In the icy heart of Jukkasjärvi, Sweden, an extraordinary transformation occurs each winter. Artists, architects, and engineers from around the globe gather to bring to life the unique spectacle that is the ICEHOTEL, now celebrating its 35th anniversary. This isn’t just a structure; it’s an artistic wonderland crafted from ice and snow, offering visitors an unforgettable Arctic adventure.
ICEHOTEL 35 showcases a remarkable blend of creativity and craftsmanship, with 26 artists from 13 countries collaborating under the guidance of Creative Director Luca Roncoroni. The challenge, made formidable by an unexpectedly warm November, involved using 500 tons of ice and enough snow to fill ten Olympic-sized pools. Yet the result is nothing short of magical, featuring 14 distinctive art suites such as ‘WHOOPS WRONG ROOM!!’ with its life-sized rhinoceros and the Sami-inspired ‘Áhku Fáhcat.’ Marie Herrey, ICEHOTEL’s CEO, gleefully anticipates the reactions of global visitors, remarking on the playful and stirring nature of the suites.
Guests are invited to experience this frozen masterpiece from December through April each year, but the magic doesn’t end there. ICEHOTEL 365 extends the experience year-round with 18 additional suites, an ice gallery, and the newly launched ICEBAR In Orbit, where drinks are served in a cosmic-themed icy environment. Jukkasjärvi, a village north of the Arctic Circle, provides a stunning backdrop, surrounded by lakes and rivers, from which the ice of Torne River is harvested each November to construct new wonders. This open call for design ideas promotes innovation, with many creators returning annually, driven by the liberating opportunity to reinvent their art each season.
Sleeping at the ICEHOTEL is a uniquely exciting prospect. While some choose the comfort of a warm cabin, many are drawn to the thrill of slumbering on ice. Before spending the night in these artfully designed suites, guests take a ‘survival course’ to learn how to dress and sleep comfortably in Arctic sleeping bags, which combat temperatures down to -13° F. Inside the suites, temperatures remain a bit warmer, around -5° F. Jenny Anderson from Guest Services notes that although some guests feel apprehensive at first, they typically wake up refreshed, greeted by a warm cup of lingonberry juice. Additional amenities include a 24-hour staffed building with storage, bathrooms, and a relaxation area complete with a sauna and a cozy fireplace.
The genesis of ICEHOTEL traces back to 1989 when Yngve Bergqvist saw the potential to transform Jukkasjärvi’s cold, dark winters into something enchanting. Inspired by Japanese ice sculpting, and with help from two Japanese ice artists, he organized a workshop that led to the creation of ARTic Hall. This igloo on the frozen Torne River laid the groundwork for the ICEHOTEL, which officially materialized when guests asked to sleep overnight in the igloo.
Beyond the hotel itself, ICEHOTEL offers a range of outdoor adventures, taking full advantage of its stunning surroundings. Winter guests can indulge in activities like Northern Lights snowmobile safaris, reindeer sleigh rides, dog sledding, and even ice sculpting lessons. During the warmer months, options expand to include river rafting, hiking, and Northern Lights dinners. No matter the time of year, the experience promises to be as invigorating as it is picturesque.
As ICEHOTEL celebrates its 35th year, it stands as a testament to human creativity and resilience in the face of nature’s challenges. Each visit is a journey into a frozen art gallery, where creativity, adventure, and the pristine beauty of the Arctic converge. Whether it’s the allure of sleeping in icy elegance or the thrill of outdoor excursions, ICEHOTEL offers an experience like no other, embodying the spirit of Jukkasjärvi and its breathtaking winter wilderness.
Source: Yahoo
