icehotel magazine 2009

M a g a z i n e 2 0 0 9 / 1 0

Art & Design

eternal & ephemeral

DestinAtion Space

Sound of midwinter

Sofia Jannok

Torne Riveris the source

Celebrating20 yearS

of life enriching moments

Arctic experience

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There is only one reason to visit – your own. Find it at www.swedishlapland.com.

Do you long for somewhere that offers new experiences and in-sights? A place where you can let your thoughts wander and dis-cover new horizons? If so, Swedish Lapland is an ideal destination. Tremendous con-trasts await you: mountains and archipelagos, light and darkness, warmth and the cold. But also small details; so tiny that you’ve never even considered them: the deafening sound of snow falling slowly to the ground. The sun glowing like fire in the middle of the night. Here you have the time that you normally lack to discover how magnificent such small details can be. Swedish Lapland is close by, yet extremely far away. Welcome to our county.

The adventures of Swedish Lapland.®

AVAILABLE FROM ICE HOTEL SHOP

WWW.NAPAPIIRIJEANS.COM

HANDMADE IN LAPLAND

Hello

6 | ICEHOTEL MagazInE

HelloMany thanks for the great conference we had at Icehotel, 10-11 March. everything went perfectly, and the hostesses who took care of us did a fabulous job. they gave us a friendly re-ception and excellent service. they were always there to do everything to make our meeting a success. our complements to the kitchen staff. everything was superb; from wonderful cinna-mon buns and tasty lunches to the fantastic dinner. And we also wish to thank the folks at your activity centre (we went dogsledding and snowmobiling). the activities were very popular and the guides friendly and knowledgeable. I have to say that Icehotel and the surroundings were incredible, and that the whole experience wouldn’t have been quite the same without your service-minded staff.

Regards,Camilla Wide, Global Project Co-ordinator SymbicortAstraZeneca R&D Lund

Many tHanks for a MeMorable anniversary...We wish to thank you for a memorable stay in connection with our silver wedding anniversary. everything was top-notch: the best weather pos-sible, perfect kick-sledding conditions, great food. there were a lot of interesting things to see; for example, how the rooms were main-tained. We had an opportunity to escape the urban stress. the drinks were delightful and the Northern lights appeared. We had a good night’s sleep in room 311. the staff were really friendly and took excellent care of us.

Anders and Ann-Louise HagbjörkStockholm

iceHotel was aMazingthe night in the ice room really was pretty warm, even though it was -14 c outside. We truly en-joyed our trips on the dogsled and the snow-mobiles. We got really lucky with the weather and saw the Northern lights in all of their glory, which was probably the highlight of the trip.thank you for helping us to arrange such a me-morable and adventurous honeymoon. on our flight to Stockholm we sat next to Bear, who was on his way from hawaii. We told him where we were going and he said, “that’s a great way to start your lifetime of adventures together.” I just couldn’t agree more.

Best regards,Kevin and Carol Brooks

more than words

Dig where you standmuch is yet to be done!

tHat is oUr greatest opportunity, and I think the phrase is worth repeating again and again. Over the years, since the early-1980s and long before ICEHOTEL was conceived, this has been the starting point for everyone involved in our local heritage association. We have been driven by a desire to live and work here, in Jukkasjärvi. We live off the river and with the river. Closeness to, and respect for, nature is implicit in what we do. Perhaps that is why ICEHOTEL’s environmental commitment is so strong. This year, we made an important decision. By 2015 at the latest, ICEHOTEL will produce more energy than we use. We will even be CO2 negative. This means that ICEHOTEL’s guests will be helping to improve the environment.

iceHotel 20 years2010 will be a year of celebration, as it marks the 20th anniversary of ICEHOTEL. Visitors from all corners of the world journey here for the experience of a lifetime. It feels fan-tastic to be a part of that story. In recent years, ICEHOTEL has grown to become an interna-tional player with presence in many locations besides Jukkasjärvi. This means that you can see crystal-clear ice from the Torne River in icebars throughout the world and at fairs, ex-hibitions and corporate events.

Development means change. In that respect, the Torne River is a constant source of inspira-tion. When I look out over the river, it always presents a new face. It is magnificent to be a part of this journey with the mighty Torne River. But I am aware that our story will be but a brief interlude in the saga of our wise and ancient companion. Still, it is my hope that ICEHOTEL and the Torne River will inspire greater respect for our fantastic planet, here and now.

You’ll discover that ICEHOTEL is so much more than ice.

see you at iceHotel.yngve bergqvist,ceo

Photo by fredrik

alm

Spot the vegetarian.

FUEL CONSUMPTION: PETROL, 8.1–10.1L/100KM. AN OFFICIAL CERTIFICATION PROCEDURE IS NOT YET AVAILABLE FOR E85 OPERATION. CARBON DIOXIDE EMISSIONS (CO2): PETROL, 194–242 G/KM; WITH E85, UP TO 80% REDUCED FOSSIL CO2 EMISSIONS. ENVIRONMENTAL CLASS 2005. CAR SHOWN WITH OPTIONAL EXTRAS.

First we raised the chassis and gave the car a new front and rear bumpers. Then we gave it a new name: Saab 9-3X. Above all, we installed a turbocharged BioPower engine running on bioethanol made from renewable resources. The Saab 9-3X is also more functional (just take a peek in the cargo space) and has XWD, Saab’s all-wheel-drive system, which ensures better traction and handling. Being Scandinavian we know the importance of being able to handle all road conditions, including the wintery roads to the Ice Hotel.

Experience the new Saab 9-3X at saab.com

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1010712-SBAD0745_AnnonsIceHotel_215x280.indd 1 6/5/09 1:51:21 PM

Content / Crew


Publisher & responsible under Swedish publishing law. Yngve Bergqvist | Editors ronnY olovsson | ella jonsson | camilla Bondareva | Creative Director annika fredriksson | Art Director magdalena sjödin

Photographers anders alm | andreas lundBerg | håkan hjort | hans-olof utsi | photoBigBen.com. | Frontcover MaIn HaLL ICEHOTEL 2009. artists arne Bergh & anders nilsson. pHOTObIgbEn.COM.

Printed by color print aB 2009. This magazine cannot be responsible for unsolicited material.

EvErything rEvolvES ArounD ThE TornE rivEr

26 arTA tearful meeting of magnetite & ice

54 SCIEnCENorthern lights & midnight sun

64 rOundTrIp SpaCEAccredited Space Agent

66 WOrkpLaCE: SpaCEMeet Swedish astronaut Christer Fuglesang

42 THE juryArt & Design group selects next seasons artists

56 WOrLd TOurICehotel at a bar close to you

44 EaTIng OuTWild cooking under open skies

59 TravEL dIaryFamily Berg meets snow

48icEhotEl20 yEArS

1632From thE SourCE To JukkAS

9 CurrEnTSami vocalist Sofia Jannoks songs are embers in the wind

11 CurrEnTSportswear of Sweden,new technology in icy context

15 CurrEnTWho said diamonds are forever?

SuSanna Porter ÖhmanProject manager mHa / coordinator adg

Linnea PaLmgrenoPerations manager/guide

Jennie WikStrÖmacting manager, Björklidens FjällBy

Sanna Porter Öhman is project manager for magnetite Heavy art and coordinator for the ice-Hotel art & design group. she is busy with pre-parations for a show featuring works from magnetite Heavy art.

magnetite heavy art. What’S that? “it’s a joint project with many partners, including lkaB and the municipality of kiruna. the common vision, which started with an idea by ice architect Åke larsson, is to explore the use of magnetite as an art material. it’s exciting when many people gather around an idea. We have to work that way here in the north.”

magnetite iS Surrounded in myS-tique. Can you exPlain Why? “the material is black, ferromagnetic and very dense. legend has it that magnetite brings truth, strength, health and love. and it stores heat or cold very well. in the summer, the sculptures will be charged with heat from the sun and will radiate lots of solar en-ergy. We will see an exciting contrast in winter, when the black, permanent magnetite meets the white, transitory snow.”

gone are the intensive months of skiing and all kinds of other winter activities; ahead waits a bright summer of trekking and adventure in the unique and accessible mountain country that surrounds the resort.

Winter in BjÖrkliden. What Shouldn’t viSitorS miSS? “regardless of the season, a visit to låktatjåkko mountain station is highly recommended. at 1,228 metres above sea level, it is sweden’s highest. sum-mer and winter, it is easily accessible. you can reach it by snowcat or snowmobile. those with a taste for a challenge arrive on skis. in summer, hiking is the best way. in addition to a visit to låktatjåkko, skiing on our long, well-groomed runs is a definite must. on our mountain, there is something for everyone. advanced skiers will find just what they’re looking for in our off-piste area. christmas and new year’s cele-brations at Björkliden are a very popular new winter product. guests can leave all the usual christmas stress behind and let us take care of them while they enjoy the magical experience of midwinter with the artic light and northern lights.”

and What haPPenS at BjÖrkliden in the Summer? “that’s what makes our resort so fantastic. it chan-ges entirely with the seasons. in summer, trekking is the main activity, and the light is incredible. We offer an unbeatable range of alternatives to suit eve-ryone from families with children to serious outdoors adventurers. and our golf course, which is sweden’s northernmost, attracts many enthusiasts. the magic of midnight sun golf, being able to golf around the clock, is second to none. the 9 hole/18 tee course is situated in a spectacular high-fell country setting and commands a magnificent view of lapporten.”

it’S juSt after midsummer and jukkasjärvi is buzzing with activity. the summer guests are here to witness the bright summer nights and experience nature in the wild fell country.

What Shouldn’t one miSS When viSiting jukkaSjärvi and iCehotel in the Summer? “a must is a visit to the ice factory. it’s an amazing feeling to go from the warmth of summer straight into winter in just a few seconds. the production line, where we process the natural ice that ‘grows’ here in the winter, usually gives rise to a lot of ques-tions and comments. and seeing a mountain of ice waiting to be made into next season’s iceHotel never fails to astonish people.”

WhiCh aCtivitieS do iCehotel’S Summer gueStS requeSt? “the wild, free-flowing river has a great appeal. there is a huge demand for iceHotel’s high-class white-water rafting. in jukkasjärvi, many guests are inte-rested in local history and the sami heritage. a visit to jukkasjärvi’s church, which celebrated 400 years in the summer of 2008, is another must. many of our guests come from very far away, and when they are here they want to experience lapland. thanks to iceHotel’s extensive network of tour arrangers, we are able to offer individual custom packages for guests who wish to explore the entire nordkalott region.”

70BooK your lAPlAnD ExPEriEnCE STArTS hErE

TRYCKSAK 341 147

Current

ICEHOTEL MagazInE | 9

Sofia Jannok’S voice warms like the glowing embers of the fire at the cen-tre of the tent kåta. And that is the title of her latest CD, ÁŠŠogáttis, “By the Embers”. Sofia explains.

“I think of the songs as embers in the wind. They have been with me on tours and at gigs for years. You could say that they were all written to be performed live. This felt like the right time to put all the embers together and release a CD, a glowing bed of coals.”

A video featuring “Irene”, the first single from the new CD, was shot at ICEhoTEl.

“I wanted to show midwinter at its best. You know, days when the cold holds nature in an iron grip and the sky lights up with the most fabulous colours. The day we shot the outdoor scenes, on the road to Nikkaluokta, it was -32°C. The cold is visible in the images and it’s magical,” says Sofia.

“Irene” is personal jojk. In a jojk of this type, the names of the individual’s forebears are sung; in this case, ending with Irene’s father’s name. The lyrics speak of reindeer calves with Irene’s earmark on the fells. The rest of the song is mostly without lyrics, backed by a so-lid pop beat. “In the video there is a sequence in which Irene enters the spellbinding at-mosphere of ICEhoTEl, which symbolizes a fairytale castle in the video. I can’t imagine a better setting than ICEhoTEl. It really is a fairytale castle,” concludes Sofia Jannok.

SOfIa JannOk SaMI vOCaLIST wHO HaS pErfOrMEd On STagE SInCE SHE waS 11 CurrEnT nEw Cd ÁŠŠOgÁTTIS, “By THE EMBErS” THE Cd Can BE purCHaSEd aT ICEHOTEL. SOfIa IS nOw TOurIng SwEdEn. TOurS Of EurOpE and aSIa arE pLannEd HOME gäLLIvarE, SIEIdEgava & STOCkHOLM MuSIC vIdEO SEE THE vIdEO On yOuTuBE.

EmbErs in the wind

A love song entitled The Ice Hotel won first prize in the jazz category of the International Songwriting Competition 2009. The song, in which fire and ice meet in cont-rast, features the romantic voice of Stacey Kent backed by a sensual, jazzy bossa nova. It visualizes

ICEHOTEL as the ultimate travel destination for lovers. The couple in the song have no doubts about their relationship and are totally committed to each other. Instead of travelling to a hot, tropical para-dise, they want to test their love by visiting ICEHOTEL. If they make it

through a night here, they’ll know their love is true. The melody was written by Stacey Kent’s husband, musician Jim Tomlinson, and the lyrics are by Kazuo Ishiguro.

www.songwritingcompetition.comwww.staceykent.com

TEST Of LOvE aT ICEHOTEL

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SportSwear of Sweden, SOS, is launching a whole new retail concept that will allow customers to test functional garments at the right temperature, right in the shop, even during summer. New technology and ten tonnes of crystal-clear ice from the Torne River make it possible.

Tjåsa Gusfors is a designer and ice sculptor. Together with desig-ner colleague Jens Toms Ivarsson, she has developed the 25m2 in-shop ice showroom. Both are acclaimed artists and designers with considerable experience of creating art in ice and snow.

“This is my first ice room beyond ICehOTel Jukkasjärvi. It’s ex-citing to work in a completely different context and see people’s reactions when they encounter an unexpected milieu,” says Tjåsa.

The new shop was developed by architectural firm Guise in col-laboration with ICehOTel in Jukkasjärvi.

“It’s inspiring to work on this type of assignment with other desig-ners, interior designers and architects. In this particular case, with Showroom in ICe, we have started with SOS’s core values and given them artistic expression. The shop is an exciting meeting of urban culture and nature’s own design,” explains Tjåsa.

To protect the ice, an entirely new type of solar protective film has been used on the shop windows. The film is based on nanotechno-logy and filters both IR and UV radiation.

IR is perceived as heat and UV is what causes, for example, clo-thing and upholstery to fade. What makes the protective film unique is the fact that it is completely transparent. This means that shoppers can still see through the window, while the heat factor is reduced by as much as 50% and fading is minimized.

The SOS shop, on Norrlandsgatan in Stockholm, is the first of a series of new outlets to be opened throughout the world. Next to open will be shops in Australia and Japan, where SOS is strengthening its existing sales channels with the Showroom in ICe concept.

UniqUeexposure with ice & new technology

Sportswear of Sweden, SOS, is already synonymous with skiwear, but will now expand with collections of sportswear and streetwear, as well as a coming spring collection that will give consumers a chance to wear SOS year-round.

