Sweden boasts the world’s most incredible winter accommodation experiences where architecture and nature blend like nowhere else on earth. The crown jewel is the legendary ICEHOTEL in Jukkasjärvi, the world’s first and largest ice hotel, with more than one million guests in its lifetime since opening in 1989. Built from ice taken from the Torne River, one of the last wild rivers in Europe, this ephemeral masterpiece is 200 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle, constructed each winter before melting back into its source each spring. Each visit is therefore a once-in-a-lifetime experience of ephemeral art.”
But beyond the ICEHOTEL, Sweden’s other winter accommodation options include treehouses, atmospheric mountain stations and cozy wilderness lodges, each with its own touch of Nordic winter magic. These five destinations are home to beautiful design, authentic Arctic experiences and the chance to see the Northern Lights right outside your door. The difference from Swedish winter accommodation is the philosophy: it’s not just about surviving the cold but embracing it as part of the experience—whether that’s sleeping on a bed of ice wrapped in reindeer hides or warming up in a wood-fired sauna before diving into a frozen lake.
Top 5 Swedish Ice Hotels and Unique Winter Lodges
- ICEHOTEL, Jukkasjärvi
- Treehotel, Harads
- Arctic Bath, Harads
- Camp Ripan, Kiruna
- Luthovaara Lodge, Vittangi
A Closer Look at the Top 5 Swedish Ice Hotels and Unique Winter Lodges
1. ICEHOTEL, Jukkasjärvi
The ICEHOTEL in Jukkasjärvi is the original and most famous ice hotel in the world and has been a pioneer of the genre since 1989. The hotel is 200 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle and each winter it is rebuilt from 2,000 tons of ice taken from the Torne River. ICEHOTEL 36, the 36th edition opened December 12, 2025 and covers 2,800 square meters, created by 89 builders, artists and lighting designers from 12 countries. The winter version stands until spring, while the adjacent ICEHOTEL 365—cooled by solar power—offers year-round ice suites.
Key Points
- Accommodation: 12 themed art suites (designed by various artists) 20 ice rooms and warm accommodation, including Nordic chalets and Kaamos Rooms for those who love central heating.
- Ice Art Highlights: A playable ice piano in full size, the 30-meter-long main hall ‘Cathedral Grove’ that is designed as a frozen forest and the suite ‘Soap Bubbles’ in which the face of a child blows ice bubbles through the room.
- Sleeping Experience: Inside temperature -5°C. Guests sleep on raised ice beds with reindeer pelts and expedition-standard thermal sleeping bags.
- Dining: The restaurant serves a four-course ice menu on crystal-clear ice plates, with local ingredients such as reindeer, Kalix vendace roe, sea buckthorn and cloudberry.
- ICEBAR: Signature cocktails served in glasses carved from the ice of the river Torne. Your permanent home at ICEHOTEL 365.
- Facilities & Activities: 24-hour sauna, relaxation area, wedding ceremony hall, organized excursions including dog sledding, snowmobile tours, ice sculpting workshops, Northern Lights safaris & visits to Sámi villages.
Achievements
- World’s first and largest ice hotel
- Since 1989 we have welcomed over 1 million guests
- ICEBOTEL 365, the world’s first permanent ice hotel, solar-cooled in summer
- Multi-award winning for unique accommodation and sustainable tourism
Feedback
Overall, the ICEHOTEL is a “bucket list” destination. The experience is consistently called “unforgettable” and “surreal” by guests, with special mention of the artistry of the suites and professionalism of the staff. Some first-timers confess to worrying about the cold initially, but sleep surprisingly well inside the thermal sleeping bags. Highlights that were often mentioned included the warm sauna and the lingonberry juice served in bed in the morning.
Contact Information
Website: https://www.icehotel.com
2. Treehotel, Harads
Treehotel is located in the small village of Harads in Swedish Lapland, about 60 kilometres from Luleå Airport. The property includes seven treehouses, all of which are designed by leading Scandinavian architects and are suspended four to ten metres above the forest floor. The ICEHOTEL’s icy minimalism is a winter thing, while Treehotel is a playful, design-led experience that changes with the seasons. Magical in winter under the northern lights, just as magical in summer when the midnight sun shines. Each room is an architectural statement in itself, connected by ramp or bridge, with floor-to-ceiling windows looking out to the forest.
Key Points
- Accommodation: seven individual treehouse rooms, e.g. The Mirrorcube (invisible cube, wrapped in reflective glass), The Bird’s Nest (woven twig shell concealing a modern room), The UFO (retro-futuristic disk), The Cabin (wooden facade), The Blue Cone (red exterior), The 7th Room (a walkway suspended with netted terrace, 10m up) and The Dragonfly (10m, four rooms, 52m2, swiveling windows).
