German airline to build igloo village in Sweden

A German airline is launching a plan to build an igloo village in Sweden. The company says it wants to "add something" for the visitors coming to the region.

According to The Local, the airline, Fly Car, is planning to build an igloo village in Sweden's Arvidsjaur municipality, located in the north. The airline has been reportedly flying customers between Arvidsjaur and Germany for almost 15 years. Many of the travelers using the airline come to Sweden to see Kiruna's Ice Hotel in Jukkasjärvi. Kiruna's Ice Hotel is constructed every November, and is open for business around Dec. 10 and remains operational until about mid-April (times may fluctuate depending on weather, of course). That being the case, the company wants to add the igloo village as another destination for visitors to enjoy. “We have had 10,000 visitors each year, and many of them have been making the trip from here to Kiruna to see the Ice Hotel,” Michael Fender, head of Fly Car told The Local. The airline plans to unveil its own icy wonder in the form of snow igloos. Fly Car plans to build the igloos about 300 kilometers (approx. 186 miles) south of Kiruna's Ice Hotel. The company says it does not intend to be competition for the famous ice hotel, but rather something a bit different, something new. “The trip takes them two days, and we thought we could save time and keep them in Arvidsjaur by building our own igloo village… similar to the ones that already exist in the Swiss Alps,” Fender said. “The Ice Hotel in Kiruna is wonderful. It’s iconic, it’s famous… but we just wanted to add our own highlight here in Arvidsjaur." How is Kiruna's, which is heading into its 23rd year, taking this news? “We wish them good luck,” press officer Helena Sjöholm told The Local. “We’re not worried – it’s not the first time someone’s made a copy of the Ice Hotel.” Ice hotels are a popular destination during Scandinavian winters. If you are not familiar with ice hotels, some images of various structures can be found here.