From Abisko: Explore the Icehotel

If you’re heading to Swedish Lapland and curious about one of its most iconic sights, a day trip to the ICEHOTEL is definitely worth considering. While we haven’t been ourselves, this tour gets consistently good reviews and promises a blend of icy artistry, Arctic scenery, and a taste of local culture. It’s the kind of experience that can turn a winter trip into a memory you’ll talk about for years.

Two things we particularly like about this experience? First, the chance to see the world-famous Icehotel, with its elaborate Art Suites and stunning ice sculptures—perfect for those who love creative, otherworldly environments. Second, the opportunity to relax at the Ice Bar, sipping a drink in a glass made entirely of ice. But a possible hurdle? The long travel time and limited time at the hotel mean you need to be prepared for a quick visit rather than a leisurely exploration.

This trip suits travelers who want a taste of Arctic Sweden’s magic without committing to a multi-day stay. It’s especially good if you’re based in Abisko or Björkliden and want a memorable day out with minimal fuss. Just keep in mind the cold—for inside the Icehotel, it’s a consistent -5°C—so warm clothing is essential.

Key Points

• Convenient day trip from Abisko or Björkliden with transportation included
• Visit the famous Icehotel and explore its art suites, Ice Church, and Ice Bar
• Self-guided tour allows flexibility and personal exploration
• Includes transportation, entrance fee, and optional lunch (not included but available)
• Temperature inside is always around -5°C, so proper winter gear is a must
• Good value for the experience, even if the time at the hotel is somewhat limited

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Closer Look at the Itinerary

This tour is structured to give you a solid introduction to the Icehotel’s magic, all in about 7 hours. Starting with a pickup from your hotel in Abisko or Björkliden, the journey takes you through the scenic mountains and forests of Swedish Lapland. Traveling by coach, you’ll enjoy the stunning winter landscapes—think snow-dusted trees and rugged mountain views, perfect for photos and just soaking in that Arctic vibe.

Once you arrive at Jukkasjärvi, the small village home to the Icehotel, your guide will hand you your entrance ticket, setting the stage for your self-guided exploration. You’re then free to wander through the Art Suites—each one a unique, carved masterpiece—and peek into the Ice Church, which often looks like a fairy tale setting. The design and construction of this hotel are fascinating, especially considering it’s rebuilt every year from glacial ice and snow, blending art, architecture, and engineering.

Most visitors say that the highlight is the Ice Bar, where you’ll sip on a drink served in a perfectly carved ice glass. It’s a fun, surreal experience—think of it as a cool souvenir from your trip. Afterward, you can grab lunch or a coffee at the hotel’s restaurant or shop for souvenirs to mark your visit. The entire self-guided tour allows you to take your time, but many reviews note that the window of time is somewhat tight—so plan accordingly.

Transportation and Practicalities

The round-trip transport is covered, with pickups starting as early as 9:00 AM in Björkliden and 9:15 AM in Abisko. The return from Jukkasjärvi is at 2:00 PM, meaning most travelers are back at their hotels by 4:00 PM. This timing makes it a great final day outing—especially if you’re flying out from Kiruna Airport afterward, since the Icehotel is only about 15 minutes from the airport.

Be prepared for the weather—inside the Icehotel, it’s always around -5°C, so sturdy winter clothes, hats, gloves, and insulated boots are essential. The tour explicitly states that children over 5 are allowed, but given the cold environment, it’s best suited for kids who can comfortably handle the temperatures.

Value for Money and Overall Experience

At around $156 per person, this tour offers a decent value considering transportation, entry, and the chance to see one of the world’s most extraordinary hotels. You’ll get a guided journey into the Arctic’s icy artistry without the hassle of planning transport or tickets on your own. However, keep expectations realistic—this isn’t a full day at the Icehotel, nor does it include the opportunity to stay overnight in one of the suites.

A couple of reviews point out the slightly rushed feeling—“Too short a time at the destination,” lamented one guest—so if you’re craving hours of exploring, this might not be enough. Others appreciated the ease of logistics and the chance to tick this off a bucket list item in a single day.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is ideal if you’re based in Abisko or Björkliden and want a convenient, well-organized way to see the Icehotel. It’s suitable for those who appreciate art, architecture, and unique landscapes, but don’t want to spend extra days on a full overnight stay. It’s also a smart option for travelers on a tightly scheduled itinerary, especially since the trip aligns well with flight schedules from Kiruna.

While it’s not tailored specifically for families, children over 5 can enjoy the experience—just remember the cold and dress accordingly. If you’re after a relaxed, manageable trip that combines scenic travel with a visit to one of the Arctic’s top attractions, this tour fits the bill.

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Final Thoughts

This day trip to the Icehotel scores well for its ease, scenic value, and the chance to see something truly unique. The self-guided format allows for personal exploration, and the transportation logistics are straightforward. While the limited time at the hotel may leave some wishing for more, it’s a solid way to experience the icy artistry without the fuss of multiple bookings or overnight stays.

If you’re someone who’s excited by art, architecture, and cold-weather adventures, and you’re in the Abisko area, this trip could be a highlight of your Arctic travels. Just come prepared for the cold, manage your expectations about time at the hotel, and enjoy the spectacular sights that Swedish Lapland offers.

FAQs

Is transportation included?
Yes, round-trip transport from your hotel in Abisko or Björkliden to Jukkasjärvi is included, making the trip hassle-free.

What should I wear?
Warm clothing, hats, gloves, and insulated winter boots are essential because the inside of the Icehotel stays at about -5°C.

Can I visit the Icehotel year-round?
Yes, the Icehotel is built every winter, but during early winter, you might visit the ICEHOTEL 365, which is open all year and includes the Ice Bar.

How long do I spend at the Icehotel?
You’ll have roughly 2 hours for self-guided exploration, which many find enough but some wish was longer.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, children over 5 are allowed, but due to the cold environment, it’s best suited for those comfortable with chilly temperatures.

What’s the best time to do this tour?
Since the hotel is built from December onwards, visiting during the winter months guarantees the full experience. The tour departs at different times depending on the day and your hotel, so check availability.

If you’re after a straightforward, scenic, and memorable Arctic experience, this Icehotel tour from Abisko might just be the perfect fit. Be sure to dress warmly, plan for limited time at the site, and get ready for a truly chilly adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here: