Icehotel Jukkasjarvi
The original ice hotel, rebuilt from the frozen river every winter with art-carved suites - and a permanent year-round ice section kept cold by the sun.
Updated 4 August 2026
AI illustration
The Icehotel at Jukkasjarvi, the first of its kind, is rebuilt each winter from ice cut off the frozen Torne river, its walls, bar and art-carved suites all made of ice and snow, then melting back to the river each spring. A newer year-round section, Icehotel 365, is kept frozen through the summer by solar-powered cooling.
The main sights
- The art suites - the ice rooms carved anew each year by artists.
- The ice bar - drinks served in glasses of ice.
- Icehotel 365 - the permanent year-round ice section.
- Aurora and activities - dog sledding, aurora tours and the Arctic setting.
When to go
December to April for the seasonal winter hotel at its fullest; the year-round 365 section lets you see ice art even in summer. The winter aurora season adds to the experience.
Things to know
Staying overnight in an ice room is a premium, expensive novelty, and you sleep in serious cold on reindeer hides in a sleeping bag. Warm rooms are available for those who prefer them. It is far north near Kiruna, reached by a real journey.
Nearby
Kiruna and the Abisko aurora country are nearby; the Kungsleden trail begins not far off.
What to pack for Icehotel Jukkasjarvi
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
- Broken-in walking shoes or boots - Grip and ankle support matter more than looks; never hike in brand-new boots. Find on Amazon
- Spare batteries + cards - Cold and long shoots drain power; never run out at the good light. Find on Amazon
- Warm base layers - Merino or synthetic against the skin - never cotton, which chills when damp. Find on Amazon
- Comfortable walking shoes - Sightseeing means kilometres of pavement and cobbles daily. Find on Amazon
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Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.
