experience the aurora borealis in sweden’s floating arctic bath hotel opening in fall 2018

rejoice travelers, as sweden is set to open a new hotel in fall 2018. located on the lule river in northern lapland, the arctic bath hotel will float during the summer and be suspended in the ice in winter days. offering guests spa treatments, make sure you book your stay during the last season of the year, as you might have the chance to see the aurora borealis.

all images by johan kauppi

referencing the timber floating era, where trees felled in local forests were transported down the river to be processes, the arctic bath hotel features criss-crossed logs around a circular shape. inside, guests will find a spa treatment room, four saunas, an outside cold bath, a hot bath, and outside and inside showers with dressing rooms. six other structures will host the hotel rooms, also in the water. the design of the hotel was created in order to be locally relevant as well as striking. it was developed with the highest environmental standards in mind, using local materials, and with a minimal to no impact on the environment.

a circular structure featuring criss-crossed logs will house the spa

‘the circular shape of spa and arctic bath creates a protected environment sheltering guests and creating a haven to relax and soak up the local srctic environment,’ says jonny cooper founder of Off the Map Travel. ‘this will be a one-of-a kind arctic experience. although all seven buildings will be securely anchored in place they are freely floating in water or frozen into ice.’

the hotel has six rooms for guests to stay overnight

an arctic plunge pool is set in the middle of the spa

during the winter days, the hotel will be suspended in ice

the rooms feature windows on the ceiling allowing guests to see the aurora borealis during the winter days

the hotel is located on the lule river in northern lapland, sweeden