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Top 9 Swedish architecture must-sees

Sweden is famous for its contribution to inclusive and accessible fashion, design and architecture. But where would you go as a visitor to experience it up close?
Last updated 02 February 2021
Architecture

We have gathered some of the country’s must-sees when it comes to architecture, whether it is a spectacular art building in the Stockholm archipelago, an icy hotel in Jukkasjärvi or a hot sauna overlooking the harbour in Gothenburg. 

Artipelag from above, Stockholm
Artipelag, the great art hall in the archipelago of Stockholm in Sweden, got its name from the words Art, Activities and Archipelago. It is a must-see for anyone who loves both architecture and nature.
Photo: Artipelag

Artipelag, Stockholm

What first strikes you when you get off the ferry at the Artipelag stop on the island of Värmdö in the Stockholm archipelago is the silence.
Artipelag, Stockholm
UFO room at Treehotel in Harads, Swedish Lapland
The Treehotel in Harads, Swedish Lapland, offers a unique hotel experience close to nature.
Photo: Treehotel

Treehotel, Swedish Lapland

Have you ever considered sleeping in a bird’s nest, a UFO or in a mirror cube? Probably not, but when it comes to design and architecture in Sweden, everything is possible it seems.
Treehotel, Swedish Lapland
Almhöjden, World heritage Skogskyrkogården, Stockholm
Skogskyrkogården cemetary, south of central Stockholm, is designed by Gunnar Asplund and Sigurd Lewerentz. The architecture reflects the development from Nordic Classicism to mature functionalism. Almhöjden is a meditation grove, just to the right of the main entrance.
Photo: Susanne Hallmann

Woodland Cemetery, Stockholm

A cemetery might not be on the top of the list when you travel, but Skogskyrkogården (the Woodland Cemetery) in Stockholm offers a unique architecture experience and is a Unesco World Heritage site.
Woodland Cemetery, Stockholm
Ice sculptures
Ice sculptures and other artwork made of ice is one of the most popular features at the ICEHOTEL in northern Sweden. Artists come from all over the world to help fill the walls, floors and ceilings of the hotel with unique and ephemeral designs.
Photo: Asaf Kliger/Icehotel/imagebank.sweden.se

ICEHOTEL, Jukkasjärvi

Icehotel is not only a cool (!) hotel. It is perhaps Sweden’s most unique art gallery, with yearly art exhibitions made of snow and ice.
ICEHOTEL, Jukkasjärvi
Train of Thoughts by Carolina Falkholt, Wanås Art
In Wanås Art, in Skåne, nature and history meet.The Center for Art & Learning presents contemporary art.
Photo: Mattias Givell

Wanås Konst, Skåne

Wanås Konst has a clear vision: contemporary art and culture for all.
Wanås Konst, Skåne
Josef Frank exhibition, ArkDes, Stockholm
ArkDes is Sweden's national center for architecture and design. The image is from an exhibition in the summer of 2017, called "Josef Frank - Against Design".
Photo: Matti Östling

ArkDes Skeppsholmen, Stockholm

The Modern Museum of Art in Stockholm is also the home of ArkDes, the Swedish Centre for Architecture and Design.
ArkDes Skeppsholmen, Stockholm
Solar Egg Sauna in Swedish Lapland
Solar Egg Sauna in Kiruna, Swedish Lapland. Made by artists Mats Bigert och Lars Bergström.
Photo: Jean-Baptiste Bélange

Public Saunas, Gothenburg and Kiruna

Amongst containers and cranes in the industrial dock, Frihamnen, in Gothenburg, an innovative structure appears.
Public Saunas, Gothenburg and Kiruna
Turning torso
Malmö's skyline changed drastically in 2005 with the completion of skyscraper Turning Torso, a neo-futurist residential skyscraper which is the tallest building in Scandinavia. The tower reaches a height of 190 metres with 54 storeys and 147 apartments.
Photo: Aline Lessner/imagebank.sweden.se

Västra Hamnen, Malmö

Once a rundown industrial estate, Västra Hamnen in Malmö has experienced a complete makeover the last few decades.
Västra Hamnen, Malmö
Koster – a marine national park
Kosterhavet is one of Sweden’s 29 national parks. Inaugurated in 2009, it is the first marine nature park in Sweden. It is part of the Skagerrak sea and consists of the sea and shores around the Koster Islands. It contains coral reefs and a unique flora and fauna, making the park a great snorkelling site.
Photo: Per Pixel Petersson/imagebank.sweden.se

Naturum, Kosterhavet

Located in Sweden’s first marine national park on the island of Sydkoster, Naturum by Gothenburg-based White architects, is a spectacular destination.
Naturum, Kosterhavet