Architecture and Design Obsession
Sweden’s Newly Opened Floating Hotel Is the Destination of a Lifetime
Arctic Bath plunges visitors into the remote wilderness of Sweden’s Lapland region.
Arctic Bath plunges visitors into the remote wilderness of Sweden’s Lapland region.
Those who pounced on Arctic Bath reservations back in July are now packing their bags with snow boots and swimwear. In Sweden’s frigid Lule River floats Arctic Bath, a luxe wellness destination offering a menu of spa treatments, a traditional cold plunge, daytime excursions, a restaurant serving locally-sourced, regional fare, and on-site accommodations.
Six rentable cabins float at the end of wooden docks, while six more perch above the snow on stilts—and all feature sleek, Scandinavian design by architect AnnKathrin Lundqvist. Guests can wake up to heated floors, peer out of floor-to-ceiling windows (in the land cabins), and sip hot beverages from floating suites while gazing upon the Lule River. The interiors are outfitted with sustainable materials including wood, stone, and luxury textiles.
An overhead shot of Arctic Bath shows the lay of the land—and how cold it can get.
Photo by Anders Blomqvist
Logs splayed around the structure’s facade emulate a log jam—a reference to Harads’ logging industry from days of yore. During the summer, the bath floats freely in the Lule River and it’s anchored to shore by a wooden dock. In the winter, the frozen river does the trick.
Photo by Anders Blomqvist
At the center of the rotunda is an ice bath where guests can take a frosty plunge—a traditional activity in Sweden. Temperatures are regulated at 39 degrees Fahrenheit year round.
Photo by Anders Blomqvist
See the full story on Dwell.com: Sweden’s Newly Opened Floating Hotel Is the Destination of a Lifetime
