If some one said to me I could go to any hotel in the world I would choose the Ice Hotel in Jukkasjärvi, Sweden.
I had to do a presentation about this destination in Year 8 and ever since I have found myself dreaming of staying there. It was the world's first ice hotel and opened in 1990, being available to stay in between the months of December and April each year. The hotel and all its furniture is made from ice blocks which have been extracted from the nearby Torne River. The whole structure is kept at -5 degrees Celsius and I suppose, for this and many other reasons, staying at the Ice Hotel could be considered to be a form of adventure tourism.
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| A collage of images from the Ice Hotel website, showing activities which can be done in the winter season |
For me, visiting this hotel would be all about engaging in unique activities which I would not be able to do in my every day to day life. This would include seeing the spectacle that is the aurora borealis and going on a dogsled ride through the Arctic Circle.
When I was looking at the list of activities I couldn't help but evaluate the Ice Hotel in terms of sustainable development as, being a Geography student, I know this is an important factor which would make it an even more appealing establishment. The Ice Hotel offers a chance to engage with the Sami local people with the website saying: "When you come to Jukkasjärvi in Sweden, you also come to Sápmi – the Sami people’s own name of their land. The Sami (lappish people) that lives here speak their own language and have their own culture. During winter, ICEHOTEL arranges several Sami cultural experiences together with Nutti Sámi Sidá, a Sami activity company that arranges nature- and culture experiences based on the Sami culture and a high standard regarding to eco-tourism." I was pleased to see that they had recognised the importance of eco-tourism and the sustainability which goes with it. Many developments such as this would not consider their impact in both an environmental and social way, making a stay at the Ice Hotel a unique experience in more than one way.
However, as this trip would cost several thousand pounds I don't think I'll be making a booking anytime soon!
Let me know: Are there any travelling desires that you have?
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