Cool: the ice hotel in Sweden
At the ICEHOTEL in Kiruna, ice and snow are transformed into art – where you can spend the night.
Everything you need to know at a glance
The world-famous ICEHOTEL in Sweden is located in Jukkasjärvi near Kiruna, around 200 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle. Since 1989, it has been rebuilt every winter from ice and snow from the Torne River, designed by international artists. In addition to artistic ice rooms and suites, the ice hotel offers special experiences such as the "Ice Menu" served on plates made of Torne ice.
Guests sleep at around -5 °C on ice beds with mattresses, reindeer skins, and specially insulated sleeping bags. Warm service areas with changing rooms, showers, and a sauna are also available. In addition, there is the "ICEHOTEL 365," a year-round version that is kept at a constant sub-zero temperature thanks to solar energy. This allows you to experience Lapland in every season.
The ICEHOTEL: Art made of ice and snow
Every year, 200 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle, in the small village of Jukkasjärvi near Kiruna, the elegant ICEHOTEL is built in Sweden. Since 1989, international artists have been transforming snow and ice from the nearby Torne River into a temporary work of art that attracts travelers from all over the world to Lapland. Every season is unique.
The ice hotel opens its doors from December to April, then melts and flows back into the river after the season, at least for the most part. Since 2016, there has also been the ICEHOTEL 365, which is kept at a constant sub-zero temperature all year round using solar technology. The midnight sun, which stays in the sky all night in northern Sweden, is a great help in this regard.
You can reach the ice hotel from Kiruna Airport or train station by transfer in around 30 minutes. There are regular flights to Kiruna from Stockholm. Another travel option is the Arctic Circle Train, which takes you overnight from Stockholm to the far north.
Interesting fact: You should take your American Express credit card with you on all your trips. As a Platinum Card or Gold Card holder, for example, you receive a free Priority Pass membership. This gives you access to more than 1,800 airport lounges worldwide.
Your overnight stay at the ICEHOTEL in Kiruna
The temperature in the ice rooms is -5 °C. Cold? Yes. Uncomfortable? On the contrary. The ice beds are equipped with comfortable mattresses, warm reindeer skins, and pillows. In addition, each guest receives a specially insulated sleeping bag that keeps them warm even in Arctic temperatures.
A layer of clothing, thick socks, and a hat are all you need for the night. You also have access to the heated service area with changing rooms, luggage storage, showers, and a sauna area at all times. In addition to the actual ICEHOTEL, heated hotel rooms and cozy chalets are available on the premises.
Visitors usually change rooms during their stay: after an eventful night in the ice, they spend the night in heated accommodation. Or they spend the last night of their trip in the ice room as a grand finale.
Culinary highlights at the ice hotel
The ICEHOTEL Restaurant offers both lunch and dinner à la carte in a warm, cozy atmosphere. If you order the Ice Menu, selected courses will be served on plates made of ice. The cuisine focuses on regional delicacies such as reindeer, Arctic char, local caviar, and cloudberries.
For an exclusive gastronomic experience, try "Veranda," the tasting menu at the Chef's Table, inspired by the eight Sami seasons. The chefs create true masterpieces with first-class local products, accompanied by wine or non-alcoholic beverages.
The historic Old Homestead, a charming old farmstead in the village of Jukkasjärvi, serves a rustic, down-to-earth menu. If you love nature, you can enjoy a three-course Wilderness Dinner under the open sky, prepared by a guide right there on site over an open fire.
Your visit to the ICEHOTEL in Sweden
You will remember your overnight stay at the ice hotel in Kiruna for a very long time. To secure your preferred room, book your stay early. And it's best to do so with your Platinum Card from American Express to benefit from many travel advantages such as included insurance or dining benefits while you're on the go.
Traveling with the Gold Card or Platinum Card: The choice is yours
Frequently asked questions and answers
The temperature in the ice rooms is between -5 °C and -8 °C. You sleep in special, warm expedition sleeping bags on reindeer skins laid out on the ice beds. The dry cold makes your stay more comfortable than you might expect.
The ICEHOTEL is open from mid-December to the end of April. This is the best time to see the Northern Lights and go on dog sledding and snowmobile tours. The peak season between Christmas and March is particularly popular, so early bookings for the ice hotel are recommended. The ICEHOTEL 365, which is open all year round, allows guests to stay in ice rooms even in summer.
Yes, you can also visit the ice hotel on a day trip. The admission price includes guided tours in English, which take place daily. Overnight guests have free admission and do not need a separate ticket. The ice rooms and art suites are accessible during the day, but are exclusively available to overnight guests from 6 p.m. You can also visit the famous "ICEBAR" without booking an overnight stay.