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MAKING STATEMENTSSINCE 1872

COPENHAGEN

MILAN

LONDON

PARIS

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Current


Explore the Nordkalott region with SAAB Ice Driving Experience. Drive your own car through sub-arctic country. After a two-night stay in the magical ice world of IcEhotEl, where you are surrounded by art and culture, the pristine and easily ac-cessible high-fell country of Sweden and Norway awaits you.

The road twists and turns along Torneträsk as you head for the bor-der. Soon, the majestic Lapporten

rises up ahead to greet you with open arms.

The feeling of getting so close to nature, of being right in the midd-le of it, is overwhelming. Take the chance to pause and learn the excit-ing history of a pioneering era, when the railway was built through coun-try with no roads, far above the Ar-ctic Circle. Visit the railway navvies’ church and cemetery on the shores of Torneträsk.

Across the border, in Norway, you reach the Atlantic coast, with its bluish-green fiords, which are ice-free, thanks to the Gulf Stream.

Picturesque Lofoten, with its fishing harbours, ferries and exciting history will give you experiences that will be-come lifelong memories. Join a whale safari. Depending on the season, there’s a good chance that you’ll have close encounters with orcas, sperm whales and humpback whales.

If you wish to improve your winter driving skills, this is your chance to take part in the SAAB Ice Driving Event. Under the guidance of expert instructors, you’ll learn to drive on ice and put ABS and stability con-trol systems to the test.

For more details on your driving adventure, see page 74.www.icehotel.com

It started as a crazy idea. Today, it’s a success. Now Sandvik Coromant’s marketing communications are even cooler and smarter than ever. It all started in 2005, when Sandvik Coromant was loo-king for a way of strengthening its brand at trade fairs throughout the world. In ICehoTel, they found a partner that could deliver.

“We had decided to abandon our conventional trade-fair stand ap-proach. The vision was to offer visitors a new and entertaining expe-rience. To be frank, the ice thing started as a crazy idea,” says Pernilla eriksson, Vice President for Communications at Sandvik Coromant.

The crazy idea was soon a reality. Today, three years and many trade fairs later, it’s a resounding success. “Discussions about ideas and solu-tions have driven us and ICehoTel to a world-class level. The Smart hub and the ice were on everybody’s lips during IMTS.”

There is a natural, logical link between ICehoTel and Sandvik Coromant. Pernilla eriksson continues: “We are both high-quality, Swedish companies that put a lot into innovation, research and deve-lopment. We also share many common values.” When asked how she views her company’s collaboration with ICehoTel, Pernilla replies without hesitation.

“For us, it’s quite simply a smart, value-creating partnership that has given us a strong common platform upon which we can continue to build. We aim to continue working with ICehoTel for at least three more years. Now, we’re working hard to find new value-creating ac-tivities that we can do together. The companies continue to challenge each other. Both are driven by the desire to find new solutions.”

ExperienceArctictour with SAAB

Sandvik

“Regardless of whether we’re dealing with metal machining or beautiful ice creations, it’s a matter of thinking and acting smart, right from the start,” says Björn Roodzant, Marketing Manager, Sandvik Coromant USA.

ICEHOTEL Event team.

Tjåsa Gusfors sculpted live at the exhibit. A magnetic effect on the crowd.

painted Chicago yellow

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OUTSTANDING OUTDOOR

EQUIPMENT

H A G L Ö F S L O G O T Y P E

BASIC LOGOTYPE. TO BE USED AS NEGATIVE WHITE ON A BLACK OR DARK BACKGROUND

PLEASE CONTACT HAGLÖFS IF YOU REQUIRE ASSISTANCE OR ADVICE WITH THE APPLICATION OF THE LOGOTYPE

TEL +46 226 670 00, FAX +46 226 571 59

CLOTHES • BACKPACKS • FOOTWEAR • SLEEPING BAGS

WWW.HAGLOFS.SE

ICEHOTELL2009 8maj .indd 1 2009-05-11 08.21

www.bjorkliden.com

Please call for more information

+46(0)980 641 00 or visit

www.bjorkliden.com

Nestling between mighty mountains, situated 250

km north of the Arctic Circle, Björkliden is just

about as exotic as it gets. During the winter we ac-

comondate adventurers of all levels who wishes to

experience shimmering Northern Lights, high alti-

tudes and metre deep natural snow.

Out of the ordinary

Current


Product develoPment and finding new ways of ‘upgrading’ and using ice are day-to-day tasks for Arne

Bergh, Artistic Director at ICEHOTEL.“It’s a continuous process in close dialogue with other artists in the ICEHOTEL Art & Design Group, other col-

leagues and partners. Ideas occur to me when I least expect it; when I’m about to fall asleep, when I’m

in the bath, or when I’m in the middle of a con-versation about something totally unrelated.

Then, an idea has to be to turned upside-down, inside-out and made to fit reality, so

it can stand up to real conditions. The ice diamond is one such idea. I was wonde-

ring how we could find a way of turning our pure, crystal-clear Torne River ice

into ice for drinks. Åke (Åke Lars-son, ice architect and sculptor)

and I started bouncing ideas back and forth. I began by

forming some ice into a large ball. We soon realized

that an ice ball would be too complicated to produce. We

were stumped. I simply had to go back to the drawing table and

think of something else. I like to carve ice with a sharp knife, to shape

it and to explore new possibilities. Sud-denly, it began to take shape in my hands

– a glittering diamond with facets. I knew immediately that it was right. But we were

still faced with the same issues as with the ice ball: How could it be produced and presented?

Åke Larsson looked at the shape. He has a phe-nomenal ability to simplify and reduce things. To-

gether, we tested different variants in an effort to find an efficient process that would work in our production

facility. Pretty soon, we came up with a way. So far, the process is manual, but machines are used.” The process will be automated during the year to enable

efficient mass production. “The shape of the ice diamond has been adapted to fit a cocktail glass. It will be available in exclu-

sive, warm bars throughout the world. This means there will be even more places where our guests and customers can experience

pure ice from the Torne River.”

In october 2008 ICEHOTEL won the award for the ”Best experience in Sweden.” Trip Global Award was handed out in connection with the Swe-dish Travel and Tourism Gala. Behind the competi-tion is the travel and tourism industry in Sweden in cooperation with Visit Sweden. The price has been voted by the French, German, English, Dutch and Italian tour operators. Yngve Bergqvist CEO, ICE-HOTEL accepted the prize.

the winner is...&

Who said

dIamonds are forever?

Name arnE BErgH

age 60

Lives POIkkIjärvI

educated UnIvErsITy COLLEgE

Of arTs, CrafTs & DEsIgn In

sTOCkHOLM, 1980

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Everything revolves around the

TorneRiverWords by Ella Jonsson Photo by Hans-Olof Utsi

It’s fall, and the temperature is dropping. Summer’s warmth rises in vapour from the river. Now the water and the cold begin a game of cat and mouse. The river seems to flow more slowly each day. In late-October, the current gives in to the cold, allowing it to seize the waves and stop them in their tracks. An overwhelming sense of peace falls as the freezing begins. At last, it is time for the river to rest.

For natural reasonsFor natural reasons, the Icehotel does not want to contribute to the melting of the world’s ice. Which is why they choose Källmärkt® el – Pure energy from sweden. this is 100 percent renewable electricity created by water, wind and biofuels.

Pure enerGY FroM GÄVle enerGIwww.gavleenergi.se


EACH WINTER, ICEHOTEL borrows several hundred tons of ice from the Torne River. As soon as the ice freezes up, the sec-tion of the river to be harvested is marked. All winter the ice field is kept free of snow, so that the ice can grow.

“Ice that grows in height is of no interest to us. We want it to grow downwards. That’s how we get the crystal-clear ice that has become the signature of ICEHOTEL,” says Alf Kero, who manages Ice Production. The slow, natural freeze-in gives the Torne River ice unique properties that cannot be created artificially, for example, with common tap water. Ice from the Torne River is perfectly crystal-clear and completely free from bubb-les and cracks. And, thanks to its pristine natural source, 200 km north of the Arctic Circle, it is also free of pollutants. This results in high-quality ice that is ideal for sculpting and building. Since it is natural and contains no additives, it makes superb ice for drinks.

WINTER HARvEsT“We harvest ice from mid-March until mid-April. By then, the ice is about 80 centimet-res thick. We use machines and custom-made tools that have been specially designed for our specific requirements. Each year, we learn something new and refine the techno-

logy successively. The operations at ICEHO-TEL are constantly developing,” explains Alf. The ice field is divided into a grid pattern that marks the size of the ice blocks. Then, the difficult task of sawing out and lifting the heavy blocks from the river begins. Beneath the ice, the wild river rushes. The tractors must not be too heavy and the drivers have to know exactly what they are doing, so the

machines don’t end up in the frigid water. Each ice block weighs two tonnes. The top surface layer is sawn off. The ice is then sor-ted in two classes: crystal-clear, for example, for ice glasses and dishes, and ice that is vei-led, which is used for sculpting. The ice is then stored at about -5°C until the coming autumn and will be used in next season’s ver-sion of ICEHOTEL. A visit to the ice factory and the waiting river, which seems to pause briefly before being transformed into art and architecture, is a remarkable experience.

FINE TORNE RIvER WATER ICEHOTEL borrows only a marginal amount of water in frozen form each year from the mighty Torne River. Watch the flowing river for a minute, right where it passes Jukkas-järvi, and the equivalent of the annual ‘water loan’ for ICEHOTEL passes before your eyes. Most of it is returned to the eco-cycle when spring arrives and ICEHOTEL melts silently back into the river again.

“The drawings and ideas for the next year’s ICEHOTEL are usually ready by January. Ice Production works in close consultation with the architects and artists. At harvest time, the artists are curious about the quality of the ice. We can see that the ice has different properties, depending on temperature and

The ice field is divided into a grid marking the size of the ice blocks.

Beneath the ice, the wild river rushes. ICEHOTEL Production staffAfter harvest, the ice is stored at-5°C until the coming fall.

Alf Kero, manager Ice Production.

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precipitation. It definitely varies from year to year. Long periods with temperatures below minus twenty degrees are favourable for the raw material,” says Alf. From the shore, clo-se by the magnificent ICEHOTEL, visitors from all corners of the world watch in ama-zement as the ice is harvested. Perhaps only then do they fathom the magnitude of this incredible project. To first harvest and store huge quantities of ice, and then build a hotel filled with fabulous art and design the follo-wing winter is indeed a marvel. It’s surreal, to say the least. And, most amazingly, this is no one-off project. It is a vital and creative enterprise, with a new hotel each winter for two decades now, and always with a new theme, new art and new design. ICEHOTEL presence is now world-wide, thanks to ice-bars that offer a cold and fleeting pure taste of Lapland. One might say that this makes the Torne River the world’s longest. As the river slowly freezes, the building start approaches. In mid-November, specially selected interna-tional artists and designers arrive. They will decorate this year’s version of ICEHOTEL. For some, this is the first time they will work in snow and ice. Others have been with the project since the early-1990s. This blend of neophytes and veterans keeps the art form fresh and vital. The ambition level is high and the creativity is almost palpable. Finally, the river will show what it has to offer. Finally, the ice will be transformed into art. The Ice church under construction.

ICEHOTEL Production transforms ice into dishes, glasses and ice rings.

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Kiruna MunicipalitycongratulatesiceHotel

since the very start iceHotel has created attractive travel opportunities to Kiruna municipality. With their frosty lodging, the ice globe theatre, world famous iceBar concept and well-renowned art, created from local resources only, they’ve managed to put Jukkasjärvi on the world-map. With little means and by believing so strongly in that one’s own everyday life is extraordinary to others, iceHotel has become one of sweden’s strongest brands.

www.kiruna.se

on their 20th anniversary

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Our heating makes the world

cooler

Even ICEHOTEL needs heating. For offi ces, restaurants, kitchens,

laundries, cottages…

But few other businesses in the world are in greater need of a cold

environment. So it’s only natural that ICEHOTEL has chosen to use

NIBE ground source heat pumps for all heating needs for more than

10 years now.

Our heat pumps fi nd heat even in the deep frozen lands of Jukkasjärvi

and at the bottom of the Torne River. Not by magic, but by using a

technology that is dominating new heating installations in Sweden

today. Ground source heat pumps give us all a source of renewable

energy that is available anywhere. To anyone.

The heat pumps make the hotel warm and the ground cold. Just as the

people at ICEHOTEL want it.

By using NIBE heat pumps ICEHOTEL has so far saved about hundreds

of thousands of Euro and hundreds of tons of CO2. That’s a big contri-

bution to keeping the world cooler.

An important task when your business is made up of ice.

Read more about the cooler way to heat at www.nibe.eu

NIBE HeatingBox 14, 285 21 Markaryd, Sweden Tel 0433 - 73 000 www.nibe.eu


co2-MELTs bACk TO THE sOURCEThe building process is intensive and ex-citing. The ice and snow we use are natural raw materials that are completely subjected to the whims of weather and temperature. When ICEHOTEL opens in early-Decem-ber, construction is still in progress. In recent years, we’ve had more and more requests from guests wishing to take a closer look at the building process. They can take part in special guided tours, where we explain the process and our eco-cycle approach, and they can watch the artists at work,” explains Alf. By year-end, as peak season approaches, ICEHOTEL is complete. Several intensive months lie ahead. In the ice church, coup-les will exchange vows. Guests will sleep in sub-zero suites graced with fabulous works of art. Exotic meals will be enjoyed after days of snowy adventure. New products will be launched and corporate events will take place. Many languages will be spoken in tiny Jukkasjärvi, 200 km north of the Arc-tic Circle. By the time ICEHOTEL closes in mid-April, 60,000 guests will have entered the world of ice. They will have experienced, first hand, one of the marvels of our times. It is a world wonder that keeps us ever mindful of the great cycle of nature. When the warm spring sun returns and the days grow longer, the snow and ice begin their slow retreat. Tiny rivulets of clear meltwater trickle back towards the source and become one again with the mighty Torne River. Summer is knocking at the door and the river turns to new tasks. For ICEHOTEL, all that remains is to offer humble thanks for the water it has borrowed. And next year, a new ICEHOTEL will be born.

“THE MANAgEMENT AT ICEHOTEL has taken a strategic decision: by 2015, at the latest, we will produce more energy than we use in our operations. Quite simply, we will be CO2-negative,” says Dan Björk, Mar-keting Manager of ICEHOTEL. Dan says that careful use and conservation of natural re-sources has always been a high priority for ICEHOTEL. “I think this is a consequence of us working so close to nature. We are part of an eco-cycle. The Torne River is our source, and the surrounding country, here in Lap-land, is unique in Europe and the world. We wish to protect it,” says Dan.

The first step has been to train all person-nel, in all departments, throughout the orga-nization. This has been done with the aid of Gävle Energi, a close partner in the project.

“Simply by raising the level of awareness, a company can realize a 20% energy savings. It’s a matter of simple measures, like swit-ching off computers after work each day. Once the ball is rolling, everyone wants to pitch in. Our own personnel have contributed many energy-saving ideas,” says Dan.

Currently, the entire ICEHOTEL infrastructure in under review. This includes, for example, all building structures, which are surveyed to en-sure minimal energy loss, and power distribu-tion boxes, which are inspected to ensure that they are properly connected.