- Seasonal Operations View aurora from your bed in winter and have 24 hour daylight in summer [cite: ?] Open year round
- Dining & Sauna: Restaurant serving cuisine from northern Sweden. Separate sauna building with wood-fired sauna, open fire and outdoor hot tub.
- Activities Description: Winter: snowshoeing, ice fishing, dog sledding and a northern lights safari. Summer: hiking, fishing, kayaking, wildlife safaris.
Achievements
- Featured internationally in design publications including The Guardian, CNN Travel and BBC.
- Winner of the “Best Wilderness Hotel” at the World Travel Awards (multiple years).
- The Mirrorcube was included in “World’s Best Designed Hotels” by Wallpaper magazine.
Feedback
“Magical,” “architecture perfection” – guests of the Treehotel call it. There’s no comparison to seeing the Northern Lights from a heated bed with a glass roof. Some guests mention that treehouses are small (by design) so book far in advance as summer and winter sell out months in advance. The Bird’s Nest is said to be the most fun and The 7th Room has the most dramatic views and space.
Contact Information
Website: https://www.treehotel.se
3. Arctic Bath, Harads
Arctic Bath opened in 2020 next door to Treehotel (both properties are run by the same company and can be combined for a multi-night stay). The main building is a dramatic circular building on the Lule River, land-based in winter when the river freezes, floating in summer. The design is based on historic timber floating techniques and combines natural materials (stone, wood, leather) with a dramatic open air cold bath at its centre. It’s marketed as a wellness-oriented, adults-only getaway, a full spa experience mixed with the winter wilderness.
Key Points
- Where to Stay A: 12 rooms 6 rooms on the ground floor (forest views, private sauna) 6 water rooms (jetty access, floor hatches to view the river below) All rooms have heated floors and a minimalist Nordic design.
- Wellness Facilities: Three wood-fired saunas (traditional smoke sauna, panoramic sauna, forest sauna); outdoor hot tubs; treatment rooms for massage and skincare; relaxation lounge; and centre-piece open air cold bath.
- Dining: Restaurant on site with local foraged and wild ingredients; set menus by advance booking.
- Sustainability: Constructed from local timber, incorporates heat recovery systems and uses low-impact floating construction.
- Activities: Winter: dog sledding, snowshoeing, ice fishing and Northern Lights safari. Summer: river floating, paddleboarding, fishing, hiking.
Achievements
- “Best New Spa Hotel” at the European Hospitality Awards
- Shortlisted for the Dezeen Awards (2021) in the Hospitality Building category
- Featured in Architectural Digest, Condé Nast Traveler and Vogue
Feedback
Arctic Bath is described by visitors as ‘a sanctuary above the Arctic Circle. The result is a truly restorative experience, a blend of innovative design, superior service and real wilderness. The water rooms, with hatchways leading down to the river below, are especially memorable. Like the Treehotel, you have to book well in advance—especially in the winter Aurora season.
Contact Information
Website: https://www.arcticbath.se
4. Camp Ripan, Kiruna
Camp Ripan, just outside Kiruna, Sweden’s northernmost city and the gateway city to the ICEHOTEL, is an accessible and family-friendly introduction to winter lodging in the Arctic. Camp Ripan is not like the high-design ICEHOTEL or Treehotel; it aims to be authentic Sámi culture, traditional northern Swedish hospitality and reliable. The property features hotel rooms and cozy cabins, a full spa and a well-regarded restaurant featuring local produce, including reindeer and Arctic char.
Key Points
- Location: Kiruna, 200 km north of the Arctic Circle, 15 minutes from Kiruna Airport
- Hotels and traditional Sámi-style cabins are available (larger cabins for groups and families), some with private saunas.
- Aurora Sky Station: Camp Ripan has its own Aurora Sky Station and observatory offering guided viewing sessions.
- Spa & Sauna: Large spa complex with hot tubs, saunas, relaxation areas and an outdoor hot pool to view the aurora.
- Dining: Restaurant Ripan offers Northern Swedish cuisine with an emphasis on the culinary traditions of the Sámi people. The breakfast buffet is included.
- Activities include aurora hunting, snowmobile safaris, dog sledding, ice fishing, visits to the ICEHOTEL (gateway town Kiruna) and Sámi culture.
Achievements
- “Best in Lapland” Swedish Tourism Association
- Consistently ranked in the top 10% of hotels worldwide by the major booking platforms.
- Known for its sustainable tourism practices and preservation of Sámi culture.
Feedback
Camp Ripan is highly rated for value, hospitality and authenticity. Families love the cabin accommodation and activities for kids. Big draws are the Aurora Observatory and spa on property. The location is conveniently close to the ICEHOTEL and Kiruna airport, making it an easier and more affordable base than staying at the ICEHOTEL itself. The restaurant is frequently lauded.
