For some, holidays start the moment they take their seat on the plane. For others, it’s the rush of air that greets them as they file off them. For us, it’s the feeling of slotting shiny keycards into hotel doors and laying eyes on our luxurious new bedrooms for the next few nights (think Kate Winslet’s reaction to Cameron Diaz’s LA mansion in The Holiday, but bigger). And when it comes to holidaying in Sweden, it’s hard not to contain squeals of delight at the sight of Scandi-chic treetop cabins and historic ice hotels. Thanks to its varied landscape of alpine tundras, unspoiled archipelagos and postcard pretty cities, unique hotels in Sweden aren’t too hard to find either. From the floating Salt & Sill in Bohuslän to the immersive 72 Hour Cabin, where the only thing standing between you and 247 acres of nature is a cosy glass cabin, your only challenge is choosing where to go first…
Treehotel
At Treehotel, the Swedish concept of lagom (meaning ‘just the right amount’) goes completely out the window. Here, the more one-of-a-kind the better. Featuring eight treehouses, each stylishly hung, suspended or hidden among spindly spruces, Treehotel proves that treehouses know no age limit. And with names like ‘The UFO’, ‘Bird’s Nest’ and ‘7th Room’ you can stay as out there – or in there – as you want. If you plan on hibernating, stay in ‘The Cabin’ or ‘Bird’s Nest’, or, if the future calls, head for the sleek and simple ‘Mirrorcube’ and ‘Biosphere’. One thing they all share, however, is their commitment to the environment. From eco wooden floors to hydroelectric power, you can sleep knowing that no sustainability stone has been left unturned.
Image by Treehote
72 Hour Cabin
What began as a social experiment is now one of the most unique hotels in Sweden. Comprised of just five shed-sized glass cabins, the original aim of the 72 Hour Cabin was to see how quickly a good bout of fresh air could reduce the blood pressure, stress levels and heart rate of some of the world’s most worn-out workers. Now open for anyone in need of a restful reset, the cabin has everything you could need for a tranquil three-day stay. Wake to panoramic views of ahh-inducing sunrises, learn all about animal tracking on guided tours and kayak downstream along the peaceful Steneby River.
Salt and Sill
If you feel like drifting off to sleep in both metaphorical and literal senses, Salt and Sill is the answer. Cast off Klädesholmen in Bohuslän, Salt and Sill – Sweden’s first floating hotel – feels like a little archipelago in its own right. With 22 rooms (all decked out in a simple Scandi style), a sauna catamaran, fitness studio and White Guide restaurant (think Sweden’s version of Michelin Stars), boredom won’t be a word you’ll hear around these parts. Adding to the fun are its modern lines and sleek black exteriors, which provide a fabulous contrast to the surrounding traditional falun fishing huts.
Image by Arctic Bath
Arctic Bath
Floating or frozen still in Sweden’s Lule River – depending on the season – Arctic Bath is as unique as unique hotels in Sweden get. Abstract and striking, with its circular shape and pine log crown for a roof, it still somehow manages to slot into its surroundings. From natural woods and reindeer skins to floor- to- ceiling windows and floating walkways, it’s as if the elements intentionally collaborated with the interiors on this one. Spend days soaking in salubrious scrubs at its spa and indulge in a spot of homemade fika on a day trip to the nearby village of Harads. Its restaurant is hyper-local too, with sustainable and locally sourced dishes the centre piece of its Scandi-chic restaurant.
Image by Icehotel
Icehotel
Last but certainly not least is Icehotel. The most unique of them all, it has been a Swedish landmark since 1989. Using natural ice from the majestic Torne River, each winter brings with it a new one-of-a-kind hotel, complete with an ice art gallery and sauna. Spend a night surrounded by ice décor, on a bed made from ice blocks (don’t worry, you won’t feel a thing in your thermal sleeping bag) and spend the next morning warming up with mugs of hot lingonberry juice, sauna sessions and hot showers. And if you can’t visit in winter, no sweat. Icehotel 365 and its nine exclusive ice suites mean you can spend a night at one of the most unique hotels in Sweden any time of year.
Header Image by Treehotel