Sweden's (Very) Cool Icehotel. But Is It Worth Seeing If You DON’T Stay The Night?

For 30+ YEARS I've wanted to come here. FINALLY. Join me on my very first visit to Icehotel, as I discover the cheap way to enjoy this incredible creation. I'll show you how to get there, we'll have a look at the rooms, visit the world-famous Icebar and so much more. Let's go!
Filmed on Monday 15th January 2024
Music courtesy of epidemicsound.com
Thumbnail designed using Canva
This video is not sponsored and all opinions are my own
I don’t pretend to be a travel expert, but I love what I do and would be honoured if you came along with me. My channel focusses on the wide-eyed wonder and excitement of finding somewhere new, and my genuine reaction to it. You may not get a history lesson in my videos, but who knows, you might pick up some useful travel tips along the way, add a few destinations to your bucket list and hopefully be entertained by what you see. Thanks for watching, it means a lot to me :)
I do ALL of this myself. Planning, filming, editing, promoting, all with a weekly upload schedule, so please understand not every video will be an epic adventure. But my pledge is to always do my best in any situation and KEEP THE CAMERA ROLLING :)
Donate here to future videos: (thank you!)
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/ stevemarsh
FAQs:
WHERE ARE YOU FROM?
I was born in Glasgow but have lived in Carnoustie, Dalgety Bay, Stonehaven, Edinburgh, Montrose, and further afield (Salamanca, Spain & Devonport, New Zealand)
WHEN DO YOU UPLOAD?
Saturdays at 10am Scottish time. Occasionally a bonus midweek video will pop up (in which case, likely to be Tuesday at 5pm)
WHY IS THERE A DELAY BETWEEN TRIP AND VIDEO APPEARING?
This is a result of doing all this myself I’m afraid. Editing takes time and I also like to schedule videos a bit in advance in case of any problems/illness/cancellations etc. Keeping my uploads appearing every Saturday morning is important to me, so I don’t want anything to get in the way of it. Also, I occasionally need some time off to recover from trips!
WHAT EQUIPMENT DO YOU USE?
I film with a GoPro11 and my iPhone12. I edit on iMovie and use epidemicsound.com for music. I also use canva.com for thumbnails etc. I also have a DJI Pocket 3 (bigger sensor) for nighttime, although I’m still getting to grips with it.
WHY DON'T YOU SPEND LONGER AT DESTINATIONS?
The usual suspects I'm afraid - time and money! Hotels especially these days make my eyes water like a true Scotsman. Also my weekly upload schedule means I need to keep on the move.
WHERE'S ALICJA?
Alicja will feature whenever possible, but she has her own life and a proper job so it can take a while for our schedules to match up. Trust me though, I prefer it when She is there too!
DO YOU PAY FOR YOUR OWN TRAVEL?
Yes I do. I've only ever accepted a complementary ticket as compensation for a previous problem. All my opinions are frank and honest reflections of travel as I experience it.
WHY THE ADS?
It's my income, I can't do this for free. Notice I don’t have mid-roll ads though!
CAN I CONTACT YOU?
I used to list my email address but felt bad not having the capacity to respond to everything so took it down (and I got a LOT of spam so missed many genuine messages along the way).
HOW CAN I SUPPORT THE CHANNEL?
Watching my videos is of course support enough, but if you'd like to support further, I'll pop links in here for Paypal and Patreon. All kind donations are super-appreciated and will go 100% towards future filming trips.
DO YOU ACCEPT SPONSORSHIPS?
I don't like to upset the flow of my videos, so I don't even include mid-roll ads anymore (at significant loss of income to myself), so I prefer not to include sponsorships either. I'm open to a small slide at the start/end of each video, but I don't want to get into talking about products, it's something I don't like as a viewer myself (especially as a viewer who pays for KZbin Premium). So it's probably a polite no, although all of this goes out the window if you offer me something which can give me the chance to make a video for my audience that would otherwise be impossible.
#SteveMarsh #Sweden #Icehotel

[@Priorw8]

Thanks for my weekend treat.i look forward to your blogs. As a 72year old widow it really does keeps me going 😊

[@steve-marsh]

Hey thanks so much for coming along with me on these weird and wonderful trips :) Wishing you all the best!

[@thekeeper7885]

Steve that looked absolutely breathe taking...brilliant video@@steve-marsh

[@JeffBenoit-h1r]

@@zorxz I thought that saying that a weekly video is what would "keep one going" was a bit much... would make sense it is AI.

