Imitation is referred to as the best form of flattery, and in certain cases, variations of the first concept often afford spectacular improvements. In the case of the original Icehotel, which is situated in the Swedish village of Jukkasjärvi, it’s annual successors continue to raise the bar. This is attributed to the fact that the Icehotel melts each year, and has been rebuilt 14 times, while each new version includes more rooms and finer artistic details than it’s predecessor.
It started out as a one room igloo, and has grown to 5,000 square metres, built of 30,000 tons of snow and 4,000 tons of ice. Ice blocks are harvested from the neighboring Torne River, and transported to the hotel where architects and artists from all over the world forge the perishable resort. This process also involves gigantic forms and snow guns, which are used to create the huge complex of adjoining arched structures that is the Icehotel. This includes the Absolut Icebar, a chapel with an unbelievable ceiling, umpteen bedroom suites, and a world class restaurant where all the cuisine is served on plates and bowls made of frozen H2O.
After a day of frolicking in sub-zero surroundings, guests return to enjoy food and drink, as well as their unique rooms decorated with ice art and sculptures. Sleeping, rather than freezing, is accomplished in a thermal sleeping bag, which is disturbingly placed on a bed of reindeer skins. If you are not woken by the shrill screams of the ghost of Rudolph, a cup of hot lingonberry juice awaits you in the morning. For more information on the Icehotel’s construction, check out the illustrated guide.
