Elite Hotel Frost opens

New energy in the heart of Kiruna

Silvester Mujkic, Hotel Director, meets us just days before the grand opening (11.5.2025) of Elite Hotel Frost, and we head straight to Restaurant FE. The tables are already set, and despite the high level of activity throughout the hotel, with many people preparing the final touches before the opening, the wine glasses are polished and the reception staff are already in place behind the front desk.

“I love Kiruna,” says Silvester as we settle into the soft armchairs. There’s something heartfelt in the way he says it, so I ask why. With 11 years at Elite Hotels as an Operations Manager in various roles, in many different cities and with numerous hotel openings behind him—most recently Elite Hotel Brage—his journey has now brought him to our part of the world, Kiruna.

“I love opening new hotels, building a team that will shape the hotel, and most of all, getting to know the place,” he says. “It’s a magical feeling to become part of the community and connect with the local business sector.”

We tour the premises, and even though everything isn’t quite in place yet—and above all, there are no guests—the spaces already exude something truly special. Restaurant FE is bright and inviting, the Bishops Arms is stunning and genuine, just stepping into Vana Spa makes your shoulders relax, and Rooftop FE? Well, that’s best experienced live—cocktail or not.

The atmosphere in the hotel is unique. It feels like stepping into a different world, oddly enough, even though the local touch is strong. The enormous painting in the lobby was created on site, the interior has been carefully selected to reflect our Arctic environment, and beautiful paintings with mountain motifs adorn the walls — soft and warm to the soul. But that’s not the only local connection Elite Hotel Frost has. As Silvester describes the close ties to Kiruna’s business community, I begin to understand why he loves this town.

“We buy our staff uniforms from Johanna at Centrum JW Lindgren, Tora at the local bookstore provides all our coffee table books, and Anders at Company Line delivers everything from menu holders to sweets. That’s the real joy of opening this hotel—creating something together.”

Before I thank him for the conversation, I have one last question — a rather specific one, I say, and ask why the restaurant is named FE. “It’s from the Periodic Table,” he explains. “It’s the chemical symbol for iron.” Once again, I’m struck by the attention to detail in this mining town —and can’t wait to visit the newly opened hotel.