Hey there, welcome back! Today, I'm super excited to share my amazing trip to the world's first Ice Hotel in Jukkasjärvi, Sweden. It all happened during my time living in Sweden while working at the Colombian Embassy in Stockholm. That winter, I had an awesome adventure exploring the beauty of the north of the country.

Scandinavia's unique charm is unmistakable, captivating visitors with its distinct magic. From stunning landscapes to a rich cultural legacy, the region slows time and envelops you in its enchanting allure.

Early on, I noticed the Swedes' love for snow. As December approached without the usual snowfall, I, a Latin American unaccustomed to the cold, was secretly relieved.

Yet, my Swedish friends insisted that Christmas without snow wasn't Christmas at all. Their excitement became infectious when the city transformed into a magical winter wonderland with the first snowfall, making their passion for the season crystal clear. This enthusiasm for snow was not confined to the aesthetics alone.

My Swedish buddies were all about snow sports, and there I was, countless times, caught up in impromptu house plans with them, tuning in to these seemingly never-ending, quirky sports events that were an absolute mystery to me. Excited to be part of their culture, I happily joined in, trying to feel as enthusiastic as they did. But more often than not, I'd catch myself nodding off, hustling in the kitchen, texting… I just couldn't understand the fun of these snow sports, haha!

Skijoring is a winter sport in which a person on skis is pulled by a horse

Amidst the snowy days in Sweden, one dream dominated my thoughts: visiting the renowned World Ice Hotel in Jukkasjärvi, Kiruna. I must admit, though, the idea of facing the bitter cold made me a bit nervous. Nevertheless, I geared up for the frosty escapade, and I can't wait to spill all the beans in this blog!

Lets start!!!

The town of Kiruna. Kiruna is a small city where the closest airport to go to Jukkasjärvi is located.

Arriving in the picturesque city of Kiruna, Sweden, I was beyond thrilled. The idea of staying in an ice and snow hotel felt like a dream come true. It wasn't just a vacation; it was a chance to experience something truly extraordinary!

Welcome to my journey to the first Ice Hotel in the world in Sweden! Join me in discovering its mysteries and tips for an unforgettable visit. Let's explore the enchanting world of ice and snow together!

FACTS ABOUT THE ICE HOTEL

The Ice Hotel in Jukkasjärvi is a temporary hotel made entirely of ice and snow from the Torne River, it melts and gets rebuilt every year from December to April…
How are the beds made? They are made of wood and stacked ice blocks. Guests wear thermal clothing and sleep in sleeping bags topped with reindeer skins, all he furniture in the room is ice-made as well as the sculptures…

Whats the temperature inside? Temperatures remain below freezing. The sub-zero environment is vital to prevent the ice from melting, with the hotel interior usually maintained around -5 to -8 degrees Celsius.
Why does not it melt? The sun never shines in the winter in those places located within the Arctic Circle, a zone characterized by its severe cold…

Where is located exactly? In a tinny village Northern Sweden called Jukkaskarvi, 200 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle. The village has only 1,100 residents. But each winter almost 50,000 guests from all over the world come to enjoy the experience of the Ice Hotel.
What is the technique used for building an Ice Hotel? Ice Chiseling. Professional artists and architects employ these unique tools to meticulously cut and mold large ice blocks into the desired designs, every single detail is intricately hand-chiseled.

What is special about this Ice Hotel in Jukkasjarvi? It is actually the first ICE HOTEL in the world!! It was founded in 1989.
How much ice was it used? The main component of the building is actually “snice” a combination of snow and ice. Around 30,000 cubic meters of snice are used and around 1,000 tonnes of ice. The amount of snow that is needed to build ICEHOTEL equates to around 700 million snowballs…

TRAVELING TIPS FOR THE ICE HOTEL

How to get there? The easiest way is flying to Kiruna Airport and taking a cab from there to the village of Jukkaskarvi takes 15 minutes. There are direct flights from Stockholm. SAS and Norwegian are your best options.

You can visit the hotel without staying there: The entrance cost to visit the hotel as a visitor is 295 SEK, approximately 27 American dollars.

How to dress: Given Kiruna's Arctic location, be prepared for cold weather. Layer up with warm clothing, including thermal wear, and invest in quality winter gear to stay comfortable during your adventures.

In Scandinavia there is an expression that says: “There is not such a thing as bad weather, only bad clothers". When you stay in the Ice hotel, loan of warm outer clothing; snowsuit, boots, gloves and balaclava is included.

On your end pack multiple layers like thermal underwear (preferably wool), breathable layer clothing, plenty of socks (preferably wool) Do not bring cotton or synthetic because it makes you sweat. Also a warm hat.

I have 4 layers of clothing, 2 pair of gloves, my special socks, snow shoes and a balaclava that I removed when I got into the Hotel.

Take an eye mask: The ice and snow reflect light while you are sleeping, an eye mask is really helpful to avoid that glow in the room that will not let you sleep.

Best time to visit it: Do not go in February, February is the coldest month of Swedish winter. Last weeks of November or the first 2 weeks of December are the perfect time.

Use the Ice Hotel toilet before bed: If you are in an ice room you will not have an ensuite bathroom and you will have to go to the main building and it is going to be freezing because you will have to walk the outdoors in the snow.

Cover your shoes while you are sleeping: None tells you about this but while you sleep your shoes can get soaked and it is going to be hard to walk in the morning, for this reason is better to cover them with a blanket or a jacket. Believe me, your feet are going to thank you next day.

Watch the Northern Lights: The Northern Lights are one of the most enchanting experiences in Kiruna. The best place to watch them is at the Abisko National Park, which is renowned for its clear skies and ideal Northern Lights viewing conditions.

Husky Sledding Adventure: Experience the thrill of dog sledding through the pristine Arctic landscapes surrounding Kiruna. Husky sledding tours are a fantastic way to connect with nature and enjoy the company of these friendly and energetic dogs.

Visit the town of Kiruna: Known for its stunning natural beauty, unique culture, and thrilling winter adventures, Kiruna is a destination that promises an unforgettable experience. The places I recommend you to visit in town are:

SameGarden Museum. It showcases the history of the Sami people, which are the native people of the Lapland region.

The Kiruna Mine: Delve into the rich history of Kiruna by visiting the Kiruna Mine, one of the largest iron ore mines in the world. Take a guided tour to explore the depths of the mine and learn about its significance to the region's economy.
Sami Culture and Reindeer Sledding: Gain insight into the indigenous Sami culture by visiting a traditional Sami village. Enjoy a reindeer sledding tour, savor traditional Sami cuisine, and learn about their rich heritage.
Same Garden Sami Museum: Showcases the history of the native people of the region, the Sami people. Very interesting, I learnt a lot there. One interesting fact about the Sami people is that they are related to the Alaskan indigenous tribes and they still speak their Sami language until today.
Visit the Kiruna Church: The Kiruna Church, a masterpiece of Gothic Revival architecture, is another must-see attraction. Be sure to check if any events or concerts are taking place during your visit, as the church often hosts cultural performances.
Local Cuisine: Sample traditional Swedish dishes like reindeer stew and Arctic char, or savor international cuisine at local restaurants. Don't forget to try cloudberries, a regional delicacy often used in desserts.

Exploring the First World Ice Hotel in sweden

FACTS ABOUT THE ICE HOTEL

TRAVELING TIPS FOR THE ICE HOTEL