“The next step will be to invest in facili-ties for producing our own renewable-source energy. Whether this will be wind, solar, water-source heat or something completely different, we do not yet know. ICEHOTEL guests contribute to the production of rene-wable-source energy. We are unique in this regard. But we hope others will copy our en-vironmental approach; we all stand to gain,” concludes Dan Björk.

80% of the buildings at ICEHOTEL are now heated with ground-source heat. ICEHOTEL’s environment program is conducted in part-nership with Gävle Energi, which supplies renewable-source energy under the Källmärkt brand name. Find out how you, too, can make a difference!

“Simply by raising the

level of awareness, a company can realize

a 20% energy

savings”

Positively

ICEHOTEL melts slowly in the warm spring sun and will soon be one again with Torne River.

Dan Björk, Marketing Manager at ICEHOTEL.

Photos by Maria sirviö

& p

ho

tob

igben

.com

Flakes


muddus-Hjortron

Reindeer herds stampede through the restaurant and the Northern Lights

shimmer over the large dining room. Timbered walls merge with

exciting, modern details when old and new are interwoven. “The idea of saving and re-using objects in a balance of old and new features is right for the times. The northern appreciation for utility stems from an inherited environ-

mental awareness that has emerged from a life lived in a

harsh environment,” says inte-rior designer Karina Björk. The in-

terior has been shaped and inspired by closeness to the dramatic natural surroundings. “I have been inspired by the unique and exotic in everyday life,” says Karina. Furniture from Fritz Hansen has been combined with items by local craftsmen.

www.arkbjork.com

A surprising interior

Something sweet after dinner? Savour the flavours of Lapland, captured in exquisite

pralines from Muddus Hjortron. www.muddus-hjortron.se

Few people are aware of that ice is present in Jukkasjärvi year-round. But last fall we got an exceptionally early request from Quicksilver Inc. that was planning a shoot for their brand Roxy a surf and snowboard inspired line for women. We let the Roxy crew use part of our Ice production hall for a couple of days. The

snow wear shots by Swedish photographer Daniel Blom featured famous snowboard champions such as Amber Stackhouse, Erin Comstock, Torah Bright, Kjersti Buaas and Vanessa Colletta. The images were later published in Roxy´s worldwide 2009 winter catalogue, ads and backdrops in shop windows. www.roxy.com

ROXYShop

ICEHOTEL SHOP offers pro-ducts of the highest quality. Here, you’ll find this season’s outdoor leisure wear, as well as speciality foods from northern Sweden. ❄ ICEHOTEL Taste of Lapland Collection includes lingenberry juice, tea, and cloud-berry jam and marmalade. ❄ Garments are from famous brands such as Fjällräven, SOS and Haglöfs.❄ The shop has a wide range of attractive gift items and jewellery. Don’t miss your chance to take a piece of Lapland home with you. You can even pre-order the gar-ments and equipment you need from our shop before you arrive. Collect your order when you check in.

www.icehotel.com

After a cold day outside, the unique pleasure you get from Tylö is one of the best presents you can give yourself. At Tylö we have years of experience in producing quality products for saunas, steam baths and showers. Our new product range – Impression – combines all this and brings it to a new level of wellness, which leaves no one unmoved.

All our products are manufactured in Sweden in a well balanced combi-nation of shape, function and latest technology.

The Tylö Sauna ix210s combines sauna, shower and steam bath in one and the same wellness solution.

Wellness in a box.

www.tylo.com

S A U N A S S H O W E R S S T E A M B A T H S

2,8m2<

wellnessTylö Impression

Thermal undergarments made in Sweden.

Freezing? Why? Stay warm with a base layer of fine merino wool in a terry knit.

The terry loops trap air between the skin and the clothing to create a warm insulating

layer. Wool also has a natural ability to carry away moisture and perspiration.

Woolpower is manufactured in Östersund in northern Sweden and the thermal

garments are used for work, sports and leisure, and by people who would simply

rather not be freezing cold. Using the material Ullfrotté Original, Woolpower has been

manufactured since 1972.

McBride / Fotograf Jörgen Reim

er

Location: Storulvåvägen, Jämtland, Sweden.

www.woolpower.se


A teArful “The two materials are so totally different to work with. Ice is pure and transparent; the material has an intrinsic lightness. Magnetite, on the other hand, is heavy and much denser. Working in magnetite is a hard and dirty job.” says designer Sofi Ruotsalainen.

meeting of magnetite and ice

Words by Ella Jonsson Photos by Anders Alm


How And wHEn did you stArt collAborAting? sofi: “The artwork at IcehoTel is a collabora-tive effort. We discuss ideas and help each other to find solutions to different problems. Nille and I have been working together for about a year and a half. The first time was during the 2007/2008 season, when we built several suites together.

nille elaborates: “Artistic collaboration at Ice-hoTel sometimes has to do with whether a cer-tain design will work or not, depending on the material characteristics. here, experienced ice sculptors cooperate with artists who are encoun-tering the material for the first time. This is a young art form that is constantly developing.”

wHAt is it likE to work As An icE Artist At icEHotEl? “oh, it’s a real perk,” exclaims Sofi.

nille:“It’s incredibly free, fun and enriching. This is a very special, creative environment. And there is an unlimited supply of the material – ice. I think it allows an artist to be more adven-turous, to dare to venture into the unknown. And it’s very inspiring to meet other artists from all over the world.”

sofi ruotsAlAinEnAge just old enough to understand something about this great life (44).

BirthplAce Kiruna. home Kiruna (a circle that may not yet be complete...)

drivE Subaru, lynx and a husqvarna brushcutter. FAvourite Food pork. like being

happy. Forest and water make me happy. dislike unresolved problems. reAd reflec-

tions on the self, life and the world, and pulp fiction. look At the inside, life and the

world. FAvourite Artists William Turner, Bård Breivik and Anders Rönnlund.

lAplAnd is rich in contrasts and, for me, the pulse of life.

tHE purE, crystAllinE and

transitory ice meets the heavy, black and permanent magnetite. Slowly, the moulds melt away, revealing two figures: a man and a woman. Wat-ching the process, seeing how te-ars seem to flow from the eyes and stream down the faces, is magical. Is it from the pain of being freed? Or is it the joy of finally meeting each other? Behind this remarkable en-counter of ice and magnetite are Sofi Ruotsalainen, designer and artist, and designer Mikael “Nille” Nilsson. Both have worked as sculptors at Ice- hOtel for 10 years, and sculpted ice installations and ice art in various bars throughout the world as well as at IcehOtel in Jukkasjärvi.

”We realised that ice could be an alternative mould. From what I know, this experiment was the first meeting between ice and magnetite.”


tEll us How tHE two of you col-lAborAtE, prActicAlly.“We generate ideas together, and then I make rough sketches,” explains Sofi. “Nille is good at the technique and knows the material, and he usually knows at the conceptual stage how the project is going to turn out. When he has figured out the technical aspects, we complete the sculp-ture or installation together.” tHis is A mEEting of icE And mAg-nEtitE. ExplAin How you cAmE up witH tHE idEA?nille: “The magnetite sculptures are moulded. We were discussing moulds when the idea to use ice came up. Technically, a difficult part of the job is to get the mould to release.”

sofi: “We realized that ice could be an alterna-tive mould. We understood that our manual work would be visible on the sculpture and that the ice would slowly melt and reveal the magnetite.”

tHE mElting procEss AlonE sEEms likE An Art instAllAtion in it-sElf? .sofi: “Yes, watching the ice melt is magical. There are two sculptures: a man and a woman. To see them chained close together in the ice and to watch them being slowly released was a powerful experience.”

nille: “If we’d known how visually interesting it was going to be, we would have filmed it, of course. The magnetite wept inside the ice, and tears rolled down the cheeks. By the light of the Midnight Sun, it was magnificent.”

icE And mAgnEtitE mAkE for A strong contrAst. wHAt wErE your tHougHts About tHE mAtE-riAls?nille: “It was the first time I had worked with mag-netite. I have to admit I was nervous about the per-manence; knowing that this sculpture would last, if not for ever, at least for a very long time. Ice, on the other hand, gives you new chances again and again”

sofi: “Yes, that’s true. The two materials are so totally different to work with. Ice is pure and transparent; the material has an intrinsic light-ness. Magnetite, on the other hand, is heavy and much denser. Working in magnetite is a hard and dirty job.”

wHAt ArE your plAns for tHE futurE?sofi: “Now, in summer 2009, I’ll probably conti-nue working with magnetite.”

nille: “Yes, it looks like Sofi and I will be doing a joint project with Åke larsson, who is the architect at IcehoTel. It will be a replica of an ice sculpture, an organic square, which we did in the winter. As a designer and artist, it’s a real advantage to constantly develop and to work in two natural, locally available materials. To con-tinuously vitalize these art forms is another plus. The conditions and the environment in Jukkas-järvi are unique.”

mikAEl ”nillE” nilssonAgE 43 and still promising. birtHplAcE Stockholm. HomE Boden. drivE Volvo.

fAvouritE food seasonal; right now, lots of asparagus.

likE my children. dislikE myself. rEAd computer literature, self-studies in cAD /

cAM. look At the computer screen. fAvouritE Artists I like Andy Goldsworthy,

but I have no real favourites. lAplAnd is BIG.

”The performance was nervous working with magnetite, knowing that this sculpture would last for ever and ever”

Flakes


Scandinavia is a cold place to live and cold temperatures mean there`s a need to keep warm. There is also so-

mething about the contrast be-

tween warm and cold that has always

fascinated us human beings; something that

makes life a more inten-sive experience. Over the years

Tylö has created many sumptuous bathing facilities at the ICE- HOTEL. Their worldwide acclaimed products accentuate one simple truth: the opportunity to unwind and recharge your bat-teries is a pleasure that has nothing to do with extravagance. On the contrary, it`s a fundamental human need, a necessity we should allow ourselves to enjoy every day.www.tylo.se Sportswear of Sweden, SOS,

is synonymous with functional,

colourful ski and sports fashion.

Technically superior products

that stand up to tough demands.

www.sos-sportswear.com

In april 2009, a crew

of seven visited ICEHOTEL for a most chilly pho-

to shoot. They were shooting a line of swimwear

images for the brand new Greek magazine “Virtu”

– an online luxury fashion and design magazine.

The premiere issue, that launched June 1st this

year, was to focus on eco-friendliness, which is

why ICEHOTEL was chosen for location. With

every online edition of the magazine Virtu will

save 1200 trees. The magazine was launched

on June 5th to coincide with the celebration of

World Environment Day.

www.virtu-magazine.com

”I would like to thank you for

giving us the opportunity to photograph our

swimsuit concept for the premiere issue of Virtu

Magazine.com in your amazing art suites and

your beautiful hotel. I would like to extend our

thanks to all of your staff for being so helpful and

welcoming with our crew. It was an unbelievable

experience for us and an excellent addition to our

feature of Stockholm and SAS Airlines for the

launch of the magazine.”

PAMELA AVErkIADISDesign Without Boundaries

Fritz Hansen and ICEHOTEL think along the same lines when it comes to good design. The approach is based on an understanding and expression of the client’s image and identity. It is a matter of a pure design language, finding a per-sonality, and high quality. Kasper Salto has created the chair Ice for The Re-public of Fritz Hansen. It is a modern, stackable chair with a futuristic look. Design-wise, it is pure and simple, just as the name Ice suggests. The chair is available in several colours and has att-racted much attention internationally. You’ll find it at ICEHOTEL. www.fritzhansen.com

InspIred by the Ice Age


From the Source to Jukkas

High-altitude gastronomy. Västerbotten mazarin with prosciutto crudo at Låkta lodge.

Sunshine and morning coffee at Låkta in a sparkling winterland.

Treat yourself to a little pleasure. Sweden’s ‘highest’ bar, at 1,228 m above sea level.

The journey starts here. Above the snow line on the glaciers, the water begins its journey towards Jukkasjärvi. Pure, icy meltwater trickles down in rivulets that merge in a mountain stream – Låktajokken, a tributary of the Torne River. Join us on a dizzying adventure along the water’s course.


Warm sunlight beaming down from a clear blue sky makes the snowy lands-cape sparkle. Here we are, by the gla-ciers and streams, where the water’s journey to Jukkasjärvi begins. Water drips from icicles and snow melts on sun-warmed outcrops. The crystal-clear, icy water trickles down the slo-

pes in rivulets, seeps through stone rubble and vanishes in cracks in the rock, finally gathering in a single cold, shimmering mountain stream. This water carries a secret. We will now fol-low the water’s course.

But let’s rewind, return to the start, and begin at Björkliden.

Day 1. A journey through the seasonsLate-summer is on the air as we wrestle our backpacks into place. A light wind blows be-neath an intensely blue sky. Jonas Larsson, 30, from Gällivare, looks on contently.

“It was skiing that really brought me to the mountains. Then, I just stayed for the sum-

From the Source to Jukkas

A trek from the glacial source of the crystal-clear water to Jukkasjärvi’s shore will put even the most seasoned

outdoorsman to the test. It is a journey through the seasons, full of adventure, in natural surroundings that can scarcely be captured in words and images. This dizzying experience

for all of the senses is one big life-enriching moment.Words by Ronny Olovsson Photos by Andreas Lundberg


mer, for the kayaking and fishing. You know how it is.”

We distribute some gear, camera equip-ment, vegetables and other items. Terje Pedersen, 42, from Arjeplog, loads up his backpack while repelling friendly gibes from 22-year-old Luleå resident Anna Gjörup. David Larson, 24, from Gällivare, is joined by our little expedition’s canine companion Gandalf, who skips about, gleefully greeting everyone. Eight happy wanderers and a dog.

In the lead is guide Jesper Erkki, 34, from nearby Poikijärvi, who takes to the high-country trail with the sure-footed team of Nils Åslund, 28, and Helena Axelsson, 26, in close pursuit.

The path cuts through heather, lichen and small shrubs. A rough-legged hawk glides

30 metres above us, scanning the ground for prey.

Soon, we are wandering along Rak-kasjåkka, whose chalk-white stones create a surreal backdrop against the eerily clear wa-ter. We move through magnificent scenery that has just begun the barely perceptible au-tumn colour shift from light green to gold, burning orange and deepest red. Vivid, satu-rated colours. A stunning mosaic of vegeta-tion. Where we walk, we spot tufts of blu-eberry bushes, which provide an all-natural snack along the way. A brief pause to grab a few handfuls and our mouths are filled with that familiar round sweetness.

When we reach the massif, the landscape changes successively. We cross small snowy

Coffee and laughter. Terje, Nils and Anna rest and relax along the way.

We follow the clear water in a stunning scenery.


plains, ramble over rubble fields and negotia-te boulders. The transition is gradual, confir-ming that we are nearing our goal; the glacial source. Switching from trek mode to climb, we advance up the steep slope of Kåppat-jåkka, an ascent that is reminiscent of a high-alpine excursion. Things get technical and we have to clamber carefully up via crevices in stages, the rock face dropping steeply to a scree slope.

There is no immediate danger, but the situation is just precarious enough to silence the hitherto boisterous party. The climb demands our concentration and pre-cision. One wrong move or loss of balance and one of us could tumble 30 feet down the jagged rock face.

