The new ICEHOTEL 37 and a podcast studio made of ice

The Other Side, ICEHOTEL 37- by Milosz Matelski & Thomasz Czajkowski

Located 200 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle- just outside the city of Kiruna in the small village of Jukkasjärvi, a place with a rich Arctic cultural heritage and long history - the original ICEHOTEL- a frozen icon since 1989, stands on the banks of the wild Torne River.

Each winter, ice harvested from the frozen Torne River is transformed into a new innovative edition of ICEHOTEL, created by an exclusive group of hand-picked artists from around the world. When the warm rays of the spring sun slowly melt the art. allowing it to flow back into the river, the eternal cycle of water comes full circle. For this year’s edition 32 artists from 15 countries were selected to create the 37th edition of ICEHOTEL. The first sketches have now been revealed, offering a glimpse of a hotel that will exist for just a few months before melting back into the Torne River. At the same time, the year-round ICEHOTEL 365 celebrates its tenth anniversary with a new addition: a podcast studio made entirely of ice.

In late November, artists from all over the world arrive in Jukkasjärvi to transform ice and snow into one of Arctic Sweden’s most internationally recognized visitor experiences. Working alongside the ICEHOTEL teams- covering construction, ice production, artistic support, and lighting- they have two weeks to create the winter hotel before ICEHOTEL 37 opens on 11 December. Approximately 2,000 tones of natural ice from the Torne River, are used in the process as artists create rooms and installations that exist only until spring. At that point, the seasonal hotel melts and flows back into the river.

This year, interest from the international creative community reached a new peak, with 293 applications received. Half of the selected artists will be working with ice for the first time.

"It is fantastic to see a new application record for ICEHOTEL 37. We feel a deep sense of gratitude that, after 37 years, artists from around the world are still inspired by what we create here in Jukkasjärvi. The fact that half of the selected artists have never worked with ice before reflects both the global appeal and the creative force of ICEHOTEL", says Luca Roncoroni, Creative Director at ICEHOTEL.

From Arctic landscape to international art

This year's Art suites range from The Cold Descent, where guests can step into an ice-cold pool, to The Emperors Suite, featuring hand-sculpted emperor penguins, and Skogsrå, inspired by the mythical forest spirit of Swedish folklore.
The design process has become an annual, innovative exchange between international creativity and the unique conditions of the Arctic landscape.

More about what to experience winter 2026/2027 by ICEHOTEL 37:

Emperors Suite - ICEHOTEL 37 by Dennis Taylor & Michelle Taylor

Ten years of experiencing ice – even under the Midnight Sun

 

This winter also marks ten years since ICEHOTEL 365 opened, making it possible to experience art made from ice and snow throughout the year – including during the Arctic summer and the Midnight Sun.

 

To mark the anniversary, ICEHOTEL is creating a new podcast studio built entirely from ice, believed to be the first of its kind in the world.The studio will also function as an art suite where guests can stay overnight, while providing a space for selected podcast productions and collaborations.

 

"There is something very beautiful about the contrast between what is ephemeral and what is allowed to live on. We have recreated ICEHOTEL every winter for almost four decades, and every visit leaves behind new stories. With the podcast studio, we have an opportunity to collect some of them and allow more voices to become part of the continuing story of ICEHOTEL", says Marie Herrey, CEO of ICEHOTEL.

An Arctic experience shaped by the seasons

Jukkasjärvi is located in the northernmost part of Arctic Sweden, where the seasons create distinctly different conditions throughout the year. Winter brings snow, frozen rivers, long nights and the Northern Lights, while summer brings the Midnight Sun. Alongside the ice and snow art, visitors to the area can experience dog sledding, snowmobiling, ice sculpting, Northern Lights excursions and local cultural and food traditions. 

ICEHOTEL 37 – key facts

• Opening: 11 December 2026
• Location: Jukkasjärvi, Kiruna Municipality, Arctic Sweden
• Artists: 32 artists from 15 countries
• Applications: 293
• Creation period: Approximately two weeks from late November
• Ice: Approximately 2,000 tonnes of natural ice from the Torne River
• ICEHOTEL 365: Celebrating its tenth anniversary in 2026. Open year-round, houses nine art suites, nine deluxe suites, the Experience Room and ICEBAR by ICEHOTEL.
• New for 2026: A podcast studio built entirely from ice

Contact press@icehotel.com for further information and interviews. High-Resolution Press Material, visit the press room

• Notes to editors
  Arctic Sweden Visitors Board represents the tourism sector in Norrbotten county and promotes Sweden’s Arctic region internationally. The mission connects tourism businesses, local communities and partners to develop experiences rooted in the region’s Arctic nature, culture and everyday life.
  
  Destination inspiration: swedishlapland.com
  Press images: swedishlapland.com/pressimages

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