[@allanjohnson6063]

Wow great video Steve, super cool hotel in more ways than one 😊

[@samprior288]

Actually the man who left this comment IS MY 72 year old Dad. My mum passed away 11 years ago. That was NOT an AI comment so get your facts right. There are some really unpleasant trolls on here.

[@Robbaz]

When i visited the Ice Hotel as a kid we got to borrow a floppy disk camera from school to take pictures. Good times and awesome ice slides.

[@sanitallica]

Tjena Robbaz! Kul o se dig här! 😉

[@sebastianborg6985]

The slacker shows up

[@filiprautio1631]

he made his yearly vid

[@Khorney]

Grymmaste Robbaz :)

[@denniswrande6004]

Jaha vad kul att se dig här Robbaz har följt dig förrut rätt mycket king of sweden! :D

[@Benecio84]

We got married here 13 years ago today!! We are both enjoying your video whilst reliving happy memories ❤ Cheers Steve! Another great video :)

[@BerraLJ]

I bet that was an experience of a life time.

[@Benecio84]

It certainly was. We'll never forget it. We saw the Northern Lights whilst on snowmobiles. Did a horseback safari, Ice sculpting, visited the Swedish Space Centre. It was great and couldn't recommend it enough to anyone else looking for such a unique experience.@@BerraLJ

[@jimmymorrison8314]

❤️

[@TonySMotorcyclePassion]

Wow oh wow Steve. That's amazing. Thankyou👍

[@truckdriver1982]

As a Swede I must say...this is crazy beautiful. So many things still to explore in this country

[@granadadr]

joo kom gärna upp, var där för ett par veckor sedan,,

[@kevinhamilton1177]

STEVE just watched this video of this magical place and i echo your sentiments WOW

[@LIKWID]

You weren't the only one saying wow every time you entered a room, I was doing exactly the same. What an incredible building, the thought of it just turning back to water is quite a magical story as well. What a place!

[@BoadiceanRevenge]

And it looks like Superman's home in the Mountains! With the Crystals! 🦸🏂🥶😍🙏

[@MrPhantom1961]

Each one of your videos is different and they have a real sense that we are there with you on the journey. I've always wanted a visitor's view of the Ice Hotel, so thank you for this video. The perfect video to watch when it gets too hot in summer.

[@steve-marsh]

I really appreciate it! Thank you !

[@KarenG.-qs7wc]

No this is not boring ! This is a wonderful magical place 😀😻 thank you for showing us all those amazing rooms in the fantastic ice hotel.❄ Brilliant stuff. 👍💯❤❄❄

[@leonb2637]

When I was watching your tour of the rooms, my jaw dropped, my mouth was open from the amazing place this was. Thank you for sacrificing you body to the icy cold to being this to us. Stuff like this why we watch your videos.

[@lizoconnor2752]

Hey Steve! I got so caught up in your enthusiasm and child like wonder! This was truly fun! Thanks for the beautiful tour ❤

[@lauraautry6992]

The most magical place I have seen. The artwork is beautiful and the cat was my favorite. Thank you for sharing 🤗❤️

[@dominicmonaghan9887]

It's incredible. Almost impossible to believe.

[@jenesisjones6706]

I've watched all of your videos. You are my window on a world I will never see. I'm an Aussie grandma, with social anxiety so I could never cope with flying. This video is the most amazing thing I have ever seen. I love all of your adventures, thank you for all you do. 🙃

[@larrainebrowne6710]

I’m so glad you took us on that little escapade. I’ve wanted to see that place for years and now I don’t have to think about going there. I know I just couldn’t take that cold, living as I do in the sunniest place in Queensland Australia. Just love the sun, but it’s always a thrill to see how others live and travel. Keep up your great work💕💕💕

[@__Aurora__]

Oh, you went to the Ice Hotel. Hope you enjoyed it! Thank you once again for visiting and promoting our beautiful country!

[@steve-marsh]

Always a pleasure!

[@notyhbynorthwest]

Wow, what an experience. Must be one of the highlights of your travels so far......

[@jimmymorrison8314]

That was the best tour of the ice hotel I've ever seen. What an insanely beautiful place! Thanks Steve.

[@steve-marsh]

Thanks so much mate! Really appreciate it!

