Ever since I heard of the existence of the Ice Hotel in Jukkasjärvi, Sweden, I wanted to visit it. I'm not sure why, because I'm not particularly fond of the cold. I must be drawn to the beauty of ice and snow, particularly when it sparkles in either sun or moon light.
The Ice Hotel is in northern Sweden (image from Wiki). Since 1990–the official start of the Ice Hotel—numerous other copycats have arrived on the scene. Canada, Norway, Finland, and Fairbanks, Alaska all have ice structures, while Harbin, China hosts the "world's fair" of ice display. None of these hold the fascination for me as does the one in Sweden.
The Ice Hotel is rebuilt annually, starting in November, when ice blocks are cut from the local Torne river. The hotel gets bigger each week, reaching full capacity in February, and then melting in the spring.
I wrote this post before I left for the Ice Hotel. I am staying in the actual Ice Hotel for two nights, and warm accommodations across the street for three nights. When I return, I'll have a first-hand account.