Every winter the ICEHOTEL – the world’s original – is carved anew on a riverbank in the depths of Swedish Lapland. And, each year, a handful of artists are selected to work with the resident lighting team, ice experts and creative director to design its spectacular suites. They’ve got a lot to live up to, with past creations ranging from polar bears to London Tube trains.
This year, a team of 28 hailing from 11 different countries has been put together from hundreds of applicants, their highlights set to include giant Fabergé eggs and even a ‘Space Room’. But, although 5,000 tons of ice were harvested from the River Thorne back in March, the artists are only flown in two weeks prior to the ICEHOTEL’s December opening. However, we’re able to bring you a sneak peek with the first, just-released designs:
Monstera by Nina Kauppi & Johan Kauppi
Inspired by the monstera leaf – also known as the Swiss cheese plant – the Swedish design duo Kauppi & Kauppi promises a frozen rainforest
Ground Rules by Ulrika Tallving & Carl Wellander
Radiance by Natsuko Saito & Shingo Saito
Motionless waterfalls, creeping trees – this creation promises to be a special favourite
Cumulus by Annakatrin Kraus & Hans Aescht
Rest your head among the clouds
Hang in there by Marjolein Vonk & Maurizio Perron
Fall asleep suspended in silence
Wandering Cloud by Lisa Lindqvist
Returning UK artist, Lisa Lindqvist seeks to create a “dreamlike vision to step into and flow away”
Inspired? Take a look at our ICEHOTEL break. Or, if you can’t wait, there’s the year-round ICEHOTEL 365, powered by the Midnight Sun.
