10 Out-of-This-World Stays in Sweden: From UFO Cabins to Ice Hotels
If you’ve traveled a lot, you know that staying in those penny-pinching hostels isn’t always the way to go. Being awoken in the middle of the night by intoxicated college students trying to find their bunks is not how I want to spend my vacation. I have learned that the place I stay can make or break my whole travel experience, and I want something unique that adds to the adventure.
In Sweden, they have this fantastic concept called Allemansrätten, or “all man’s right,” which means everyone has the freedom to explore nature. The breathtaking Northern Lights, friendly wildlife, cozy camping saunas, and the delightful fika culture—Sweden has it all!
So, if this Scandinavian country is on your list, let’s talk accommodations! From charming elk cottages to underwater hotels and even UFO-themed rooms, Sweden knows how to do vacation lodging right.
Elk Cottage at Wrågården
Have you ever thought about spending the night with elks? At Wrågården Elk and Deer Park near Falköping, you can stay in an actual cottage shaped like an elk with antlers and everything! Kids and adults will love being so close to the wildlife, with elks, deer, sheep, and bison roaming nearby.
Take a stroll through the park or join a thrilling bison safari to get up close with these amazing creatures. For extra fun, try football, golf, paintball, or even whisky and beer tastings. You can also enjoy delicious Swedish dishes in a limited-only restaurant at the park and check out their organic farm and local products while you’re there!
Islanna Treehouse Hotel
Looking for a peaceful escape with stunning wildlife views? Islanna Treehouse Hotel is just the spot! Nestled six feet up in an oak tree near a lake, it offers two dreamy treehouses: Andrum and Seventh Heaven. Both combine luxury with serene forest vibes.
Let the breeze lull you to sleep, and wake up to a delightful breakfast in a picnic basket delivered to your treehouse. In the spring, don’t miss the playful crane dances at nearby Lake Hornborga, one of Europe’s top bird spots.
Mushrooms and Tree Stumps at Norrqvarn Hotel
If you’ve ever dreamed of living in a fairytale or want to let your kids experience one, Norrqvarn Hotel is the place to go. Stay in whimsical mushroom and tree stump cottages that will make you feel like you’ve been transported into a fairyland. Don’t worry, though; these mushroom huts are anything but rustic. The rooms come complete with bed linens, towels, and a delicious hotel breakfast.
In the main building, you’ll find a restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner during the high season, plus a bar, WiFi, TV, and even bike rentals. If you want to cook, there’s a barbecue area by the beautiful Göta Canal, just steps away. It’s the perfect magical getaway with all the comforts you need!
Glamping at Birka the Viking City
How cool would it be to stay in a tent on a UNESCO World Heritage Site while exploring Viking history? Head to the island of Björkö in Lake Mälaren for this unique experience! Birka offers five cozy tents for 2 to 4 people. Breakfast is delivered to your tent, and a tasty dinner awaits at Särimner, the island’s restaurant.
Relax in your glamping tent with stunning views of Lake Mälaren. You can arrive by your own boat or hop on a Strömma Kanalbolaget boat from spots like Stockholm or Mariefred!
Charcoal Huts at Kolarbyn Eco Lodge
Kolarbyn Eco Lodge in Västmanland is Sweden’s most rustic hotel—no electricity, no showers, just pure, wild nature. And that’s exactly what makes it amazing! Hidden among the trees, you’ll find 12 camouflaged cabins with wild bilberries and mushrooms growing on their roofs. Some even call them hobbit houses. Here, you chop your own wood, collect spring water, and pick fresh blueberries!
Cook at one of the many barbecue spots, hike forest trails, or relax by the lake. Book a session in the floating sauna for a real treat—it’s pure bliss!
Underwater Hotel at Utter Inn
How often can you wake up to fish swimming past your window and jellyfish floating like clouds? This unique underwater hotel by Swedish artist Mikael Genberg is located three meters underground with an above-water entrance that looks like an unassuming fishing hut in the middle of a lake.
Catch a boat from Östra hamnen in Västerås to Hotell Utter Inn. Spend your days swimming in clear waters or paddling your canoe to a nearby uninhabited island for a private escape. But be forewarned, this isn’t a luxury Dubai aquarium stay; the simple twin bed and small space are best suited for an adventurous nature-lover.
Biosphere at Treehotel
The “Biosphere” room at Treehotel in Lapland redefines what a hotel room can be with its 350 birdhouses! You’ll love exploring every angle of this unique space, from the sauna to the sleeping loft and the sun deck. Don’t forget to relax in the hanging chair, soaking in the views!
While the room itself is a cube, those birdhouses create a beautiful sphere floating among the pine trees in the Harads forest. This room not only offers luxury but also serves as a bird feeder, inspiring guests to bring a piece of nature back home.
UFO Room at Treehotel
Who would have thought you could spend the night in a UFO hovering among the trees? This quirky spot sleeps five, with one double bed, three cozy single beds, and a lounge. Enjoy underfloor heating, a stylish kettle, woolen rugs, and porthole windows that offer amazing views. You’ll gently sway among the treetops, feeling like you’re in another world!
You can have your meals and showers at Britta’s Guesthouse, a 1950s-style hostel about a 10-minute walk away. While it’s tempting to relax and listen to the rain, don’t forget to explore the lush forests, ride husky-drawn sleds, and hunt for the Northern Lights!
Ice Hotel
If you’re looking for the coolest experience ever, head 200 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle to the famous Icehotel in Jukkasjärvi. Icehotel has grown from a small 60-square-meter igloo to around 120 rooms, with about 55 “cold rooms” and the rest “warm rooms.” Inside, temperatures hover between 17-23 ºF.
You’ll start each day with a warm cup of lingonberry juice and a sauna session to chase away the chill. Just a short walk away, the historic Homestead restaurant offers cozy comfort food by a crackling fire. There are also plenty of activities year-round, like dogsledding, snowmobiling, or ice sculpting with a local pro.
Hobbit Stockholm Bed and Breakfast
If you’re a Lord of the Rings nerd like me and have always dreamed of living in the Shire, this hotel is for you. The quaint yet quirky hobbit hole is surrounded by lush greenery and has the classic round front door. It’s the perfect spot to unwind after a day exploring Stockholm’s streets and shops.
Spend your evenings relaxing with a pipe outside or lounging in a leather armchair by the fire. After a restful night in a four-poster bed, enjoy a hearty breakfast. Just don’t forget second breakfast!
Source: TravMedia
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