[@jax_swe]

Thank you for this awesome video. And please bring Alicja and spend the night in the ice hotel, I´m sure that would be an amazing video. :-)

[@deborahweppelman1166]

Absolutely ethereal! Love your enthusiasm. 😊

[@steve-marsh]

Well said! And thank you :)

[@peterevans9661]

Brilliant video. Thanks Steve. Pete and Lyn😊

[@paddythetheatredog4384]

Wow! Somewhere I could never travel to with the cold so thanks for all the wow’s! The rooms were incredible, the detail in each instillation was amazing, especially the cactuses and cats. The ‘stained glass’ windows carved in to the walls of the church were so beautiful Just fab Steve thanks.

[@steve-marsh]

It blew me away a bit to be honest, incredible!

[@magnumass]

Travel in the summer, proper fisherman's heaven

[@willymccann]

Fantastic walkthrough Steve, your enthusiasm really brings the hotel to life. Definitely one to add to the bucket list

[@davidnesenholtz8541]

This is one of your best videos ever, Steve! Thanks for taking us to the Ice Hotel!

[@steve-marsh]

Glad you enjoyed it! Cheers!

[@dthomp06]

Wowsa! I’m blown away by seeing this place. I don’t think illlmever go there, but it’s nice to see these hotels are real

[@allanmorton6022]

What an incredible place, I had no idea it was so extensive or so beautiful. Not surprised you were blown away with those rooms. Love that each is designed by different artists. One of your most stunning videos ever and so surprising. Worth the trip to that frozen wonderland.

[@travellingone8149]

On my bucket list great to see all the rooms 👍

[@not2busy]

No, not hoovers. Zambonis maybe but not hoovers. Cool cats too!! And as for getting married, there may be a risk of getting cold feet at the very last moment! Great video!

[@steve-marsh]

Haha love it!

[@MStanleyRoss]

boom boom!

[@michelebouvet8074]

Absolutely magnificent!!

[@suzannebell51]

What an incredible place! I can see why you just said "wow" all the time because it was wow. I didn't know such a place existed, thanks so much for taking us with you😃

[@steve-marsh]

Yeah, I was totally blown away by the place!

[@kathymarsh9339]

Brilliant video, a virtual art trip. Loved it

[@carnivorecampers]

Ah! My weekend is complete ❤

[@steve-marsh]

Have a great one!

[@marshallviliesis]

I had no idea the Ice Hotel is so spectacular. Thank you for the tour.

[@vm6418]

Magnificent and a magical place I .

[@steve-marsh]

So true mate!

[@chuuzu]

Absolutely spectacular! 😍

[@jankarel6454]

Steve, this was magical! Thank you so much for sharing it with us.

[@steve-marsh]

Hey an absolute pleasure!

[@Timstravels01]

What a place. There are some very talented people about to make it a reality.

[@marklease9717]

Steve, FANTASTIC! What a wonderful treat! Bet you're looking now for a warm pub with a fireplace!

[@Martincars56]

Excellent video as always. This looked absolutely stunning and you certainly did it justice. Well done Steve.

[@alanruine5946]

Loved that one Steve. One of your best videos. The Ice-Art was Astonishing! Well done m8. 👍👍👍

[@Theresesilver]

Lovley to see! Thank you, brings back memories. My best friend is from Kiruna and got married in the icechurch +10 years ago. She used to work there also. It was magnificient! Now I feel we have to go back to show the kids 🤩❄️

[@waramatt1]

Love this part of the world Steve. Thanks for bringing it to us. Given our current temperatures down under this feels particularly other-worldly. Great job capturing the essence of the Ice Hotel.

[@steve-marsh]

Hey thanks so much! Stay cool :)

[@margaretmorgan4682]

37 deg C here today!

[@kimberlytt9454]

Thank you so much for this tour of Icehotel 2024. I’ve seen other videos here but none that went into every room. I feel like I’ve just seen a magical museum tour.

[@4sstg]

I think of Narnia. I’m surprised they don’t have the ice Queen somewhere, in her everlasting winter. This was fun to watch,Thanks

[@timjones2471]

Yet another location to add to bucket list!

[@littlebootsxxiv6871]

What an extraordinary place. One for the bucket list, I think. Thank you for sharing. ❤

[@EMB238]

Loving your adventures in Scandinavia! Brilliant hotel. ❄️❄️❄️

[@jacquelinebell9186]

WOW! Indeed 😮 Absolutely beautiful, very interesting and I’m very glad you’ve brought it to us Steve. I felt cold just watching 👀 it, lighter moment? No private bathrooms “ I haven’t seen any yellow snow yet” 😂😂😂❤

[@steve-marsh]

I couldn't cope going to the toilet at night :D

[@ukdavepianoman]

Really amazing hotel. Definitely somewhere I'd love to visit. Great video.

