If there is one thing that has really gained momentum in recent years, it is unique accommodation that stands out from ordinary hotel rooms. Distinctive design, beautiful locations and experiences with the little extra is something that appeals to many, and which has really become popular during the pandemic. Learn about these 19 unique accommodations in Sweden.
Tree-top cabins, floating hotel rooms, floating bubble tents or wilderness-style naval accommodation on the river – Sweden has many exciting offers that can make your holiday a little different.
1. Glamping and cabins at the foot of the mountain
At Kilsbergens, also called “the blue mountains”, is Blåbergen Spa, Bryggeri og Konferens. This is the place for close-to-nature experiences and unique accommodation. Many people come here to experience Blåbergen’s beer yoga, music evenings in the barn and hammam spa – but above all to spend the night comfortably out in nature. You can choose between luxurious glamping tents or cozy cabins that look like Sami gammer. In the vultures you can stay all year round, while the tents are open in the season May – September.
2. Historic environment with deer as the nearest neighbor
One hour’s drive south of Örebro is Brevens Bruk, a former ironworks with an associated manor house from the 18th century. The small square is a living museum where time has left its mark, but which is at the same time well-preserved and beautiful. Here, deer roam around the area and if you are lucky, they will come right to the corners of the house. You can rent accommodation in stately manor rooms or in picturesque small houses located near the sea and the forest.
3. Forest retreat at Stedsans Farm and Restaurant
In the middle of the deepest Halland forests you will find the accommodation and restaurant Stedsans Farm and Restaurant. Here, the food is prepared over an open fire, based on local organic ingredients. In the charming cabins you sleep well with a view of nature right outside. It is perfect to spend the evenings by the fire down by the water or in the heated sauna.
19 Unique Accommodations in Sweden – read on.
4. Live as a lighthouse keeper on an island in the Kattegat
Five nautical miles southeast of the Onsala Peninsula is Sweden’s first lighthouse, Nidingen. The island is known for being one of the country’s finest bird islands. Around the island you will also find three kilometers of beautiful underwater reefs. During the summer season, package tours to the island are arranged, with accommodation in the cozy houses on the site.
5. Captivating accommodation on the West Coast
At Varberg‘s fortress, in the Halland region, you can spend the night in a prison cell from 1856. At Fästningen B&B/Vandrarhem you can choose between living in the old prison cells or in the cozy houses from the 18th century. Nearby you will find the beach promenade and nice bathing spots, sandy beach and Halland’s Cultural History Museum.
6. Tent floating in the air in the pine forest
In Dalarnas deep pine forest, there is a unique accommodation hidden in the form of a bubble floating in the air. Between the trees on Näsets Marcusgård hangs a floating tent called Supermåne (Supermoon). The tent is equipped with beds, oven, table and of course windows with views to the sky. Accommodation in the Supermoon is a perfect match tp outdoor experiences in the surrounding forest and a cozy coffee from Snitths Hantverksbageri in Furudal.
Nearby you will also find the cabin “Oddis Öga”, a small wooden cabin shaped like a barrel. The staff at Marcusgård ensures a comfortable and pleasant stay, and dishes up breakfast, fire in the oven and good company – if desired.
7. Tiny House In Dalarna
In the scenic Stjärnsund is the microhouse Tiny House. The small cabin is located right by the water, where there are good opportunities for swimming and fishing. Here you can enjoy the simple life in a charming little cottage with nature right on your doorstep. Tiny House is built in an environmentally friendly way with ecological insulation. It is also equipped with a wood stove and heat pump.
19 Unique Accommodations in Sweden – read on
8. Accommodation in summer mountain pasture at Smidgården
In the idyllic summer mountain pasture at Smidgården in Dalarna, you can spend the night on a 19th-century mountain farm, which in recent times has been delicately restored in a traditional Dala style. The old farm is rural and beautiful, and equipped with two bedrooms, bathroom, kitchen and living room. Smidgården also offers a spa in historic surroundings, where you can enjoy a bath with a view of the landscape in Fryksås. Ski trails and great hiking opportunities are also right outside the door.
9. Naturbyn – organic forest holiday in cabins
By a lake in the forests of Värmland is the nature camp Naturbyn. A place so relaxing and idyllic that it’s indeed worth a visit. Here you can choose between cabins in the woods, in the treetops or floating on the lake. Meals must be prepared over an open fire in the outdoor kitchen, and the evening may end in the hot tub and sauna.
10. Happie Camp – glamping holiday at one with nature
In well-equipped canvas tents you can enjoy camping life in a comfortable way at Happie Camp in Värmland. In undisturbed places in nature, the charming tents are located between trees, by boulders and with waves crashing right outside the canvas. The tents are fully furnished with everything you need for a comfortable stay. If you are hungry, you can also order the popular lunch box, which contains organic ingredients of the highest quality. Happie Camp lives up to its name, an overnight stay you will love!