Contact Information
Website: https://www.ripan.se
5. Luthovaara Lodge, Vittangi
Luthovaara Lodge is a small family-run wilderness lodge situated 50 kilometers east of Kiruna. It’s the most intimate and authentic Arctic experience of all the properties here by a mile. The lodge is owned by Janne and Lena, who provide genuine Sami hospitality in a remote location, free from light pollution for increased chances of spotting the aurora. With only a handful of rooms, Luthovaara feels more like staying with friends who are expert guides than in a commercial hotel.
Key Points
- Location: Vittangi, 50 km east of Kiruna, in the middle of the forest, away from artificial light.
- Accommodation: Small lodge with comfortable, rustic rooms; each room has aurora alarm service, in which staff wake you up when the lights are out.
- Included Meals: Rate includes breakfast, lunch and a three-course dinner with local and Sámi-inspired cuisine.
- Activities include aurora hunting, snowshoeing, ice fishing and feeding the lodge’s reindeer.
- Group Size: Designed for small groups of 12–16 guests for a more intimate experience.
- Family-owned Janne and Lena host personally and share their stories, guide and give insight into the Sámi culture.
Achievements
- Winner of the “Best Small Lodge in Scandinavia” award
- Consistently rated 9.8–10/10 on major booking platforms with over 500 reviews
- Described as “the place we send our own families” by Kiruna locals
Feedback
Luthovaara Lodge has been described as “the hidden gem” and “the most authentic Arctic experience.” Guests always comment on the warmth of the hosts, the quality of the home-cooked food and the exceptional aurora viewing. From the steps of the lodge you can see the Northern Lights away from light pollution. Low guest numbers to ensure personal attention. Winter is a must; book months ahead, sometimes even a year out.
Contact Information
Website: https://www.luthovaara.se
FAQ
What is the temperature inside the ICEHOTEL rooms?
Ice rooms are kept at approximately -5°C to -8°C year‑round . Guests sleep on ice beds covered with reindeer pelts and are provided with expedition‑grade thermal sleeping bags rated for extreme cold. A warm sauna is available before bed and hot lingonberry juice is served at the bedside in the morning .
Do I have to sleep in the ice rooms at the ICEHOTEL?
No. The ICEHOTEL offers warm accommodation options including Arctic Chalets and Kaamos Rooms with central heating, private bathrooms and regular beds . Most packages combine one night in an ice room with two nights in warm accommodation—a recommended approach for first‑time visitors .
Which property is best for aurora viewing without leaving my bed?
All five properties offer excellent aurora viewing, but for viewing directly from your room: The 7th Room at Treehotel (glass walls, netted terrace at 10m height) and ICEHOTEL’s Arctic Chalets (some with large windows). However, for the most reliable aurora viewing, Luthovaara Lodge has the lowest light pollution and offers an aurora alarm service where staff wake guests when the lights appear.
Can families with children stay at these properties?
Yes, with some restrictions. Camp Ripan is the most family‑friendly, with cabins suitable for groups and children‑oriented activities. Treehotel welcomes children, though parents should supervise closely given height and outdoor elements. Arctic Bath is adults‑oriented (minimal facilities for children). ICEHOTEL is suitable for older children/teens, though the -5°C sleeping temperature may be challenging for very young children. Luthovaara Lodge welcomes families but has limited capacity.
HOW DO I REACH THESE REMOTE PROPERTIES?
ICEHOTEL and Camp Ripan (Kiruna area): Fly to Kiruna Airport (KRN) from Stockholm (approx. 1.5 hours), then transfer by car (15‑20 minutes to ICEHOTEL) or pre‑booked shuttle. Treehotel and Arctic Bath (Harads): Fly to Luleå Airport (LLA), then drive 60 km (approx. 1 hour) or arrange a transfer. Luthovaara Lodge: Fly to Kiruna Airport, then drive 50 km east. Some properties offer package transfers; check when booking.
What is included in a typical ICEHOTEL package?
A standard 4‑day ICEHOTEL package includes return flights from London (or other departure city) to Kiruna via Stockholm, return resort transfers, 1 night in an ice room, 2 nights in warm accommodation, thermal clothing for the duration, breakfast daily and a morning sauna. Prices start from approximately £830 per person (low season, November‑April).
Are these properties open year‑round?
ICEHOTEL 365 is open year‑round (ice suites are kept at -5°C using solar power in summer). The winter ICEHOTEL (ICEHOTEL 36) operates from December to mid‑April. Treehotel and Arctic Bath are open year-round, offering distinctly different experiences: winter for aurora and summer for midnight sun and hiking. Camp Ripan is open year‑round. Luthovaara Lodge operates primarily in winter but may have limited summer openings.
Do I need to book months in advance?
Yes, especially for winter dates (December–March). ICEHOTEL and Treehotel routinely sell out 6–9 months in advance for aurora season. Luthovaara Lodge—with only a handful of rooms—requires booking 8‑12 months ahead for peak dates. Summer (June–August) is also popular, particularly at Treehotel for midnight sun views. Book early and check cancellation policies carefully.
