Artipelag
Located on the island of Värmdö in the Stockholm archipelago, the Artipelag is immediately noticeable for its tranquility as soon as you disembark from the ferry. Just 12 miles from the bustling center of Stockholm, it feels like a serene oasis. The art museum was founded by Björn Jakobson, the founder of the baby product company Baby Björn, and opened to the public in 2012. The museum is surrounded by rocks, clean seawater, and shaded pine trees.
Harads Tree Hotel
Have you ever imagined sleeping in a bird's nest, UFO, or mirror house? Perhaps not, but in Sweden, you can try this possibility. It all started in 2010 when Britta and Kent Lindvall wanted to convert an old house from the 1930s in their hometown of Harads into hotel rooms, about 100 kilometers from Luleå Airport in northern Sweden. In the end, the old house did not become an ordinary hotel but was inspired by the movie The Tree Lover and was transformed into a treehouse hotel with seven cabins.
Jukkasjärvi Ice Hotel
Located within the Arctic Circle, along the banks of Sweden's largest river, the Torne River, there is a unique hotel where sustainability is at its core. The entire hotel is built from ice taken from the Torne River, covering an area of 2,100 square feet, and each year new artists come to redesign the rooms. As temperatures rise in the spring, the hotel melts and the ice water returns to the river. Since 2017, the hotel has been open year-round, which means visitors can participate in various activities, including dog sledding and boating under the midnight sun. Additionally, the Ice Hotel features 10 luxury suites, 12 art suites, an ice bar, and an ice gallery, all powered by solar energy.
Wanås Konst Castle
Wanås Konst Castle has a clear vision: contemporary art and culture for everyone. Everyone, regardless of background, can approach and experience art. Wanås Konst Castle is managed by an independent, non-profit foundation. At Wanås, you can appreciate contemporary art outdoors, in the forest, and in the art gallery. The sculpture park and permanent collection include 70 works by artists such as Ann Hamilton, Yoko Ono, and Ann-Sofi Sidén. This is a magical place that also interprets the Swedish way of life—Allemansrätten, the right of public access, where everyone has the right to enter public spaces and the freedom to roam.
Stockholm-ArkDes Skeppsholmen
Stockholm's Museum of Modern Art is also the center for Swedish architecture and design—ArkDes, with a history dating back to the 1950s. This public museum offers exhibitions, family activities, and a unique architectural collection, providing space for everyone to explore. Based on Scandinavian inclusive values and an approachable attitude, the center frequently hosts lectures and academic conferences on various themes, such as the future of cities. The exhibitions highlight the genius works of young designers. Spanish architect Rafael Moneo has multiple award-winning works, including two exhibition halls, a library, offices, and a café.
Gothenburg and Kiruna - Public Sauna
In the industrialized port of Frihamnen in Gothenburg, a novel building has emerged amidst the containers and cranes. Overlooking the water like an elephant, the public sauna is mostly made from recyclable materials. The walls of the changing room are made from 12,000 glass bottles, recycled steel covers the exterior, and the interior is lined with warm wooden finishes. It is no coincidence that the sauna is a place of celebration; public baths have been a part of Scandinavian history for a long time, serving as social gathering spots.
Malmö Western Harbour
With the reduction of industrial land, the Western Harbour of Malmö has undergone a complete transformation over the past few decades. In 2001, a vision for the future positioned this area as a sustainable city suitable for everyone to live in. The new futuristic twisted skyscraper, Turning Torso, designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava, was completed in 2005 and has become a landmark here. Surrounding it are seaside promenades, skate parks, beaches, and restaurants, attracting both locals and tourists.
West Coast - Kosterhavet Naturum
Designed by Gothenburg-based White Arkitekter, Naturum is located on the island of Sydkoster on the west coast, within Sweden's first national marine park. It is a spectacular tourist destination surrounded by clean seawater. Inspired by red seaside cottages, the building features a facade framed with smooth Falun red wood. It serves as a venue for exhibitions and forums and provides relevant tourist information, such as Sweden's only coral reef snorkeling. Visitors can explore unique marine wildlife up close in the aquarium. Make sure to take full advantage of this travel opportunity.
Woodland Cemetery
When traveling, cemeteries are generally not the choice for most people, but the Woodland Cemetery in Stockholm is definitely a unique architectural experience and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In addition to the vast oasis, the churches and graves here were designed by renowned Swedish architects Gunnar Asplund (1885-1940) and Sigurd Lewerentz (1885-1975), who were winners of the 1915 architectural design competition. In the Chapel of the Holy Cross, the patterns on the limestone floor can provide a visual respite for mourners, and the glass walls extend down to the floor, allowing one to step into the vibrant garden after the funeral ceremony. Gunnar Asplund is known for his typical Nordic classicism and functionalism style, with other works including the Stockholm Public Library, one of his most famous works.
