Home Blog Sweden’s Spectacular Floating Hotel: Arctic Bath

Sweden’s Spectacular Floating Hotel: Arctic Bath

Friday, 12th July 2019

sweden arctic bath winter top

Framed by abundant woodland, surrounded by icy water and bathed in the glowing winter sun, our toes are tingling at the prospect of staying in a new hotel in Swedish Lapland.

This innovate well-being hotel is home is a circular structure adrift on the Lule River, only reachable via a wooden walkway which is reminiscent of a cluster of logs caught adrift in the water.

Welcome to Arctic Bath, a “floating hotel” in the Scandinavian north.

In the middle of this floating hotel is a giant ice bath, open to the elements and offering a spectacular spa experience for guests. The rest of the building is comprised of various saunas and bathing experiences.

The hotel’s 12 rooms are dotted around the river banks and on the water’s edge, and offer incredible views of the ever-changing skies. Need more reasons why you should plan a stay at this incredible hotel? Read on…

Five Things You Need to Know About the Arctic Bath

What is the Arctic Bath?

The Arctic Bath will be one of the world’s most innovative and original well-being hotels.

Why so special? Well, for starters, it floats. The Arctic Bath is constructed on a river, caressed by flowing water in the summer, and locked in ice during winter. It will consists of two main areas: a natural circular plunge pool surrounded by sauna and treatment rooms, a hot bath and changing facilities, and a separate ‘flotilla’ of just six ‘drift-alone’ bedrooms with Scandi-chic interiors, wood burners and picture windows overlooking the river.

Wondering about the design? The intricate log facade on the main building reflects the history of the area when timber was floated down-river.

The Arctic Bath is the brainchild of Bertil Harström and Johan Kauppi, the people behind the nearby Treehotel.

Why is this part of Sweden so innovative when it comes to accommodation? According to Project Manager AnnKathrin Lundqvist, “When there are a lot of innovative ideas in one place and people act on them, it spreads like ripples on the water.”

sweden arctic bath winter side

Where is the Arctic Bath?

An easy one-hour road transfer from Lulea, the Arctic Bath is located on the Lule River in the far north of Sweden.

What can I do at the Arctic Bath?

Relax. And feel good. The Arctic Bath is all about well-being. Take an invigorating dip in the natural, open-air pool (the water temperature during winter will be a bracing 4 degrees C), then head for a sauna, hot bath or massage. During winter, the Arctic Bath is a prime spot for northern lights watching. Just imagine taking an icy plunge while the aurora borealis blazes away overhead!

There are also numerous activities available at the Arctic bath. From horse riding, bear spotting in the midnight sun and a husky sled ride to northern lights photography, nature hikes and cycling.

The on-site restaurant offers local, pure and sustainable produce with signature dishes including Gahkku (Sami flat bread) and Gompa (a Sami dish with Arctic Angelica and sour milk). You will also be offered local handcrafted beer and wine.

What Arctic Bath itineraries do Discover the World offer?

We’ll be able to tailor-make your ideal trip – whether it’s a short break focussed entirely on the Arctic Bath or a longer holiday combining the Arctic Bath with the equally amazing Icehotel or Treehotel. We can even arrange for you to experience both the Arctic Bath and a unique Sami glamping experience at Sapmi Nature Camp in the Laponia World Heritage Park.

A 3-day break is priced from £2,040pp based on two sharing a river cabin on a half-board basis including return flights from London Heathrow to Lulea via Stockholm, return transfers and spa access.

sweden arctic bath patio

Feeling inspired?

To be one of the first to stay at The Arctic Bath, get in touch with our team today. Call on 01737 214 250 or send an enquiry