JAKARTA - After six weeks of sculpting more than 500 tonnes of snow and creating more than 200 handmade frozen crystals, the world's first ice hotel has reopened for winter.
Icehotel 33 opened last weekend in Swedish Lapland, combining the work of 24 artists with thousands of blocks of ice 'harvested' from the nearby River Torne.
The ice hotel suite, located 200 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle in Jukkasjarvi, Sweden, is now open for overnight stays and will be open for the next five months, until the ice melts and flows back into the river.
More than 30.000 cubic meters — enough to fill 10 Olympic-size swimming pools — of snow and ice mixtures were used to create this year's hotel featuring an ice dome, a Japanese-style garden, super-sized mushrooms, a folklore girl perched on an ice throne.
Full of fantastic art and sculptures made entirely of ice and snow, Icehotel 33 features 12 seasonal art suites, designed by artists from around the world, including Germany, England, Spain, Chile, Singapore, Japan, Canada and Mongolia.
Chainsaws, hammers, chisels and carving blocks have all become familiar at the site over the past few weeks, as artists work to create a unique world of frozen art for hotel guests to enjoy.
Private suites had never been made before, nor would there be again, in April, when spring arrives and the ice returns to its roots.
The only year-long ice hotel in the world that relies on constant conditions below zero during construction and while operating. Although the art suite will melt and subside, there are also 24 ice rooms in the hotel, available for booking throughout the year.
Tourists can also enjoy sub-zero spa and▁ulang, ice-cold cocktail bars, frozen cinemas and a grand ceremonial hall, where winter weddings are held every season.
A stunning ice light welcomes guests inside Icehotel 33, leading to a sparkling hall. This year, the multi-purpose space has been changed by Dutch and Bulgarian artists Wouter Bieglaar and Bulgariaian Viktor Tsarski.
Titled "Embrace", it features a leaf-enhanced arch and a glass-like column that creates an familiar ceremonial atmosphere. The design also reflects the ever-changing characteristics of the hotel, said Luca Roncoroni, creative director at Icehotel.
"All Icehotels are changing all the time, moving, changing shapes and the poles will get even more twisted, almost like the flowers are changing," he said during a video preview tour at the hotel.
The idea of engineer and entrepreneur Yngve Bergqvist, an ice and snow hotel has been operating since 1989 and has become a Swedish landmark that must be visited for travelers.
"Other hotels have been completed, and other unique experiences are ready for our guests. This winter bride and groom will actually hug in the Ceremony Hall, and it will also allow them to sleep in the ice dome, the Japanese park, under the big mushrooms, between the flowers and many more. Maybe even experience ancient legends," explained Roncoroni.
"Every year I am amazed by what this amazing team can achieve; talented international artist, flanked by an ice professional team, can truly create a miracle. Welcome to Icehotel 33!"
The only year-round ice hotel in the world to rely on constant sub-zero conditions during construction and while operating. While the art suites will melt away and die down, there are also 24 ice rooms in the hotel, available to book year-round.
Travelers can also enjoy sub-zero spas and saunas, ice-cold cocktail bars, frozen cinemas and grand ceremonial halls, where winter weddings are held every season.
A dazzling ice chandelier welcomes guests inside Icehotel 33, which leads down to a glistening hall. This year, the function room has been transformed by artists Wouter Biegelaar from the Netherlands and Viktor Tsarski from Bulgaria.
Titled Embrace, it features leaf-adorned arches and glass-like columns that create an intimate ceremonial atmosphere. The design also reflects the hotel's ever-changing characteristics, says Luca Roncoroni, creative director at Icehotel.
"The whole Icehotel is changing all the time, moving, changing shape and the columns will bend more and more, almost like flowers changing," he said during a video preview tour of the hotel, reported The National News December 19.
The brainchild of engineer and entrepreneur Yngve Bergqvist, the ice and snow hotel has been in operation since 1989 and has become a must-see Swedish landmark for travelers.
"Another Icehotel has been completed, and another unique experience is ready for our guests. This winter the wedding couple will literally cuddle up in the Ceremony Hall, and it will also be possible to sleep in the ice dome, Japanese garden, under a huge mushroom, among flowers and more. Maybe even experience ancient legends," Roncoroni explained.
"Every year I am amazed at what this amazing team can achieve; talented international artists, flanked by a team of ice professionals, can truly create magic. Welcome to Icehotel 33!"
More than 70 artists, production teams, builders and light designers worked on the 33rd recreation of the hotel. Meanwhile, another 150 staff will ensure rooms, corridors and hallways remain in pristine condition throughout the season, ready to welcome guests checking in and visitors exploring the unique world of art.
It is known, rates for staying in an ice suite start at 6,995 Swedish krona (674 US dollars or about IDR 10.502.605), including breakfast. Travelers visiting the area but don't want to spend the night in a hotel, or can't imagine sleeping on the ice, can buy a day pass to see and experience the hotel's ice art.
The English, Chinese, Japanese, Arabic, and French versions are automatically generated by the AI. So there may still be inaccuracies in translating, please always see Indonesian as our main language. (system supported by DigitalSiber.id)
