Absolutely Cool A night on ice in Stockholm    By   Päivi Arvonen

So you’ve seen it all on the bar scene? Think again. In Stockholm, you can order that cool, refreshing drink not ‘on the rocks’ but ‘in the rocks.’ The Absolut Icebar epitomizes Sweden’s special northern style of winter exotic: The entire bar is made of pure, natural ice.

This is literally the coolest hotspot around. Located in a special thermo-protected lobby of the Nordic Sea Hotel, the Icebar interior registers a constant temperature of –5 degrees Celsius. A door covered in reindeer skin marks the entrance.

Päivi Arvonen Icebar chic

Like all trendy hangouts, the bar has a strict dress code. The essential Icebar outfit - conveniently provided by the establishment — includes an exceptionally long, fur-lined jacket with hood, warm gloves and special shoes.

You’ll need the gloves not just to stay warm, but also to be able to hold your drink. The crystal clear glasses holding the designer cocktails (both alcoholic and nonalcoholic) are also made from natural ice.

Päivi Arvonen The bar uses all natural ingredients.

In fact, almost everything inside, from the bar itself, waist-high tables to the modern art statues gracing the decor is made of ice. Even the walls and ceiling are thick ice. Only the floor is made of non-natural material to keep people from falling — ice is, after all, very slippery.

Päivi Arvonen The Icebar is open all year.

When the Ice Age ended 10,000 years ago, melting inland glaciers carved deep channels into the earth, creating rivers that still exist to this day. One of these waterways is the Torne River in northern Sweden, the only river in the country that has not been exploited for hydroelectric power. From here come the building blocks of the Absolut Icebar. During the long winter, ice farmers harvest huge cubes and blocks of ice with specially designed saws and tractors, transporting the cold crop in a carefully calculated mixture of water and artificial snow.

The father of the permanent icebar is Swedish businessman Yngve Bergqvist, who wanted to create a spectacular, natural place in the center of the metropolis, where busy urbanites could stop by to escape their hectic daily routine for a while. The Icebar is meant to be a sanctuary, and even the drinks are concocted to inspire a perfect experience of northern nature and wilderness.

Päivi Arvonen Your drink is served inside the ice cube.

When it opened in June 2002, the Absolut Icebar Stockholm became the world’s first - but not last - permanent icebar. The bar received more than 70,000 visitors during its first year of operation, and while many thought that was just the appeal of novelty, this frozen watering hole has become more and more popular among Swedes and tourists.

In December 2003, Absolut Icebar Stockholm became the first franchise of a worldwide Icebar concept. The first international Icebar opened in autumn 2004 in Milan, Italy. Using webcam technology, patrons of the Stockholm and Milan bars can greet each other via large wall screens.

Päivi Arvonen Hot coffee is not on the menu.

To protect its unique icy nature, the Absolut Icebar can only host 30 people at a time, and each visit lasts 45 minutes. It is highly recommended to book your ice experience in advance either by sending an e-mail to icebar@nordichotels.se or calling +46 (8) 5056-3124. The Icebar is open year-round from mid-afternoon till late night, closed on Sundays. Twice a year, the bar closes for a change of ice. The entrance fee for a 45-minute visit is 140 Swedish kronor (SEK), approximately 15, including clothing and one drink (refills are 85 SEK). For more information, visit: www.nordichotels.se.  tt