Wild Beauty and Urban Myths; ICEBAR Stockholm Unveils Its 2025 Theme, “Archipelago”

ICEBAR Stockholm, the world’s first permanent bar made entirely out of ice, has unveiled the design of its 23rd edition. Titled “Archipelago”, this year’s theme looks to the islands of the Swedish capital for inspiration. Guests are invited to a world where history, mythology, and the wild beauty of the Stockholm archipelago come together, captured in an ice-cold moment.

A bar like you’ve never experienced it before. The widely popular ICEBAR Stockholm at Hotel C is exactly what its name implies: a bar where everything, from interior to drinking glasses, is made from ice. With a steady temperature of -5°C (23°F) and space for up to 60 guests, this is nothing short of an icy wonderland.

Every spring, ICEBAR Stockholm is reborn with a completely new theme. No two interiors are ever the same. In the much-anticipated 23rd edition of 2025, designer Wouter Biegelaar and architect Viktor Tsarski have looked to the sea for inspiration. Earlier this month, they unveiled “Archipelago”—a theme where land meets sea, and nature meets city. 

– ”Archipelago” is our tribute to Stockholm, one of our favorite cities that we visited dozens of times. The unique landscape is our inspiration for the bar with elements of nature, architecture, wildlife leisure, and urban myths. For us it is Stockholm in an ice-cold nutshell, says Wouter Biegelaar and Viktor Tsarski.

A Tribute to Stockholm’s Iconic Waterscapes

“Archipelago” is an ode to the vast waters in and around Stockholm. Inspired by the many islands that make up Stockholm’s picturesque archipelago, Biegelaar and Tsarski’s design reflects the specific contrasts and harmonies of life here.

More specifically, this year’s theme is juxtaposition between the very tangible nature of the archipelago and the more mythical lore that surrounds it. Towering lighthouses cling to jagged ice cliffs, and the walls are adorned with drifting jellyfish. At the same time, there are motifs here depicting sea monsters locked in battle with ships, frozen in motion like scenes from maritime epics.

Furthermore, the structure of the bar mirrors the archipelago itself. Ice formations rise from the floor like skerries, while rock-shaped seats mimic the islets that dot the waters. Beyond nature, “Archipelago” captures a cultural legacy as well, with nods to submarine design and the silhouettes of Stockholm’s skyline. To top it all off, a flamboyant flamingo head peeks up behind the ice rocks, reminiscent of a giant inflatable pool ring. Could it have something to do with the glamorous archipelago nightlife that the Stockholm summers are known for? Possibly.

The two minds behind this year’s theme are no strangers to the world of ice. Viktor Tsarski, an architect from Bulgaria, and Wouter Biegelaar, a designer from the Netherlands, met at the ICEHOTEL in Jukkasjärvi in 2010. Since then, they have become close friends and have collaborated on many projects. Apart from their snow and ice projects, Viktor and Wouter work together on designing toys for manufacturers all over Europe.

A Sub-Zero Destination Since 2002

ICEBAR Stockholm is an outpost of ICEHOTEL in Jukkasjärvi, Sweden, the world-renowned hotel made entirely out of ice. ICEBAR Stockholm is the world’s first permanent ice bar, and every year it gets rebuilt according to a new theme. The interior is carved out of 40 tons of natural ice from the Torne River by ice sculptors from ICEHOTEL. It has been a popular destination since the opening in 2002, attracting both tourists and locals who want a slice of the Arctic North in downtown Stockholm.

The bar itself can be found within Hotel C, a city hotel that has long been the gateway to Stockholm for many visitors. With its warm approach and unbeatable location in the heart of the city, this is the starting point when exploring everything that the Swedish capital has to offer. Besides ICEBAR Stockholm, Hotel C boasts 367 sleek rooms, a newly-renovated floor dedicated to meetings and events, and the cozy restaurant Swede Hollow.

Read more and discover ICEBAR Stockholm at https://hotelcstockholm.com/icebar-stockholm-by-icehotel/