By the MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network Editorial Team
In winter Scandinavia, where snow and ice cover the land, it feels blissful to retreat to a cozy hotel after a day of exploring and enjoy a warm cup of coffee. But in Sweden, one business goes against the grain by creating an icy inn (Ice Hotel), a concept full of novelty that attracts over 50,000 guests each winter season, making it one of the area’s most popular attractions.
In winter Scandinavia, where snow and ice cover the land, it feels blissful to retreat to a cozy hotel after a day of exploring and enjoy a warm cup of coffee. But in Sweden, one business goes against the grain by creating an icy inn (Ice Hotel), a concept full of novelty that attracts over 50,000 guests each winter season, making it one of the area’s most popular attractions.
Guests sleep among flowers made of ice, as if in a fairy tale. (Photo credit: Ice Hotel)
Each room takes two weeks to build. (Photo credit: Ice Hotel)
The one-of-a-kind rooms make Ice Hotel one of the most expensive hotels in the world. (Photo credit: Ice Hotel)
Ice Hotel is rebuilt every year, typically opening around December and operating until April or May of the following year. This year marks its 21st anniversary. Each room—including its structure, interior, furniture, and bed—takes two weeks to construct. They are individual artworks carved from the ice and snow of the Torne River. Due to the extremely low temperatures, the operators also provide extra-thick foam mats, reindeer skins, and high-performance sleeping bags to ensure guests can sleep soundly in the ice rooms.
The Ice Hotel polar bear room is a brand-new creation from 2014. (Photo credit: Ice Hotel)
The cinema-themed suite features a retro style, with movie posters embedded in the ice walls. (Photo credit: Ice Hotel)
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