Icehotel is the original hotel made of snow and ice, 4000sqm with 85 rooms and now in its 17th year. A popular destination for people from all over the world and quite a trek to get to until now!

The Icehotel (not Ice Hotel as many people think) is built in December each year and lasts until mid April when the warmer days take their toll. The final reminents return to the Torne river by midsommer (late June). Now preparing for their 17th year, Icehotel changes for each season so although the front entrance with the Ice chandelier and ice pillars stays much the same the layout, Ice suite rooms, Absolut Icebar and chapel are noticeably different each year.

Built from thousands of tonnes of snow and ice visitors in December can watch the building process. Although it might not sound ideal to visit a hotel under construction the process is fascinating, does not interupt you in any way and Iceartists from around the world litter the place as they go about their craft.

Massive Iceblocks are kept in a giant freezer all summer having been harvested from the metre thick ice covering the Torne river in the previous April. They then form the major structure of the hotel with snow making up the remainder of the roofs and walls.

Until now visiting the Icehotel from the UK has involved either 2 flights - UK - Stockholm and Stockholm to Kiruna or an overnight train journey from Stockholm to Kiruna. Now, thanks to an exclusive charter, there is a direct flight for the first time for those wishing to visit Icehotel without the labourious journey.

Arctic Direct are offering a 3 night break to Icehotel including EXCLUSIVE direct flights, Full board, 2 nights in warm accommodation, 1 night in an Ice suite - individually sculpted rooms and activities including a husky sled transfer from the airport, snowmobiling with dinner in the wilderness, reindeer sledding with a Sami guide and a chance to try your hand at Ice sculpting.

Three nights full board, flying direct from Stansted to Kiruna, departing on December 15th, 2006, costs 1,595 per person based on two sharing. Call 0800 458 6011 or book online www.arcticdirect.co.uk.