Icehotel in Jukkasjärvi

The Icehotel in Jukkasjärvi is a seasonal hotel and art project in northern Sweden, first created in 1989 and rebuilt each winter from ice. It is located beside the Torne River near the village of Jukkasjärvi.

The site includes sculpted ice and snow suites that function as temporary hotel rooms and display spaces for commissioned ice art, plus an ice chapel and an ice bar. A separate year-round facility branded Icehotel 365 presents permanent art suites and exhibitions while the seasonal hotel is open during the winter months. Guided tours, short visits to the ice rooms, and special events such as weddings are common reasons to visit.

The original Icehotel concept began in 1989 when local hotelier and artists experimented with building suites from river ice; the project has been reconstructed every winter since. Over time it expanded to include a permanent, year-round art hotel and a broader program of commissioned ice artworks and events.

Situated in Jukkasjärvi village in Norrbotten County, the hotel sits on the banks of the Torne River in northern Sweden, within driving distance of Kiruna and serving as a gateway for Arctic activities and northern lights viewing.

• Construction: Rebuilt every winter using ice harvested from the nearby Torne River; the artistic suites and sculptures are new each season.
• Overnight stays: Overnight stays in the seasonal ice rooms require specialist cold-weather sleeping gear and are typically booked in advance during the winter season.

What to See #

• Art suites (seasonal): Seasonal art suites carved from blocks of Torne River ice and snow, recreated each winter by guest and resident artists and open to visitors for guided tours and overnight stays.
• Icehotel 365: A year-round facility that houses permanent art suites and exhibition spaces kept cool by refrigeration, offering an alternative to the winter-only ice hotel.
• Ice Chapel: A small ceremonial building sculpted from ice used for weddings and services during the winter season, typically featuring carved altars and seating.
• Icebar: A bar area constructed from ice and snow where drinks are served in ice glasses; operates as part of the winter complex and as an attraction for short visits.