Hotels, TravelAlison StormJuly 05, 2023Harads, Saltsjö-boo, Solna, Älmhult, Stockholm, Kalmar, Örebro

Unique Vacation Experiences in Sweden

Hotels, TravelAlison StormJuly 05, 2023Harads, Saltsjö-boo, Solna, Älmhult, Stockholm, Kalmar, Örebro

The Dragonfly Room, a unique and modern treehouse structure elevated among tall pine trees in a dense forest. The structure is made of rust-colored metal with large rectangular windows, allowing for a panoramic view of the surrounding greenery. — Treehotel in Harads

Sweden offers travelers (or locals doing a staycation) a variety of unique vacation experiences that are sure to create lifelong memories. Here are some of the most unforgettable and offbeat vacation experiences Sweden has to offer.

Treehotel

Treehotel, located in the forests of northern Sweden in Harads, takes treehouse living to a new level. A magical blend of modern design and natural beauty, these rooms offer guests the opportunity to immerse themselves in the tranquility of the Nordic forest while enjoying all the comforts of a luxury hotel. A stay here is a great destination for a road trip through northern Sweden.

A unique treehouse designed to resemble a UFO suspended among tall trees in a dense forest. The structure is silver and disc-shaped, with small round windows and a smooth exterior, giving it a futuristic appearance. It is supported by sturdy cables. — Treehotel in Harads

Each tree room is a unique architectural masterpiece suspended high above the forest. These eco-friendly, modern dwellings are furnished with top-notch amenities and feature views of the surrounding wilderness including the Lule River and the Northern Lights in the darker half of the year.

The cozy bedroom interior of the UFO treehouse at Treehotel. The room features a rounded ceiling with a porthole window allowing natural light to enter. There is a comfortable bed with white linens and blue and orange blankets. — Treehotel in Harads

Treehotel offers a variety of activities that vary by season including guided hikes, outdoor dining experiences, and opportunities to meet local animals. We had a great time making our own pizza in a stone oven, enjoying the forest spa with a sauna and an outdoor jacuzzi, and visiting an alpaca farm.

Two alpacas in a fenced outdoor area with a ground covered in hay. The alpaca in the foreground is brown and looking directly at the camera with a curious expression, while the alpaca in the background is white and grazing on the ground. — Alpaca farm in Harads

If you enjoy meeting animals when you travel, see more suggestions here!

A visit to Treehotel gives you the chance to reconnect with nature without sacrificing comfort or style.

A scenic pathway lined with multiple red torii gates leads through a lush green area. Tall pine trees border the path, and the sky above is clear and bright blue, indicating a sunny day. — Yasuragi in Saltsjö-boo

Yasuragi

Yasuragi is a Japanese spa on the outskirts of Stockholm in Saltsjö-boo, drawing inspiration from the Japanese bathhouse tradition.

A serene indoor bath area with a rectangular stone bathtub filled with water. The room has large windows providing a clear view of the lush green trees outside. The floor is made of large stone tiles. — Yasuragi in Saltsjö-boo

The spa’s design harmonizes with the surrounding nature, featuring panoramic views over the archipelago. A stay at Yasuragi nourishes your body through its variety of therapeutic spa treatments, such as hot stone massages and organic facials, and calms your mind with its Zen-like spaces and the restorative power of silence.

A serene bedroom with two low twin beds with white linens and light blue throws, arranged side by side on a tatami mat floor. Soft lighting from lantern-style lamps and a large woven hanging lamp create a warm, cozy atmosphere. — Yasuragi in Saltsjö-boo

The suites include private jacuzzis, and it’s possible to book spa packages without booking a room too. It’s a unique Swedish spa experience with a Japanese twist.

The Winery Hotel

The Winery Hotel in Solna is a must-visit for wine enthusiasts, integrating the fine art of winemaking with world-class hospitality. This hotel includes tastefully designed rooms and an exceptional rooftop bar with scenic views and a heated pool.

Two wine glasses on a wooden barrel used as a table at a rooftop bar. One glass contains red wine, and the other contains white wine. The barrel has metal bands and shows some wear, adding to its rustic charm. — The Winery Hotel in Solna

Guests have the chance to enjoy wines from the hotel’s own vineyard in Tuscany plus the opportunity to deepen their wine knowledge with tours and tastings. The lobby bar includes a “vinotek,” where you can serve yourself a small or medium pour or a full glass of a variety of wines using a prepaid card.

A cozy hotel room with a small desk with a red chair and a modern, adjustable desk lamp. The desk setup includes a mirror mounted on the wall and a coffee station with a coffee maker and mugs. The wall next to the desk is adorned with exposed brick. — The Winery Hotel in Solna

They also have a great New Year’s Eve package!

IKEA Hotell in Älmhult

IKEA Hotell

IKEA Hotell in Älmhult, the birthplace of IKEA, showcases the brand’s ethos of simplicity, efficiency, and timeless style. Staying true to IKEA’s vision, the hotel’s minimalist decor is instantly recognizable to any fan of the brand.

A bottle of IKEA Öl Ljus Lager craft beer from Krönleins Bryggeri on a round black table in a cozy setting. Next to the bottle is a glass filled with the light golden beer. The table also has a ribbed black glass candle holder. — IKEA Hotell in Älmhult

The rooms reflect Scandinavian aesthetics with iconic IKEA furniture and tastefully understated color palettes. The IKEA Museum, which includes a restaurant, a large gift shop, and exhibits showing IKEA furniture styles throughout the history of the company, is located right across the parking lot from the hotel.

A small cabin with large glass doors in a lush, green forest setting. The cabin has a modern design with clean lines and is elevated slightly, with a wooden railing around the front porch area. Surrounding the cabin are various trees and bushes. — First Camp Stensö in Kalmar

Renting a stuga from First Camp

Staying at a stuga in the forest is a very Swedish experience. Renting from First Camp is a great way to find a stuga in your location of choice suited to your own preferences. We’ve stayed in Kalmar, Älmhult, and Örebro, and there are many other locations as well.

Two black and white cats on a cushioned window seat inside a cozy living room. One cat is looking out the large window at the lush greenery outside. The other cat is facing the first cat, sitting next to a gray cushion. — First Camp Stensö in Kalmar

A stuga is a perfect if you want to relax in nature and also enjoy the convenience of a well-equipped kitchen, comfortable sleeping areas, and modern amenities.

Click here for packing tips when renting a stuga in Sweden!

A black and white cat is comfortably resting on a neatly made bed with white linens inside a cozy cabin bedroom. The bed has a wooden guardrail on one side, and the cat is looking directly at the camera. There is a large glass door next to the bed. — First Camp Stensö in Kalmar

You can explore local hiking trails, swim, or simply sit and read a book while the evening sun dips below the horizon. Whatever you’re doing stay in a First Camp stuga ensures an authentic Swedish experience.