The world's first ice hotel in Jukkasjarvi

Nestled in the wintry heart of northern Sweden, 17 kilometers from Kiruna, lies the Ice Hotel in Jukkasjarvi. Unlike any other lodging, it is built of snow and ice blocks taken from the nearby Torne River. It is the world's first ice hotel, rebuilt every year from December to April. Snuggled in the picturesque village of Jukkasjarvi, it is a destination that attracts visitors from far and wide.

Japanese ice artists began art exhibitions in Jukkasjarvi in 1989. In Spring 1990, after French artist Jannot Derid held an exhibition in a cylinder-shaped igloo, some visitors asked for permission to spend the night there because there were no rooms available in the town. They slept in sleeping bags on top of reindeer skins and became the first guests of the hotel. Since then, the hotel has become a landmark, with over one million guests reported to have visited since its creation.

Each winter, the hotel is rebuilt from scratch using snow and ice blocks from the Torne River. The hotel, including the chairs and beds, is constructed from these blocks. The construction process involves ice harvested from the frozen river and stored in a production hall with room for over 900 t (990 short tons) of ice and 27,000 t (30,000 short tons) of snow. About 900 t (990 short tons) of what is left is used in the construction of the next Icehotel.

Spanning over 6,000 square metres (64,600 sq ft), the hotel boasts unique suites, a testament to the artistry that goes into its creation. Artists from around the world submit their ideas, and a jury selects about 50 to create the church, Icebar, reception, main hall, and suites. As spring arrives, everything melts away and returns to the Torne River.

The Ice Hotel has been listed as one of the Seven Wonders of Sweden. The northern hemisphere's aurora borealis can be seen during the winter months in the location.

The hotel also hosts the Ice Church, consecrated during the Christmas Day service each year. During the winter period, around 140 couples get married and about 20 children are baptized there. Reverend Jan-Erik Kuoksu started the Ice Church and united 1,500 couples during his 17 years of service, with his wife, Lisbeth, volunteering as a church usher.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons