Our Pick of Things To Do at the Icehotel

Sleeping on ice

Though not strictly required as part of your stay at the Icehotel as conventional warm accommodation is part of the resort, spending a night in an ice room is at the heart of why you choose an Icehotel break. It’s what makes it distinct from other winter breaks in the region.

Ahead of your night sleeping in an ice room, you’ll be given a brief introduction on how to ‘survive the ice’ and get the best night’s sleep. As an overnight guest you’ll have access to the hotel, which is in effect an ice art installation, after day visitors have left. This adds an air of exclusivity to an already extraordinary experience.

How well you sleep is personal. It is different for everyone. Some people report the best sleep ever. Others may take a while to settle but eventually nod off cocooned in a cosy sleeping bag. It’s something you must discover for yourself. In the morning you will be awoken from your icy slumber and offered a glass of warm lingonberry juice at your bedside.

Husky sledding…

There’s a simple reason dog sledding is the most popular activity at the Icehotel. It’s exhilarating! There are more dogs living in Swedish Lapland than there are humans and you will hear your new friends before you see them. Raring to go, meet these adorable dogs on the frozen Torne River before you start your adventure. Whether you relax as a passenger or try your hand at mushing, you feel an innate sense of oneness with your dog team and the surroundings.

As you meander through forests and speed across the frozen river, the only sound is that of the sled runners over snow. The enthusiasm of the dogs is infectious and endearing. Just try to wipe the smile from your face. Make sure to give your huskies a little love when you take a break – they’ll appreciate the affection.

…from Kiruna Airport

Start the adventure as soon as you touchdown in Swedish Lapland, jumping on a husky sled from Kiruna Airport to the Icehotel. Warm outer clothing is provided, so you can sit back and take in the sights of a winter wonderland as the husky team navigates frozen lakes and forest trails. The transfer lasts 75 minutes and is suitable for everyone but younger children. If you ask us, this is the best way to supercharge your break from the outset and our favourite way to travel in this part of the world.

Hunt for the northern lights

You might choose to gather on the frozen River Torne behind the Icehotel to watch for the aurora borealis in the sky overhead. It’s a popular hangout for guests between visits to the Icebar, hopeful for glimpses of green. It’s certainly worth nipping down to the river before retiring to bed… just in case.

For a more structured aurora hunt, we’d recommend joining a tailored excursion. You’re taken far away from any light pollution and have the chance to glean knowledge from a guide.

…on a snowmobiling tour

One of our favourite activities, this 4-hour guided tour takes you out into the wilderness where the northern lights are most visible. Speed across the Torne River and through the snow-clad forests that surround the Icehotel. Your guide will make frequent short stops, so you can switch drivers (it’s two to a snowmobile) as well as taking the time to enjoy the tranquillity of the forest, take pictures and keep your eyes peeled for the aurora. Arriving at a woodland hut, enjoy a freshly cooked 2-course dinner, learn all about the aurora, and gaze at the vast night sky.

The aurora doesn’t always start strong, so keep your camera at hand to help you identify the first wispy signs of auroral activity. Colours are captured on camera even when the naked eye can’t detect them. With luck, the display will develop into something stronger so you can enjoy it without a lens.

…through the lens

Aimed at casual rather than experienced photographers, the Northern Lights Photography excursion takes you into a secluded location away from artificial lights where you can learn about the art of aurora photography in a practical situation. A DSLR camera and tripod are provided for the duration, though bring your own SD card.

Wrap up warm, absorb the serene atmosphere, and wait patiently for the aurora to make an appearance. Ready to showcase your new skills you will leave with the ability to freeze time and remember this moment forever.

Taste sensations

Food is and important part of the Icehotel experience. From the delicious breakfast you are served each morning to choosing the exquisite Ice Menu served in the Icehotel Restaurant, the combination of local produce and world-class culinary skill comes together. Whether you choose high-end gastronomy or hearty fayre, we suggest you include one of the following in your stay.