The sound of boots stamping for a foothold, the clattering of rock chips, a few tumbling cobbles, a groan of exertion as someone hea-ves themselves up over an obstacle. Boots find a new grip, and all is calm again.

One by one, our party assembles beyond the edge of the precipice.

During our ascent, we realize, smiling, that we have passed autumn and reached winter. Above us are several snowfields, and over the ridge the clouds are swirling in. It is now late afternoon and without me no-ticing it, the clear, blue sky has started to crowd with heavy, graphite-grey clouds. I have been focusing on my footholds and have not realized that we are walking into the first snowfall of the season.

A few of us try to catch the first snowfla-kes in our mouths. We have completed most of our ascent and can now proceed down towards Låkta, the highest, altitude-wise, of Sweden’s mountain lodges.

This snow will now refill nature’s reservoir and eventually flow on through an ingenious eco-cycle via the mighty Torne River.

Up here, on the ancient glaciers and the perpetually snow-covered fields, it all starts again. So, when will the snow that is now falling reach Jukkasjärvi? When will it have melted and reached Torneträsk via mountain streams, and then freeze to ice again in the ri-ver, to be eventually harvested in blocks that will be raised to build ICEHOTEL?

We are in good company, a happy gang, I think, as we stumble into the warmth of

Laughter from the illuminated

tent is carried away

on an autumn breeze

sweeping through the

woodland.

Cold water from the jokk refreshes.


the mountain lodge, where Pär Rådström and Marie Lidström meet us with broad smiles.

It’s a sensational pleasure to pull off your boots and exchange them for slippers, and after installing yourself in one of the upstairs rooms, laughingly sum up the day over a beer in the sauna.

Tales are told of rough-and-tough ad-venturers, local he-men, and book titles are swapped. Joe Simpson’s fantastic Touching the Void and Jon Krakauer’s Into Thin Air are reviewed as usual before we wash, dress in lighter attire, and make our way to the dining-room. Once there, the aroma of a magnificent Låkta meal unleashes the hunger we have been carrying within us.

Here, at 1,228 metres above sea level, we sit down to dinner. And we can’t take our eyes off the starter dish: a potato waffle top-ped with Kalix löjrom and garnished with crème fraiche and red onion. Another ele-gantly bubbling glass of André Clouet Grand Reserve will undoubtedly give us a good start to a perfect ending of our first day. Mountaineering with champagne. Why not? The lodge, which was completed in 1939, was built by Sweden’s national railway com-pany, Statens Järnvägar. It was a complicated project and all material had to be hauled by horses up the slopes, when the worst winter in living memory raged, in 1939.

The waffles have become Låkta’s signature dish. The Låkta waffle is renowned among tourists who have visited the area. But not only waffles are served.

Five courses later, the group is grin-ning and replete after a meal of Västerbot-ten mazarin with prosciutto crudo, Samuel Adams Boston lager, roast of reindeer ac-companied by flavourful shiraz, lingenberry caramel pie with cognac whipped cream, dessert wine, Låkta’s own chocolate truffles, all crowned by a glass of fine cognac. A plea-sant tiredness takes over.

Day 2. Waking up in heaven“Come on, the weather’s perfect,” exclaims an eager Jesper, and we tumble out of bed, half-asleep, pull on fleece sweaters, pants and slippers and shuffle out into a new world. The glittering snow, a warming sun and the sharp morning light bring everything into focus. We devour porridge and sandwiches, and then

Conquering your fear on the high-wire course is in every sense a natural high.

Before the final challenge, friends offer encouragement.

A proud Gandalf returns with a ptarmigan after the thrill of the hunt.


A proud Gandalf returns with a ptarmigan after the thrill of the hunt. Nils keeps his head clear.


take our coffee outside to enjoy the moment. It’s one of those magical moments that you want to hold deep in your memory, to be re-vived on rainy days when you’re pounding the pavement from one obligation to the next. We are here, now, and it’s incredible.

Nils flips out and does a handstand, right there in the snow. We laugh. That’s how it feels; dizzying, magnificent, liberating.Soon, we are following Låktajokken. The stream, born of dripping icicles and rivulets trickling down the rock face and running between stones beneath the snow, grows slowly as a myriad of tiny tributaries merge.

We hear the gurgling brook and the sound of our own steps, a lone merlin soars overhead, and we enjoy and rejoice communally.Anna: “Regardless of what you do, the gran-deur is what strikes you every time. Some-how, it’s more about seeing than doing. I don’t know. I never get tired of it; a day like this is just as incredible every time you get the chance to experience it. It’s addictive.”Moving at a flowing pace, almost at one with the stream, we stroll leisurely along, mostly in silence, just being in the here and now of

Our happy gang heads for the rapids. From left: Anna, Nils, Jesper, Jonas, Helena and Terje.

A relaxing time with hot coffee.


this wonderful experience. We settle down to a fortifying lunch beside a waterfall. Reach-ing the treeline, we are surrounded by bus-hes and short deciduous trees. We are in the valley and lake landscape again. Pausing on our trek, we turn to the hunt; a hunt for the much-prized arctic ptarmigan. Our guide, Jesper Erkki, is joined by Peter Löfgren and his bird dogs, with which our own Gandalf tentatively makes acquaintance.Peter Löfgren: “The dog covers a wide area, moving windward, so that it picks up the scent of the bird. If it catches the scent, it stops and points. A transmitter starts to beep when the dog stands still, so I can then walk the last little way with the dog and hopefully get into a good shooting position before the bird takes flight.”

The hunt turns into a frantic chase for the beeping dog collar. Sometimes, it’s a false alarm, when Kasper has just stopped to drink or points where a bird has recently been. But soon, a flock of ptarmigan is raised, ta-king off noisily in all directions. To those of us who had only just been listening with ba-ted breath, the boom of a shotgun comes as a surprise, and the whole thing is over in two or three seconds.

Glad and eager, Kasper retrieves the bird and dashes proudly up to us with it in his mouth.

Jesper sits down to prepare the birds for the evening’s campsite dinner while the rest of us wander down to the shore of Låktajärvi to do a little char fishing. But the angler’s patience gives way to hunger and, without catching any fish, we return to camp and are greeted by a set table in the main tent. We are not wanting for much.

Soon, the talk runs high. Outside, the red glow of an evening sun illumina-tes the hills. Darkness falls slowly and the tent looks like a giant firefly against a blue-black night sky.

Now our party has thawed comfortably. Jesper entertains us with a patented party trick, bending his thumb backwards. Playful gibes are interspersed with remarkable sto-ries. Anna, in a broad American accent, refer-ring to snowboard legend Terje Haakonsen, imitates the Alaska-bound snowboarders in the film First Descent.

“Terje’s gonna be there. He’s an older guy, but still one of the craziest,” she says, as the tent explodes in laugher and Terje bows approvingly.

Day 3. Kayaking and insightWaking to the sound of light rain against the tent, I turn in my sleeping-bag and dose off again. A little while later, I hear that seve-ral others are waking up. Jesper and Peter are chatting. Clattering pots and the aroma of brewing coffee tell me breakfast is about to be served. That’s good enough for me. I unzip my sleeping-bag, and dressing, I feel a slight stiffness in my left knee from the climbing. After breakfast, we get ready. The kayaks, the lakes and gang of fun-loving padd-lers are waiting. We drag the kayaks over the bog, down to the shore of Låktajärvi. Nils is already paddling full speed, with Helena in close pursuit. Well out on the calm surface, it is an extraordinary feeling to be gliding si-lently along so close to the deep, clear water we have followed together. By now, we’ve put some distance behind us and the massif, gaining a different perspective on the scenery through which we hiked and hunted yester-day. The group is spread out as we paddle down the lake. Jesper, who has a fishing rod, tries again to catch the elusive char. I ask if he has any special tricks up his sleeve.“A net,” he replies with a cunning smile.

Anna shares her thoughts on what brings her back to the high country time and time again.“I had no idea I was a wilderness girl until the first time I came here. I feel I have grown from the experiences I’ve had here. It has given me greater self-confidence, and I feel stronger and more self-assured from what I have learned.” We paddle on. The valley landscape is full of ponds and streams, opening out further downstream on the enormous Torneträsk, oblong and majestic. The gigantic natural reservoir discharges into the Torne River, which flows down towards Jukkasjärvi.All the high-alpine meltwater gathers and merges here before continuing the slow journey to the coast. We arrive at the rustic village of Jukkasjärvi, the site of an ancient marketplace and church. We pay a visit to the Nutti’s reindeer paddock and Sami open-air museum near ICEHOTEL. Here, there is a large cot tent for guests, complete with a bar and fire pit, and there are several buildings and cultural artefacts. Approaching the pad-dock gate, we hear the characteristic clat-tering of reindeer hooves. The antlers are a bit intimidating, but our group is eventually inside the paddock, feeding the reindeer.

Afterwards, we visit Jukkasjärvi’s rustic church, where the colourful relief of an in-credible, carved wooden altarpiece imme-diately catches the group’s eye. It relates in frank detail the redemption of a ‘hussy’ and a ‘boozer’.

So, what could be more appropriate than a visit, forthwith, to the spa for a beer, a sauna, a splash in the hot tub and a dip in the river?

Then, in high spirits and feeling very well-scrubbed, the party makes its way over to ICE-HOTEL Old Homestead for dinner. ‘Terje’s gonna be there’, of course. Dinner turns out to be a culinary triumph. The arctic char is the best I’ve eaten in a long, long time.

Day 4. Foaming rapids and vertigo It seems natural that our journey should cul-minate in a rough-and-tumble, rock-and-roll river ride that sends us splashing and care-ening down the roaring rapids. White-water rafting. After all, our purpose has been to follow the water’s course. Paddling towards the first rapids, the anticipation is electric. The mounting roar in the distance tells us we will soon be catapulted down the rushing current through treacherous rocks and swir-ling waves. Not fear, per se, but expectation. A gnawing, irrational feeling of ‘maybe we shouldn’t be doing this’. But we do, anywaythe adrenalin rush comes right away when the raft is thrown over the first wave into the rapids and down into the boiling inferno. Jes-per shouts his commands, and hanging over the edge of the raft, we paddle like mad in an effort to subjugate the enormous force.

With expert precision, Jesper steers us right into the first giant wave, which pum-mels us with an icy, wet cascade. Whooping and laughing, we have no choice but to con-tinue paddling frenetically. Borne on the back of the massive beast, we rush onward. “Paddle harder, and maybe we’ll catch up to ICEHOTEL,” quips Jesper.

But there is an element of truth in what he says, as the melting hotel is now returning to the river. However, our arms are proba-bly too weak. Hitting one set of rapids af-ter another, we keep paddling and getting sprayed with the frigid water. We enter a pool, Jesper stands up, shouts ‘lifesaver’ and belly-flops into the river.

A few impromptu bathers follow his lead until most of the gang is bobbing around in the calm, flowing water. As it transpires, this is where we get off. Dry clothing, coffee and sandwiches are waiting.

Beneath the snow and ice a different Sweden slumbers– one that also bids you a warm welcome.

www.visitsweden.com

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Our next adrenalin-steeped adventure is the high-wire course.

In a grove overlooking a bay with reeds, what at first appears to be a network of ca-bles and gadgets linking a couple of masts and trees soon turns out to be a nerve-racking test of skill and exertion.

We climb higher for each minute and, looking down, a giddy sensation threatens to send us crashing to the ground. Terje is first. Anna soon follows.

Finally, we are all up in the unusual laby-rinth, making our way higher and higher. Via hanging ropes, over nets and wobbly logs, ever higher. The unavoidable finale is a hair-raising, bungee-like swing out over the water. A hop is accompanied by screams, laughter and, finally, a cry of relief.

Anna is elated after her jump. “I didn’t think I was an adrenalin junky. It’s fun to feel so brave and daring.”

Jesper recalls:

“When I was guiding a German group, there were two older middle-aged men who were more afraid than anyone, but both managed to climb all the way up, half panic-stricken.

When one of them reached the last platform, he shut his eyes and hugged the pole.

‘Wait a bit,’ he called. Then, he stood there for five minutes, frozen on the spot. But even he jumped.”

Now, we head for a large cot tent on the other side of a small pine heath, where Peter is waiting with dinner: whitefish roe for star-

ters, followed by a substantial souvas hash.Nils is moved by everything we have expe-

rienced, and his comment sums up what each of us has been thinking:

“It feels like we’ve just done one thing right after the other. I’ve hardly had a chance to think.”

After coffee, we gather for the final activity. In turn, we have to climb a woo-den ramp, and then fall backwards into the arms of the rest of the group. It is high enough to sustain serious injury, were it not for the group.

I’m the last to go. As my heals lose their grip and I fall perilously backwards, a thought crosses my mind.

This is how life should be lived.

Relaxation and soothing relief for sore muscles in the sauna andhot tub. Spirits are high.

A culinary triumph to enjoy.

The carved wooden altarpiece dominates the church in Jukkasjärvi.

Art & Design Group


flourishes in sub-zero temperatures

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ExpERImENtAtIoN

The Desire To mAke iCe-hoTeL a showcase for high-class art and design has been implicit right from the start. That’s the big difference between the original and the many copies that have appea-red throughout the world over the years. Each winter, professional artists from near and far come to Jukkasjärvi to create in snow and ice. For some, this is their first opp-ortunity to work in these materials. Others are experienced ice artists. Arne Bergh is the Artistic Direc-tor at ICEHOTEL. Each season, he and his colleagues in the ICEHO-TEL Art & Design Group tend to breathe a sigh of relief when the artists have been chosen for the coming winter. Arne explains the selection process. “We receive applications from ar-tists and designers from all around the world. The final date for app-lications is in mid-July. Last year, around 150 artists applied, which is about the usual number. It’s a good number, since it gives us a very broad selection. Competition is tough. After the vacation period, usually in mid-August, the jury gathers to make their picks.”

WhAT is The seLeCTion proCess? “All entries are unpack-ed and the sketches are displayed without the artists’ names being disclosed. Then, the jury members assess the sketches and place their votes. The chosen works must repre-sent a broad variety, with both figura-tive and abstract expression. There must be something for eve-ryone. The group has many years of experience and can determine whether the material – ice and snow – is suitable for the proposed design concepts.”

hoW mAny ArTisTs DiD you Choose LAsT yeAr? “It was 27 artists but most of them worked in pairs. Their work adorned 15 of ICEHOTEL’s Art Suites. The other suites featured work by mem-bers of the Art & Design Group.”

Where DiD LAsT yeAr’s Ar-TisTs Come from? “Those tra-velling the furthest were from Chile, Japan and USA. Then, we had artists from England, Spain, Germany and Russia. We were very excited by the fabulous ideas and expressions from former Eastern Block countries: Lat-via, Macedonia and Bulgaria.”

Are There Any DominAnT TenDenCies or forms of expression? “Last year, we saw many organic shapes, with a lot of meandering and winding forms.”

you menTioneD The vA-rieTy of experienCeD AnD noviCe iCe ArTisTs. WhAT Does ThAT meAn for This ArT form? “The ‘old’ ice artists are mentors for those working in the material for the first time. That mix vitalizes the ice art. Over the years, we’ve seen what can happen when daring novices take on a new ma-terial. The art form is continually renewed; new things happen every year. Even though we’ve amassed quite a lot of experience by now, it’s still new territory.”

