Swedish Television follows the ice artists behind ICEHOTEL in a new documentary series
When the snow finally fell over ICEHOTEL in Jukkasjärvi last year, a race against time, and the forces of nature, began. Now, a year later, viewers will get to experience the drama, creativity, and magic behind the world’s most famous hotel made of ice and snow.
“Iskonstnärerna(The Ice Artists)”
On Monday, November 17, Sweden’s public TV channel SVT, premieres the documentary series , which captures the creation of the 35th ICEHOTEL in Jukkasjärvi. The series consists of four episodes and will be available on SVT Play starting November 15.
“Every year, when we build a new ICEHOTEL, it feels like experiencing the magic all over again. Having SVT follow the entire creative process and allow viewers such an intimate look behind the scenes feels fantastic — this truly is the heart of what we do,” says Luca Roncoroni, Creative Director at ICEHOTEL.
In the TV series, viewers follow artists from around the world as they transform snow and ice from the Torne River into a shimmering world of sculptures, art suites, and dreams — a story about passion and creativity, where snow and ice become art for a short moment before melting back into the river when spring arrives. What remains are the memories.
“It’s always a special feeling to see your work take shape in ice and snow — and this time, the cameras were there for every step. Showing that process feels both nerve-racking and amazing,” says Elisabeth Kristensen, one of the artists featured in the series.
The creation of ICEHOTEL 36 is underway — soap bubbles and black holes
At the same time as viewers can follow last year’s build on TV, this year’s creation is already in full swing in Jukkasjärvi. The first snow has fallen, and over the coming weeks, 2,000 tons of natural ice will once again be transformed into art made of ice and snow.
“Sweep Me Off My Feet”
“Soap Bubbles”
“Spaghettification”
Soon,32 artists from nine countries will arrive at ICEHOTEL to create new art suites — including , where guests can sleep in the eye of the storm; , an icy world filled with playful spheres; and , a breathtaking suite inspired by the immense force of a black hole. These are just a few of the concepts taking shape in ICEHOTEL 36, which opens onDecember 12, 2025.
Visitors who wish to experience the process up close can visit ICEHOTEL 365, the year-round section of the hotel that remains open throughout the year.
“We’re looking forward to welcoming guests from all over the world to discover our small, magical part of the Arctic this winter. Here, they can enjoy local cuisine, glide across the snow on dog sleds or snowmobiles under the Northern Lights, try ice sculpting — and, of course, sleep among art made of ice and snow,” says Marie Herrey, CEO of ICEHOTEL.
About “Iskonstnärerna (The Ice Artists)”
- Number of episodes: 4
- Available on SVT Play: November 15
- Broadcast premiere on SVT: November 17
- Location: ICEHOTEL, Jukkasjärvi
- Languages: The series is produced in Swedish, Northern Sámi, and Meänkieli, as well as an international 60-minute English version for distribution abroad.
Program description: Twenty miles north of the Arctic Circle, in Jukkasjärvi, artists from around the world gather to create hotel suites and artworks made entirely of ice and snow. A bird’s nest with giant birds, a spectacular art deco skyline, a seductive water spirit — and much more. But these works live only for a brief moment. When spring comes, this enchanting world melts away and returns to its origin — the Torne River — never to be seen again.
Press and media
For interviews or more information about the SVT series or the opening of ICEHOTEL 36, please contact:
Josefin Lindberg, Head of Press & PR, ICEHOTEL:press@icehotel.com
More information:icehotel.com/press
Here you can also find information about the artists behind ICEHOTEL 36.
Photo: Peter Lindgren, SVT
