Unique and Quirky Hotels in Scandinavia

Planning a trip to Scandinavia and seeking unique accommodations? While a charming summerhouse or a boutique hotel might come to mind, the region offers far more extraordinary options that promise not just a place to rest but an unforgettable adventure.

From repurposed cranes to decommissioned planes, these unusual hotels offer an opportunity to immerse yourself in some of Scandinavia’s most stunning natural landscapes, all at varying price points to suit any traveler’s budget.

Here are some of the most intriguing places to stay when exploring Scandinavia:

Sweden

Remember the childhood dream of living in a treehouse? At the Tree Hotel in Northern Sweden, that dream becomes a reality. Set against a backdrop of pine trees with breathtaking views of the Lule River, this hotel features distinctive rooms like the Mirror Cube, UFO, Bird’s Nest, and Dragonfly—each aptly named.

This location is not only prime for spotting the northern lights but also serves as a launching pad for exciting activities, whether it’s snowmobiling, fishing, or berry foraging in the pristine Swedish woods.

Suspended 4 to 10 meters above the ground, every room is accessed via ramps, bridges, or electric stairs. Dining is a treat as well; the Treehotel Guesthouse serves a delightful selection of New Nordic cuisine crafted from local ingredients.

Tree Hotel Sweden

Edeforsvägen 2A
960 24 Harads
Sweden

In an ambitious venture initiated by owner Per-Anders Eriksson, the Arctic Bath opened in 2010 as a floating circular spa, echoing the logging traditions of the Lule River. Outside its central Spa Nest, cozy cabins float on the lake, while more stable accommodations are available on land for those who prefer solid ground. Each room features a private deck and a pellet stove for those cozy evenings.

With a wide array of spa treatments available, guests can also partake in unique seasonal activities. From husky tours and snowmobile safaris in winter to moose spotting and horse riding during the summer months, the Arctic Bath offers an adventure for every taste.

Arctic Bath

Ramdalsvägen 10
960 24 Harads
Sweden

For a truly unexpected experience, consider staying at JumboStay, a remarkable hotel housed within a 1976 Boeing 747-212B. This aviation-themed accommodation is not just for airplane enthusiasts; it offers something for everyone, boasting budget dorm rooms for as little as SEK 450 a night, along with luxurious suites in the cockpit.

The hotel’s café is a nostalgic nod to the golden age of air travel, serving breakfast, coffee, and retro snacks amid 70s decor that transports guests back in time.

JumboStay

Jumbovägen 4
190 47 Stockholm-Arlanda
Sweden

Denmark

For an experience that is both unconventional and intimate, the one-room hotel in a repurposed coal crane offers modern Danish design and exclusive access to terraces with stunning views. Situated in Nordhavn, one of Copenhagen’s most up-and-coming areas, guests can revel in both industrial charm and serene sea vistas.

The Crane

Skudehavnsvej 1
2100 Copenhagen
Denmark

Sleepin Prison

In a twist on traditional accommodations, Sleepin Prison invites guests to experience life behind bars—minus the harsh realities, of course. Located in the former Horsens State Prison, rooms feature jail cell aesthetics complete with original graffiti, but they come equipped with modern amenities, ensuring a comfortable stay.

The hotel includes an on-site museum detailing the prison’s history, and complimentary bikes are available for exploring the vibrant cultural scene of Horsens.

Sleepin Prison

Fussingsvej 8
8700 Horsens
Denmark

Norway

Norwegians have such a passion for train travel that they transformed a classic sleeper carriage into a hotel at the Namsen Salmon and Train Experience. Stationed on a railway bridge above the Namsen River—known for its salmon fishing—this unique accommodation allows guests to enjoy picturesque views while trying to reel in a catch of the day.

It’s not solely for anglers; the serene environment beckons all nature lovers to unwind with a drink while soaking in Norway’s breathtaking vistas.

Namsen Salmon & Train Experience

Sørsivegen 3314
7863 Øysletta
Norway

Kirkeness Snowhotel

For those who dare, the Kirkeness Snowhotel offers an enchanting stay in beautifully crafted snow chambers, where the temperature hovers around -4°C. Each room is adorned with intricate snow sculptures, and cozy thermal sleeping bags guarantee a night of warmth.

Guests can savor drinks at the hotel’s ice bar, take advantage of the sauna to warm up, or venture outside for activities like northern lights tours, King Crab safaris, and memorable dog sledding excursions led by friendly huskies.

Kirkeness Snowhotel

Sandnesdalen 14
9910 Bjørnevatn
Norway

Finland

Experience history and stunning nature at the 19th-century Bengtskär lighthouse, Finland’s southernmost inhabited location. Known for its dramatic past—including shipwrecks and wartime episodes—this lighthouse offers a truly unique stay, complemented by packages that include guided tours and sauna access.

The island’s wild beauty invites opportunities for seal spotting and birdwatching, while the lighthouse itself is filled with intriguing exhibitions.

Bengtskär Finland

Bengtskär
25950 Rosala
Finland

For a cozy yet adventurous night, the Golden Crown Levin Iglut offers luxurious igloo-style glass lodgings in Finnish Lapland, providing a warm sanctuary for observing the stars and, hopefully, the northern lights. Its restaurant enhances the experience with a glass roof, boasting a menu that has earned accolades as one of Lapland’s finest.

Golden Crown Levin Iglut

Arjatie 4
99130 Levi
Finland

Iceland

The Puffin Nest Capsule Hotel in Vestmannaeyjar takes budget accommodations to a new level, offering cozy sleeping pods nestled amid breathtaking volcanic landscapes and teeming wildlife. Stripped back to essentials, these capsules provide individual sleeping spaces, with shared kitchen and lounge areas to enhance community interaction.

Vestmannaeyjar is home to a staggering puffin population, particularly during nesting season, and offers some of the best whale-watching opportunities in the summer months.

Puffin Nest Capsule Hotel

Herjólfsgata
900 Vestmannaeyjar
Iceland

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