Sweden’s three main cities—Stockholm, Gothenburg, and Malmö—are easily accessible from Italy, even for a weekend getaway. All three offer a rich selection of museums, parks, attractions, great shopping, and top-rated restaurants.
Most attractions are easily reached on foot in each city. So, where should you stay?
While you’ll find an abundance of hotels in every category, those looking for something different from the classic hotel experience will be intrigued by these more unusual alternatives.
Sleep in a Former Prison
Långholmen, Stockholm’s island prison until 1975, is now a unique hotel and hostel set amongst greenery just south of Stockholm’s center. Sleep peacefully—behind bars.
Sleep on a Boat
Mälardrottningen, a boat hotel anchored in a prime spot facing Stockholm City Hall, offers 60 berths. Built in the USA in 1924 as the world’s largest diesel-powered yacht, it was gifted by tycoon Woolworth Hutton to his daughter Barbara for her 18th birthday.
La Barca Rossa Röda Båten, moored at Södermälarstrand across from Mälardrottningen, is now a full-fledged hostel but also offers several hotel rooms. Here, you can stay in the captain’s suite or the more modest rooms of his officers.
In Gothenburg, just steps from the Opera House, the impressive Barken Viking—a rare four-masted sailing ship from 1907—awaits. Even on the 22nd of December, the Barken stays open at mid-range rates. In spring 2008, it will be upgraded to a higher category with 23 mini suites after a major renovation.
Sleep in a Castle
Staying in a real castle so close to the city is an experience in itself. Just 30 minutes by subway from central Stockholm you’ll find Hässelby slott: 22 rooms located both in the main castle wings and a charming red annex, all individually furnished with original pieces from the 18th century to present day.
Even closer to the city is Ulvsunda slott, a 17th-century castle converted into a hotel in 2003, offering 54 artist-designed rooms, each unique and inspired by original materials. Get there in 15 minutes by metro, then a short bus ride.
If you’re drawn to the countryside but want to stay close to Gothenburg’s attractions, head 40 km north to Thorskog slott, a beautiful castle from 1892. Don’t miss the chance to relax after a countryside stroll with a soak in the outdoor wood-heated tubs! Special weekend packages available.
Sleep Surrounded by Lighting Design
If you’re a design lover, check out the Nordic Light Hotel, part of the Design Hotels group, famed for its innovative lighting. Guests enjoy beds lit in a customizable rainbow of colors, and the latest in-room amenity: personalized light therapy.
Sleep in a Vintage Train Carriage
In the charming university town of Lund, just 20 minutes by train from Malmö, you can sleep in original 1930s train carriages. There are 36 traditional compartments with wood and chrome décor, offering 108 beds—a unique hostel experience.
Sleep 179 Meters Above Sea, Spectacular Views
In Malmö, you can now spend the night at 179 meters up in the iconic Turning Torso, designed by Santiago Calatrava. On floors 45 and 47, there are two premium suites boasting breathtaking sea views.
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