[@CityzenAlex]

Love how you mentioned Tim! You 2 are my favourite KZbinrs, and both deserve all your success!!

[@robertofraser101]

Me too didn't know Steve followed tim and cant forget scott as well 😊

[@Jaynemee]

Wow! Thanks so much for showing us this. It's amazing. 😳

[@AndersRingman]

The probable reason why there was a rocket there is that outside Kiruna lies Esrange, the Swedish space center. From there, rockets are launched for various research.

[@steve-marsh]

Thanks so much! I was totally unaware at the time!

[@jogolock1190]

Wow, now that is on the bucket list.

[@jamesburt6520]

Hi Steve fantastic video, THAT HOTEL IS SOMETHING ELSE. Thank you once again.

[@jans724]

Great video!! Thanks for posting!

[@belugast]

Great vlog, amazing place and wow! You and Walk with me Tim are the best KZbinrs out there, keep up the good work.👍

[@steve-marsh]

Wow to put me in the same category is a big compliment!

[@belugast]

@@steve-marsh you’re welcome.

[@Saltybuher]

There’s an integrity with SteveMarsh and WalkwithmeTim. It can’t be bought.

[@isking1715]

Yes definitely my favs as well.

[@jocoma_photography]

One more for the bucket list.

[@Decision-lr7vo]

Thank you Steve. This was incredible For those of us on the beach in California who feel a chill at 60F, this is somewhere we could never see without your help. Just incredible! Thank you so much!!!

[@brendanmallon1479]

Brilliant Steve as usual ❤❤ love from Ireland

[@BarneyLeith]

I agree with you about the design of the houses in Kiruna. The Ice Hotel was absolutely stunning. I think I preferred the one that melts in Spring, but all of it is magical. Many thanks for another excellent video, Steve.

[@steve-marsh]

Yeah, if I was staying, it would have to be the original one!

[@jameslever5406]

Just awesome !!!👍👍👍

[@salsmith1323]

Wow! Just to add one more. Simply stunning and feels like a sci fi scene. Thanks Steve!.

[@JackTaudi]

Thanks for the Tour and overview, saves us from getting frostbite 👌👌🙏🙏🙏

[@kevancook2699]

Steve, you bring us the true joy of travel and exploration of different places and experiences. It’s unlikely that I’ll ever get to see the ice hotel in person but you’ve managed to show enough for me to want to go. Thank you

[@Mortac]

Awesome video, thank you! Love your style of travel/vlogging. Very entertaining.

[@janelow4530]

I always look forward to Saturday lunch! We queue up your latest video and enjoy! This was fantastic to see… thanks 😁

[@lynetteetter8097]

WOW is right. You truly captured every room with it's special details. I think a few years ago Hallmark did a movie at this location. A wedding in the chapel would be a day to remember......

[@jackoneil3933]

Wow! chillingly stunning! Another journey not to miss! For those who've not experience arctic conditions I'd say the trip and Icehotel are is a must. However after a quarter of a century in Alaska, my destinations lie in other directions and I'll enjoy the surreal chills and thrills from my warm and ice-free bed.

[@steve-marsh]

I'd love to get to Alaska one day!

[@jackoneil3933]

@@steve-marsh Hope you can make it, I've often thought you doing an Alaska sires would be a good fit, and there is the Alaska Railroad that's not your usual passenger service. I'd also love to see your take on Japanese Rail and ferries travel. I miss Japan so much and it would be pleasure to go along with you.

[@VernHallgren]

Hej Steve, really enjoyed your blogs on your trip to Sweden and the far north. Your wonder at all the places you visit is truly inspiring and inspirational. Have always wanted to go to Kiruna and see the town built on an iron mine, and search for the Aurora Borealis. But the ‘Icehotel’, that was the icing on the cake! What a place! Thanks again for all your great travel videos.

[@diannehardwick950]

Wow! What an experience! Great video Steve. I don’t think I could stand those temperatures myself but it was wonderful to see.

[@andrewdolinskiatcarpathian]

Oh Steve, you have surpassed yourself. That was a sublime visit indeed. I cannot imagine staying somewhere so cold. How can it be possible??? I hope the bus back was nice and warm and that you managed to defrost. 🥶

[@craig.bryant]

Looks amazing, thanks for sharing something I have to add to my bucket list now!!

