Located on a serene island in the middle of Sweden’s bustling capital, the award-winning Hotel Skeppsholmen is the perfect place to recharge your batteries.
WHAT?
Hotel Skeppsholmen is a rare find for a city stay. Eco-friendly, design-conscious, and surrounded by nature, this 81-bedroom property encapsulates the essence of Stockholm. Dating from 1699, the building has an unusual history that has seen it used as a prison, hospital, and royal naval barracks for the Swedish king’s officers. Today it combines a historic landmark with the very best of contemporary Swedish cuisine, art, design, and music.
WHERE?
“The Venice of the North,” Stockholm is made up of an archipelago interconnected by bridges and waterways that offer stunning vistas across the Baltic Sea and Lake Malären. The only hotel on the small island of Skeppsholmen, this property is secluded and serene while just a 20-minute walk from buzzing downtown Stockholm. Something of a cultural sanctuary, Skeppsholmen is also home to the Architectural Museum, East Asian Museum, and Stockholm’s fabulous Museum of Modern Art (hotel guests enter for free).
WHY?
Hotel Skeppsholmen’s long, low rise facade conceals minimal, contemporary interiors that contrast neatly with its architectural bones. De- signed by Stockholm-based architects Claesson Koivisto Rune, the décor is pleasingly Scandinavian, with neutral white walls offset by vibrant bursts of colour, soft lighting, and plenty of textural accents. Each suite uses the building’s period history to its advantage, with some of the larger rooms incorporated into quirky attic spaces with skylights, freestanding bathtubs, and giant TVs. Minibars are well-stocked with unusual local brands and trusted favourites, while fabulous amenities come courtesy of chic Swedish perfumery Byredo. An ideal spot to unwind in the summer months, the hotel en- joys a wide alfresco terrace overlooking its out- door tennis court (dating from 1882, it was the first of its kind to be built in Sweden) with views of Djurgården, the Old Town, and Södermalm beyond. On-site restaurant Långa Radan is excellent and a go-to for hotel guests and locals alike. Driving locally sourced, seasonal produce,
expect honey from the hotel’s own beehives and a bounty from its orchard, as well as classic Swedish fare with a twist. We recommend the excellent shrimp sandwich or hearty venison meatballs with mashed potatoes and lingonberry sauce. Make sure to hit the breakfast buffet hungry – it’s included in the room rate and echoes the restaurant’s organic, sustainable values so expect a feast of homemade bread, yoghurt, and preserves, not to mention eggs, sausages, salmon, and pickles. For something extra special, two-Michelin starred Oaxen Krog and sister bistro Oaxen Slip are within easy walking distance.
If the hotel’s tranquil location and 320-year history aren’t enough to tempt you, then per- haps its eco credentials will. A certified Nor- dic Swan Ecolabel property, the hotel boasts a comprehensive and engaging environmental program that covers every aspect of the hospitality business. From food and cleaning products to energy consumption, waste, and trans- port, the hotel works tirelessly to reduce its environmental impact. hotelskeppsholmen.se
