Icehotel

The two-bedroom cabin was a lovely place to retreat to, and the loaned clothing was much appreciated. We also had delicious breakfasts and dinners, superb food, and great staff. We arrived before check-in and waited three hours before we could settle into our locker area for the night in the ice room. The locker itself was tiny, though other guests had larger closets. Touring the ice rooms was stunning and magical. Sleeping in one was a once-only experience for me: I’m glad I tried it, but once was enough. The lounge was great, and we saw the Northern lights. The whole place felt relaxing and magical.

The best part of our short February half-term stay was stepping out of our cabin at 1900 on the first evening and finding the AB stretching across the sky. We didn’t need to escape outdoor lights or fiddle with special camera settings to get a good shot. Just opened the door and enjoyed it. 😃 Our cabin was basic but cosy, and the staff were lovely, friendly, and helpful. The breakfast across the road was outstanding, with such a variety of produce that it really set us up for the day. We didn’t sleep in an Ice Room, but you can visit them during the day and see the sculptors’ work. My kids loved the slide in the Ice Bar, even though I’d thought they were too old for it. The tours, transfers, and all the logistics ran smoothly. The clothes provided for our stay were in good condition and worked perfectly for the husky and snowmobile activities.

Drinking whisky from an ice-carved glass at the ice bar was amazing. Sleeping in a room made completely of ice felt surreal, but with thermal sleeping bags and soft fur blankets, I was surprised by how comfortable it was. It’s cold, sure, but also magical. A unique, once-in-a-lifetime stay I’d highly recommend.

The chapel is easy to miss, so don’t skip it. We found it easiest to get there by bus from Kiruna, and the hotel is very visitor-friendly. There’s a kids’ play area, a cozy lobby to sit, warm up, and relax, plus coffee before or after exploring. Walking through the Icehotel is an experience by itself. The ice art and detailed sculptures are stunning, and every room feels like a work of art. Inside, there are exhibitions made entirely of ice and the famous ice bar, which is a must-try. Compared with the miniature Icehotel in Stockholm, this place is on another level: much bigger, more impressive, and truly immersive. A one-of-a-kind visit in Kiruna, and one I won’t forget. Go during the day if you can. The daylight hours are very short, and it looks really nice when the sun is up. Highly recommended for anyone visiting Swedish Lapland.