Embarking on a winter road trip through Swedish Lapland, my travel companion and I had our hearts set on a special experience—staying at the renowned Ice Hotel in Jukkasjärvi. This unique hotel, famed for its breathtaking ice sculptures and rooms carved entirely out of ice, promised an unforgettable stay. Curious about the cost of a stay at this iconic ice structure? The price of accommodation varies, influenced by factors such as room type and the time of year you choose to visit. Typically, prices start at around 500 euro per night, offering a glimpse into the ethereal beauty of Swedish Lapland.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve into everything you need to know about your stay at the Ice Hotel in Sweden. From the diverse range of rooms available to tips for maximizing your adventure, we've got you covered. Whether you're an intrepid explorer seeking thrills or simply craving a serene escape, the Ice Hotel beckons with an experience that promises to linger in your memory for years to come. Get ready to embark on a journey like no other as we unravel the mysteries of the Ice Hotel.

Getting to the Ice Hotel in Jukkasjärvi

Nestled in the small town of Jukkasjärvi, about a 15-20 minute drive from Kiruna, the Ice Hotel's location is a testament to its exclusivity and connection to the pristine natural environment of Swedish Lapland. Our journey began a couple of days earlier during our road trip adventure from Stockholm to Northern Sweden.

Fly to Kiruna Airport

If you don't drive there is an option to take a flight from Stockholm to Kiruna, followed by a short taxi ride to the hotel. Consider the option for a dog sled transfer (90 min), instead of the taxi for convenience, as a tempting and adventurous alternative.

Take the Train to Kiruna

Embarking on a train journey to Kiruna offers a scenic and serene way to delve into the heart of Swedish Lapland. As a pivotal rail hub in the north, Kiruna is well-connected, making it accessible from various major locations within Sweden and even from Norway. For those starting from Stockholm, the overnight train unfolds as an adventure, transporting you through Sweden's vast landscapes as you sleep, arriving in Kiruna refreshed and ready to explore. Alternatively, a shorter, 4-hour journey from Luleå presents another convenient route, showcasing the unique beauty of the northern countryside.

Crossing borders, travelers can hop on a VY train from Narvik in Norway, making the journey to Kiruna a cross-cultural experience, blending the best of Norwegian and Swedish landscapes.

For the best deals and a seamless travel experience, it's advisable to check with SJ, Sweden's primary train operator. Though each province might have its own public transport services, SJ's comprehensive network and user-friendly website provide all the necessary information for planning your trip to Kiruna, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable journey to this northern wonderland.

Bus from Kiruna Airport to the Ice Hotel

Ice Hotel also offers transfers via shuttle bus from the airport, you need to make a reservation for that at least 3 days in advance. Cheapest option from the airport is via Kiruna Central station or Kiruna bus station where you can take a bus (number 501); which takes around 30 minutes.

Ice+Hotel+Jukkasjärvi+Northern+Sweden+Lapland+Unique+Hotel+Road+Trip

Spending the Night at the Ice Hotel in Jukkasjärvi

Upon arrival, the Ice Hotel's majestic structures, sculpted with artistry and precision, left us in awe. Opting for the full icy experience, we booked one of the art suites, a choice that promised a night like no other. Wrapped in thermal sleeping bags provided by the hotel, we slept amidst ice art, in a room that was a masterpiece itself. The suites is provided randomly by the staff so be sure to request a special room upon booking if you have set your eyes on something special. We actually asked to have a room-change which was possible at this time. The ice room experience was surprisingly cozy, and the silent, frozen night enveloped us in a peaceful slumber.

The Ice Hotel 356 or the Ice Hotel Winter

The hotel, split into two sections—the Ice Hotel 365 and the seasonal Ice Hotel Winter—houses rooms, art suites, and deluxe suites, each crafted by artists from around the globe. Exploring these spaces, we marveled at the creativity and intricacy of the ice sculptures, which ranged from abstract designs to lifelike figures.

Standard Ice Room, Art Suite or Deluxe Suite

Beyond the standard Ice Rooms, the Ice Hotel offers the opportunity to elevate your stay with a choice of 18 Art or Deluxe Suites.

Opting for an Art Suite immerses you in a similar setting to the Ice Rooms, with the addition of unique artistic designs and themes, enhancing the magic of your icy retreat. These suites still share the amenities of the standard Ice Rooms, including access to shared bathrooms, showers, and a sauna located in the main reception hall. Guests are provided with sleeping bags suited for the chilly night temperatures and lockers for storing personal belongings.

For those seeking a touch of luxury within the ice, the Deluxe Suites offer an upgraded experience with the inclusion of private, heated bathroom facilities. There are three types of Deluxe Suites to choose from, each offering different levels of comfort: the Johka, featuring a private, separate heated shower and toilet room; the Hilla, which adds a sauna to the shower and toilet; and the Jauvre, the pinnacle of luxury with a shower, bath tub, toilet, and sauna. These suites provide an unparalleled blend of ice hotel enchantment and the cozy warmth of modern amenities.

Ice Hotel Activities

Days here can be filled with winter activities offered by the hotel, including exhilarating dog sledding excursions or a snowmobile adventure through the frozen landscapes. Another highlight, however, might be witnessing the ethereal beauty of the Northern Lights, a spectacle that dances just above the icy horizon, if you are lucky.

Ice+Hotel+Jukkasjärvi+Northern+Sweden+Lapland+Unique+Hotel+Road+Trip+Ice+Suite

Food and Drinks at the Ice Hotel

Dining at the Ice Hotel offer different options, from the rustic charm of The Old Homestead where we had our dinner, to the innovative cuisine at the Ice Hotel Restaurant. We loved the atmosphere at The Old Homestead and the staff was great. We had our eyes set on the Ice menu at the Icehotel Restaurant which offers an extraordinary culinary experience, but unfortunately you had to book this in advance. What sets this dining experience apart is the bespoke Ice menu, where select dishes are presented on stunning plates made of ice from the Torne River. This innovative touch not only adds to the aesthetic beauty of your meal but also enhances the overall dining experience, making it truly one-of-a-kind.

