Unique Places to Stay in Stockholm: From Ice Hotels to Island Treehouses

While technically a 90-minute flight north of Stockholm, no discussion of unique Swedish accommodations would be complete without mentioning the iconic ICEHOTEL. My first visit five years ago left me utterly transformed—there's something profoundly moving about sleeping within walls of crystalline ice harvested from the pristine Torne River.

The ICEHOTEL 365, a permanent structure maintained year-round, offers the signature ice experience regardless of season. Each suite is an ephemeral art installation, meticulously carved by international artists who reimagine the space annually. During my most recent winter stay, I slept in a room called 'Mermaid's Lair,' where translucent ice sculptures of mythical sea creatures seemed to dance in the ambient blue light.

Despite temperatures hovering around -5°C (23°F) inside the ice rooms, I remained surprisingly comfortable. The key is in the preparation: guests sleep atop reindeer hides in specialized Arctic sleeping bags that would make any mountaineer envious. My thermal base layers proved invaluable, regulating body temperature perfectly throughout the night.

The contrast between ice suites and the adjacent warm facilities creates a sensory journey unlike any other. After a night embraced by ice, there's nothing quite like thawing in the hotel's sauna before enjoying a breakfast of traditional Swedish delicacies. For the ultimate experience, combine your stay with a Northern Lights expedition—the hotel's concierge can arrange private guides who know precisely where to capture nature's most spectacular light show.

A few hours north of Stockholm by train lies one of Sweden's most photographed accommodation concepts—the Treehotel in Harads. This collection of architect-designed treehouses suspended 4-6 meters above the forest floor represents Scandinavian design at its most playful and innovative.

During my autumn visit last year, I stayed in the mesmerizing Mirrorcube—a structure whose exterior mirrors perfectly reflect the surrounding pine forest, creating an optical illusion of invisibility. Inside, birch-clad minimalism frames floor-to-ceiling windows that transform the room into an immersive forest viewing platform. The stark contrast between ultramodern interiors and the primeval forest creates a meditative space unlike any conventional hotel.

Each of the seven unique structures offers a different conceptual experience. The UFO provides retro-futuristic whimsy, while the Bird's Nest conceals luxury behind what appears to be an enormous natural nest. My personal favorite remains the 7th Room, with its netted terrace allowing guests to literally lie suspended among the treetops.

The property's commitment to sustainability impressed me deeply—from eco-friendly incineration toilets to hydroelectric power. Even my morning coffee felt elevated, sipped from a insulated travel mug while watching the forest awaken from my private terrace.

Despite its remote location, the culinary experience rivals Stockholm's finest establishments. The on-site restaurant serves sophisticated interpretations of traditional Swedish cuisine, with ingredients foraged from the surrounding forest or sourced from local producers. The arctic char with pine needle oil and forest mushroom ragout remains one of my most memorable meals in all of Sweden.

Stockholm's archipelago—a stunning collection of over 30,000 islands and islets—harbors some of Sweden's most exclusive and secluded accommodations. After the metropolitan energy of Stockholm proper, I find these island retreats offer the perfect counterbalance of tranquility and luxury.

My discovery of Island Lodge on Bergholmen, a private island just 40 minutes from central Stockholm, was perhaps my most serendipitous Swedish find. This collection of sophisticated safari-style tents and glass cabins offers an intimate connection with the archipelago's distinctive landscape while maintaining impeccable luxury standards.

The standout accommodation is undoubtedly the Crystal Tent—a transparent geodesic dome that transforms stargazing into an immersive overnight experience. Lying in bed beneath the expansive Nordic sky, watching sailing boats drift past during summer's midnight sun or witnessing the dance of northern lights in winter, creates moments of profound connection with the natural world.

The exclusivity of these island properties means personalized experiences abound. At Island Lodge, the resident chef prepared a memorable seafood feast using that morning's catch, served on a clifftop overlooking the Baltic Sea. For photography enthusiasts, the archipelago's distinctive light quality is intoxicating—I captured some of my portfolio's most compelling images using my compact camera, perfect for travel when I don't want to carry my professional gear.

