The world-renowned Icehotel is celebrating its 35th anniversary this winter with a brand new version of the Icebar in Jukkasjärvi. Here, you can warm up in the crystal-clear cold with a drink and embark on an unforgettable space journey! The new Icebar, “In Orbit,” is being created by the Swedish design studio PinPin Studio in collaboration with astronaut Christer Fuglesang, Sweden’s first astronaut.
Construction will soon begin on a completely redesigned Icebar, unlike any previous versions. Welcome to “In Orbit,” where guests can experience life as an astronaut and take part in different aspects of a spectacular space journey, from the launch to the breathtaking view of Earth, and finally, the descent over the ISS.
So, put on your spacesuit, say goodbye to gravity, and let the vastness of space become a part of your visit to Icehotel.
“We all have a longing to travel beyond the known, to gaze at the stars and dream of the infinite. That’s why it feels both exciting and rewarding to be able to contribute with the experience from my space journeys in the creation of ‘In Orbit,’” says Christer Fuglesang, astronaut.
Fuglesang’s experience elevates the Icebar to new heights
Icebar “In Orbit” is being designed by Karl-Johan Ekeroth and Christian Strömqvist, PinPin Studio. When they were asked to create the Icebar in Jukkasjärvi, they immediately knew they wanted to use space as their inspiration.
“For us, the parallels between the natural surroundings of Icehotel and space are obvious. The rugged landscape, the cold, and the feeling of being far away,” say Christian Strömqvist and Karl-Johan Ekeroth.
The result? A space journey designed and constructed in collaboration with astronaut Christer Fuglesang. Icebar “In Orbit” is inspired by Fuglesang’s journeys to the International Space Station (ISS), and he has contributed his invaluable experiences and knowledge of what it’s really like to be in space.
“We hope to convey Fuglesang’s experiences through the snow and ice in a way that will create new experiences for all visitors for years to come,” say the creators of “In Orbit,” who are experienced in creating playful and interactive ice and snow projects, including suites for ICEHOTEL, designs for ICEBAR Stockholm, and the annual winter playground in Kiruna.
Icebar In Orbit grand opening on November 8
For 35 years, people from around the world have gathered at Icehotel in Jukkasjärvi, and the Icebar has always been the natural meeting place. Here, guests exchange experiences and are served drinks in ice glasses made from the ice of the Torne River. The Icebar’s grand opening in the permanent Icehotel 365 section will take place on November 8, and the seasonal part of Icehotel will open on December 13 – we warmly welcome you into the cold!
Sketch presenting Icebar “In Orbit”, design by Karl-Johan Ekeroth & Christian Strömqvist, Sweden, in collaboration with Christer Fuglesang.