Icehotel Is A Beautiful Tourist Destination In Sweden

Ice hotels. I'm utterly intrigued but completely confused by the things. Seriously. But that doesn't change anything about how incredible they are to look at and that's an understatement for one of Sweden's finest, aptly named the ICEHOTEL.

This place is like Kubla Khan's Xanadu a.k.a Pleasure Dome a.k.a paradise ... even though it's frozen. To truly grasp the grandeur of this remarkable place, let's look at some cold hard facts (yes, terrible pun, I know). The original ICEHOTEL was founded in 1989 and is considered an art exhibition as well as a five star accommodation. What's even more interesting is that the ice and snow used each year are taken specifically from one of Europe's last wild rivers that's 200 km north of the Arctic Circle.

According to the hotel's website, "this is the world’s first ICEHOTEL and [they]’ve made it [their] mission to create life enriching experiences, in Jukkasjärvi and beyond." The walls, floors, and ceilings are the "canvases" on which designers from a variety of disciplines make magic. What's the most interesting part of the ICEHOTEL though? Well, every year it "melts and returns to Mother Nature in spring." Entranced yet? Because we haven't even gotten to the pictures! 

1. Deluxe Suite, anyone? 

These rooms are extra large and include a lounge plus sleeping area. 

Each of these rooms include an intricately sculpted piece of art.

Also, these rooms have heated bathrooms plus a sauna!

(I'm confused, but...)

Lastly, of course, there's a lavish, luxurious bed complete with fur coverings, naturally. 

2. Or what about an Art Suite? 

Each of these guys has a three-dimensional, original art installation that acts as a focal point. 

There are 16 different themes and they're meticulously carved by hand. 

Every single artist is handpicked from around the world so they may aptly fulfill the imagined vision of the room. 

Curtain doors allow the suite to accommodate two to three people. Party up. 

3. Absolutely ethereal: the Northern Lights Rooms

In these rooms, the main point of focus is an art installation using light, snow, and ice. 

Specifically, these rooms are the ICEHOTEL's celebration of the Northern Lights...clearly (literally). 

The sculpting in these rooms is specifically designed to envelop the bed and make the experience even more immersive. 

Lastly, the Northern Lights ceiling projection animates everything and completes the room.

Main image source: ICEHOTEL / Christopher Hauser

Collage image source: 1. ICEHOTEL / Christopher Hauser 2. ICEHOTEL / Christopher Hauser 3.ICEHOTEL / Christopher Hauser