When WiLL This yeAr’s version of iCehoTeL be reADy? “We build in stages. Half of the artists arrive middle of No-vember and the rest join us begin-ning of December. ICEHOTEL will be inaugurated on December 10th, but the build won’t be completed until the end of the year.”

Sketch by Swedish artist Benny Ekman of his Art Suite “Get Bad” at ICEHOTEL 2009 and on the left, the actual suite.

The ICEHOTEL Art & Design Group selects this season’s artists. Juryn members: Arne Bergh, Åke Larsson, Mikael ”Nille” Nilsson, Tjåsa Gusfors, Sofi Routsalainen.

POSTER ART

2008Design by Summer.se


TasTe The wilderness

Words by Ronny Olovsson Photos by Andreas Lundberg


The NORdic high country has many unique and well-known features: warm summer nights when the sun never sets; the pure, fresh water, and the harsh winters, when the northern lights hang like a veil across the heavens. From the high-altitude glaciers to the coastland of the brackish Bothnian Bay, the shifting seasons, with extreme differences in temperature and living con-ditions, have given the fauna a distinct character. Only here do we find the world-renowned Kalix löjrom, a very fine-textured and exquisitely flavoured vendace roe. And here, the ancient reindeer herding traditions of the sami culture are a guarantee for first-rate meat products. Add to the hamper exclusive game birds like ptarmigan, and freshwater fish such as arctic char, and you’ll have the basis for an incomparable wilderness menu. “These ingredients offer just about everything a chef could ask for. each has its own special character, flavours that are distinct, and quality that is impeccable,” says Peter löfgren, wilderness guide and chef at ice-hOTel.“naturally, the food i cook in the wilderness must be filling and nutritious, but i strive to give the wilderness culinary ex-perience another dimen-sion,” says Peter. Many would even go so far as to say that you can taste the nordic light in this food. The bright summers en-sure an abundance upon which all game depends.

Fillet oF reindeer à la låktajokk with tagliatelle and chanterelle sauce

Reindeer filletTagliatelleheavy creamshallots or onionsGarlicChanterellesGame and chanterelle stocksaltBlack pepperParsleyButter

1. Cook pasta according to instructions.2. Grill fillet whole. Season with salt and pepper. Keep warm.3. Prepare chanterelle sauce. Sauté onion in butter. Brown chanterelles lightly with onions. Add cream and stock. Reduce. Season with salt and pepper.4. Cut fillet in diagonal slices.5. Serve pasta. Pour over sauce. Top with meat.6. Garnish with chopped parsley.

“A well-prepared meal seldom tastes as good as it does out in the wilds, when your

body is pleasantly ex-hausted after a day of

physical activity.”


raw-marinated char

Serves 4.

Char fillets, approx. 400 g6 scallions4 radishes1 red chilli pepperJuice of 2 limes1 dl olive oilsalt and black pepperGarnishcilantro

1. Remove any remaining bones from fish. Cut in centimetre-sized cubes. Thinly slice scallions, radishes and chilli.

2. Combine fish, vegetables, lime juice and oil. Season with salt and pepper. Marinate for 5 minutes.

3. Serve the mixture in e.g., 4 martini glasses. Garnish with fresh cilantro.

“Taste the Nordic light,

bright summer’s abundance”

souvas hash with asian veg-etables & sweet-and-sour chili cucumber

400g Chipped souvas500g diced raw potato400g asian wok vegetablesOil for fryingsalt and black pepper

Sweet-and-sour cucumber:1 cucumber1 dl white wine vinegar3 tbsp. granulated sugar1 tbsp. salt1 red chili pepper3 tbsp. chopped parsley

Hash1. Fry all ingredients separately.

2. Arrange in separate piles on the plate.

Sweet-and-sour chilli cucumber1. Peel cucumber and remove seeds. Cut in short, centimetre-thick lengths.2. Dissolve sugar and salt in vinegar.3. Chop parsley and chili pep-per. Combine with vinegar.4. Add cucumber and marinate at least 1 hour.

1. Season ptarmigan breast fillets with black pepper. Allow fillets to stand, and grill them just prior to serving.

2. Prepare potato salad. Scrub and boil potatoes.

3. Chop bacon and fry until crisp. Drain.

4. Halve the potatoes. Peel to-matoes and remove seeds. Mince red onion and chop tomato finely. Slice scallions. Combine potatoes, tomato, red onion, scallions, capers and half of the bacon bits.

5. Prepare the vinaigrette and pour it over the potato salad.

6. Grill the breast fillets in a hot pan. Season with salt and allow to stand for 5 min. Cut fillets in thin slices.

7. Arrange ptarmigan slices on a plate and top with potato salad. Top with roquette and garnish with remaining bacon bits.

Serves 4.

4 ptarmigan breast fillets16-20 small, round potatoes1 package (125 g) bacon2 tomatoes1 red onion

2 scallions1 tbsp. capersRoquette lettuceVinaigrette2 tbsp. vinegar2 tbsp. water2 tbsp. oil1 tbsp. coarse Dijon mustardsalt and pepper

Breast of ptarmigan with potato salad


“The Torne River is the mother of ICEHOTEL. It has flowed freely through Swedish Lapland for thousands of years. Living close to na-ture, in symbiosis with the pristine river system, is both humbling and gratifying. It gives rise to a very special and individual kind of lifestyle – a lifestyle that we wish to share. That idea, that driving force, has been with us here at ICEHOTEL right from the start, and it continues to inspire us as we develop the business,” says Yngve.

In other words, authenticity is the starting point. The owners and a diehard core of ICEHOTEL folk live along the river; following nature’s shifting seasons and living with and off the river. Yngve ex-plains that the setting itself and the discussions that go on in the com-pany bring about a uniquely creative vibe.

He’s convinced he’ll never get tired of ice. “No, it’s really a fantastic material, and there is still a lot that has never been done in the field in which we work.

“We always want to find new and fun ways to use the ice. For ex-ample, this winter we have started working with a new theme that we call ‘Purity with a twist’.

In the first project, we built a drum kit of ice, here in our ice wa-rehouse in Jukkasjärvi. The drummer from the Hellacopters perfor-med a solo on them that was seen on YouTube more than 400,000 times in three weeks. Ice is a real magnet.”

It began wIth summerIn the early years, Jukkasjärvi’s local heritage group worked exclusi-vely with summer tourism, and the village was renowned for white-water rafting and other adventures. Even then, the Torne River was the obvious starting point.

“There was a lot of work in the summer, but when autumn came, we closed shop. The accepted truth at that time was that Jukkasjärvi was just too cold in the winter. The tourism manager in Kiruna at the time told me that Jukkas was such a cold place that no one in their right mind would want to come here in the winter.

Many people often end up in a mental cul-de-sac, where they never dare to make a change or see the possibilities in front of them. We should be a bit wary of established truths,” says Yngve.

“We’ve always worked by the principle that you should ‘dig where you stand’, and that most things are yet to be done. Despite all of the pessimists, we decided to look at the possibilities for developing the winter season. I remember that I had a blank notebook that I began to fill with ideas. Now, flipping through it, I can see that we’ve realized most of them. That’s fantastic.” Many people who have met Yngve have heard him say, “dig where you stand; much remains to be done”. La-ter, he explains that the expression originated when he and colleague Kristina Rajaniemi, now part owner in the company, struggled to dig up a quince in the woods near Jukkasjärvi.

Icehotel never stands stilla lot of water has passed by Jukkasjärvi since ICehOteL first saw the light of day 20 years ago. read founder and owner Yngve bergqvist’s incredible tale of the world-unique hotel of snow and ice. through the story and the discussion flows the wild and mighty torne river, the source of a surreal ICehOteL that is con-stantly revitalized and continues to challenge and amaze.

Words by Ella Jonsson & camilla Bondareva. Photo by Fredrik Alm


ICe sCuLptIng was unknOwnIn the winter of 1989, two Japanese sculptors were invited to Jukkas-järvi to lead a workshop for 12 sculptors from Norrbotten.

“Rune Sundmark and I took the initiative. Artists who were inte-rested came to Jukkasjärvi to learn to sculpt. We sawed big blocks of ice out of the river and pulled them up on shore. Ice sculpting was something new and unheard of.

Ten years later, more people were needed to build ICEHOTEL. Af-ter visiting labour exchanges around Norrbotten, we gathered 15 or 16 participants. Then Norrbotten labour board director, Björn Pet-tersson, and county governor Björn Rosengren believed in the idea and the whole thing resulted in a make-work scheme.

Eventually, it led to the creation of real jobs at ICEHOTEL. Of the people who took part in the workshop, 10 or12 are still working at ICEHOTEL after 20 years. That tells you a lot about the spirit and loyalty in the company,” says Yngve.

the fIrst snOw buILdIng – a pILe Of snOw In the wOOds In 1990, the very first snow building, called Quinsee, was construc-ted. The Armed Forces survival unit commissioned the building and used it for winter survival courses. In the middle of the woods a large

igloo was erected. It was a mound of snow that was hollowed out and served as an overnight shelter for the soldiers. Military person-nel learned a lot about the characteristics of snow from these exer-cises. Heat-sensitive cameras cannot detect people inside the snow structure, and the compact walls of snow stop bullets. The indoor temperature remained at around a pleasant -5°C, while outdoors the thermometer dipped below -30’C.

“In 1991, our first true snow building was constructed on the river, using temporary wooden forms. We sat in the sauna and discussed how to build an igloo using a moulding technique. Kauko Notström, our property manager, led the trial project, and the technique was later patented.

In 1992, we built a 250 m2 igloo. It was called Artic Hall. At that time, a large group of foreign guests visited Jukkasjärvi. They deci-ded to stay overnight, but we didn’t have enough accommodation for everyone. Someone came up with the idea that the guests could sleep in the igloo. The next morning, everyone in the group was ecstatic. And the rest, as they say, is history. The ICEHOTEL business concept was born.”

Yngve recalls the first guests who visited ICEHOTEL. “There were just a few. The following year, the same people returned, plus a few more. In the early years, we had around 150 to 200 guests. The figure

Quinsee, the snowbuilding that laid the foundation for the product development at ICE-HOTEL. It was an igloo that was a hollowed-out pile of snow in the woods. Inside the igloo it was just below freezing, while outside it was -20°C. Body heat warmed the igloo, and with spruce bows and reindeer hides on the ground, overnighting in a sleeping bag was comfortable. For several years, the Swedish Armed Forces held winter survival courses under the direction of Lars Fält. Se-veral symposia in survival were held with international participants.

March. The idea to build in a new way was born in a sauna. Kauko Not-ström, property manager, suggested moulding wet snow in forms. When the snow froze, the forms were removed and the result was an igloo. A week later, we tested the idea and soon there was a 60m2 igloo on the river near the community cen-tre. Per Granlund, public relations consultant for Jukkas AB, came up with the idea for Artic Hall, and we opened an art show in the igloo.

1991

1992artic Hall grows.Now a 250 m2 igloo on the site of the present-day ICE-HOTEL. The building was moulded in wooden forms. A small ice bar and a royal visit.

absolut Icebar Jukkasjärvi established. Firing-range exercise at Lomben, where

the igloo is an enemy command post.

93/94

92/93artic Hallis now 450 m2 & has an art exhibit and icebar. A small apse is an ice chapel.

1990

94/95artic Hall becomes Icehotel.

First ice glass.

1989Two Japanesesculptorslead a workshop in ice sculpting for artists from Swedish Lapland. Ice was taken from the Torne River. The ice sculptures were a big attraction.

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doubled in the 1994/1995 season. Since then, the numbers have stea-dily increased.

In 2007/2008, a new record was set when we received 30,000 overnight guests during the four-and-a-half month season.”

art an ImpOrtant faCtOrArt and design have provided a point of departure for the company from the start. In a snow building called Artic Hall, various works of art were exhibited.

“These included photo exhibits and paintings in different techni-ques. Snow, ice and cold did not provide the right setting for that type of art. It was damp, and the frames and pictures were damaged by the climate. We started discussing how we could refine the concept. 1994/1995 was the first season we began to work exclusively with snow and ice. Today at ICEHOTEL, more than 90% of the building and its interior consists solely of natural material – frozen water.”

About 150 artists and designers apply each year for the chance to work on the interior design and decoration of ICEHOTEL’s suites and public spaces. After a careful selection process, they are flown to Juk-kasjärvi to take part in the creation of ICEHOTEL. Many have never worked in snow and ice before. They are led by a team of trained and experienced artists.

“We have developed the art form ourselves. In the beginning, it was really hard work – and uncertain. It’s much easier now that we can organize and foresee what will happen. Each year, new techniques and tools are used in the creative process. It’s incredibly exciting to watch it happen.”Now, ICEHOTEL is entering a new phase of research and development. Yngve is looking at technology that will allow him to start building ICEHOTEL earlier than usual and thereby extend the season in Jukkasjärvi.

tOrne rIver wOrLd tOurAn important milestone in the business was the start of collaboration with Absolut.

“We built the first Absolut Icebar in Jukkasjärvi in 1994. With Absolut as a partner, ICEHOTEL has been able to grow far beyond Jukkasjärvi and Sweden’s borders. It’s tremendous to be able to take part of the Torne River out into the world. We now have bars in Jukkasjärvi, Lon-don, Tokyo, Stockholm and Copenhagen. And more will soon open.”

Over the years, the business has expanded and ICEHOTEL has fre-quently been a partner in events of various kinds. The Torne River ice has been used to boost brands such as Hugo Boss, Versace, Montblanc, Volvo and TetraPak. The ice has been sent to major cities the world over, and even to deserts.

Ice gallery at Österlånggatan 42, Stockholm, a small ice exhibit. EU pro-ject with ice art when Sweden assumes EU presidency. Arne Bergh and Åke Larsson build a rowboat in ice, which they launch and test, Midsummer 2001.

Ice art inKungsträdgården in connection with Culture Capital Stockholm. First ice dish.

97/98

98/99

Millenium. Live world TV broadcast from Juk-kasjärvi. Sami artist Yana gets mar-ried in the Ice Church; ice music from ICEHOTEL Arena. Inauguration of ArtCenter. Igloo village and ice sculpture exhibition. Storage shed for ice blocks. New logotype.

99/00

2000/01

96/97

95/96Film shoot.Billie August’s “Smilla’s Sense of Snow”. The set for the final scene was built in Jukkasjärvi by Åke Larsson and Arne Bergh.

Icebar Stockholm opens1 June 2002.

01/02

Herb Ritts absolut/Versace. Photographer Herb Ritts shoots Absolut Versace in Jukkasjärvi with supermodels Naomi Campbell, Markus Schenkenberg and Kate Moss. The shoot is in mid-December. The campaign was launched in Vogue on 1 April 1997. Åke Larsson de-signs the first luxury suite, with a map of Juk-kas j ä r v i and the To r n e River.

absolut africa Hoshino’s world.Japanese ice exhibition based on photos by the famous Japanese photographer who was killed by bears in Kamchatka. 12 Japanese sculptors under the direction of Ruichiro Sakino. Ice and snow course as part of a program sponsored by the labour market board.ICEHOTEL trains two Greenland Inuit to build an igloo. The result is an igloo village in Kangarluossaq, Greenland.

