction to sleeping in the cold, and a heated room is available for the rest of the stay. Food and drink venues, including the ice bar, are a feature, but confirm opening times and menus before you arrive.
Who it suits
First-time visitors who want the signature experience, couples and anyone celebrating a special occasion. It is a premium choice, and the novelty is part of the draw. A night in the ice is not for everyone, so many guests combine one cold night with warm nights elsewhere in the property.
Tips
Book early for winter, since demand is high. Dress warmly for walks between buildings, and bring a power bank. Check the current facilities, meals and activities when you book, since offerings change from season to season.
Seasons and what to expect
The ice building is at its best from midwinter into early spring, and the surrounding landscape is white, quiet and strikingly blue at dusk. Between seasons, the year-round ice space and the village keep the stay interesting, and the nearby river is a place for walks, fishing and, in summer, rafting.
Midsummer brings near-constant light, which makes for long evenings outdoors. Whichever season you choose, think about what you want from the stay: a night on ice is a story to tell, while a warm room is a place to rest between activities.
Nearby
Dog sledding, snowmobile tours, reindeer visits and aurora chases are all available around Jukkasjärvi, and many of them collect guests from the hotel. The village church is a short stroll away, and Kiruna is a quick drive for the mine tour and the town sights. Dinner in the village is a good way to end the day, and you can return to your room without a long drive on dark roads.
Why stay here
- ✓Ice suites and warm rooms to compare
- ✓Ice Bar and village setting
- ✓Year-round ice space
- ✓Activity pickups to ask about
- ✓Dining options to confirm
- ✓Riverside village location
- ✓Winter and aurora season stay
- ✓Front desk help with tours
Good questions
Where is Icehotel?+
In Jukkasjärvi, about fifteen kilometres east of Kiruna, a short drive from town.
Do I have to sleep on ice?+
No. Warm rooms and cabins are also available, and many guests combine one ice night with warm nights.
When is the ice building open?+
The main ice building stands in the cold months, roughly December to April, with a year-round ice space at other times.