What is it like to sleep in minus 5 degrees?
The ice hotel Sweden just 200 km away from the polar circle is indeed a cool experience that I had on my bucket list for quite some time.
This unique spot located in Jukasjärvi with just 500 inhabitants living around the area gets rebuilt completely new every winter season since 25 years, each year allowing different ice artists to design each room individually. As outside temperatures are around minus 25 C every guest is given a full set of special warm clothing including shoes, snow overall, gloves and hats. Once your fully dressed the fun can start. Explore this magical ice castle including two restaurants, an ice bar, warm fire place rooms and their nordic outside activities. Every room is made out of ice coming from local rivers and contains beautiful details and sculptures and is open to visit for everyone during the daytime. The highlight of the stay is of course the night in your ice room. Your belongings will be stored in lockers and you take nothing but the sleeping bags your given into your room. Indeed a super cool experience, perfect for a group of friends, couples or families looking for an unforgettable and unique experience.
How to get there:
Kiruna airport is the closest to Jukasjärvi. Most flights fly via Stockholm. From Kiruna airport it’s a 20 minute drive to the hotel by hotel shuttle.
What not to miss:
The Snowmobile night tour is not only a super fun activity for everyone who likes it fast but also takes you to a point from where you have a chance to see the northern lights.
Go dog sledding during the day and get to know the landscape of nordic Lapland.
Ice sculpting class will teach you everything you need to know to become an ice artist.
Make sure to visit the traditional Sami village and their reindeer farm a ten minute walk away from the Icehotel.
What else to know:
It is recommended to stay one night in the cold and one night in the warm accommodation.
Daylight in this area of Sweden is only between 10am and 2pm.
Opening times for the hotel are December until end March. Make sure to book early in advance as rooms are booked very quickly.
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