Accredited SpAce AgentFrom being an expert on travel experiences in Swedish Lapland and northern Norway, ICEHOTEL Travel now takes an exciting leap into the future and adds space travel to their product range. Booking preparations is well under way. - The first space travel from Kiruna, Sweden takes place in 2012. - Virgin Galactic has appointed five travel companies in Scandinavia with sole rights to reserve seats aboard the suborbital flights.- ICEHOTEL Travel is an underlying business area of ICEHOTEL AB- As an ASA ICEHOTEL Travel will provide great local expertise for space tourism.

For more inFormAtion pleASe contActDan BjörkDirector of Sales and [email protected] | +46 (0) 70 633 43 49


CarbOn dIOxIde negatIve bY 2015Environmental awareness has been part of the ICEHOTEL concept over the years.

“I think this comes from the fact that we work with nature and what nature gives us. It’s humbling to follow the mighty river’s shifting moods and witness the changing seasons. In our part of the world, caring for nature and being grateful for what it gives is a tradition.”

A commitment to causing as little environmental impact as possible has driven the development of the company’s environmental protec-tion effort.

“In 2008, we came up with the idea to make ICEHOTEL carbon dioxide neutral, and even carbon dioxide negative. We want to reach that goal by 2015. This means that ICEHOTEL’s guests will be hel-ping to improve the environment. Together with Gävle Energi, we are promoting the development of renewable energy sources. All energy used at ICEHOTEL is so-called Källmärkt renewable-source energy. We’re proud of that.

pIOneers break new grOundThe region around Jukkasjärvi is pioneering country. Sweden’s vital mining industry has thrived here for more than a century. Some

of the country’s most spectacular high fells and mountains are to be found here, and there is an expansive tourism sector and many well-known brands. And here, the Esrange space research centre has made a name for itself the world over. The most recent phenome-non, placing Kiruna even more firmly on the map, is space tourism. Yngve explains.

“In 2012, the first manned commercial space mission will embark from Spaceport Sweden.

The seats are already booked and a large group of space tourists has been here on a study visit. They were thrilled with Kiruna, Jukkasjärvi and all that we have to offer in the form of fabulous experiences – and contrasts.

Working with the mighty, 8,000-year-old river and now, to be able to take our guests into space, is really magnificent. In both cases, nature has given us the starting point. ICEHOTEL is ‘digging wear it stands’, and we intend to keep doing things that way,” concludes Yngve Bergqvist, gazing out over the Torne River.

Yngve was 20 when he was hired by LKAB in Kiruna on the promise that he would play for the company handball team. If he hadn’t taken the job, he probably would have become a sea captain instead of an entrepreneur with a passion for snow and ice.

Romeo and Juliet at Ice Globe Theatre. Discovery and Bo Landin shoot the TV documen-tary The ICEHOTEL, a world suc-cess. Absolut Icebar Milano opens in October 2004.

04/05

absolut Icebar London. Montblanc celebrates its centenary

with ice diamonds.

05/06

Linnaeus year concludes with Cool Cresendium and a visit from King Carl Gustav and Queen Silvia. Major invest-ments and expansion of outbuil-dings at ICEHOTEL.

07/08Purity with a twist

Hellacopters drummer on YouTube. Icebar by ICEHOTEL Copenhagen and Tokyo open.

08/09absolut Icebar Copenhagen. New ice production facility ready in January 2007.

06/07

09/10 20th anniversary of ICEHOTEL

The world’s largest igloo village,with 140 igloos and 800 overnight guests when Tetra Pak celebrates its 50th anniversary in Dec. 2002. Ice Globe The-atre is built in January and opens with Shakespeare’s Ham-let, performed in Sami by the Beaivas theatre company. St. Petersburg celebrates it tercentenary with an ice pavilion and we have our bigloo.

02/03December 2003 Queen Silvia celebrates her 60th birthday. A production of Macbeth at the Ice Globe Thea-tre is filmed. Icebar Stockholm renamed ABSOLUT ICEBAR Stockholm.

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Science


So, you thought winter in Lapland was in black and white. Nothing could be farther from the truth. In fact, the polar night is alive with light and colour. The white snow reflects a heavenly light show – glittering stars, a full moon and the magical, mystical Northern Lights. But what, exactly, are the Northern Lights?

The Northern Lights, Aurora Borealis, ap-pear in a clear night sky as swirling rivers of greenish-blue light. They move and dance unpredictably; sometimes barely perceptible, then suddenly growing vivid.

In simple terms, the auroras can be explai-ned as an interaction of the solar wind and the Earth’s magnetic field. The solar wind consists of charged particles emanating from the Sun. These are captured by the Earth’s magnetic field and drawn towards the poles at very high speed. The phenomenon occurs when the particles collide with atoms and mole-cules in the upper atmosphere, transforming kinetic energy into visible light. Their colour is most often greenish blue. Sometimes, the Northern Lights can be red or purple. The different colours depend on the types of atoms, their speed and charge.The most in-tensive auroras occur at a height of about 100 km and can be 10 to 30 km high, although

they can extend, with dimi-nishing light intensity, several hundred kilometres upwards to, at most, 1000 km. Normally, the Northern Lights can be seen on virtually every clear night at high latitu-des in the northern hemisphere, under the so-called north polar auroral oval. In Sweden, the polar auroral oval is most often above Kiruna’s latitude.

It must be dark for the auroras to be visible, and they are best viewed from open spaces away from periphe-ral light. As a winter visitor to IcEhoTEL, in the polar night you stand a very good chance of receiving a cold and co-lourful winter greeting from the Sun, the Northern Lights.

AlwAys welcome when it returns in spring to the regions north of the Arc-tic circle. slowly, nature awakes as the snow melts away. Bubbling and trickling can be heard from every ditch, mountain stream and glade. All living things rush towards summer with open arms.

north of the Arctic circle, the period from early-June until late-July is like a single, long day. At this latitude and time of year, the midnight sun never dips below the horizon.

sleep seems irrelevant, and energy virtually inexhaustible. Take advantage of it. experience nature at night, when everything exciting happens.

E L E C T R O N PAT H M O L E C U L E O R AT O M I N T H E AT M O S P H E R E

COLLISION > NORTHERN LIGHTS

coLourfuL grEETINgSIN ThE wINTEr NIghT

4pm - 5pm 6pm - 7pm 8pm - 9pm 10pm - 11pm 12am - 1am 2am - 3am 4am - 5am 6am - 7am 8am - 9am 10am - 11am 12pm - 1pm 2pm - 3pm

Light

Your local corporate bank for cross border Business

Yngve Bergqvist has created the most spectacular tourist attraction:ICEHOTEL in Jukkasjärvi, the world´s largest igloo according to GuinessWorld Records. His business concept was both bold and untried, but webelieved in the man behind this vision.

Swedbank is a large corporate bank in cross border Business. Our aim is to be the natural choice for customers and corporates.

Swedbank is for corporate clients leading bank in Sweden, Estonia, Lativa and Lithuania. We offer a full range of easy-to-use and competitively priced financial services.

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We give you all a warm welcome to Swedbank!

If you’ve just gone against everyone’s advice and created a hotel made entirely from snow and ice, which during its first years attracted some 150 guests – there’s no doubt that the next step would be to add a bar to the concept. In 1993, the founders of Icehotel in Jukkas-järvi built a small bar at the hotel. everything from the counter to the furniture was made from torne River ice. even ice glasses would be thought up just a few years later.

to create buzz around the world’s first IceBAR, a press release was sent to international media along with a photograph. Newsweek Ma-gazine thought it was so worthwhile that they designated the small bar in Swedish lapland “Bar of the Year”. two years later the Absolut company contacted Icehotel and a more than 15-year-long col-laboration started. the first ABSolUt IceBAR came about in 1996and was promoted by the famous ABSolUt VeRSAÇe campaign –photographed in Jukkasjärvi by herb Ritts with supermodels Kate Moss, Naomi campbell and Marcus Schenkenberg. Since then, over 50 temporary IceBARs have been built around the world, even in

the baking-hot Niger desert. Icehotel partners with ABSolUt in opening ABSolUt IceBARs around the globe and are looking into new exiting locations at the moment. All the ABSolUt IceBARs are dressed with a certain theme, which are created to stimulate vi-sitor interaction and to evoke all senses. london recently launched ABSolUt IceBAR Factory, an industrial space with ice cogs, pipes, monitors and even a custom made mechanical conveyer belt that dis-plays rotating vodka cocktails. An exclusive mix of factory sounds, beats and groundbreaking electro is aired while bartenders fully clad in industrial protective wear serving fluorescent ABSolUt cocktails specifically developed to complement the new surroundings. the crea-tive Factory theme will travel around the world to different ABSolUt IceBAR locations as well as the other themes in the portfolio.

this past spring yet another IceBAR concept was launched – IceBAR by Icehotel. these bars are run solely by Icehotel and focus on bringing the spirit of Icehotel to the guests.


The Magicof ICEHOTEL in a metropolitan setting

Marknadsvägen 69

Jukkasjärvi

[email protected]

31-33 Heddon Street

London W1B 4BN England

Phone: +44 (0)20 74 78 89 10

Marknadsvägen 69

Jukkasjärvi

icehotel.com

31-33 Heddon Street

London, W1B 4BN, England

Phone +44 (0) 20 74 78 89 10

Nordic Sea Hotel, Vasaplan 4,

101 37 Stockholm, Sweden

Phone +46 (0) 8 5056 30 00

The mother of all ICEBARS is located

at the ICEHOTEL in Jukkasjärvi, 200

kilometers north of the Artic Circle

and first set up in 1994. Every win-

ter people from around the globe

meet up at the ICEHOTEL, and break

the ice over a drink or two at the

frosty counter of this trendy esta-

blishment. It’s open every day from

01.00 pm to 01.00 am.

ABSOLUT ICEBAR LONDON opened its do-

ors in September 2005 and has en-

joyed success through sensational

events and innovative, exciting ice

designs. It’s also the first icebar

in the UK, and offers a wide range

of ice cold ABSOLUT VODKA drinks.

This luxurious venue is all about

comfort and sensory experience.

Belowzero restaurant + lounge sits

snuggly alongside ABSOLUT ICEBAR

LONDON and is the perfect place to

enjoy warm or cold cocktails and fine

food. It is often necessary to book

a table in advance.

ABSOLUT ICEBAR STOCKHOLM is the

world’s first permanent icebar, lo-

cated in the city center at Nordic

Sea Hotel. It offers an experience

unlike any other. Chilled to a con-

stant -5°C/23°F, it evokes all your

senses. Twice a year leading inter-

national artists and designers are

invited to create experimental inte-

riors and sculptures. Drop-in Fri-

days & Saturdays 9.45 to 1 am. At

all other times, reservations are

highly recommended. As a guest at

Nordic Sea Hotel you will have ac-

cess to facilities and services.

Copenhagen Hotel 27Løngangstræde 27, Copenhagen, DenmarkPhone + 45 7027 56 27

In April 2009, IceBAR cPh by Icehotel opened in the Danish capital of copenhagen, shortly followed in June this year by IceBAR toKYo by Icehotel. the “Purity with a twist” theme permeating these bars respec-tfully allows the Jukkasjärvi ice to speak for itself. on the menu are light meals with an arctic tone and a range of beverages and there are numerous possibilities for different types of events for small as well as large par-ties. No one can recreate a place as unique as Icehotel, but visiting an IceBAR will momentarily teleport you to Jukkasjärvi in Swedish lapland.

Tokyo Chuo Ward Ginza SVAX GINZA building 1F, 8-5-15 Ginza Chuo-Ku, Tokyo, JapanPhone + 81 3-6228-5021


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About PolAris

With annual 2007 sales of $1.8 billion, Polaris designs, engineers, manufactures and markets allterrain vehicles (AtVs), including the Polaris rANGEr(tm), snowmobiles and Victory motorcycles for recreational and utility use. Polaris is a recognized leader in the snowmobile industry, one of the largest manufacturers of all terrain recreational, utility and side-by-side vehicles (ATVs) in the world, and rapidly making impressive in-roads into the motorcycle cruiser and touring marketplace under the Victory® brand. The Victory motorcycle division was established in 1998 representing the first all-new American-made motorcycle from a major company in nearly 60 years. Polaris also enhances the riding experience with a complete line of Pure Polaris apparel, accessories and parts, available at Polaris dealerships. Polaris Industries Inc. trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol ”PII,” and the Company is included in the S&P Small-Cap 600 stock price index.

What is your Way out?Polaris congratulates ICEHOTEL on its 20th anniversary and look forward to a continuous and rewarding partnership. Over the years we’ve come together in our passion for world class innovation and safety in outdoor adventures. That’s what we’re all about – besides having fun of course.


Late winter in Swedish Lapland means long, bright days, lots of snow and brilliant sunshine. Join the Berg family on their very first ski adventure at family-friendly Björkliden. The Bergs all agree; a ski holiday is the perfect way to bring a family closer together. And when a family shares the same interests and everyone can join in the fun on their own terms, it couldn’t be better.

It’s an early start when the alarm clock rings at 4.00am. Even so, both children and us parents have no trouble getting up. Forty minutes later, the whole family and a huge amount of gear are piled into two cars and on the way to the railway station. The train was already waiting at the platform and we managed to get ourselves and our baggage onboard without any rush before the 04.40 departure. Expectations were high and everyone was in a great mood. Again, we remarked on how nice it was not to have to drive. To just lean back and relax, and not have to keep an eye on the road; but above all, to be together and talk with each other. It was as if our vacation began immediately. Out come the books, our packed breakfast is eaten and then someone takes a nap.

The weather was variable to say the least. When we reach Björkliden at midday, a snow storm with 100 kph winds is raging. Exciting! But wait! We thought we’d just walk up to the hotel and check in, but we realized we weren’t wearing warm winter clothing. Everything was packed in one of our ten bags – but which one? Anyway, we found our hats and mittens before Björkliden’s friendly staff drove our baggage up to our cabin. It was a snowy walk. We looked like snowmen when we reached the hotel. But we had a good laugh.

While waiting for our cabin, we enjoyed a good lunch in the hotel restaurant. Just imagine, we’re finally here! Despite a wild blizzard swirling past the picture window, we were delighted by the incredible scenery and cosy atmosphere that surrounded us. The first thing we did when we arrived at the cabin was turn on the sauna. The perfect start to our stay. Patrik and Viktor watched a hockey game between Sweden and Russia. Then, we unpacked our clothing and food and made our beds.

Our cabin was in the last row, with a view of Torneträsk and Lapporten; but on the first day, all of the windows were snowed over. It was quite an adventure to experience the force of nature. Hoping to hit the slopes early the next morning, we turned in early.

