ICEHOTEL: Arctic autumn: A window of magic in an iconic location
By Nina Bressler | Photos: ICEHOTEL
Most people associate ICEHOTEL with deep winter, frozen landscapes and snow-covered adventures. But before the winter season takes over and the seasonally exclusive ICEHOTEL opens in December, another extraordinary season unfolds in Jukkasjärvi. Autumn brings dramatic colours, crystal-clear skies, stunning Northern Lights and a rare opportunity to experience the Arctic in transition.
ICEHOTEL in Jukkasjärvi is, quite literally, the only of its kind. The hotel was created by entrepreneur Yngve Bergqvist in 1989, who started his icy venture with rafting tours on Torne River and excursions to explore the magnificent nature of the area.
The river has been pivotal from the beginning: as it froze, Bergqvist saw what the majority missed – cubic metres of natural material that can be forged into art, walls and ceilings. ICEHOTEL was born; a global attraction that has fascinated and accommodated hundreds of thousands of guests since.
ICEHOTEL coming full circle
As the end of summer draws near, the hotel celebrates the tenth anniversary of ICEHOTEL 365 – the world’s first permanent hotel entirely made from ice, an addition to the seasonal ICEHOTEL WINTER. ICEHOTEL 365 features a unique chance to stay in icy suites and rooms at any time of the year, alongside the comfort of the hotel’s warm accommodation. 18 ice rooms, ranging from classic Art Suites to luxurious Deluxe Suites, are completed with private heated bathrooms and saunas.
“Autumn is such a short window in this corner of the world, essentially lasting between August until the first snowfall a few months later. Staying in ICEHOTEL 365 is a unique way of experiencing autumn in Jukkasjärvi, when nature unlocks another magical season and explodes in colours and natural phenomena exclusively reserved for the Arctic. When the first Northern Lights appear towards the end of August, there’s no blanket of snow reflecting the light, and the aurora becomes even sharper and more vivid. It’s a stunning spectacle,” says Marie Herrey, CEO of ICEHOTEL.
Autumn at ICEHOTEL consists of cold and warmth combined in a rhythm determined by nature: from a refreshing swim in the icy river and a traditional sauna ritual to local culinary experiences and a dinner inspired by the world of ice. While guests can try their hand at ice sculpting, there are plenty of hiking trails for a breathtaking landscape painted in autumn colours. Torne River guides the journey through a wilderness where berries are gathered, the hunting season begins and winter slowly begins to take over.
A construction process like no other
Building the ICEHOTEL requires extraordinary technical expertise. Ice is harvested every year from the Torne River along with snice, a mix of snow and ice, for floors, walls, and ceilings. “Every year when the river has returned to ice, we harvest it in massive blocks that are stored and used for construction of the hotel and our ICEBARS. With the seasonal ICEHOTEL born from and returning to water every year, the harvest is a tribute to nature, requiring flexibility, collaboration and harmony with the elements to succeed,” says Herrey.
The entire construction process takes six weeks from start to finish. Corridors and rooms are built using the same principles as classic arches for a stable structure that enables, not just a visually stunning, but also safe and durable construction. The seasonal ICEHOTEL consists of up to 55 rooms upon completion, including 12 unique art suites forged in ice, with exclusive sets of art that have been purpose-built by local and international artists handpicked for that season alone.
Homage to the elements
“Autumn at ICEHOTEL is all about contrast: spending one night surrounded by ice and snow, followed by another in warm comfort. ICEHOTEL 365 makes it possible to experience the magic of ICEHOTEL regardless of the season, offering one of the world’s most unique year-round hotel experiences,” says Herrey.
The opening of ICEHOTEL 365 was made possible by significant technological advancements that enabled the facility to maintain its frozen environment no matter the season. “By 2016, we had access to the technology needed to sustainably cool the facilities using solar power and green energy. Just as our hotel is deeply connected to our encircling environment, we are combining the power of nature with modern innovation to offer our guests the unique ICEHOTEL experience all year round,” Herrey concludes.
www.icehotel.com
www.icebarbyicehotel.com
Instagram: @icehotelsweden
ICEHOTEL is located in Jukkasjärvi, northern Sweden. ICEHOTEL 365 is open year-round with exclusive art- and deluxe suites with ensuite bathroom, while ICEHOTEL WINTER is open between December and April. ICEBAR BY ICEHOTEL, meanwhile, is a unique ice bar in the heart of Copenhagen and Stockholm with more branches opening soon.
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