Almost 100 miles north of the Arctic Circle in the heart of Sweden's Lappland, there exists a hotel made entirely out of frozen water.
It is known simply as ICEHOTEL (why the all capital letters, I do not know).
For as little as 1250 Swedish krona (SEK) (~$195), or as much as 13,500 SEK (~$2,115) you could experience what it is like to camp outside in temperatures of -5°C (23°F). Or you could just go sleep outside for free.
That being said (“that” being the lunacy of paying hundreds (or thousands) of dollars) to sleep on a block of ice), the hotel itself is an impressive piece of art.
Seeing the hotel is well worth the trip (if you're already in the North, that is). The hotel melts and is rebuilt completely each year, and no two productions are alike. Chances are that at least one of the hotels “Art Suites” will leave you saying, “yeah, I guess that was pretty cool”.
You can enter and explore the place for free from 10:00-13:00, but you will have to pay 325 SEK (~$50) to check it out later in the day. Do not waste your money on the guided tour – just explore it for yourself and read about it online.
Thirsty? Head over the ICEBAR where drinks will cost you a mere 115 krona apiece (~$18). But don't worry, you get to take home the glass! The ice glass that will crack, melt, or otherwise be destroyed shortly following your failed attempt to bring it home with you.
I now present to you, the ICEHOTEL.
The main entrance to the ICEHOTEL.
A pathway around the side of the ice hotel.
A bench for chilling out (HAHAHA)
An igloo – just because.
Where guests come for illicit activities.
Who needs reindeer skins when you've got Jesus?
Inside the Ice Hotel's chapel.
A bed in a “Snow Room”(that's the only thing in there) – $350/night
Or get an “Ice Room” with some ice furniture for only $75 more! ($425/night)
How about some fancy lights in a “Northern Lights Room”? Only $30 more! ($455/night)
You fancy? Want an “Art Suite”? Just $500 a night! And only 23ºF (-5ºC)!
“IT’S ALIVE” – hopefully you will be too in the morning.
“SOLID FLOW” – because you want the walk to the bathroom to be a maze.
“NARCISSUS” – for those people who really love themselves.
“MIND THE GAP” – in case sleeping in ice wasn't enough for you.
“YOUR GLANCE” – there are no doors so everyone gets a peek.
“FROZTY FLOWER” – I wonder what you can find in that mattress.
“UP THERE” – admittedly superior to my tent (although not as warm).
“A FACE IN THE CROWD” – in case your nightmares aren't lucid enough.
“FUTURE ANCESTORS” – what happens if you drool in your sleep?
“ICED ORIGAMI” – I wonder if anyone has ever peed in their room…
“CLASSICAL” – because this is what Ancient Greece was like.
“POLE DANCING” – POLE dancing, GET IT!?
How about now? He watches you sleep.
I confirmed, it is in fact ice.
A wishing well – aka a hole you throw money into. Hey, that sounds like something else I know!
Excuse me, I cannot seem to find me room.
Always, I want to be with you, and make believe with you…
The Ice Bar.
This is what a $20 drink looks like.
Because nothing says “party time” like a massive, aggressive looking fish.