Sunday 19th, April 2009

First impression

Spa ce girls: Vilma & Erika

Viktor & Patrik pla n n i ng the n ext ru n

last


When we reach

Björkliden at midday, a snow storm

with 100 kph winds

is raging. Exciting!

We rose early, opened the window shade slightly, and realized the snowstorm was still raging. Maybe, just maybe it had died down a bit. But we weren’t about to be defeated by something as trivial as the weather. After breakfast, we dressed in full winter gear, goggles included, and walked down to the general store. We had to stock up on a few necessities. On the way back, we had a snowball fight and played in the snow. Oh, what fun we had!

In the afternoon, we decided to ski for a few hours in the Technique slope. It was wonderful to see the whole family on skis, and to see that everyone could ski at their own level and have fun together.

Afterwards, back at the cabin we played Alias and card games. It was the girls against the boys. In the evening, we enjoyed a good home-cooked meal, watched TV, and then fell happily asleep in our comfy beds.

Monday 20th, April 2009On the tra i n!

Stocki ng u p at the ”La ntha nde l”

Admiri ng the view

Wow! Blown away


Finally, the weather looked promising. To be honest, the weather really does matter. And after a long winter, we needed a little colour on our cheeks. Hurray! All the lifts were open! Now we could do some serious skiing. The runs were fantastic and the whole family was ecstatic. This is the life! The slopes were ideal for the children, and we were delighted with all the possibilities and the sense of freedom. We ate an early lunch at the Snowbar near the Kåppas ski lift. With faces towards the warming sun, we sat outside on comfortable reindeer hides on the deck. Wonderful!

After a couple more hours on the slopes, our legs were star-ting to feel the strain. We decided to return to the Snowbar for a break. Then, it happened. I fell, without any warning, and hit my head quite hard. Naturally, I was wearing a helmet. This gave me a terrible headache and pain in my jaws and neck. After a few minutes, I was able to stand up and get myself down to the Snowbar. That knock on the head resulted in a 15-20 minute blackout, which was very unpleasant. Patrik and the children had to explain again and again what had happened. Staff at the Snowbar helped Patrik to call for transport. Minutes later, I was taken by snowmobile to the hotel doctor. A light concussion was the verdict. Typical. Would I still be able to ski?

Back at the cabin, I rested for a while and then we began to prepare dinner. Evening darkness fell. Curtains were drawn and lamps lit, so I could sit up with the family. It was a pleasant eve-ning of conversation. (There was a lot of talk about memory loss.) I’m hoping I can make it out onto the slopes again tomorrow.

Tuesday 21st, April 2009 F irst on e i n, la st on e out

T ime for lu nch a nd n ew en erg y

”Eati ng out”

”Ha ha ha...!”

”Eati ng out.”


Wednesday 22nd, April 2009

As the saying goes, time flies when you’re having fun. Our last day, and the cabin had to be cleaned.

The program included a trip by snow cat up to Låktatjåkko Fjällstation, Sweden’s highest mountain lodge. We were a party of ten and the journey took 45 minutes. We saw families on cross-country skis, snowmobiles along the trail, and up at the lodge, three men who had climbed all the way up ‘haute-ski style’ with skins on their skis. It had taken them four hours – against the wind. But they must have had a fantastic run down the moun-tain. We enjoyed the spectacular view, tasty goulash and delicious waffles before it was time to head back.

That evening, we said goodbye to Björkliden and boarded the train. What fabulous days, what a wonderful experience. We read, the children finished their homework, and then we had dinner in the dining car.

Our first family ski trip has come to an end. We’ve definitely acquired a taste for ski holidays. It’s an unbeatable vacation that brings the whole family closer together in sharing a common interest with plenty of time outdoors. We are already looking forward to returning to Björkliden.

Ski greetings from Patrik, Erika, Viktor & Vilma Berg

Thursday 23rd, April 2009

Björkliden Fjällby AB | 981 93 Björkliden | Tel. +46(0)980 641 00 | Fax. +46(0)980 410 80 | [email protected] | www.bjorkliden.com

Fabulous weather! The sun is shining, lunch is packed, and the Berg family is ready for a full day on the slopes. How could I let a simple concussion keep me from getting back on the hill on such a fine day? No sooner said than done, we set up our base camp near the grill pit by the ski lift, an ideal spot. Especially for me, since I had to take it easy.

Lunch was cooked over an open fire and the children went off on their own. I took it very easy. I was disappointed at not being able to ski, but took comfort in the fact that I could enjoy the weather, fresh air and beautiful scenery and be with my wonder-ful family. We rounded off a great day with a superb meal at the hotel restaurant, always in sight of the majestic Lapporten. What a bonus!

Facts Björkliden

Björkliden, situated 250 km north of the Arctic Circle, is a place of extreme contrasts. During the winter you can experience world class heliskiing in a mountain region half the size of Austria, try dog sledding through majestic winter landscapes, or visit Sweden’s highest mountain station, Låktatjåkko, 1228 meters above sea le-vel. In the summertime, when the sun doesn’t set for 100 days, you can discover Kåppasjåkka, one of Sweden’s largest cave systems or play golf on one of the world’s most spectacular golf courses with a breathtaking view of the Swedish alps. There is a wide range of options for accommodation and restaurants offering both interna-tional cuisine and northern Swedish specialities.

Vilma & Viktor enjoyi ng a n

a mazing di n n er

Next time I’ ll wi n

A stay at the ICEHOTEL in Jukkasjärviis a unique and unforgettable way ofexperiencing winter’s dark beauty, andBesam is proud to be providing themain entrance and other door openingsolutions to this remarkable buildingfor the 2009-2010 season.

Besam is a world-leading provider ofsafe, convenient and reliable entrancesolutions and service, and we lookforward to putting our 40 years ofapplication experience to work in theextreme environment that is northernSweden in winter.

A Besam UniSlide automatic doorsystem will welcome visitors to theICEHOTEL this season, as well as tothe Absolut ICEBARS around theworld. It’s part of our full range ofentrance products that also includesswing doors, revolving doors, aircurtains and rollershutters.

ICEHOTEL Magazine Besam.indd 1 09-06-29 13.03.00

Space


Kiruna has been a space centre for 50 years. Over the years, the curve has pointed straight upwards. Services include everything from launching of sounding rock-ets and stratospheric balloons to satellite control and advanced testing of aerospace systems. In combination with Lapland’s exo-tic nature and the high-quality infrastructure for tourism, the next stage of development seems inevitable. It’s time for passenger tra-vel, and the destination is space.

“Commercial space operations are right for the times. There is a great interest from the private sector,” says Johanna Bergström-Roos, public relations manager at Spaceport Sweden in Kiruna.

Spaceport Sweden aims to be Europe’s first and most obvious base for space travel for paying tourists. Spaceport Sweden is open to all operators in the space tourism sector. An

agreement is now in place between Spaceport Sweden and Virgin Galactic, which is now the market leader in the development of techno-logy for space tourism. Virgin Galactic expects to launch the first space trip for tourists, from Spaceport America in New Mexico, in 2010, and from Spaceport Sweden in 2012. “Flight testing of WhiteKnightTwo, the carrier aircraft that will take the spacecraft SpaceShipTwo to an altitude of 15 kilometres, will begin in the autumn of 2008. Subsequently, SpaceShipTwo will ignite a rocket engine and fly to an alti-tude of up to 130-140 kilometres. An altitude of 100 km is the generally accepted boundary between Earth and space. During the flight, passengers will experience about 4 or 5 minu-tes of weightlessness while enjoying a fantastic view,” says Johanna. About 250 passengers have already booked a space trip with Vir-gin Galactic at a cost of 1.4 million Swedish

Round trip to space

The astronauts have already started to prepare for their space adventure, with tests that expose the body to forces of up to 6G.

When the space ship separates from the carrier, it ignites its own rocket engine and begins the space flight, giving travellers 4-5 minutes of weightlessness.

Space


IYour fascination for space – how did it all be-gin? Space was not necessarily my fascination. Because I am an adventurer, VG seemed to me to be just a fantastic opportu-nity to be one of the first non-Astronauts to go to space.

You will be one of the world’s first private space travellers, what are Your expectations for the flight? Going to mach1 will blow my mind, I can’t get my head around it and that experience will be sensational. I’ve done some pretty exciting things in my time. I was the first person to canoe down the grand canyon in a Canadian double, I’ve competed in the Olympics and I race Ferraris. Going to space will be the ultimate!

how are You preparing for the spaceflight? I’ve always trained hard and have no concerns for the flight. In fact I have completed my centrifuge training last Autumn and had no problems at all.

You visited spaceport sweden last winter – how was it? The whole trip was just incredible fun – staying in the ICeHOTel, the sledding, the helicopter ride to Kebnekaise – it was truly magical. In fact I have recommended it to many others and I think it will make a fantastic launch site of the future. I think many people who fly from New Mexico will want to fly again from Spaceport Sweden so they can see a totally different view, have a totally different experience, and hope-fully fly through the northern lights.

name 3 things that You would like to take to space with You? I want to take nothing but my body. I want to totally enjoy and immerse myself in the experience – the speed, the weightlessness. I don’t want to be worrying about cameras, documenting the flight or anything else. I just want to enjoy and observe.

Jon Goodwin; space tourist

“Astronauts seldom speak solely about space when they return to Earth. They emphasize the beauty and fragility of Earth.”

am an adventurer

susan newsam (Head of Marketing Production, VG)Jon goodwin (VG Founder), louella faria-Jones (Astronaut Relations Manager), pauline goodwin (Jon’s Wife, who has also competed in the Olympics)

kronor per person. About 80 space travel-lers have already started to prepare for their space adventure, experiencing forces of up to 6G. Last winter, about 50 of them visited Kiruna and Spaceport Sweden.

“It was a very successful trip. The travel-lers experienced subarctic Lapland, with a visit to ICEhOTEL, a helicopter tour to Kebnekaise’s summit, dogsledding, snowmo-biling, a rocket launch at Esrange Space Cen-ter, good food and drink, and more besides. Lapland is super-exotic and comes as quite a surprise for many who have ‘seen and done everything’. It’s a fantastic complement to a space adventure. We’re pleased to see that we have a product that meets expectations in every respect,” says Johanna. In the long term, it is conceivable that space travel will generate new technology that can be used for terrestrial travel.

“For example, a flight might start in Swe-den and land a couple of hours later in Aus-tralia. hopefully, thanks to better energy ef-ficiency, suborbital flights will help to reduce the environmental impact of travel,” Johanna adds. Another aspect is that space travel may encourage ways of thinking that are positive for development and humanity. “Astronauts seldom speak solely about space when they return to Earth. They emphasize the beauty and fragility of Earth. I hope that environ-mental awareness will grow as more people who are in a position to make a difference have the opportunity to experience this,” says Johanna Bergström-Roos.

Space


At 20.47 locAl time on 9 December 2006 (02.47 on 10 December, Swedish time), his moment came. After a successful launch from Cape Canaveral in Florida, Christer Fuglesang became the first Swede in space. And soon, he will get another chance. Christer will fly with space shuttle Atlantis on mission STS-128, which is planned to begin on 30 July 2009.

2009 is the internAtionAl YeAr of Astro-nomY. WhY do You think spAce is so topicAl right noW? “A lot is happening in space and many countries are involved. Among other things, this in-cludes activities in connection with the space station. Space is used for communication and navigation. And there is all the exciting research that is being conduc-ted in space, of which the aim is to learn more about space as well as Earth.”

WhAt cAn We modern, urbAn dWellers leArn from spAce? “We can learn much about the climate by observing our planet from afar. We can predict harvest yields and prepare for possible crop failure, for example. On the space station, weightlessness is used in research to study phe-nomena that are otherwise difficult to study on Earth, owing to gravity.”

in december 2006 You did three spAce WAlks during Your mission on iss. WhAt Are Your stron-gest impressions from this experience? Living in weightlessness for 13 days, without a doubt. And seeing Earth from a distance was overwhelming. I was struck by how small and vulnerable our planet is in the massive, black universe. Es-pecially when you notice the thin atmosphere on the horizon, our only protective barrier against space.”

hoW do You think We Will explore spAce in the future? The USA is now building a new moon rocket. The plan is to travel to the Moon and build a research base. The intention is to learn for the future and to make a voyage to Mars within 25-30 years. In the long term, I believe that we will settle on other planets and live there for extended periods. However, it will take a couple of centuries before we emigrate to Mars.” do You think We Will discover intelligent life forms out there in spAce? That is doubtful. I think we might find simpler forms of life. Perhaps there is intelligent life out there, but if there is, it’s far away and difficult to com-municate with. Only now do we have technology that enables us to spend time in space and peer far out into the universe. Who knows, perhaps they will find us first.”

- I have nothing against space tourism. Private, commercial intrests are driving the development of space, it benefits everyone.

WorKplace

SpaceMany dream of working in space. For a chosen few, this dream becomes reality. One of them is Christer Fugle-

sang, Sweden’s first astronaut. Since 1992, when he and five other prospective European astronauts were selected

for ESA Group 2, it had been a long wait for Christer.

Photos by na

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The last 15 years the ICEBAR concept has celebrated its success by serving refreshing cocktails in unique surroundings created from ice from the Torne River. The flow of ice from the majestic river has found its way to ICEBAR’s all over the world – now the concept has taken a step further with ICEBAR by ICEHOTEL. Launched 2009 in Copenhagen and Tokyo with the coolest drum solo ever. The guest will be offered a sensual experience of food, drinks, design and art with special effects to capture the spirit of ICEHOTEL. www.youtube.com/icehotelICEHOTEL has teamed up with Philips to enhance the art and the natural ice qualities to really touch all your senses with Philips unique consumer products and light design.

Next year you can also find the Philips suite up at ICEHOTEL - a must to see!

Check in


winter 2009/2010 10 deCember-19 april

summer 2010June- august

iCeHOteL Offers COmfOrtabLe accommo-dation, fabulous natural surroundings and plenty of outdoor leisure alternatives. in the winter, you can choose from among several accommodation alterna-tives and combinations, with an overnight stay at iCe-HOtel and the rest of your nights in our warm hotel rooms. breakfast buffet, warm clothing and a morning sauna (with towels) are included. during the summer, the sauna can be booked at the reception desk. boots, life vests and other equipment can also be rented. See page 75.

iCeHOtel is in a small village north of the arctic Circle in swedish lapland. get-ting here is easier than you think. We are just 17 km from Kiruna’s railway station and 12 km from Kiruna airport. the flight from stockholm only takes an hour and a half. With Jukkasjärvi as your starting point, you can easily reach the lapland fells and the fiords of northern norway. Contact iCeHOtel travel for bookings.

1. KaaMOS HOTEL ROOMS. Bright, double rooms in modern Scandinavian style with corner windows. Double beds (divisible in some rooms). Bathroom with shower and toilet. TV, telephone and kettle. Wire-less Internet.

2. northern Lights hotel chalet. Two separate bedrooms: one single and one double. Double bed (not divisible). Bedrooms have skylights with a view of the summer sky and Midnight Sun. Living room with refrigerator, kettle, TV, telephone. Bathroom with shower and toilet. Wireless Internet.

