Summary
Introduction to the Ice Bar
The Ice Bar at the Hotel C in Stockholm, Sweden is a unique venue to enjoy a drink while celebrating your Baltic cruise vacation. Offering a memorable atmosphere, it provides an excellent backdrop for photos during your visit to the beautiful city of Stockholm.
Although the Ice Bar accommodates up to 45 guests, it offers a delightful experience. The bar features an interesting selection of drinks—all made with vodka! For non-drinkers, juice and other non-alcoholic beverages are available. Known officially as the IceBar Stockholm by IceHotel, it is situated just a few blocks from the Central Train Station and the Stockholm City Hall.
Cold Facts About the Ice Bar in Stockholm, Sweden
Your visit to the Ice Bar is worry-free regarding melting ice, even during warm summer days. The bar maintains a chilly temperature of 23 degrees Fahrenheit (-5°C) year-round. Remarkably, all interior elements, including the exquisite glasses, are crafted from pure, clear ice sourced from the Torne River in northern Sweden.
How to Make a Reservation for the Ice Bar in Stockholm
The Stockholm Ice Bar operates throughout the year. Reservations are highly advised and can be secured online. Please note that the opening hours may vary, so it is wise to check at the hotel.
The bar welcomes guests aged 18 and over, with a capacity for 45 individuals per session. Reservations occur at 45-minute intervals; however, many patrons enjoy their time for less than 30 minutes. The entry fee includes warm clothing, a drink served in an ice glass, and the distinctive “Ice Experience.”
The “Ice Experience” at the Ice Bar in Stockholm, Sweden
Located just off the hotel lobby, the Ice Bar provides a unique experience. Upon arrival, guests pay the cover charge, and an attendant assists in donning a stylish silver cape. This cape is designed to retain your body heat and prevent the Ice Bar from melting. The shimmering cape also features a faux fur-trimmed hood, with mittens provided for warmth.
After gearing up for the cold, you will enter an airlock before stepping into the Ice Bar itself. The stunning environment, with walls, tables, decor, and glasses made of pristine clear river ice, is truly a marvel.
Inside, you’ll find fellow guests who share your excitement, many armed with cameras to capture the moment. Laughter and camera flashes fill the Ice Bar, making for an enjoyable atmosphere. While the small tables are designed for standing only—due to a lack of stools—this unique setup adds to the charm and allows everyone to experience the icy wonder.
After snapping a few photos, it’s time to order a drink. Remember, drinks served in ice glasses mean they are “in the rocks,” not “on the rocks.” Take note: the ice glasses are not dishwasher safe!
Stockholm Ice Bar History and Future
The very first Ice Bar was established at the Icehotel in northern Sweden, originally built in the autumn of 1989. Each year, this Icehotel melts away, only to be reconstructed in a grander form the following fall. Years ago, the developer envisioned a permanent ice bar that would operate year-round in Stockholm.
In June 2002, the world’s first permanent Ice Bar opened at the Nordic C Hotel, timed with the 750th-anniversary celebrations of Stockholm’s founding. Presently, numerous cities and even some Norwegian Cruise Line ships feature their own Ice Bars.
In its inaugural year, the Ice Bar attracted 70,000 visitors, and its popularity has only continued to grow. With ice bars now found worldwide, this unique venue offers a fantastic way to cool down for anyone visiting an overheated city.
The Famous Ice Bar Glasses
The concept for ice glasses was born at the Ice Hotel in northern Sweden in 1995. Initially, they were hand-cut from river ice blocks taken from the pristine Torne River.
As demand surged, a factory was established to mass-produce these frozen glasses. Today, over 1 million ice glasses made from the clear, pure river ice are utilized across Ice Bars and the Ice Hotel each year, delighting guests with every drink served.