Explore the Icehotel, Day Trip from Abisko

Exploring the Icehotel, Day Trip from Abisko: A Cool Adventure in Swedish Lapland

If you’re heading to Abisko and want a truly unforgettable experience, a day trip to the world-famous Icehotel in Jukkasjärvi is a must. This tour offers a chance to see the incredible artistry of ice and snow sculptures, walk through rooms built entirely from ice, and enjoy a drink in the Ice Bar—all in a single day. As a travel writer, I’ve seen many Arctic attractions, but few manage to blend natural wonder, creative craftsmanship, and genuine comfort quite like this experience.

What really stands out about this tour is how smoothly it’s organized—everything from transportation to guided insights feels thoughtfully arranged. Plus, the stories shared by guides about the hotel’s design and construction add an extra layer of appreciation. On the flip side, it’s worth remembering that you’ll need warm clothing from your side, as the Icehotel itself is kept at sub-zero temperatures. This trip is ideal for travelers who want an authentic, compact Arctic experience without the hassle of overnight stays.

Key Points

• Convenient round-trip transport from Abisko makes this a hassle-free day out.
• Expert guides provide fascinating insights into the hotel’s design and artistry.
• The Ice Bar offers a truly unique experience for enjoying a cold drink in a sub-zero setting.
• You’ll have time to explore the Art Suites, Ice Rooms, and Ice Church, marveling at the craftsmanship.
• Flexible options for dining and souvenir shopping add to the comfort of the visit.
• The small group size (maximum 28 travelers) ensures a personalized experience.

A Closer Look at the Itinerary

Pickup and Journey Through Swedish Lapland

The tour begins bright and early at 9:00 am, with pickup from your accommodation in Abisko or Björkliden. From there, you’ll hop into a comfortable vehicle and start your scenic drive through the stunning landscape of Swedish Lapland. This part of the journey is more than just transportation; it’s an introduction to the region’s quiet beauty. Our guides, including friendly and knowledgeable drivers like Modestas and Joey, make the trip entertaining and informative, explaining what to expect and pointing out some of the local highlights along the way.

Arrival at Jukkasjärvi and the Icehotel

Once you arrive at the Icehotel, you’ll receive your entrance ticket—your key to exploring this incredible structure. The hotel, rebuilt every winter, is a marvel of ice art, with each suite and room uniquely sculpted. As we wandered through, it was clear how much craftsmanship and creativity go into each part—an aspect many reviewers noted as “a work of art made of ice.”

Highlights include the individually sculpted Art Suites, designed by various artists each year, and the Ice Church, which looks like a fairy-tale cathedral carved from frozen water. Guides like Sara, who was praised for her warm reception, shared stories about how the hotel is constructed and what makes each room special. We especially enjoyed the Ice Bar, where a staff member like Sara poured our drinks into glasses made from ice, making for what might be the most memorable cocktail experience of the trip.

Lunch, Relaxation, and Shopping

After a thorough exploration, you can choose to relax in the hotel’s cozy restaurant or stylish bar. While lunch isn’t included in the tour, you’ll find the option to purchase delicious local dishes if you’re hungry. Many travelers appreciated this flexibility, as it allows you to tailor your experience. Souvenir shopping is also available—perfect for picking up a unique ice-themed memento.

Return to Abisko

The journey back is equally scenic, with guides sharing additional insights about the region’s natural surroundings. The entire tour lasts about 7 hours, with approximately 3 hours on-site at the Icehotel. This pacing gives you enough time to see the main highlights without feeling rushed.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

Expert Guides and Personal Touch

Multiple reviews mention the guides’ knowledge and friendliness. Joey, who was praised for his storytelling, and Modestas, appreciated for his driving skills and warmth, help turn this into a smooth and engaging experience. Expect clear explanations about the hotel’s architecture and the art behind the sculptures. This adds a lot of value, especially for those interested in the craftsmanship and engineering involved.

