Five days ago, guests and staff alike walked out for the last time, as a hotel melted before their very eyes, known as the ICEHotel.
And this is the 29th year in a row that this same scenario has played out. ICEHotel is absolutely an experience all its own. It’s an example of inspired humans choosing to work with nature, not in spite of it.
Situated in Sweden, 200 miles North of the Arctic Circle, this concept was created nearly 30 years ago, which hotel innovators dreamed of accommodations made entirely of ice. To say this is a work of art is an understatement. However, the nature of the materials makes this a seasonal endeavor, and every year, this masterpiece melts. Guests are invited on a final “melting tour” before the hotel returns to its origins of the Thorne River.
Each fall comes a new and different functional art installation, making each year a one-of-a-kind creation.
The hotel holds anywhere from 65-80 rooms from harvests of natural ice that provide a beauty unlike anything artificial could provide. In fact, artists from around the world compete for their chance to put their creative touch on this enormous seasonal sculpture.
To put it in perspective, the amount of snow and ice used in the process is the equivalent of 700 million snowballs!
And they didn’t just stop at the rooms.
There is an ice church, a sculpting studio, and chandeliers made of over 1000 hand cut ice crystals. And if you’re looking to grab an ice-cold drink, look no further than ICEBAR, where even your glass will be made of the cold stuff, and the dance floor is made of packed snow. And even the rooms are varied, from deluxe suites to art suites, to snow rooms and group rooms. You have the choice of a cold room or warm room, and it’s recommended that you try at least one night in each type.
For lovebirds near and far, more than 100 couples get married or renew their vows every year after the Ice Church is officially opened on December 25th.
Based on the 50-60,000 visitors that come through ICEHotel each year, the owners have opted to build ICEHotel 365 next door, which features a permanent structure that guests can enjoy year-round.
It is definitely worth the see, and if you’re anything like us, you’d never pass up the opportunity to visit Sweden, especially with something as stellar and epic as this is. Hope to see you in Sweden!
Meet Christie Nordmeyer, a creative visionary with an unrelenting passion for travel. Christie’s journey in the world of content creation has been nothing short of remarkable. As an internationally published talent, she has left her indelible mark on the industry. She’s been at the helm of two magazines, graced the airwaves with her presence on two radio shows, curated captivating video compilations, directed countless photoshoots, and flooded social media with her inspired posts.
Yet, amidst her diverse creative endeavors, Christie discovered her true calling lies at the intersection of creativity and culture. This realization has become the cornerstone of her mission: to use her exceptional skill set to shine a spotlight on the remarkable spaces our world has to offer. Christie’s words and lens invite people to experience life in a profound and sensory way, deliberately crafted to inspire.
In her own words, “Life is too short to be spent sitting on the sidelines. It’s meant to be savored, adventured, and appreciated for all it gives back to us.” Christie is on a mission to help others see the extraordinary within the ordinary, and she considers it a job well done if she can play a small part in that revelation.
To further her mission, Christie launched Freestyle Adventures, a pioneering venture dedicated to assisting DMCs, DMOs, and other travel providers in showcasing remote regions, bucket-list-worthy excursions, and the hidden gems that adorn our planet. Her work offers a first-person glimpse into often overlooked areas, breaking through the noise to cast a brighter light on some of Earth’s most enchanting destinations.