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Dubbed “Sweden’s most primitive hotel”, this eco-friendly retreat offers 12 cosy forest huts with no electricity, no showers and no fancy frills. Instead, you’ll find wood-burning stoves, sheepskin rugs and candlelit lanterns, creating a rustic and romantic atmosphere. You’ll also get to enjoy outdoor activities such as wildlife watching, hiking, fishing and canoeing in the stunning surroundings of Lake Skärsjön and Bergslagen forest.
Unique or special aspects
- Sleeping in a forest hut is an unforgettable experience that will make you feel closer to nature and yourself. You’ll chop your own firewood, fetch water from the spring and cook your meals over an open fire.
- You’ll have access to a traditional wood-fired sauna by the lake, where you can relax and rejuvenate after a day of adventure. You can also take a refreshing dip in the clear water or enjoy the sunset from the jetty.
- You’ll have the opportunity to join guided wildlife safaris with expert guides from Wild Sweden, who will take you to see moose, beavers, wolves and other animals in their natural habitat. You’ll also learn about the local flora and fauna, and enjoy delicious meals cooked over a campfire.
Setting
Kolarbyn Ecolodge is located in the forest in Skinnskatteberg, just a two hours drive from Stockholm. You won’t need a car as you can easily get here by public transport. The ecolodge is situated by the shore of Lake Skärsjön, a beautiful and tranquil spot where you can swim, fish or canoe. The surrounding Bergslagen forest is home to a rich biodiversity of wildlife, including bears, lynx, deer and birds.
Style
The style of Kolarbyn Ecolodge is simple, authentic and charming. The forest huts are made of wooden logs covered with mud and grass, blending in with the environment. They are furnished with comfortable mattresses, warm sleeping bags and soft sheepskin rugs. Each hut has a small window, a wood-burning stove and a candle lantern. There are no locks on the doors, but you’ll feel safe and cosy inside your hut. The communal facilities include an outdoor kitchen, a dining area, a fire pit and a compost toilet.
Sustainability
Kolarbyn Ecolodge is committed to sustainability and environmental protection. The ecolodge has no electricity or running water, reducing its carbon footprint and encouraging guests to conserve resources. The forest huts are built with natural materials and insulated with moss, keeping them warm in winter and cool in summer. The water comes from a nearby spring and is filtered before use. The food is locally sourced and organic whenever possible. The waste is composted or recycled. The ecolodge also supports various conservation projects and educates guests about wildlife and ecology.
Kolarbyn Ecolodge aims to have a positive impact on the local community and empower its guests. The ecolodge employs local staff and guides, who share their knowledge and passion for the area. The ecolodge also collaborates with local businesses and organisations, such as farmers, fishermen, artisans and NGOs. The ecolodge offers guests the opportunity to learn new skills and experience different aspects of Swedish culture, such as making charcoal, baking bread, picking berries and mushrooms, or visiting historical sites.
Rooms
There are 12 forest huts at Kolarbyn Ecolodge, each accommodating up to two people. They are divided into two categories: charcoal huts and lumberjack cottages. The charcoal huts are smaller and more basic, while the lumberjack cottages are larger and more luxurious.
Charcoal Hut: These huts are inspired by the traditional charcoal burners who lived in the forest centuries ago. They have a single room with two mattresses on wooden platforms, a wood-burning stove, a candle lantern and a small window. They are ideal for couples or solo travellers who want to experience the authentic forest life.
Lumberjack Cottage: These cottages are inspired by the old lumberjacks who worked in the forest decades ago. They have two rooms: one with a double bed or two single beds, and another with a sofa bed that can sleep two children or one adult. They also have a wood-burning stove, a candle lantern, a small window and a private terrace with chairs and a table. They are perfect for families or groups who want more space and comfort.
Things to do
Wildlife Safaris: Join a guided tour with Wild Sweden and see moose, beavers, wolves and other animals in their natural habitat. You’ll also learn about the local flora and fauna, and enjoy delicious meals cooked over a campfire.
Hiking: Explore the trails around the ecolodge and discover the beauty and diversity of the forest. You can follow the marked routes or create your own adventure. You can also join a guided hike with a local expert who will show you the best spots and tell you stories about the area.
Canoeing: Rent a canoe from the ecolodge and paddle on Lake Skärsjön or on the nearby rivers. You’ll experience the tranquility and serenity of the water, and maybe spot some wildlife along the way. You can also join a guided canoe trip with a professional instructor who will teach you the basics and take you to hidden places.
Fishing: Try your luck at fishing on Lake Skärsjön or on one of the many lakes in the region. You can catch perch, pike, trout and other fish. You can rent fishing equipment from the ecolodge or bring your own. You can also join a guided fishing tour with a local fisherman who will share his tips and tricks.
Sauna: Relax and rejuvenate in the traditional wood-fired sauna by the lake. You can enjoy the heat and steam, or cool off in the clear water. You can also book a private sauna session for yourself or your group.
Wider region
Kolarbyn Ecolodge is located in the heart of Bergslagen, one of Sweden’s most historic and scenic regions. Bergslagen is known for its rich industrial and cultural heritage, as well as its diverse and abundant nature. Here are some of the highlights of the region:
Fagersta: This town is famous for its ironworks, which date back to the 17th century. You can visit the Fagersta Bruk museum, which showcases the history and development of the iron industry, or the Engelsberg Ironworks, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that preserves the old machinery and buildings.
Skinnskatteberg: This is the nearest town to Kolarbyn Ecolodge, where you can find shops, restaurants, cafes and a tourist office. You can also explore the Skinnskatteberg Church, which dates back to the 13th century, or the Galleri Astley, which exhibits contemporary art by local and international artists.
Nora: This is one of Sweden’s best-preserved wooden towns, with charming houses, shops and cafes. You can stroll along the cobbled streets, admire the colourful facades, or take a ride on the Nora Bergslags Veteran Railway, a historic steam train that runs through the countryside.
Getting there
Kolarbyn Ecolodge is located in Skinnskatteberg, about 150 km west of Stockholm. You can get there by car or by public transport.
By car: The drive from Stockholm takes about two hours. Take the E18 west towards Västerås, then follow signs for Fagersta/Skinnskatteberg. Once in Skinnskatteberg, follow signs for Kolarbyn Ecolodge/Skärsjön.
By public transport: The journey from Stockholm takes about three hours. Take a train from Stockholm Central Station to Västerås Central Station, then change to a bus to Skinnskatteberg Bus Station. From there, you can either take a taxi to Kolarbyn Ecolodge (about 10 minutes) or walk (about 40 minutes).
- Actively reduces consumption
- Sustainable build
- Local or organic food
- Education
- Nature
- Jungle or forest
- Up to 2
- Up to 4
- Family
- Campsite
- Hiking
- Horseriding
- Watersports
- Wildlife watching