…wilderness dining under the stars

Few things are as memorable as dinner under the stars – and this 3-course dinner, prepared entirely from local ingredients, comes with an added attraction; the prospect of seeing the northern lights. Your experienced guide will take you to a secluded camp in the forest. Here you’ll be served an exclusive wilderness dinner that has been devised around the produce and flavours of the season. Whether you’re a vegan, vegetarian or a meat lover, you will be in awe of what can be achieved over an open fire. Relax around the warmth of the flames and gaze up at the night sky… perhaps full of dancing lights.

…Chef’s Table at The Veranda

Indulge in an epicurean delight on this specially crafted dining experience. Hosted at The Veranda, and intimate and relaxed venue where world-class chefs prepare the most delectable food before your eyes. This is the most exclusive food experience at the Icehotel featuring a 12-course tasting menu with accompanying beverages. The chefs guide you through dishes all created from locally sourced produce as they welcome you to their ‘home’ in Swedish Lapland.

Nordic skiing

If you would prefer to go by your own power, then cross country skiing is the perfect way to explore the snowy surroundings. Ski along maintained tracks with a guide to the island of Rimisaari in the middle of the river. In the bracing air and surrounding by natural beauty, this is an invigorating activity. There’s even time for Fika – the Swedish coffee break tradition. Gather round a roaring fire on the island, sip your warm drink and watch for wandering wildlife.

If you’re keen to hone your skills further, the equipment is yours to use for the rest of day, so you can explore independently.

Moose safaris

They may not have as obvious an allure as seeing bears in the wild, but coming into close proximity with moose in their natural habitat is quietly thrilling. The king of the forest is a substantial creature, particularly if you encounter an adult bull moose. A fully grown male can stand more two meters tall at the shoulder with antlers spanning up to 1.8 meters. These large but shy mammals graze in the forests around Lapland. For the best encounters venture away from Jukkasjarvi with a guide either by horseback or snowmobile and lunch included.

…on horseback

Travel to the neighbouring Ofelas farm where you’ll meet your trusty steed for this adventure – a shore-footed Icelandic horse. Compact and hardy, these endearing horses have an exclusive gait that no other horse in the world can perform. The tölt sits between a trot and a canter and is incredibly smooth.

As you trot through the forest with your guide in search of foraging moose, you will have incredible views over Sweden’s highest mountain range, Kebnekaise. Along the way you’ll become good at spotting tracks and tell-tale moose signs.

…by snowmobile

This faster paced version tracks a little further and combines the adrenaline thrills of snowmobiling with wildlife spotting – moose, reindeer, hares and birds. Two people to a snowmobile, you can take turns driving with the passenger on wildlife watch.

Ice sculpting

Not to be undervalued, this is one of the most cathartic experiences at the Icehotel. It would not be a trip to the Icehotel without channelling your inner artist. Join an ice sculpting course which will have you creating masterpieces by the end. Blocks of fresh ice are taken from the Torne River, and you will be taught how to work with this magical substance and use the tools to create a piece of art. Sadly these artworks do not travel well, so you are unable to take them home, but they will be displayed outside the hotel for all to marvel. You might even find yourself inspired to submit your own entry for an ice suite!

The Sauna ritual

Learn how to pamper your body and soul like a local with this relaxing sauna experience. Take part in a traditional ten-step ritual, which includes an optional ice plunge, heated outdoor bathtubs, coffee scrubs and a roll in the snow! The sauna provides a guide on how to complete the ritual and the basics of the sauna. Cleansed of mind and body, this is either an invigorating start to your break or the perfect way to round off a unique and inspiring trip.

Exploring Jukkasjarvi

Make sure you save some time to explore this charming little village. Originally settled by Sami people, the name is roughly translated to ‘meeting place by the water’. Wander through this small village to the church and visit the Sami café and museum. Here you can enjoy freshly prepared traditional Sami food, learn about the culture, and perhaps feed the reindeer.

The local co-op is also worth a quick visit to discover an array of Swedish treats that you might want to bring home. Our favourites are the cinnamon buns.