Nestled in the snow-covered landscapes of Jukkasjärvi, Sweden, just 200 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle, the iconic ICEHOTEL has emerged as a breathtaking testament to artistic innovation and engineering prowess. Established in 1989, it is the world’s first and largest hotel constructed entirely from ice. As winter envelopes the Nordic countries, the ICEHOTEL has transformed annually with new sculptures and installations crafted from ice, making each season a unique celebration of creativity. For the 2023-2024 season, marking the hotel’s 34th anniversary, thirty-two artists from 14 countries collaborated with the hotel’s construction team and creative director Luca Roncoroni. Carving ice blocks harvested from the frozen Torne River, they brought to life 15 art suites, a main hall, and a ceremony hall, turning the landscape into a frozen wonderland. The meticulous planning and construction of ICEHOTEL 34 spanned six weeks, creating a captivating and ephemeral masterpiece.
Marie Herrey, the CEO of ICEHOTEL, expressed admiration for the international artists who contributed to the creation of something “unique and spectacular.” The art suites of the 2023-2024 season showcase a diverse collection of artistic dreams, expressions, and ideas. Herrey highlighted the fairy tale and nature themes prevalent in some of the installations. Noteworthy among these artistic marvels is “Katt & Råtta” by Tjåsa Gusfors and Hanneke Supply, a pair of sculptures portraying a giant rat hiding a block of cheese from a cat’s glowing yellow gaze. The enchanting designs and creative expressions of ICEHOTEL 34 are preserved within the icy structure, maintaining a constant inner temperature of 23°F (-5°C). Even as the winter season melts away with the arrival of spring, a section of the hotel remains open year-round, allowing visitors to experience the frozen wonders that make ICEHOTEL a perennial marvel.
