ICEHOTEL opening year-round

The Midnight Sun of Sweden will power a permanent sub-zero ice experience, ICEHOTEL 365.

In Jukkasjärvi, 200 km north of the Arctic Circle, summer's midnight sun glows for 100 days and nights without setting. Sweden’s ICEHOTEL is going to use the solar power generated from this endless summer sun to create a permanent sub-zero ice experience, ICEHOTEL 365. This addition to the original hotel will include a bar, art gallery and suites for overnight stays, available all year round.

Deluxe Suite, Artists: Marjolein Vonk & Maurizio Perron, photo: Asaf Kliger

Ice suites chilled by sunlight

The team behind the hotel have created a sustainable addition to the iconic ICEHOTEL that covers 1200 square meters and includes some 20 suites, a bar and a gallery. Using the near constant daylight that the region above the Arctic Circle is blessed with through the warmer months of the year, the building runs solely on solar power during the summer months. In winter, the new addition will form part of the classic ICEHOTEL, which is about three times its size.

“This ground-breaking initiative lets our guests decide whether they want to combine ICEHOTEL with dog sledding and northern lights, or hiking under the midnight sun. It just lets us meet the desires of our clients in a way whole new way, says ICEHOTEL founder Yngve Bergqvist.”

Summer activities by Lake Torne, photo: Markus Alatalo

Letting the ice express ephemeral art is at the heart of the business; the classic ICEHOTEL and the new addition will still have a life cycle whereby it changes guise on a yearly basis. Arne Bergh, artist and creative senior advisor of ICEHOTEL says: “Ice has an interesting effect on creativity – since it’s not permanent it makes you dare trying ideas that you wouldn’t otherwise – it’s very liberating. The idea of a project that marries this transient tradition with a semi-permanent, year-round element is even more exciting!”

Sustainability and solar power experts on board

The idea to create an ice experience available year-round is not new – it’s been brewing in the company for years, but it’s not until recently that technologal advancements in sustainable energy renders it achieveable. Swedish solar power pioneers Solkompaniet are partners in the project: “It’s inspiring and fun to be part of an initiative that takes place well above the Arctic Circle. The midnight sun offers unique conditions for producing electricity using solar power, as it allows us to generate power throughout the night” says Jon Malmsten, advisor general at Solkompaniet.

“Every summer we have international visitors who arrive in Jukkasjärvi and ask us where they can see ICEHOTEL – I look forward to being able to point it out to them!” says Yngve Bergqvist.

What's available at ICEHOTEL 365:

• 10 luxury suites with ensuite bathroom
• 12 art suites
• ICEBAR BY ICEHOTEL
• Ice sculpture gallery and sculpting class studio
• Event space

Summer activities available at the ICEHOTEL 365:

• Ice Sculpting summer version
• Challenge Park with high ropes course and zip lines
• Overnight Grayling & Trout Fishing tours
• Renting canoes, cross country bikes, stand up paddle, fishing equipment & sauna.
• White Water rafting
• XC Cycling through the Taiga

Or our recommendation for enjoying summer in Sweden - relax in this glorious part of the world!

Our ICEHOTEL tours are listed here.

Image credit: Markus Alatalo & Pauline Holmgren