What Is It?
Step into a bar where time feels frozen (literally). ICEBAR Stockholm by ICEHOTEL is the world’s first permanent ice bar, offering guests a chance to sip cocktails inside a space crafted entirely from ice. Located within Hotel C in the heart of Stockholm, this immersive venue is rebuilt every year with a new theme, using over 40 tons of ice harvested from the pristine Torne River in Swedish Lapland.
Inside, the temperature is kept at a brisk -5°C. Walls, counters, stools, chandeliers, and even the glasses are all sculpted from crystal-clear ice. The ambiance is heightened by cool-toned lighting and detailed frosty carvings, while guests are wrapped in thermal capes and gloves to stay warm. It’s not just a bar, it’s an art installation you can have a drink in.
Why It’s Cool
- A Sensory Experience Unlike Any Other: For many, this is their first time drinking in sub-zero temperatures. The physical contrast of holding a freezing glass filled with a warm, aromatic cocktail creates a delightful surprise that’s equally cozy and surreal.
- Design That Lives and Melts: Each year, a new artistic vision takes shape, only to melt away with the seasons. This ephemeral nature gives the space a feeling of impermanence and magic, reminding guests that beauty doesn’t need to be permanent to be powerful.
- Social Media Gold: With its shimmering interiors and sculptural details, ICEBAR is undeniably photogenic. It’s the kind of place that becomes a highlight on someone’s feed, offering not just a drink but a moment that begs to be captured and shared.
- Accessible Exclusivity: While it feels like a once-in-a-lifetime experience, ICEBAR is open year-round and available to all. That balance of accessibility and uniqueness makes it a rare gem in the world of hospitality.
Why It Has Future Growth Potential
In an age where travelers are trading possessions for experiences, ICEBAR offers exactly the kind of novelty people crave. It’s not just about sipping a drink, it’s about stepping into a curated atmosphere that stimulates your sense of wonder.
As design-forward destinations grow in popularity, ICEBAR proves that hospitality can also be artistic expression. The annual rebuild ensures constant innovation, keeping the concept fresh and relevant for returning guests.
The concept also aligns with the rising demand for seasonal, story-driven experiences. While ICEBAR is open year-round, its yearly redesign adds a time-sensitive quality that fuels curiosity and repeat visits. Guests want to see what’s next.
And in the experience economy, venues like this offer hotels a strategic advantage. ICEBAR doesn’t just enhance Hotel C’s brand; it gives the property a cultural and emotional anchor, attracting travelers who seek memories over amenities.
Carl Rohde