Scan Magazine | Hotel of the Month | Sweden
The southern inlet.
Hotel of the Month, Sweden
A picture-perfect island The hundreds of islands that make up Stockholm archipelago all have distinct identities and histories. Utö, located in the southern part of the archipelago, is one of the most well-known. Once settled by the Vikings, this vibrant island is these days visited by sporty people as well as those looking for peace and quiet. By Pia Petersson | Photos: Utö Värdshus
Towards the end of the 1800s, the future did not look bright for the island of Utö. The once bustling mining community was shrinking at a fast rate after the mines had closed in the late 1870s. Towards the end of the 1800s, wholesaler Lewin bought the northern part of the island. “Lewin’s idea was to turn the island into a fashionable resort with spa hotels and soirées. The socialites of the time started going out to Utö en masse. Seen strolling across the island among the other summer guests were celebrities of the day such as Greta Garbo and August Strindberg. Ever since then, Utö Värdshus (Utö Hotel) has evolved into a year-round restaurant and confer102 | Issue 108 | January 2018
ence facility hosting a number of activities and events,” hotel manager Malin T Lidström explains.
The outer core The name Utö translates to ‘outer island’. This makes perfect sense when taking into account the island’s strategic position just at the entrance to the archipelago’s most important fairway. One of the archipelago’s largest islands, Utö has since the 17th century served as a valuable support point for the military. The island is easily reached, just one hour away from Stockholm. “Although, out here the pace is completely differ-
ent, and the air is really fresh and clear,” Lidström underlines.
Have a nap in the bathing hotel… The hotel is open all year round and spreads out over a collection of buildings. “There are romantic double rooms in Stenhotellet (the Stone Hotel), which dates back to the 1660s; a maritime feeling characterises Kvarnvillan (the Mill Villa), and we also have family rooms with compact kitchens in our hotel cottages. Moreover, in the summer, we offer accommodation in Lewin’s old bathing hotel – simple but comfortable rooms with access to a shared kitchen and with the best view of the archipelago from the balconies,” Lidström explains.
…and have dinner in the old mining office The charming hotel restaurant is located in what once was the mining office.