Explore the great outdoors and wake up in the wild. Here Vogue Scandinavia recommends the places to stay to get a dose of the forest, snow, ocean and beach
Scandinavia is at the forefront of combining remote hotels close to nature with minimalistic design and high-concept architecture. This makes for the perfect city escape and the supply of boutique hotels with great outdoors has exploded in recent years. Here, we have rounded up five Nordic hotels that work together with their surrounding elements to make for an extraordinary stay.
Forest – Treehotel, Sweden
Photo: Treehotel (@treehotel)
No one combines nature, architecture and hotel better than Treehotel in Harads, Sweden. Built deep in the Swedish woods and even elevated into the treetops they offer 7 luxury cabins, all designed by a different architect. Check in to the mirrorcube, the UFO or perhaps the bird's nest.
Ocean – Manshausen, Norway
Photo: Manshausen (@manshausen_island)
At Manshausen you’re not only close to the ocean, you’re on top of it. With their glass cabins built on pillars shooting out over the Norwegian archipelago you are guaranteed the perfect ocean view and exceptional sunsets. Join some of the many adventures around the local islands or just sit back and relax in your cabin.
Snow – Arctic fox Igloos, Finland
Aurora Borealis, or the Northern Lights, are one of the most impressive shows nature has to offer. It can be seen from the northern parts of Scandinavia in winter and Finland has lately become the hot spot for them. Nothing beats laying in a comfy warm bed with a glass ceiling taking in this spectacle. Our favourite glass cabins are the Arctic Fox Igloos on the shores of Lake Ranuanjärvi.
Beach – Ruth’s badehotel, Denmark
Photo: Ruths hotel (@ ruthshotel)
When it comes to beach stays and traditional “badehotell” Denmark is where to go. Here you’ll find the longest beaches, largest dunes and without a doubt the coziest beach hotels. Ruth’s hotel in Skagen is the most classic place to stay and has welcomed guests since 1904. Today they offer five-star service and a gourmet restaurant.
Lava - Blue Lagoon Retreat Hotel, Iceland
Photo: Reatreat at Blue Lagoon (@retreat.bluelagoon)
Carved out in the middle of a lava field and surrounded by hot blue thermal water, The Retreat is a mind blowing experience. The perfect tempered water comes from 2000m below earth and flows into a maze-like pool up to the hotel. Add to that a world-class spa and Icelandic high-end cuisine for an unforgettable experience.