One hundred years ago, the Stora Hotellet, situated in the heart of Umea, aslo known as the City of Birches, welcomed seamen and sailors from all over the world. The building housed both a hotel and the local Seamen’s Mission offices and accommodation. Under the direction of Stylt Trampoli, a prizewinning design and architectural practice based in Gothenburg, the hotel was renovated. Today, Stora Hottelet radiates a new splendour, whilst the carefully chosen furnishings hark back to the history of Umea: rough wood and solid iron elements cover the floors and walls and seem to have been taken directly out of a ship's hull. The bathrooms of the 82 rooms have the archaic charm of a ship’s cabin and feature striking details, such as strong iron screws. The iconic Starck 1 toilet by Philippe Starck is perfectly at home in this environment and itself creates interesting highlights.

There is plenty of space in the large piazza inside the hotel, as well as seating for the adjacent “Gotthard Taverne” restaurant. This was named after the hotel's first manager, Gotthard Zetterberg, who was part of the famous Greenland expedition headed by Adolf Nordenskiöld.

STORA HOTELLET