ICEHOTEL Information 2009/10

Jukkasjärvi
A small village with a pretty little church, supermarket and houses in Sweden's largest Kommun (council area), Kiruna. The wide, slow running Torne River runs alongside the village during the long summer days, and freezes over in the beautiful winters with a metre thick layer of ice - the source of ICEHOTEL.

Wilderness Camps
The Wilderness Camps on our overnight husky and overnight snowmobile tours are basic and comfortable. They are heated by log burning fires. There is often no running water or electricity. Depending on which cabins are used (often unknown until the beginning of the tour) you could be accommodated in rooms of up to 6 beds. The weather plays an important role on distance travelled and which wilderness camps will be used.


Practicalities
Clothing
You will be provided with outer clothing which includes a snowmobile suit, hat, gloves and snow boots. You will need to bring under garments to wear under these clothes and we recommend fleece type jackets / jumpers, plenty of socks and thermal underwear.

Checking in / out
ICE HOTEL (cold) is an art gallery and open to the public between 10am and 6pm daily. Guests will have access to their rooms outside these hours, allowing for preparation in the morning. You can check into your warm accommodation from 3pm and you must check out by 11am. Simply Sweden recommends you have an activity booked for the period between checking out of your cold / warm room and checking into your warm / cold room.

Luggage
As ICE HOTEL (cold) is at a constant -5C you will not be able to take your personal belongings into ICE HOTEL as they will freeze! Secure areas and bathroom areas and sauna in warm accommodation are located just next to ICE HOTEL with an adjoining door so there is no need to brave the external elements!

Restaurants pre-booking strongly recommended
ICEHOTEL restaurant
This restaurant is in the warm buildings next to reception and has featured in many international publications. Inspiration is drawn from many global cultures and many of the ingredients are locally sourced. Some of the dishes are served on ICEplates to continue the arctic theme. ICE HOTEL restaurant has been awarded the Werner Vögeli Statuette. This is also the location for your generous breakfast buffet. 

Hembygdsgården (Old Homestead)
Just half a mile from ICE HOTEL, which takes no time at all with help from a kick sledge, this cosy restaurant with its open fire and homely atmosphere stands on the shores of the Torne River.  Serving local specialties including elk, reindeer, salmon and arctic char the local theme continues into the range of delicious deserts with cloudberries, lingonberries and blueberries featuring on the menu.

NICE Bar
There is warm bar located in the same building as ICE HOTEL restaurant, just next to reception.

Transfers
Standard transfers are by minibus or coach and take less than 30 mins. You will be met at Kiruna airport by an ICEHOTEL representative on arrival. Your standard departure transfer will leave ICE HOTEL reception approx 1hr30 prior to the departure of your flight. You will be advised of this time when you receive your travel documents. If you elect to take a husky or snowmobile transfer your luggage will be transferred separately and you will be given warm clothing at the airport for the extra special journey to ICE HOTEL. Kiruna airport is a relatively small airport but does have a small shop and restaurant. 

Shopping
There are busses to the local town of Kiruna which take approx 30mins. Time tables will be available from ICE HOTEL reception or are clearly displayed on the bus stops. Make sure you are aware of when the return bus leaves! A taxi to Kiruna or the airport will cost approx £35. There is a local convenience store just a couple of hundred meters from ICE HOTEL where you can buy food and drinks.

We wish you a pleasant stay at ICEHOTEL!