In the boreal forests of northern Sweden, an architectural landmark is growing. The Treehotel in Harads, a collection of distinctive suites suspended among the pines, will add a new structure called 'Oasis' to its roster on 10 August. This expansion reinforces the property's status as a destination for travellers seeking a profound connection with Scandinavia's natural landscapes.
A Design That Directs the Gaze Upwards
Architects Per Nadén and Mattias Lind conceived Oasis as a private forest retreat. Its curved walls wrap around existing tree trunks, a design choice intended to focus occupants' attention on the canopy above. 'By limiting the field of vision, other senses are heightened: sounds become clearer, scents more immediate, and the remaining views more intense,' the architects stated. They describe the result as 'a quiet, sheltered oasis, where guests can dwell in stillness, share a meal, or sink into a warm bath beneath the old trees of Harads.'
The suite's location is pivotal to its appeal. Situated approximately 50 kilometres south of the Arctic Circle, the region offers dramatic seasonal phenomena. Guests in winter have a front-row seat for the aurora borealis, while summer visitors experience the perpetual twilight of the midnight sun.
Architectural Distinction in the Swedish North
Since its launch in 2010, Treehotel has been defined by architectural innovation, with no two suites alike. Its existing structures, including the reflective Mirrorcube, the futuristic UFO, and the birdhouse-covered Biosphere, have drawn international acclaim and a celebrity clientele. The new Oasis suite continues this philosophy of unique, design-forward accommodation integrated with the environment.
The suite accommodates up to five people with a double bed, a sofa double bed, and a single fold-down bed. Its standout amenity is an outdoor area featuring a private sauna and hot tub, allowing for traditional Swedish relaxation amidst the forest. This addition taps into the broader Nordic trend of friluftsliv, or 'open-air living', which emphasises a deep, year-round engagement with nature.
The development underscores a sustainable approach to high-end tourism in Europe's northern periphery. It highlights how regional destinations can build global reputations through distinctive architectural projects that respect their natural settings.
For travellers considering a journey to this remote part of Sweden, the evolving transport infrastructure in the region is improving access. Notably, a historic cross-border rail link between Finland and Sweden is set to launch this summer, potentially easing travel to the broader Nordic region.
The opening of Oasis also occurs against a backdrop of European concerns regarding energy security and economic stability. Broader geopolitical tensions, including those in the Middle East, have ripple effects across the continent. As the EU Energy Chief has warned, prolonged conflict can lead to sustained energy price hikes, affecting everything from industrial costs to tourism logistics.
Treehotel's expansion represents more than a new hotel suite; it is a case study in place-making. It demonstrates how a small community like Harads can leverage design and natural assets to create a globally recognised offering, contributing to the economic and cultural vitality of northern Sweden.