[@noahcount7132]

The rooms in the Ice Hotel were absolutely mind-blowing Steve! Seeing an ice sculpture depiction of Otzi the world-famous Iceman at 19:46 into the video was several orders of magnitude even more so! WOW! 👍👍👍👍

[@spajdude]

Ötzi! I was wondering why a "Pompeii corpse" would be inside an Ice hotel. But it's Ötzi! Thanks for correcting my slow brain.

[@dianemills8675]

Great video. I especially loved the pew carvings in the church. Beautiful.

[@steve-marsh]

The church was soooo magical!

[@glennturnley1261]

Breathtakingly beautiful Ice Hotel. And all that artwork just drips away waiting for next years talented artists to recreate stunning works.

[@HadriansWallNZ]

Amazing! This hotel is stunning 👍

[@steve-marsh]

Cheers for coming along!

[@Big.Al.3]

Great little film 🎥. Can wait to find out where you will be next.

[@t.m.warren2124]

I loved the Icehouse! There are some really talented artists who do this. You could see the feathers on the birds. And to think they do this every year. Wow! What an amazing video Steve. Bravo 👏.

[@paulhowarth8056]

truly amazing Steve

[@paulinelong7205]

How beautiful, thank you so much

[@steve-marsh]

An absolute pleasure to show you around!

[@malcolmblackburn]

Thank you Steve. Amazing. Amazing. Amazing. Amazing. Amazing. Amazing. Thanks again. Keep up the great work.

[@MrAg272]

"How transparent are these columns": you say in the Vlog. You waved and I waved back at my screen here in my house. This is so magical the Icehotel. Love it.

[@annlewis2856]

WOW! Thanks for this.

[@maryhoward2491]

Absolutely lost for words absolutely fabulous

[@tweetyjl68]

Such an amazing place, thanks for sharing with us. 😃🥶

[@elainemcguirk4993]

Thanks, Steve, that was fabulous ! It was worth the video just to see the looks of utter wonder and amazement on your face. Just like a small child in his first big toy store . Reminds me of seeing a Lego Disney palace made out of clear bricks in Menzies in Princes Street in the early 60's . 😲

[@steve-marsh]

Haha so true! I was blown away!

[@smallfig]

That’s awesome, Steve. Hope you do get a chance to stay.

[@jonclassical2024]

It's so funny Steve, most of the time on film the bus looks like its going 90mph! Wow, the ICEHOTEL is something the likes of which I have never seen! Stunning seems understated! Cheers Steve!

[@bobzubb]

stunning content Steve...what pleasures you bring in your travels; this, is beyond belief, and, as spring and summer return, will revisit your amazing Icehotel visit. Highest praise, sir! By the way, I love Montrose; the golfing links +.....cheers!

[@1954alister]

WOW Just takes your breath away

[@steve-marsh]

It really is something eh!?

[@thecountaroundaustralia]

Awesome channel, you definitely get to some incredible places!

[@MargaretMckenna-jc1ee]

Absolutely brilliant Steve thank you for sharing this with us

[@steve-marsh]

Hey an absolute pleasure!

[@Portmarnockpaul]

Amazing, thanks for letting us see this.

[@deanbrown9454]

I was a bit sceptical about the whole Ice Hotel thing. A bit soulless and bucket listy, but it seems that I couldn't have been more wrong. Fantastic video again Steve but I'll keep my appreciation of that art installation to KZbin, way too cold for me lol.

[@steve-marsh]

I was a bit worried it would just be a tacky tourist place, but it genuinely took my breath away!

[@lindahume4422]

Wonderful.

[@papabear6860]

Superb video Steve, what an incredible place!

[@steve-marsh]

Cheers for coming along :)

[@lennyvalentin6485]

As I recall, they harvest the ice for next year's hotel towards the end of the winter season, then warehouse it (at refridgerated temps of course) over the summer, and begin building the new hotel once temperatures allow for ice and snow to stay permanently frozen. The warehouse capacity is pretty large, and the harvested ice is used for everything, including the structural elements of the hotel (quite a lot of it is compacted snow, so the arches, pillars, windows and such), the art decorations, and even all of the drinking glasses used by guests over the course of the season. Torne river has a very gentle flow, and the water is very pure, giving very high optical quality ice. Blocks of ice that has interesting features such as twigs with leaves still attached to them or such are saved for decorative purposes inside the hotel.

[@JC.Granma]

Another interesting place. So original and amazing.

[@dennisman7159]

Thanks for bringing back good memories Steve. I was at the Icehotel many years ago for my honeymoon. Its such a breathtaking place! The huskey and snow mobile rides were everlasting and seeing the northern lights was magnificent 🥶🧊🧤