For those seeking the ultimate in archipelago luxury, consider Fredriksborg Hotell & Restaurang, housed in a meticulously restored 18th-century fortress on the island of Värmdö. The property's historic stone walls and panoramic sea views create a setting that feels plucked from a Nordic fairy tale, while the Michelin-worthy restaurant showcases the archipelago's bounty through sophisticated culinary artistry.

Within Stockholm proper, a design hotel revolution has transformed the city's accommodation landscape. These properties serve as cultural touchpoints that illuminate Sweden's design philosophy while providing extraordinary urban sanctuaries.

The undisputed crown jewel is Ett Hem, a 12-room townhouse in the embassy district that redefined my understanding of hospitality. 'Ett Hem' translates to 'A Home,' and this intimate property genuinely feels like the private residence of an exceptionally stylish friend. Designer Ilse Crawford transformed this 1910 Arts and Crafts building into a masterclass of residential luxury, where vintage Scandinavian furniture mingles with contemporary art and bespoke details.

What distinguishes Ett Hem is its rejection of traditional hotel boundaries. Guests are encouraged to treat the entire property as their own—raid the refrigerator at midnight, pour yourself a drink from the honor bar, or curl up with a book from the library. During my winter stay, I spent evenings in the glass conservatory, wrapped in a cashmere throw while snow fell silently outside, creating moments of hygge perfection.

For those drawn to Stockholm's maritime heritage, consider The Steam Hotel in nearby Västerås. This converted steam power plant on Lake Mälaren combines industrial architecture with luxurious design elements. The rooftop infinity pool overlooking the lake provides a sublime setting for watching the sunset paint the sky in watercolor hues.

Perhaps the most photographed design hotel is Haymarket by Scandic, housed in the former PUB department store where Greta Garbo once worked before her Hollywood fame. The Art Deco-inspired interiors transport guests to Stockholm's glamorous 1920s era, while the location adjacent to Hötorget market allows for immersive exploration of the city's culinary scene.

For the ultimate urban splurge, book the Bank Hotel's Tower Suite, spanning three floors of a converted bank building with 360-degree views of Gamla Stan. The suite's private rooftop terrace equipped with a portable speaker became my favorite spot for evening aperitifs while watching Stockholm's distinctive light transform the city's copper rooftops.

For those seeking to channel their inner aristocracy, Stockholm's surrounding countryside offers an impressive collection of historic castles and manor houses converted into luxury accommodations. These properties provide a living connection to Sweden's noble past while delivering thoroughly modern comforts.

My most recent discovery, Häringe Slott, occupies a 17th-century castle just 25 kilometers from Stockholm. The property's storied past includes ownership by a Swedish match magnate who hosted luminaries like Greta Garbo and Ingrid Bergman. Today, guests sleep in meticulously preserved period rooms featuring original art and antiques, creating an atmosphere of refined elegance.

What distinguishes these historic properties is their connection to landscape. At Häringe, morning swims in the Baltic Sea followed by traditional wood-fired sauna sessions create a quintessentially Swedish wellness experience. The property's extensive grounds, including a sculpture park and nature reserve, invite contemplative exploration.

For those seeking the ultimate royal experience, Görvälns Slott offers accommodations in a baroque castle with interiors that balance historic grandeur with contemporary design interventions. The property's Michelin-starred restaurant serves a tasting menu that traces Swedish culinary evolution from traditional to avant-garde.

These historic properties excel at creating memorable moments through thoughtful programming. At Ulfsunda Slott, I participated in a traditional Swedish candle-making workshop, producing beeswax tapers using centuries-old techniques. This hands-on connection to Swedish craft traditions enriched my understanding of the culture far beyond what standard sightseeing could provide.

While these properties showcase Sweden's aristocratic past, they remain refreshingly unpretentious. Staff typically strike the perfect balance between formal service and warm hospitality, making these grand settings feel surprisingly comfortable. For capturing these magnificent properties, I relied heavily on my wide-angle lens to properly convey the architectural grandeur and scenic surroundings.