ICEHOTEL 37 reveals its art suites, and a podcast studio made of ice
As winter approaches Jukkasjärvi, dozens of international artists prepare to sculpt fresh suites and an ice podcast studio using Torne River ice.
Illustrative image, not taken at the event.
In late November, 32 artists from 15 countries will gather in the northern village of Jukkasjärvi to create the 37th edition of ICEHOTEL. Rebuilt every winter since its founding in 1989, the ephemeral destination transforms the quiet riverside landscape into an expansive gallery of transient art. The hotel will officially open its doors to guests on December 11, 2026, welcoming visitors with an opening ceremony starting at 6 pm. As in previous seasons, the construction relies on around 2,000 tonnes of natural ice taken directly from the Torne River, which freezes solid during the Arctic winter and provides clear blocks for building and sculpting.
New perspectives and folklore in ice
Interest in contributing to the project reached a new milestone this year, with organizers receiving a record 293 applications from international designers and sculptors. Among the chosen participants, half will be shaping ice and snow for the very first time, bringing fresh artistic perspectives to the cold material. The upcoming suites present a diverse collection of concepts and visual themes. Among them, a suite titled The Cold Descent will feature an ice-cold pool carved straight into the room, while The Emperor's Suite will display hand-sculpted emperor penguins. Local cultural stories will also take shape in the suite named Skogsrå, which draws inspiration from the mythical Swedish forest spirit.
A decade of year-round ice
The arrival of the new winter edition coincides with an important anniversary for ICEHOTEL 365, the facility that maintains frozen rooms throughout the entire year. Celebrating ten years of operation, the year-round complex runs on solar energy harvested during the continuous daylight of Arctic summers, keeping the interior cooled naturally. To mark this ten-year milestone, the venue is expanding its permanent offerings by introducing a unique podcast studio constructed entirely from ice and snow. The specialized recording space will allow creators to capture discussions within frozen walls, blending modern media production with the enduring tradition of northern ice art.
This report is based on information published by ICEHOTEL press room / Kiruna Lappland. Details such as dates and times can change, so check the original before you go.
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