Take a first look at the incredible creations inside Sweden’s 28th annual Ice Hotel

The 28^th annual Ice Hotel has officially opened in Sweden, featuring a collection of suites filled with unique and awe-inspiring ice creations.

Located in the village of Jukkasjärvi, every winter sees a new, distinctive hotel being built when the cold weather causes the Torne River the freeze over. Opened on 15 December, this year’s hotel features 35 uniquely designed art and deluxe suites, as well as an ice bar, ice ceremony hall and ice gallery. The project saw 36 artists from 17 different countries taking part, and unique design elements inside the suites include a giant ice sculpture of King Kong, an ice bed suspended from large veins of snow and a bed inside a snowy, icy cloud. When the season changes, the hotel melts down and returns to the river as part of a natural cycle.

As well as staying in the seasonal suites, guests can climb down into an underground mine with elements of crystal clear ice created by British brothers Hugh & Howard Miller, while the deluxe suite, created by Dave Ruane and Luca Roncoroni features a 34-metre long labyrinth wall carved from ice that leads to the bed.

“We have created the 28th rendition of ICEHOTEL this year, and I think we’ve managed to refine Torne River better than ever. The art is exceptional with a great variation and we are looking forward to welcoming guests from all over the world, said Arne Bergh, Creative Director at ICEHOTEL.

This year’s ICEHOTEL also features a specially-built restaurant headed by Michelin star chef Alexander Meier, who is presenting a twelve-course tasting menu that focuses on local produce such as fir sprouts, cloudberries and sea buckthorn. Guests at the hotel can also have a bouquet of ice delivered to the table as well as an ice message, while a special ice ceremony hall on site is available for weddings, engagements and other events.

ICEHOTEL #28 is open now until 15 April. After that, the permanent part of the hotel, ICEHOTEL 365 will continue to offer ice and snow experiences year round. More information on visiting is available at the official website.