This hotel made of ice should be on everyone’s bucket list

Designed and constructed by hand, this masterpiece of ice and snow offers a magnificent setting for any break.

Snuggle up within its crisp white walls, enjoy a beverage with friends in the frozen bar and marvel at the incredible sculptures and detail carved out of ice around the structure. This ever-evolving hotel is an annual celebration of the wonder of the natural world, bringing together people from around the globe.

If you want to know more about the Icehotel or even test your knowledge if you’ve visited before, we’ve created this quiz featuring questions about the hotel and how it comes together each year.

Read on to hear about Sophie Ratcliffe’s experience at the Icehotel if you would like to uncover a hint or two.

Sophie Ratcliffe spent three unforgettable days at the ICEHOTEL creating memories to be cherished forever.

“It feels like you are in Narnia, the moment you arrive – unleashing a child-like desire to explore and discover”.
“You sleep ‘on ice’ for a night and spend two or three more in warm accommodation, depending on your chosen trip. The themed rooms in the Icehotel are something else. Handcrafted every year from ice harvested from the frozen Torne River, it melts back into the river in spring. Each room has its own personality and sleeping there is an experience that you’ll never forget. It’s really not as cold as you might think; you’re all wrapped up in a thick thermal sleeping bag on reindeer skins!”

So Many Activities

“We spent our days exploring the vast, frozen wilderness by cross country ski, husky sledge and snowmobile. All were amazing. The staff were friendly, knowledgeable and passionate. They took us to gorgeous huts in the wilderness where we would drink tea or coffee, eat cake and warm ourselves around a fire.

One evening we headed into the wilderness for dinner, using flaming torches to guide us through the snow-covered forest before having a delicious three-course dinner in a wooden Laavu hut. Afterwards, we lay on reindeer skins on a frozen lake and searched the sky for the northern lights. A night to remember!”

The Icebar 

“Later that evening we drank vodka from glasses made of ice in the ice bar, though the slight headache the next day was eased by the freshness of the air whilst exploring the forest trails on a husky sled. You can spot a theme here!”

The night-time snowmobile excursion was so fun, if you want to feel like James Bond (or a Bond girl my case) give this a try!

Bucket List Experiences

“I don’t think I’ve ever ticked off as many ‘bucket list’ experiences in such a short period of time. Seeing the northern lights, going to the Arctic, husky sledging, skiing up a mountain for sunrise, sleeping on ice, the list goes on”.

A Unique Holiday 

“It’s a totally unique place where you can create a trip tailor-made to suit your needs. There are plenty of people around to socialise and share experiences with but equally, if you want space and time to yourselves you can find that too.

Plus if you are interested in photography, this is a perfect place in which to practise, with so many natural sights surrounding you. You’ll end up with some amazing shots to share with your friends and family”.

Images © Sophie Radcliffe; exterior (aurora) shot © Asaf Kliger

Sophie Radcliffe
www.challengesophie.com
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