Arctic Bath is a floating hotel and spa situated on the Lule River in Sweden, dedicated to health and wellness. The hotel recently opened, following its initial announcement in 2018. Designed by architects Bertil Harström and Johan Kauppi, the hotel’s floating circular structure resembles a bird’s nest. Surrounding this central volume are several small cabins, some floating and others on land. Located beneath the Northern Lights during winter and the midnight sun in summer, Arctic Bath offers guests an immersive experience in the unique natural phenomena of the Arctic while maintaining a minimal environmental footprint.
The concept for Arctic Bath originated during the opening of the “Tree Hotel” in 2010, another property in Harrads developed by the same team. Initially, the idea was to create a glass cube sauna on a lifeboat. Architect Bertil Harström, who designed the Tree Hotel’s bird’s nest structure, expanded on this concept. In 2013, Harström and Johan Kauppi collaborated to design a circular floating building for Arctic Bath. The hotel officially opened on January 15, 2020. It operates year-round, positioned downstream from Bodträskfors Bridge along the Lule River, adapting between frozen and floating states with the seasons.
Encircling the main floating structure are a series of cabins on both water and land, each designed to offer high comfort and promote spiritual well-being while emphasizing health. Using natural, sustainable, and historically significant materials like wood, stone, leather, and luxurious textiles influenced by Scandinavian design, these cabins and suites harmonize perfectly with the natural surroundings. The floating cabin measures 24 square meters and features a double room connected to the shore via a floating walkway. Its adjacent 575 square meter deck provides an ideal spot for summer relaxation, sunbathing, or admiring the winter aurora.
The 62 square meter land cabin, designed by Annkathrin Lundqvist, accommodates up to five guests and stands prominently among the shoreline vegetation, connected by walkways. The luxurious 62 square meter suite is designed for two guests and features a spiral staircase leading to an attic space. It also offers an 8 square meter deck perfect for relaxing, enjoying coffee, or quiet contemplation. The hotel’s amenities include a restaurant, an outdoor cold bath under the Arctic sky, a spa, and sauna facilities.
Project Information:
Project Name: Arctic Bath
Architectural Design: Bertil Harström and Johan Kauppi
Land Cabin Design: Annkathrin Lundqvist
Location: Ramdalsvägen 10, 960 24 Harads, Sweden
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