Picture waking up in a room crafted entirely from ice, where transparent walls showcase flowers frozen in their natural beauty, and modern amenities seamlessly blend into the frosty surroundings. The Icehotel in Jukkasjärvi, Sweden, stands as the world’s inaugural hotel constructed entirely from natural ice and snow, presenting a mesmerizing visual spectacle.
Recently, the luxury hotel unveiled a novel suite designed by Prince Carl Philip Bernadotte, also known as the Duke of Värmland, and his business partner Oscar Kylberg. This deluxe suite, inspired by Shakespeare’s renowned play, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, transports visitors to a magical realm with its intricate floral elements and plants encased in ice sourced from the River Torne.
According to the Icehotel’s Instagram page, the suite promises to take guests on a journey to midsummer, a cherished tradition in Sweden. The ethereal accommodations utilize ice extracted from locations “200 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle,” renowned for its remarkable clarity that might require touch to confirm its presence, as mentioned in Icehotel’s caption.
Operating throughout the year, the creators, Bernadotte and Kylberg, shared with CNN Travel that their aim was to encapsulate the spirit of the Midsummer celebration, a pivotal event during the summer solstice and one of Sweden’s most esteemed holidays.
Described on the hotel’s official website as a representation of Swedish culture, the suite embodies the mythology and legends associated with midsummer. The Scandinavian natural elements, blending flowers and ice, play a significant role in shaping the cultural identity of Nordic people. The suite, aptly named ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream,’ invites guests to immerse themselves in this cultural narrative.
Maintaining an internal temperature between “minus 5 to 7 degrees Celsius,” the hotel provides expedition-style sleeping bags to guests, along with survival courses to acclimate them to the freezing conditions. Overnight access to guest rooms begins at 6 pm, while the hotel’s heated service building remains open and staffed 24 hours, ensuring a comfortable and enchanting stay for visitors.