3. nordic hotel chalet. Two separate bedrooms: one with divisible double bed and one with bunk bed. Living room with refrige-rator, kettle, TV, telephone. Bathroom with shower and toilet. Wireless Internet.

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Warm accommodation

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Check in


4. DELUXE SUITE. This suite was created by spe-cially selected artists and is perfect if you wish to give yourself and a loved one something extra.

5. aRT SUITE. Stay in the midst of ice art in the form of amazing designs and wonderful sculptures. Each room is uniquely designed by different artists from around the globe.

6. ICE ROOMS. Comfortably appointed rooms with ice furniture and ice art.

7. SnOW ROOM. In this spacious room you’ll sleep well in -5 degrees.

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1. ICEHOTEL RestaurantICEHOTEL Restaurant offers a gast-ronomic adventure in a bright and modern atmosphere. An exclusive menu is served on plates and bowls made of crystal-clear ice from the Torne River.

2. ICEHOTEL loungeIf you’re looking for somewhere to settle into an armchair and relax between adventures, visit our newly opened lounge in the reception buil-ding. Here, you can order a hot drink or even an aperitif before dinner.

3. absolut icebarIn the evening, when you feel the

winter chill, we recommend a visit to our bars. ABSOLUT ICEBAR JUKKASJÄRVI, created in 1994, is the world’s first icebar. Each year, it is recreated as an important part of ICEHOTEL. Here, hotel guests meet to share their experiences of overwhelming encounters with snow and ice.

4. n´ice barN’ice bar, just a flight of stairs below ICEHOTEL Restaurant, is a pleasant, relaxing bar that stays open late. Our bartenders mix the most sensational drinks.

5. homestead restaurantOverlooking the Torne River is the authentic, homey Restaurang Hembygdsgården –the Homestead. In this timber building, built in 1768, you can enjoy a superb à la carte menu.

Round off lunch with a fortifying cup of coffee or a tempting dessert in the bar at ICEHOTEL Restaurant.

at iCeHOtel, the menu is seasonal. the pantry is full of ingredients harvested straight from the forests, rushing rivers and crystal-clear lakes. Whitefishroe, reindeer and moose, arctic raspberries and cloud-berries are transformed into tasty delicacies to tempt even the most particular of gourmets. iCeHOtel restaurant offers a gastronomic adventure in a bright and modern atmosphere. even if the restaurant isn’t made of ice, some dishes are served on plates and bowls made of crystal-clear ice from the torne river.

tHe need tO express reverence, to be alone with one’s thoughts and to contemp-late life often makes itself known when you visit iCeHOtel. all the pieces of the puzzle fall into place in the ice church by the torne river. the ceremony and unique experience are always moving. and perhaps the me-mory of a shared experience will be even stronger, since the church is transitory. When there is no specific building to relate to and return to, the memory and the pro-mises become even closer to the heart. the ice church seats about 35-45 guests.

❄ The wedding coordinator at ICEHOTEL will help you plan from start to finish. The planning period can vary from one month to a couple of years. Larger weddings usually require a longer planning period, since travel, ac-commodation and table bookings must be coordinated.

❄ When it comes to attire, dare to make a departure from the traditional. Our advice: think warm! If you wish to wear a wedding gown, wear something warm under-neath and add a warm jacket or cape to your ensemble. ICEHOTEL also holds civil wedding ceremonies.

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HOW TO KEEp WaRMDressing properly for the Arctic environ-ment is the key to enjoying all the fan-tastic experiences that await you at ICE-HOTEL to the full. When planning your visit here, you should think in terms of the layer principle. The idea behind wearing several layers of clothing is that air spa-ces are formed between the layers. They serve to insulate and ventilate. Avoid cot-ton clothing, since cotton binds moisture and has a chilling effect. Outdoor winter wear such as warm overalls, warm shoes or boots, hat and mitts are included in your stay at the hotel, free of charge. In addition, it is a good idea to bring a ”base layer” or thermal underwear including long-johns and a long-sleeved undershirt, woollen and fleece sweaters, a scarf and your own gloves/mittens, as well as plenty of warm wool socks.

1. WaRM On TOpA good hat is essential. It should protect not only the head but also the ears and neck. Gloves should give good protection to the hands while allowing adequate freedom of movement and feel.

2. WInD pROTECTIOnThe purpose of the outer shell is to pro-vide protection against water and wind in combination with the other layers. The material should breathe and allow full freedom of movement.

3. BIggER SHOESChoose footwear that is somewhat larger than normal to allow space for socks and/or insoles. This results in a warming air layer inside the shoes or boots to keep you warm for longer. Additional clothing is used at very low temperatures. A down jacket or a thick fleece or wool sweater serves as an effective additional garment. When you stay at ICEHOTEL rental of warm winter shoes is included that are well suited for our climate. With them on you’ll walk safely inside the hotel and out in the deep snow. The snow-clad lands-cape surrounding ICEHOTEL can hide icy spots that are not easily discovered so please mind your step.

4. MOISTURE TRanSpORTThe layer nearest to the body needs to transport moisture away. Choose under-wear in a synthetic material, wool or a wool mix. Fleece, preferably windproof, makes an excellent midlayer.

HoW to drESS

Kiruna

ICEHOTELOrca safari

Arctic

Abisko

KIRUNA

A r c t i c C i r c l e

Berlin

Madrid

Paris

London

StockholmMoscow

Rome

Jukkasjärvi

H A G L Ö F S L O G O T Y P E

BASIC LOGOTYPE. TO BE USED AS POSITIVE BLACK ON A LIGHT BACKGROUND

advicE on bookingContact our booking department when planning your trip to ICEHOTEL. We’ll help you to get the most out of your vacation, and we have plenty of helpful suggestions. Here, you’ll find all the answers to your questions about accommodation, activities and all of our of-ferings. Our group and conference department will be pleased to put together a program proposal including accommodation, activities, meals and transfers, all according to your wishes. We wish you a warm welcome to ICEHOTEL. www.icehotel.com

ICEHOTEL is just 17 km from Kiruna’s railway station and 12 km from Kiruna Airport. From Stockholm, you can reach Kiruna easily by train. Book your ticket with SJ.

FLYING TIMES TO KIRUNA FROM

Stockholm 1 hr. 30 min.

Copenhagen 2 hrs. 20 min.

London 3 hrs. 45 min.

Paris 3 hrs. 50 min.

Milan 5 hrs.

Frankfurt 3 hrs. 30 min.

Madrid 6 hrs.

New York 10 hrs.

Rio de Janeiro 20 hrs.

Tokyo 12 hrs. 30 min.

Sydney 25 hrs.

ICEHOTEL ParTnErs

Photos by Han

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COnTaCTPhone: +46 (0) 980 66 800Fax: +46 (0) 980 668 90Email: [email protected]

addrEssICEHOTEL981 91 JukkasjärviSWEDEN

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snOwmObiLe safari

Snowmobile from/to airportStart your adventure the minute you land. A guide meets you on arrival. All equip-ment is provided and snowmobiles are waiting outside the terminal. Pre-booking required.❄ Daily, upon flight arrivals & departures.

Snowmobile introduction tourGuided tour of open country and deep fo-rests around Jukkasjärvi.❄ Daily, about 1.5 hrs.

Snowmobile NortherN Light TourLight meal is served in camp and Northern Lights information.❄ Daily, about 4 hrs.

Snowmobile Wilderness SafariGuided tour of Jukkasjärvi’s majestic lowlands. Traditional wilderness meal is included.❄ Daily, about 3 hrs.

Overnight snowmobile tourAt nightfall, dense darkness envelopes our wilderness camp, promising a good chance to witness the fantastic Northern Lights and a sky of glittering stars. When the moon is shining, fox and hare often approach the camp. With any luck, we might catch a glimpse of the wary wolve-rine. Friday and Saturdays.

Snowmobile Tour in the Moose’s Winter Gracing GroundsBy snowmobile, we reach the heart of the moose’s winter grazing grounds. Exclusive tour, max. 8 people/group. Last season, we met moose on every one of these sa-faris.❄ Daily until 31 March, about 6 hrs.

Wilderness moose tourTransfer by minibus to the moose’s winter grazing grounds. Photo opportunities, pro-vided conditions are right. The tour will run only in conjunction with departure transfers.❄ Daily until 31 March, about 4 hrs.

Esrange Dinner under the starsTransfer by minibus to Esrange, guided tour. Afterwards, we proceed to our camp near beautiful Lake Salmijärvi. While din-ner is being prepared, you’ll enjoy a wel-come drink with a local touch and scan the heavens in hope of sighting the Northern Lights. A three-course meal is served. Af-ter dinner, we return to ICEHOTEL.❄ Daily.

Combination skis/snow-shoes with guide We choose our equipment and head out to the forest with our guide.❄ Daily, about 2 hrs.

Northern Light Tour by HorseThere is a special feeling to explore the snow clad landscape from the back of an Icelandic Horse. Join us on a tour through the forest in search of northern lights; with a bit of luck we’ll see moose cros-sing our path. The tour is rounded off with supper consisting of local specialities in a goahti (tent-cot).❄ Daily until 31 Mars. Transfer to and from the activity. About 4,5 hrs.

Moose Safari by HorseBy horseback through the moose winter grazing land, a fun and different way to get close the wild and withdrawn animals also know as the king of the forest. If you get lucky, you might get to see both moose and reindeer during our journey through the snowy forest.❄ Daily until 31 March. About 6 hrs.

Arctic Trail Explore the Lapland landscape on a snowmobile tour well off the beaten tou-rist track. Ride along old herding trails, through woodlands and over fells. Arctic Trail links the northernmost parts of Swe-den, Norway and Finland. Here, you travel ‘border-free’ through Scandinavia. Tours include all transfers, cabin/wilderness camp/hotel accommodation, one snow-mobile per person, fuel/oil, full board and guides. Minimum 2 people. Contact our booking desk for a full program.

On your own or with a guide Experiences for both the family and the daring adventurer. Rent equipment inclu-ding skis, snowshoes, backpacks, fishing gear and much more and create your own adventure.

Ptarmigan hunting on the winter fellsWinter ptarmigan hunting has always been surrounded in mystique. If you’ve EVER GLIDED ON SKIS towards a flock of arctic ptarmigan, then you may have trou-ble concentrating on anything else when January approaches.

On request Following tours are available on request. Please contact our acitivity desk at the main reception for assistance.

Snowmobile Tour for EnthusiastsThis tour is for the serious snowmobilers. With one person per machine the guide ta-kes you to favourite spots in the vicinity.❄ About 2 hrs.

Ranger RZRRiding two per Ranger this is a fun ATV race where you compete against the clock to try and achieve two similar laps. Warm lingon berry juice is included.

adventures can vary from short, one-hour outings to tours of several days. Combine your outdoor leisure with an overnight stay at one of our wilderness camps. For information on all activities and how to book, visit www.icehotel.com.

WintEr activitiES

iCe drivingChallenge the car and yourself on ice. After a safety course, you drive on an ice track under the guidance of expert instructors who help you to develop your skills. Max 10 drivers with 2 passengers per vehicle. Min 18 years. Driver’s licence (valid in Sweden) is required. Mandatory alcohol test may be required prior to driving. Fridays and Sundays. Until 31 March. About 4 hrs.

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Ice sculptingTrying your hand at ice sculpting is a must when you visit ICEHOTEL. With ice tools and professional gui-dance, you discover the magical world of ice sculp-ting. Experience the joy of artistic creation together with friends and colleagues. Then take your ice scu-lpture to decorate the dinner table in the evening.

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White water rafting on the Torne River Take a day tour along the Torne River. Mid-journey we take a break on a small island to enjoy a wilderness meal in the magical summer light. About 30 km on the river, Class 2 to 4 rapids, and a total drop of 80 metres. Not suitable for child-ren under the age of 12. Includes transfer return to Jukkasjärvi.

In search of the mooseWe meet in the afternoon for an introduc-tion of what will happen during the tour. You will also be given some facts about the moose and the forest areas we are going to travel in. We are out for about 4 hours in the forests surrounding Juk-kasjärvi. In the evening we meet again for another 4 hour trip out into the woods.

Ranger RZR takes us out to fish or bird watch This tour takes you close to flora and fau-na. We drive on tracks and trails through forests and wilderness. Stopping for a light meal and fishing or birdwatching, depending on what time of summer you are here. Facts: Ranger RZR is a two-seat four-wheel drive vehicle. Coffee/tea and sandwiches are served during the trip. Fishing equipment & license is included in the tour. Canoe trip on the Torne River You will head out on a canoe trip with our guide who will choose the route de-pending on the weather conditions after about 1,5-2 hours. The guide will make a stop on the small island of Rimisari to allow you to take a look at the flora and Fauna. Includes a lighter meal.

Tailor made program, choose from above activities. Every day of the week.

A day in LaplandWe go by boat upstreams the mighty Torne River, one of the worlds still unexploited rivers. We make a stop in Laxforsen and try our fishing skills, if we are lucky we might get a fish or two. When we start to feel hungry we continue upsteams to one of our wilderness camps. Depending on the weather we eat inside or outside.While the guide prepares the lunch for you, you can try to throw lasso and other various games. When the time feels right we head back towards Jukkasjärvi and the Homestead area. You’re now on your own, you can visit the Nutti Sami Siida – inclu-ded in tour price, or just strole around the homestead area.

Ice sculptingTrying ice sculpting is almost mandatory when visiting ICEHOTEL. The material, the crystal clear ice, we have lots of in Jukkasjärvi. Feel your creativity flow together with friends, colleagues and family. With tools and guidance from ex-perienced guides you get an insight in the magic world of ice sculpting.Minimum age 6 years (sharp tools).Time: 1-2 hours.

Guided tour to Esrange Space CenterA visit at Esrange Space Center, the ope-rational facility of Swedish Space Corpo-ration, will explain all this. Here you will see that our daily work has a firm connec-tion to your reality and your daily life. The facility lies 45 km from Kiruna, and during a visit here you will learn about sounding rockets and high altitude bal-loons used for science, and about satel-lites used for communication and Earth observation. As the facility has activities and campaigns running all year round, the tours, and what you will see, can change from day to day.

iCeHOtel is one of sweden’s most experienced arrangers of wilderness adventures and experiences.

SUmmEr activitiES

Ráidu - Sámi culture & reindeersLearn about the rich Sami culture and lifestyle. Simple, traditional Sami food by an open fire I a tent-cot. ❄ Daily, about 3,5 hrs.

Dogsled transfer between Kiruna Airport and ICEHOTELAn exotic way to arrive at ICEHOTEL. Pre-booking required.❄ Daily, upon flight arrivals &departures.

Dogsled Tour ShortYou settle comfortably into the sled and the eager team dashes off. In-cludes a wilderness coffee break by an open fire. ❄ Daily

Dogsled lunch tour with a visit to the kennelTour includes a 2-course wilderness lunch and visit to a kennel. ❄ Daily

Optional extraLearn to drive a dog team.

Photos by Han

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1010715dw-ABFAC_IcehotelMag_new.indd 1 2009-06-05 10:18

icehotel magazine 2009

Travel

anniversary of icehotel

thedigat icehotel

torne river inicebars

mighty torne river

ice room

new face

new experiences

new horizons