experience a Scandinavian Gem
by river, lake, and sea
Abutting the Gulf of Bothnia, the Baltic, and the North Sea, and dotted with lakes and rivers, Sweden is best discovered by boat. Relax on a sightseeing cruise around Stockholm’s archipelago, and visit the city’s Vasa Museum to see a 17th century ship salvaged from the harbor. Sail the straits of the Bohuslän Coast by night in a glimmering phosphorescent sea, explore the Göta Canal aboard a vintage steamboat, and the scenic lakes in Dalarna.
Tourist Visa for US Citizens: Not required for stays under 90 days. Standard Schengen rules apply on multiple reentries.
Part of the EU & ► Schengen Agreement.
► US Department of State Sweden Information
Harads in Swedish Lapland
Size: 24 rooms and suites
Style: Modern Design & Secluded
We’re happy to report that this is exactly what you would hope a hotel called Treehotel would be. Just south of the Arctic Circle, in Swedish Lapland, a young couple took over a Thirties guest house, which travelers more or less ignored in favor of the single treehouse suite. So with the help of seven different Swedish architecture firms, they built seven more, from the vertiginous Cabin to the dizzying Mirrorcube and the whimsical UFO. A restaurant serves inventive locally inspired fare, but beyond that, services are intentionally minimal, little more than a sauna and riverside hot tub — here, it’s just you and the forest.
PART OF MY MICHELIN PARTNER PORTFOLIO
Swedish Lapland
Others, such as The Arctic Bath in Swedish Lapland, avoid land altogether. Designed by architect duo Bertil Harströmand and Johan Kauppi, most of this hotel’s hardware, including the central bird’s nest-shaped spa and six slanted guest cabins from local wood, float on the Lule river, with only a small bridge connecting them to the mainland.
West Coast not far from Gothenburg
Size: 9 rooms and suites
Style: Secluded
Whatever the season and weather, the island is a unique destination. All you have to do is land and meet Mother Nature for an unforgettable experience. After careful renovation, Fyrmästaren’s home has been transformed into an award-winning hotel at the edge of the sea on Sweden’s west coast. With hand-picked, tasteful decor and the ambition to let the sea and nature characterize your impressions.
Gotland
Size: 12 rooms and hermit cabins
Style: Secluded & Contemporary
Seasonal Operations: open May to end of August
If a remote destination is what you are looking for… this may be what you are looking for. located on the island of Gotland, there are not that many other hotels with fine dining that are so intentionally isolated.
For the full experience, try the Hermit Cabin with bunkbed, no electricty of running water, but there is a stove to keep you warm.
Järpen, Sweden
Sadly, in 2019 Fäviken Magasinet is closed due to Magnus Nilsson, the head chef, having decided to leave the restaurant. It was one of the finest dining experiences in Sweden.
GO TO ► FÄVIKEN MAGASINET WEBSITE
GO TO ► LA TIMES: The story behind why Magnus Nilsson is closing Fäviken
Fårö Island
Located on the island of Fårö, the Bergman Center is a cultural center that focuses on the life and artistic achievements of legendary Swedish director and writer Ingmar Bergman. At Bergmancenter we have several exhibitions that will take you on a journey through Ingmar Bergman’s work and life on Fårö.
The renowned permanent exhibition Ingmar Bergman’s Filmic Landscape takes you on a journey through Bergman’s rare and special connection with Fårö, spaning over 40 years of his life and work on the island.
► VIRTUOSO: Sweden Information Page
Here is a good place to start for some additional information on quality Hotels, Water Adventures and Activities.
► WIKIVOYAGE: Sweden Page
A great resource for all the basic information you need for Sweden.
► VISIT Sweden ALL CAPS
The official visitor information for Sweden.
► SimOptions – Orange Holiday Europe
Orange Holiday Europe eSim is one of the best options for European travellers with coverage in 30 EU countries.
► Hippocket WiFi
My favorite Pocket WiFi service in Europe.
Stockholm General Information Page
Norway General Information
with Visa & Entry Requirements
Denmark General Information
with Visa & Entry Requirements
or leave a comment below
page updated: May 2025
images courtesy: Wikimedia Commons, Sweden Tourism Board
Please Note: All Hotel / Resort / Cruise / Services Amenities are subject to availability and may have changed since the date of this being originally published.
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