Unique Ice Bar Experience

The Ice Bar is a highlight—here, you’ll sip a drink in a room entirely made of ice, in temperatures that hover well below freezing. Many guests found this to be “probably the coolest drink I’ll ever have,” as one reviewer described. The staff’s friendly service and the chance to take photos in this frostbitten setting make it a once-in-a-lifetime moment.

Scenic Journey and Authentic Arctic Vibe

The drive itself is worth mentioning—our guides created a storytelling atmosphere, describing local wildlife and nature’s beauty along the way. Some reviewers, like one who noted the “beautiful nature,” found this part of the trip to be just as captivating as the hotel visit.

Flexibility and Comfort

While lunch isn’t included, the option to purchase meal and drinks at the hotel adds flexibility. The small group size makes it feel intimate, and the round-trip transportation from Abisko/Björkliden is a big plus, removing the stress of organizing your own transfer.

What Could Be Better?

The main consideration is that you need to bring warm clothing, as the Icehotel rooms and common areas are kept at temperatures well below zero. While this is expected, travelers unfamiliar with Arctic conditions should plan accordingly. Also, since the tour is about 7 hours long, it suits those who are okay with a full day of activity, rather than a brief visit.

Price and Value

At $160.74 per person, this tour offers excellent value considering the transportation, guided insights, and entrance fee. For many travelers, the experience of walking through the Icehotel, enjoying the Ice Bar, and hearing stories from knowledgeable guides justifies the price. The reviews support this, with visitors calling it “a unique one-of-a-kind experience” and praising the “good value for money.”

Who Is This Tour Best Suited For?

This day trip is ideal for adventurous travelers wanting a taste of Arctic life without the commitment of overnight stays. It’s perfect if you’re fascinated by art, craftsmanship, or simply want to see a truly iconic attraction in Swedish Lapland. It also appeals to those who value guided experiences and appreciate a small-group setting. If you’re traveling with kids or seniors, the manageable group size and well-organized itinerary make it accessible to most.

However, if you’re sensitive to cold or prefer a relaxed, less structured outing, you might need extra layers or consider whether a full-day trip fits your pace.

Final Thoughts

The Explore the Icehotel, Day Trip from Abisko offers an authentic glimpse into one of the world’s most extraordinary ice structures. The combination of scenic drive, expert guides, and the chance to walk through ice sculptures makes it a memorable Arctic adventure. While you’ll need to be prepared for cold weather, the overall experience delivers more than just visual awe—it’s a story of art, innovation, and nature’s beauty.

For travelers seeking a unique, culturally rich experience that’s easy to access from Abisko, this tour hits the sweet spot. Whether you’re an art lover, a curious traveler, or simply someone wanting to say they’ve sipped a drink from a glass made of ice, this trip provides genuine value and unforgettable moments.

FAQ

Do I need to bring warm clothing?
Yes, you will need to wear warm clothing, as the Icehotel is kept at sub-zero temperatures. Many travelers find layering essential for comfort.

Is transportation included?
Yes, round-trip transportation from Abisko or Björkliden is part of the package, making it convenient and stress-free.

How long is the tour?
The total duration is approximately 7 hours, with about 3 hours spent exploring the Icehotel.

Can I buy lunch at the Icehotel?
Lunch is not included in the tour price but can be purchased at the hotel’s restaurant if you wish.

What will I see at the Icehotel?
You’ll explore the Art Suites, Ice Rooms, and the Ice Church, marveling at the craftsmanship and artistry in each.

Is this suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate. However, colder temperatures mean extra layers are recommended, especially for children or older adults who may be sensitive to cold.

Can I buy souvenirs?
Yes, there are souvenir options available at the Icehotel, perfect for remembering your visit.

To sum it up, this day trip combines natural beauty, artistic brilliance, and Arctic charm into a well-organized, accessible experience. It’s perfect for those who want a taste of Swedish Lapland’s icy masterpiece in just a day, making it a clever addition to any Arctic itinerary.