ICEHOTEL information
It can be difficult to know what to bring on such a holiday. The following information offers some advice.
What clothing do I need?
Dressing correctly in this environment is extremely important for you to be able to fully enjoy the magic of ICEHOTEL. During your stay at ICEHOTEL you will be provided with a hat, snowmobile suit, mittens & boots. You will need to provide your own thermal layers, themal underwear, woollen socks and fleeces. Please note this clothing is only provided at ICEHOTEL and may not be provided for other elements of your holiday. Please check with us if you are uncertain. Sunglasses are advisable from mid-February.
First layer
It should be designed to take moisture away from the body and be made of synthetic material or wool (not cotton). There are some excel-lent products on the market. Woolen socks provide great protection for the feet.
Middle layer(s)
A single layer or several thin layers. Each layer should fit over the next one without restricting movement. Fleeces, wool and other insulating material work well. If you get too warm you can always take a layer off.
Outer layer
Often provided during your holiday. This should be wind and water-proof. This will be the thickest layer. Jacket with hood, snow trousers and mittens / gloves, hat and scarf. During overnight tours you will be provided with hat, snowmobile suit, mittens and boots.
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. 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, the bathroom 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!
Camera
Take a camera as there are likely to be some excellent photo opportunities. Remember extra batteries and a tripod.
Money & Credit cards
Credit cards are widely accepted but a small amount of local currency may be useful.
Driving Snowmobiles
You must be in possession of a driving licence that is valid in Sweden or Norway. All full UK driving licences are valid. Do not drink and drive.
Insurance
Please ensure you have obtained holiday insurance to cover ALL your activities and please have your European Health Insurance Card on you at all times.
Restaurants & Bars
There are 2 restaurants at ICEHOTEL. ICEHOTEL restaurant where breakfast & lunch are served. This is a gourmet a la carte evening restaurant. Hembygdsgården (The Old Homestead) is located in a listed building, offering a rustic experience, just 800m from ICEHOTEL on the banks of the Torne River. The original ICEbar is located at ICEHOTEL along with a comfortable warm lounge bar where you can relax .
Building of ICE HOTEL
The planning of ICE HOTEL starts many months in advance of the actual construction project. Ice is sourced from the Torne River in March and April. It is stored in a large freezer until November when temperatures are low enough for the contstruction to begin. Building work can pro-gress through to January depending on the conditions. This should not put you off visiting ICE HOTEL over this period. This is an amazing time to visit and actually see work in progress. This is not your usual building site! Videos, documentaries and TV programs have been made about the construction of ICE HOTEL.
