In the quiet village of Jukkasjärvi, 200 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle, the world’s most famous ephemeral landmark has been reborn. The Icehotel 36, the latest seasonal incarnation for the 2025/2026 winter, represents a masterclass in Arctic engineering and avant-garde art. Hand-sculpted from 550 tonnes of crystal-clear ice harvested from the Torne River, this year’s hotel is a fleeting sanctuary that will exist only until the spring thaw of 2026.
A Gallery of Frozen Dreams
Walking through the reindeer-hide-clad doors of Icehotel 36, you are greeted by the Main Hall, “Cathedral Grove.” This 30-metre-long installation features a glistening canopy of icy treetops that stretch toward the ceiling, creating the sensation of wandering through a petrified, crystalline forest.
The heart of the 2026 season lies in its twelve unique Art Suites, each a singular vision brought to life by 33 artists from around the globe. This year’s highlights include:
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Arctic Archive: A “frozen library” where ice-carved books tell the stories of past hotels and the people who built them.
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Spaghettification: A surreal, mind-bending suite inspired by astrophysics, where the bed and walls appear to stretch and twist toward a black hole.
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Soap Bubbles: A whimsical space where frozen spheres of ice mimic the fragility of floating bubbles, creating an atmosphere of ethereal playfulness.
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An Otter’s Midwinter Night’s Dream: A charming narrative suite depicting the dream of a drifting river otter.
The Symphony of Ice
Perhaps the most extraordinary feature of the 36th edition is the introduction of a full-scale grand piano made entirely of ice. This functioning masterpiece is set to be played throughout the season, its notes echoing through the frozen corridors in a display of musical magic that has never been seen—or heard—quite like this before.
For those seeking a moment of quiet reflection, the Ceremony Hall, “ECHO,” provides a serene space for intimate celebrations or silent contemplation, surrounded by the deep, insulating hush of the snow walls.
Gastronomy and the Torne River
The culinary experience at Icehotel 36 remains deeply rooted in the “Arctic Purity” philosophy. At the Icehotel Restaurant, the signature Ice Menu returns, featuring locally sourced delicacies such as Kalix vendace roe, reindeer, and sea buckthorn. Many courses are served on hand-blown plates of Torne River ice, emphasising the connection between the land and the table.
For a more communal experience, The Veranda offers a Chef’s Table twelve-course tasting menu, inspired by the eight Sámi seasons and prepared with theatrical precision right before your eyes.
Immersive Arctic Discovery
While the art of the hotel encourages stillness, the surrounding wilderness invites exploration. Under the guidance of expert hosts, guests can participate in:
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Ice Sculpting: Discover the tactile thrill of carving your own creation from a block of “mother ice.”
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Wilderness Safaris: Track the Northern Lights—currently at a decade-high peak of activity—via snowmobile or a traditional husky-led sled.
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The Sauna Ritual: A ten-step cultural immersion that balances the intense heat of a wood-fired sauna with a revitalising plunge into the frozen river.
A Fleeting Masterpiece
Icehotel 36 is a celebration of the temporary. It is a place where architecture bows to the seasons and where every guest becomes part of a story that will eventually return to the river. Whether you are sleeping in the eye of a frozen storm or listening to the music of an ice piano, a stay here offers a rare, sophisticated connection to the elemental beauty of the Swedish North.
