2 Best Hotels in Swedish Lapland, Sweden

It's no wonder that Jukkasjärvi's famed Icehotel was first conceived and constructed as an art installation in 1989—this fantastical structure is a sensory extravaganza. Reconstructed every year from thousands of tons of snow and ice, and spanning 5,500 square meters, it's the biggest ice hotel in the world. Every year 50 artists are chosen to create the ceremony hall, ICEBAR, reception area, main hall, and suites. Chairs, tables, beds, and even the glasses at the bar are carved from ice blocks hewn from the nearby Torne River. Though everything melts away in the spring, you can still visit the Icehotel during warmer months. They have a number of year-round ice rooms, as well as "warm rooms" that are all furnished with more traditional, Scandinavian designs.

This series of eight glass cubes and other unusual structures suspended among the pine trees of a Swedish forest is not art installation—it's a hotel. Family owned and operated, the eco-friendly, low-impact property has been welcoming adventurous guests since 2010. Constructed with local materials, the eight "tree" rooms are set at various heights above the ground (ranging from 13 to 33 feet), and each one is different in shape and furnishings. Choose from a mirror cube, a bird’s nest, a UFO, or other uniquely designed accommodation and enjoy the feeling of unwinding in a natural setting. Since resort activities and amenities are limited—only two of the tree rooms have en suite showers—most guests come to simply enjoy the view, the tranquility, and the unique overnight experience. There's also a guesthouse with regular rooms if you prefer to keep your feet on the ground; other facilities include a restaurant, a bar, and a sauna.