If you're tired of the usual summer resorts, why not try an icy hotel experience at least once in your life? The ice hotel in Jukkasjarvi will offer you unforgettable moments when you step foot in Sweden. These ice hotels are built in the freezing winter regions to ensure the snow and ice layers remain intact. Let Mytour take you to explore this 'one-of-a-kind' hotel in the world.
About the ice hotel in Jukkasjarvi
There's nothing more magical than snuggling under a blanket to sleep in sub-zero winter temperatures with a warm fireplace. Moreover, there's a place in the world that offers a 100% real ice bed surrounded by pure white snow. That's the ice hotel in Jukkasjarvi. It sounds unbelievable, but it's absolutely true.
The Ice Hotel in Jukkasjarvi, also known as Ice Hotel, is located in the small village of Jukkasjarvi. It sits between the flowing Torne River and is about 17 km from the town of Kiruna in Sweden. This is considered the world's first ice hotel, opened in 1990. The Ice Hotel is one of Sweden's most unique architectural 'masterpieces'.
The ice hotel in Jukkasjarvi is the world's first ice-built hotel (Image source: Collected)
Every design is intricately carved and detailed by snow and ice. That's why the ice hotel only exists during the cold winter months. In the summer, the entire hotel melts under the harsh sunlight. Then, everything will be reincarnated in a different form when a new winter comes.
The Ice Hotel in Jukkasjarvi has been recognized by the Guinness World Records as the 'World's First and Largest Ice Hotel', even though it is located in a small village in the suburbs of Sweden.
The History of Ice Hotel Formation in Jukkasjarvi
The origin of building ice hotels in Jukkasjarvi stems from the journey of Japanese ice artists to this small village. The Japanese tourists created a beautiful ice and snow art exhibition. Thanks to this unique artwork, Yngve Bergqvist initiated the idea of creating an ice hotel. With the collaboration of Japanese ice artists, this architectural project was implemented shortly thereafter.
To build the Ice Hotel, Yngve Bergqvist's team had to use about 5,000 tons of snow and ice taken from the Torne River. The first guest of the Ice Hotel was a French artist - Jannot Derid.
Architecture of the Ice Hotel in Jukkasjarvi
The unique feature of Ice Hotel is that the entire interior scenery is made of snow from the Torne River. Even the tables, chairs, cups, beds, and wardrobes are designed in a minimalist style using ice. The hotel covers a total area of 6000 m2 and all rooms will undergo design changes every year. Therefore, you won't find any two rooms alike.
The ice-built hotel is the brainchild of Yngve Bergqvist after he watched a performance by ice artists (Image source: Collected)
Engineers, architects, and ice artists regularly meet at annual meetings to come up with construction ideas. From the 1990s to the present, ice hotels in Jukkasjarvi have maintained and developed design ideas before the winter season. As of now, this unique architectural project is over 30 years old in Sweden.
Although the lifespan of Ice Hotel is not long (specifically 4 months), it has attracted a large number of tourists from many countries around the world. Now, ice hotels in Jukkasjarvi have become one of the world's remarkable natural wonders.
What's Inside the Ice Hotel?
It's no wonder that ice hotels in Jukkasjarvi have such strong allure. Built by skilled artists, the ice architecture here is incredibly unique and changes every year. Below are some exciting, unique experiences that you can only find at the world's first ice hotel.
Explore the Ice-Made Room
Ice Hotel has only about 55 bedrooms and a bar counter made of snow to serve drinks to guests. Most of these rooms are designed in the style of igloo rooms from the 1970s, with some other royal bedrooms.
All furniture at Ice Hotel is made entirely of 100% ice (Image source: Collected)
Each room is adorned with sparkling snow crystal chandeliers. To create these exquisite works, many artists have painstakingly and meticulously carved by hand. Additionally, it takes them several long months to complete.
Experience Survival Courses in Northern Europe
Once at Ice Hotel in Jukkasjarvi, guests also have the opportunity to participate in unique courses, including: Nordic-style skiing, survival techniques in the Arctic, how to create a safe shelter, etc. These new skills will provide you with valuable lessons; simultaneously, they will help you overcome difficulties if you find yourself in a dangerous situation.
Marvel at the Stunning Northern Lights Phenomenon
It can be said that Sweden is one of the best places in the world to admire the northern lights. If you visit Ice Hotel in Jukkasjarvi in the autumn or cold winter, you will witness the sky ablaze with mesmerizing lights. Many young couples often choose Ice Hotel as the ideal destination for a sweet honeymoon after their wedding.
The ice hotel is the perfect destination to marvel at the northern lights phenomenon (Image source: Collected)
Indulge in Swedish Cuisine
Behind the stunning Ice Hotel resort lies traditional Swedish cuisine. These dishes are made from local ingredients such as reindeer, elk, etc. These restaurants will warm the cold hearts of distant travelers amidst harsh weather.
How much are room rates at Jukkasjarvi hotel?
Prices vary depending on the time. However, room rates in winter are usually higher than at other times. The room rate per night at Jukkasjarvi hotel ranges from 4 million to 7 million VND for two people. The room rate includes breakfast and some other services. The temperature of the coldest rooms in this hotel drops to minus 5 degrees Celsius. However, the hotel also provides warm rooms with heaters for children and elderly guests.
Room rates at the ice hotel will vary depending on different times (Image source: Collected)
According to some statistics, Ice Hotel in Jukkasjarvi has attracted over 1,000 guests in the last months of the year. Their main purpose is winter vacationing, participating in unique winter activities.
When should you visit an ice hotel?
Previously, Ice Hotel only existed during the cold winter. However, thanks to modern, advanced research methods, this hotel can maintain icy temperatures all year round. Therefore, you can visit the hotel at any time of the year.
Currently, Ice Hotel in Jukkasjarvi has frozen entirely for 365 days with a temperature of 0 degrees Celsius. Therefore, you can choose the suitable time to visit Ice Hotel, whether it's scorching summer or warm autumn.
Not just an architectural masterpiece, Ice Hotel in Jukkasjarvi is also a remarkable sightseeing spot in Swedish tours. For the adventurous souls craving exploration and conquest, Ice Hotel will undoubtedly leave unforgettable memories. If you're enamored with this unique natural wonder, then experience a stay at an ice hotel at least once in your lifetime! Contact Mytour via hotline Mytour to book affordable tours with exciting offers.