Arctic Bath in Harads is the only hotel north of Stockholm to be awarded the prestigious Michelin Key – a new recognition category from Guide Michelin that highlights the world’s most unique and high-quality hotel experiences.
Just half an hour from Boden, on the banks of the Lule River in the village of Harads, lies Arctic Bath – a truly unique spa hotel that attracts guests from all over the world. The hotel consists of six designed water rooms and a spectacular circular spa and restaurant facility floating on the river, complemented by six land rooms with views of the river valley, the Northern Lights, and the midnight sun.
THE ONLY HOTEL IN THE NORTH WITH a MICHELIN KEY
Michelin Key is Guide Michelin’s hotel equivalent to the prestigious Michelin stars in the restaurant world. Globally, there are about 7000 Michelin hotels. The very first Michelin guide for hotels in the Nordic countries includes a total of 38 Key hotels – of which ten are in Sweden. Nine of these are in Stockholm and the tenth is Arctic Bath in Harads. Inspectors visit carefully selected hotels, often unannounced, and evaluate them based on five criteria:
- Architecture and interior design
- Personality and character
- Quality and consistency in service
- Value in relation to experience and price
- Contribution to the local environment
Arctic Bath was awarded its first Michelin Key in October 2025.
“We are truly honored to be the first hotel in northern Sweden to receive the prestigious Michelin Key. It is a testament to the persistent work and commitment of our team and all our local suppliers. We are proud to be a sustainable destination with strong character, story, and soul. Our close collaboration within the Norrbotten region is crucial to our success. Together, we will continue to strive for excellence in offering memorable and unique guest experiences,” says Klara Ranggård, CEO and hotel manager.
ABOUT ARCTIC BATH
Arctic Bath officially opened for guests in January 2020.
Arctic Bath’s timber-raft-inspired round design of the restaurant and spa, and the hotel’s sleek water rooms, are created by Swedish architects Bertil Harström and Johan Kauppi, whose vision is based on the site’s history, landscape, and the power of the elements. The land rooms are designed by AnnKathrin Lundqvist.
In the center of the main building is a cold bath straight down into the Lule River, surrounded by a sauna, treatment rooms, jacuzzi, and more.
Since its inception, Arctic Bath has gained international attention for its architecture, focus on sustainability, and close interaction with nature. But also for the celebrities who choose to come here from all over the world.
The restaurant maintains a high standard with an Arctic and local character and inspiration from the world’s leading restaurants. Activities and treatments are carried out in collaboration with local subcontractors who reflect the hotel’s quality requirements.
For those who want to see the hotel without booking a designed hotel room, there is an opportunity to pre-book a tour, meals, or day spa, subject to time and availability.
TEXT: ANNA BERGSTRÖM
