1. Sleeping in an Ice Room
Let’s cut through the fantasy: yes, you’re actually sleeping on a bed made of ice, in a room sculpted from snow and frozen river water. No, it’s not “cozy” in the traditional sense—unless your idea of cozy is a thermal sleeping bag and a room temperature hovering around -5°C (23°F). But here’s the real magic: the silence is absolute, the air is crisp, and the blue-white glow of the ice makes you feel like you’ve stepped into another dimension. It’s not about comfort; it’s about bragging rights and the surreal beauty of waking up surrounded by art that will melt away come spring. If you want a story that’ll outlast any Instagram post, this is it.
2. The Art Suites
Forget generic hotel rooms. Each suite is a one-off masterpiece, carved by artists from around the world. … read more 👉
Let’s cut through the fantasy: yes, you’re actually sleeping on a bed made of ice, in a room sculpted from snow and frozen river water. No, it’s not “cozy” in the traditional sense—unless your idea of cozy is a thermal sleeping bag and a room temperature hovering around -5°C (23°F). But here’s the real magic: the silence is absolute, the air is crisp, and the blue-white glow of the ice makes you feel like you’ve stepped into another dimension. It’s not about comfort; it’s about bragging rights and the surreal beauty of waking up surrounded by art that will melt away come spring. If you want a story that’ll outlast any Instagram post, this is it.
2. The Art Suites
Forget generic hotel rooms. Each suite is a one-off masterpiece, carved by artists from around the world. … read more 👉
1. Sleeping in an Ice Room
Let’s cut through the fantasy: yes, you’re actually sleeping on a bed made of ice, in a room sculpted from snow and frozen river water. No, it’s not “cozy” in the traditional sense—unless your idea of cozy is a thermal sleeping bag and a room temperature hovering around -5°C (23°F). But here’s the real magic: the silence is absolute, the air is crisp, and the blue-white glow of the ice makes you feel like you’ve stepped into another dimension. It’s not about comfort; it’s about bragging rights and the surreal beauty of waking up surrounded by art that will melt away come spring. If you want a story that’ll outlast any Instagram post, this is it.
2. The Art Suites
Forget generic hotel rooms. Each suite is a one-off masterpiece, carved by artists from around the world. Some rooms are whimsical, some are eerie, some are so intricate you’ll wonder how anyone managed it with a chainsaw and a chisel. You’re not just looking at art—you’re living inside it. The themes change every year, so even repeat visitors get a fresh experience. This is the real entertainment: wandering the corridors at midnight, jaw dropped, realizing you’re inside a gallery that will vanish with the thaw.
3. The Ice Bar
Yes, it’s touristy. Yes, it’s expensive. But sipping a cocktail from a glass made of pure Torne River ice, surrounded by walls that shimmer like a glacier, is a bucket-list moment that actually delivers. The drinks are strong, the vibe is surreal, and the novelty never wears off. Just don’t expect to linger—your hand will freeze to your glass if you’re not careful.
4. Northern Lights Viewing
Here’s where the Instagram hype is real, but the reality is even better—if you get lucky. The hotel sits far above the Arctic Circle, so when the aurora shows up, it’s a full-sky spectacle. There’s no light pollution, just you, the snow, and the kind of green and purple curtains that make you forget your phone entirely. Bundle up, step outside, and let nature do the entertaining.
5. Ice Sculpting Workshops
This is my personal favorite. You get handed a block of ice, a set of tools, and a crash course from a pro. Suddenly, you’re hacking away, channeling your inner Michelangelo, and realizing just how hard it is to make anything that doesn’t look like a lopsided snowman. It’s hands-on, it’s humbling, and it’s a blast—plus, you’ll never look at the hotel’s art suites the same way again.
6. Sauna and Hot Tub Under the Stars
After a day of ice and snow, nothing feels more decadent than sweating it out in a wood-fired sauna, then plunging into an outdoor hot tub while the Arctic sky stretches overhead. It’s a ritual here, and it’s the best way to thaw out and swap stories with fellow travelers. If you’re lucky, the northern lights might even show up for an encore.
Let’s cut through the fantasy: yes, you’re actually sleeping on a bed made of ice, in a room sculpted from snow and frozen river water. No, it’s not “cozy” in the traditional sense—unless your idea of cozy is a thermal sleeping bag and a room temperature hovering around -5°C (23°F). But here’s the real magic: the silence is absolute, the air is crisp, and the blue-white glow of the ice makes you feel like you’ve stepped into another dimension. It’s not about comfort; it’s about bragging rights and the surreal beauty of waking up surrounded by art that will melt away come spring. If you want a story that’ll outlast any Instagram post, this is it.
2. The Art Suites
Forget generic hotel rooms. Each suite is a one-off masterpiece, carved by artists from around the world. Some rooms are whimsical, some are eerie, some are so intricate you’ll wonder how anyone managed it with a chainsaw and a chisel. You’re not just looking at art—you’re living inside it. The themes change every year, so even repeat visitors get a fresh experience. This is the real entertainment: wandering the corridors at midnight, jaw dropped, realizing you’re inside a gallery that will vanish with the thaw.
3. The Ice Bar
Yes, it’s touristy. Yes, it’s expensive. But sipping a cocktail from a glass made of pure Torne River ice, surrounded by walls that shimmer like a glacier, is a bucket-list moment that actually delivers. The drinks are strong, the vibe is surreal, and the novelty never wears off. Just don’t expect to linger—your hand will freeze to your glass if you’re not careful.
4. Northern Lights Viewing
Here’s where the Instagram hype is real, but the reality is even better—if you get lucky. The hotel sits far above the Arctic Circle, so when the aurora shows up, it’s a full-sky spectacle. There’s no light pollution, just you, the snow, and the kind of green and purple curtains that make you forget your phone entirely. Bundle up, step outside, and let nature do the entertaining.
5. Ice Sculpting Workshops
This is my personal favorite. You get handed a block of ice, a set of tools, and a crash course from a pro. Suddenly, you’re hacking away, channeling your inner Michelangelo, and realizing just how hard it is to make anything that doesn’t look like a lopsided snowman. It’s hands-on, it’s humbling, and it’s a blast—plus, you’ll never look at the hotel’s art suites the same way again.
6. Sauna and Hot Tub Under the Stars
After a day of ice and snow, nothing feels more decadent than sweating it out in a wood-fired sauna, then plunging into an outdoor hot tub while the Arctic sky stretches overhead. It’s a ritual here, and it’s the best way to thaw out and swap stories with fellow travelers. If you’re lucky, the northern lights might even show up for an encore.
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Best Backpacking
Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past decade, I’ve backpacked through 80+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.