In the village of Harads, home to just 600 people and located 70 km from the Arctic Circle, eight unique cabins hang among the pine trees along the banks of the Lule River. Each was designed by a different Scandinavian architect, and no two are alike. There is a Mirrorcube that vanishes into the forest, a UFO perched among the branches, a nest made of sticks, and a Dragonfly-shaped log house with terrace wings. This is Treehotel—a project conceptualized by Kent and Britta Lindvall in 2010 after watching the film "The Tree Lover," which has since become an icon of architectural tourism. Guests don't come here for five-star service; they come for a night in a mirrored cube where the forest reflects off the walls and the Northern Lights dance overhead.
Getting There
The nearest airport is Luleå (LLA), a 70-minute flight from Stockholm (SAS, Norwegian, with several flights daily). From the airport, it is a 1-hour and 10-minute drive to Treehotel.
Alternatively, take the night train from Stockholm to Boden C (approx. 12 hours), followed by a 35-minute transfer from Boden.
Why You Should Stay
World-class architecture in the wild. Each cabin is a project by a renowned firm: the Mirrorcube by Tham & Videgård, Biosphere by BIG (Bjarke Ingels Group), the 7th Room by Snøhetta, and the Dragonfly by Rintala Eggertsson. It’s not just a stay in a treehouse; it’s an overnight experience in an exhibition of modern Scandinavian architecture.
The Mirrorcube — The world's most photographed hotel room. A 4x4x4 meter cube suspended from a pine trunk. The walls reflect the forest so perfectly that the house is almost invisible. The glass is coated with an infrared film—invisible to humans but a warning to birds to prevent them from flying into it. Inside, there is a bed, a bio-toilet, a mini-lounge, and a hidden terrace.
Northern Lights from Bed. Treehotel is located within the aurora belt. The season runs from September to March. The 7th Room is the best for viewing the lights, featuring north-facing panoramic windows and skylights above the beds. In the Biosphere, there is a rooftop hatch and a sauna where you can wait for the aurora in the warmth.
Forest Sauna with a Hot Tub. The Forest Sauna is a 5-minute walk from the rooms. It features two saunas, an open-air hot pool, and a relaxation area with a fireplace. Sitting in a hot tub at -20°C in winter while watching the Northern Lights is an experience that draws travelers from as far as Japan and Australia.
Winter Safaris. Enjoy huskies, snowmobiles, snowshoeing, and ice fishing. A signature experience is the nighttime snowmobile safari to hunt for the aurora, ending with dinner by a campfire. In summer, you can enjoy kayaking on the Lule River, fishing, and fat-biking.
Dinner in the Trees. Dinner is served at a height of 10 meters on a special table suspended between the trees. In winter, it’s a candlelit affair with views of the snow-covered forest.
Britta's Pensionat — The Soul of the Hotel. Check-in, breakfast, and dinner are held in this historic 1930s–50s farmhouse. It’s filled with fireplaces, vintage charm, and the smell of fresh baking. There is no traditional reception desk—just a table and a welcoming host.
Guest Hacks
For Couples — Choose the Cabin, not the Mirrorcube. While the Mirrorcube is beautiful from the outside, it is cramped inside (16 m²), and the mirrored walls mean that when the lights are on at night, you are visible to anyone walking by. The Cabin is 24 m², comes with a balcony, and offers an open view of the river valley.
For Families — Opt for the Dragonfly or the 7th Room. These are the only rooms with showers and extra space. The Dragonfly is 52 m² with two bedrooms and panoramic windows. The 7th Room is the most luxurious, featuring a net-hammock on the terrace and a luggage lift. Note: The 7th Room stands on pillars rather than hanging from trees; if the "hanging" concept is important to you, go with the Dragonfly.
The Bio-Toilet — Don't be alarmed. All rooms except the Biosphere use an incineration toilet that burns waste without requiring water. It operates quietly and is odorless, but you must get used to it: the lid must be kept closed, or the safety sensor will trip.
Large Suitcases — Leave them at the guesthouse. Access to the UFO and Bird's Nest is via a ladder-style staircase. It’s impossible to carry large luggage up, so leave it at the guesthouse and bring a backpack with essentials. Staff can deliver luggage to rooms without ladders (Cabin, Blue Cone, Mirrorcube, Dragonfly, 7th Room, Biosphere).
The 500-Meter Forest Walk — It’s slippery in winter. The path from the guesthouse to the rooms is a forest trail. In winter, it gets icy. Wear shoes with good tread, or use the ice cleats provided by the hotel. Staff can drive you to the rooms upon request if walking is difficult.
Book 3–6 Months in Advance. With only eight rooms and global demand, they fill up fast. The Mirrorcube and 7th Room are the first to sell out. Peak season is December–March (aurora and snow) and June–August (midnight sun). March is the sweet spot: there’s still snow and aurora, but the days are longer and warmer.
Save Money — Stay at Britta's Guesthouse. The main house has 9 standard rooms starting at around 1,200 SEK (~$115). Pros: breakfast, access to the forest and sauna, and the restaurant are all included. Cons: you aren't sleeping in a tree. A good compromise is one night in the guesthouse and one night in a treehouse.
Forest Sauna — Book as soon as you arrive. Slots are limited, especially in the evening. A 90-minute session is enough for the sauna, hot tub, and fireplace area. You can also book it privately for your group.
Dining is Expensive. Only breakfast is included. Lunch and dinner cost around €40–60 per person. There are no shops near the hotel—the closest is in Harads, 2 km away. Bring your own snacks, tea, and wine.
Winter Clothing — Bring your own layers. The hotel provides thermal coveralls and boots for safaris, but sizes are limited. It’s better to bring your own warm layers, hats, gloves, and thermal underwear. Temperatures in Harads can drop to -20°C or -30°C.
Blue Cone — For guests with disabilities. This is the only room with a ramp that is wheelchair accessible. Interestingly, it isn't blue—it's bright red. The architect, Thomas Sandell, named it Blue Cone but changed his mind when he saw a red panel during construction; the name stayed.
Combine with Arctic Bath. Just 5 minutes from Treehotel is Arctic Bath, a floating spa hotel on the Lule River. A great combo is one night in a treehouse and one night in the floating hotel—two of Sweden’s most unique stays in one trip.
Aurora is Not Guaranteed. Even in the aurora zone, clouds can ruin the view. Stay at least two nights to increase your chances. Use the Aurora Forecast app to check the KP index in real time.
Wi-Fi is Available, but Try to Disconnect. All rooms have free Wi-Fi, but the point of Treehotel is to unplug. There are no TVs in the rooms. Download your music and books in advance and enjoy the silence of the forest.
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