Sweden’s ICEHOTEL Reopens With Stunning New Ice Sculptures for 2024

Photo: Asaf Kliger

As winter envelopes the nordic countries, blanketing the landscape in snow, the famous ICEHOTEL is reincarnated. Located in Jukkasjärvi, Sweden, just 200km (less than a quarter of a mile) north of the Arctic Circle, this incredible landmark has been around since 1989. Not only is it the world’s first and largest hotel constructed from ice, but it is also an artistic marvel, debuting new sculptures and installations carved from ice each year. The 2023-2024 season celebrates the ICEHOTEL’s 34th anniversary.

Thirty-two artists from 14 countries gathered at the site to work in collaboration with the hotel’s construction team and creative director Luca Roncoroni to transform ice blocks harvested from the frozen Torne River. Each winter season of the ICEHOTEL looks a little different, and for this winter, the structure features 15 art suites, a main hall, and a ceremony hall. Planning for the 34th edition began in spring 2023; during which time, ice blocks were collected and stored at an ice warehouse in Jukkasjärvi. All in all, the building phase of ICEHOTEL 34 took up six long weeks.

“Once again, our international artists have created something unique and spectacular,” says Marie Herrey, CEO of ICEHOTEL. “The art suites of this year showcase an incredible height of creativity and form an exciting collection of artistic dreams, expressions, and ideas.” She goes onto describe the fairy tale and nature themes that appear throughout some of the ice installations. Among the numerous eyecatching artworks is a pair of sculptures titled Katt & Råtta by Tjåsa Gusfors and Hanneke Supply which depicts a giant rat hiding a block of cheese away from a cat’s glowing yellow gaze.

The stunning design of ICEHOTEL 34 is preserved with a constant inner temperature of 23°F (or -5°C). Even after the winter season of the hotel melts with the spring, a section of the hotel remains open year-round for visitors to experience some of the icy wonders.

Scroll down to see more glimpses of ICEHOTEL 34.