15 New ICEHOTEL Art Suite Designs

August 29, 2017

Dancers in the Dark by Patrick Dallard and Tjasa Gusfors; photo credit: Asaf Kliger

The arctic travel experts at Off the Map Travel have announced the 2018 line-up for the ICEHOTEL Art Suite Designs. This winter brings the 28th ICEHOTEL in Jukkasjärvi.

Before getting into the details, it’s important to note that ICEHOTEL is exactly what it sounds like. Located in Jukkasjärvi, Sweden, the ICEHOTEL is the world’s first hotel made entirely of snow and ice. And there’s a lot of ice involved—enough to make 700 million snowballs and chandeliers made of 1,000 hand-polished ice crystals to be exact. It’s hard to say exactly how that was measured, but there’s no denying that’s impressive. It doesn’t last all year though. Almost symbolically, the rooms melt into the Torne River when spring arrives.

The ICEHOTEL began as a gallery for local artists to present their work. The gallery model changed one day when a few bold tourists asked to sleep there. Thus, the concept for the ICEHOTEL was born.

15 New ICEHOTEL Art Suite Designs

ICEHOTEL sketches; photo credit: Off the Map Travel

The new ICEHOTEL suites will be designed and crafted by 28 artists from 11 different countries far and wide. A few options visitors can expect include: a King Kong model, an Alice in Wonderland-style fairytale suite via a hanging installation (Hang in There) and a world of giant ice snails (Ground Rules).

“We can’t wait to see the new designs come to life. These artists have been selected from hundreds of applicants. Making their designs a reality creates a truly global masterpiece,” said Jonny Cooper, Arctic travel expert and founder of Off the Map Travel. “The team at the ICEHOTEL never fail to impress and seem to outdo themselves each year.”

15 New ICEHOTEL Art Suite Designs