Inside Sweden’s Latest ICEHOTEL

ICEHOTELs may not be the most economical of structures to build — every year, the 5,500-square-meter complexes are built with different designs from the River Torne in Sweden — but they are marvels that draw between 50,000 and 60,000 guests annually before closing for spring. Constructed with approximately 4,000 tonnes of ice blocks, this year’s iteration features 65 rooms for guests, along with walls, furniture, and a bespoke art collection made entirely from ‘snice’ – a mixture of air and river water. Inside, guests sleep in thermal underwear on blocks of ice covered by reindeer hide, and the temperature never dips below 17 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 8 degrees Celsuis — a testament to the fascinating insulating properties of snow. Sweden’s latest ICEHOTEL is just one of the many in founder Yngve Bergqvist’s worldwide franchise, and will open in stages from December until mid-April.