11. Wilderness accommodation with fleet travel
One form of accommodation that really stands out from the others is spending a night on a self-made timber raft on Sweden’s longest river, Klarälven. Vildmark i Värmland (Wilderness in Värmland) arranges package tours where you build your own timber raft and then go on an excursion on the river, well equipped with everything you need for an exciting night out. You can choose how long the trip should be, whether it will be one night or seven. Moor the raft somewhere along the riverbank and enjoy wilderness life in a new way.
19 Unique Accommodations in Sweden – read on.
12. Stay in a lighthouse on your own island
Make the Gotland trip special and try out accommodation with nature as your nearest neighbor. Just off the west coast of Gotland are Lilla- and Stora Karlsö, two fascinating islands with magnificent nature, rare plants and an unusually rich bird life. Stora Karlsö is the world’s second oldest nature reserve, and has the Baltic Sea’s most distinguished bird mountain with 10,000 guillemots and alks.
There is a limit to how many people can spend the night on the islands at a time, so this will definitely be a unique and distinctive experience. Book yourself into the charming lighthouse or the lighthouse keeper’s house on Stora Karlsö. As soon as the last boat has left for the day, peace and quiet rest over the island, and you can enjoy the clear air and the crystal-clear water for yourself.
13. Hermit cabins in a design universe
In a hut down limestone quarry on Gotland, fashion photographer Johan Hellström has created a world-class design universe called the Furillen Factory. Accompanying the hotel you will find the concept of the hermit huts, which are simple wooden huts located around the barren nature by the old limestone quarry. The cabins are designed by Mats Theselius and are 10 sqm. large, equipped with Hästens beds, iron stove from Danish HWAM, table and chair – minimalistic and elegant!
Electricity and running water do not exist, as simplicity and nature are important. The price for one night is almost the same as for five, the idea is that you will stay in the cabins for several days to completely relax and enjoy the peace and quiet that is found in nature.
14. Stay in a glass house in the middle of nature
Stay overnight in one of the unique glass houses from the project The 72 Hour Cabin. The small houses of glass and wood are located in the middle of nature and offer incomparable views of both forest, sea and starry sky. Stress and everyday life are quickly buried in the Dalsland soil on arrival. Relaxation, pleasure and tranquility are the key words.
There are a total of nine small glass houses in western Sweden, five of the original houses from the project can be found on Henriksholm, and the newest cabins are located at Dalslands Activities and Baldersnäs. Combine the visit to 72 Hour Cabin with activities in Dalsland, such as a hiking trip, kayaking or experience the landscape from the bike seat.
15. Island idyll in the middle of Kalmarsun
Fifteen minutes by boat from Bergkvara in Kalmar County is the lighthouse Garpen. The place to slow down, enjoy the view of the sea and the fiery red sunsets. Out on Garpen there are 20 beds for rent, a restaurant, gallery and beautiful views to Kalmarsund. If you want to have the whole island to yourself, it is also possible!
16. Sustainable beach glamping at Surflogiet
Surflogiet is a unique tent hotel located on Tofta beach on Gotland. They offer luxurious glamping tents on the beach, with the sea as the nearest neighbor. The surfogiet is built up of sustainable recycled materials such as used furniture and driftwood, and in combination with design elements and modern comfort, it gives the place a distinctive look.
There are 10 glamping tents located outside in the dunes by the beach, and inside the tents you will find Hästens beds, electricity, heating and a minibar. Before going to bed, try out the sauna and the charming beach bar, which serves short-distance and tasty food.
17. Glamping in the beech forest
Just south of Ljungskile in Bohuslän is the farm Anfasteröd. Here you can choose whether you want to stay in modern bathing cabins, in red 19th century houses with white frames or in one of the luxurious glamping tents, which are equipped with kitchen, bathroom, heating and comfortable beds.
The tents are located inside the beech forest by the sea and you spend the days in peace in the middle of nature. Take a climb in the mountains, a charming bike ride or experience the place from the sea by kayak. One of Bohuslän’s most beautiful hiking trails passes right outside the door, if you are of the hiking-loving kind.
18. Tree Hotel – futuristic design in the treetops
Tree Hotel i Norrland offers cabins with a futuristic design in the middle of the Swedish forests in Norrland. The cabins resemble UFOs, a bird’s nest and mirror cubes. The modern glass design definitely gives the accommodation a distinctive character. Leave time pressure and hustle at home, and enjoy the peace and quiet among the trunks of the forest.
19. Kolarbyn – simplicity out in nature
Take a trip to Sweden’s most primitive and charming hostel. Here, simplicity reigns, no shower, no electricity or material luxury – just the mystery of nature. In the middle of the spruce forest, right by small streams and lakes, lies Kolarbyn, which offers accommodation in 12 traditional so-called kolar cabins. For a little more comfort you can book the log cabin or a night in a floating tent. Pick mushrooms and berries outside the cabin, and enjoy the wilderness and exciting forest experiences just outside Stockholm.
19 Unique accommodations in Sweden, compiled by Tor Kjolberg
Feature image (on top) © Henriksholm