Yet, nothing compared to sipping champagne from glasses made of ice at the Icebar. This cool experience was truly something extra and the only downside was its closing time at 18.00.

Ice+Hotel+Jukkasjärvi+Northern+Sweden+Lapland+Unique+Hotel+Champagne+Ice+Glass+Road+Trip

What to Wear at the Ice Hotel

You have the option to select either cold or warm accommodations. The cold rooms, crafted entirely from ice, lack both bathrooms and electricity. Guests choosing this frosty experience are provided with a sleeping bag designed for extreme conditions, ensuring warmth throughout the night. Inside these icy chambers, temperatures hover between -5°C and -7°C.

Dressing appropriately was key to enjoying our ice hotel experience. Thermal underwear, wool socks, waterproof boots, and layers were essential, ensuring we stayed comfortably warm both inside and outside the hotel.

Ice+Hotel+Jukkasjärvi+Unique+Hotel+Bucketlist+Cordova+Aspen+Ski+Suit+Moon+Boot+Sweden+Nortern+Sweden+Lapland+Kiruna

Visit the Ice Hotel For a Day

Exploring the Ice Hotel in Jukkasjärvi for a day offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in its wintry magic without the commitment of an overnight stay. This day pass option is not only budget-friendly but also packed with experiences that capture the essence of this icy wonderland.

Ice Hotel Availability and Pricing

The Ice Hotel welcomes day visitors from December 12 to April 15, between the hours of 10 am and 6 pm. This allows ample time to wander through the stunning corridors, admire the intricate ice sculptures, and marvel at the artistry of the rooms, each carved with meticulous detail by artists from around the globe.

Adults are invited to experience this icy hotel for SEK 349.
Students and Seniors enjoy a discounted rate of SEK 249, making it accessible for everyone.
Children aged 7 to 15 can explore for SEK 125, while those 6 and under enter for free when accompanied by an adult, encouraging families to experience the magic together.

Note on Our Ice Hotel Experience

One aspect of our stay at the Ice Hotel in Jukkasjärvi that took us by surprise was the room availability and how the hotel operates much like a living museum during the day. It's an interesting detail that we hadn't fully anticipated: the ice rooms are open to all visitors, both overnight guests and day-trippers, for exploration until 6 pm. This means that the uniquely sculpted rooms, each a piece of art in its own right, are accessible for everyone to admire up close, allowing the hotel to share its breathtaking artistry with a wider audience.

However, this also means that if you're staying overnight, your room won't be exclusively yours until after 6 pm. Before then, your belongings are stored in a locker, typically located in the bathroom area. This system ensures the safety and security of your items while you explore, but it's a good reminder to pack light and perhaps keep your most needed items in a small bag with you.

While the opportunity to see all the ice art up close is genuinely fascinating, offering a rare glimpse into a world of ephemeral beauty crafted from ice and snow, it's worth noting that there isn't a plethora of activities to engage in around the hotel area before check-in. This downtime, however, can be a perfect moment to reflect, relax, and immerse yourself in the serene, snowy landscape of Swedish Lapland, perhaps envisioning the cold night ahead.

Creating the Ice Hotel

Originating in 1989 as a modest igloo-like structure in the quaint village of Jukkasjärvi, Sweden, the Ice Hotel has since blossomed into a global phenomenon, captivating visitors from around the globe with its mesmerizing ice architecture and unparalleled ambiance.

Each year, the construction of the Ice Hotel is a monumental feat that begins in November with the harvesting of ice blocks from the Torne River. Stored in a nearby warehouse, these ice blocks serve as the building blocks for the hotel's creation. Come December, a team of experts in ice and snow construction meticulously constructs a steel frame, laying the foundation for the hotel's icy abode. Then, with precision and artistry, the ice blocks are stacked to form the walls, floors, and ceilings, culminating in a breathtaking display of frozen grandeur. Finally, skilled artists and designers add the finishing touches, infusing the hotel with intricate ice sculptures and furniture, transforming it into a true masterpiece.

Best Time to Visit the Ice Hotel in Jukkasjärvi

As for the best time to experience this icy marvel, it largely depends on your preferences. If you're drawn to the allure of colder temperatures and the ethereal dance of the Northern Lights, January and February offer prime viewing opportunities. However, if winter sports like skiing or snowmobiling are more your speed, March and April present ideal conditions. Just be sure to bundle up, as temperatures can plummet to a bone-chilling -40°C.

Ice+Hotel+Jukkasjärvi+Northern+Sweden+Lapland+Unique+Hotel+Road+Trip+Ice+Suite

The Cost of Staying at the Ice Hotel

Now, let's address the question on everyone's mind: how much does it cost to stay at the Ice Hotel? Prices vary depending on factors such as the time of year, the type of room chosen, and the duration of your stay. Generally, rates range from EUR 300 to EUR 1000+ per night, with some rooms boasting additional luxuries and amenities.

Reflecting on our stay at the Ice Hotel in Jukkasjärvi, it was more than just a place to sleep—it was an immersive journey into art, nature, and the enchanting winter of Swedish Lapland. This was not merely a stop on our road trip; it was a destination that captivated our hearts and left us with memories that will sparkle in our minds like the ice sculptures in the hotel. A visit to the Ice Hotel is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience, one that is both surreal and spectacularly real, set against the pristine backdrop of the Arctic wilderness.