Gothenburg, Sweden’s lively second city, is brimming with urban thrills, but just a stone’s throw away, you’ll find a special haven for relaxation and rejuvenation: Arken Hotel & Art Garden Spa. This renowned spot isn’t just your average hotel with a spa; it beautifully blends art and nature into a holistic wellness experience, making it a favorite getaway for both locals and tourists alike. If you’re thinking about indulging in a spa experience in Gothenburg, here’s everything you need to know about Arken Hotel & Art Garden Spa.
Location & Getting There
Arken Hotel & Art Garden Spa is nestled in the Arendal area on Hisingen island, right at the entrance to Gothenburg’s harbor, where you can catch lovely views of the sea and the beautiful nature around. It’s about 12 km (or roughly 7.5 miles) from the heart of Gothenburg, which usually translates to a quick 15-minute drive.
- By Car: Getting to the hotel by car is a breeze, and there’s plenty of free parking available for guests, including charging stations for electric vehicles.
- By Public Transport: If you prefer public transport, you can hop on Gothenburg’s Västtrafik system to reach the hotel. The closest bus stop is “Arendal Portal,” just about 200 meters away. Bus line 32 (and a few others) will take you toward the city, but you might need to switch at Eketrägatan or Hjalmar Brantingsplatsen. A quick heads-up: on weekends, bus services directly to Arendal Portal may require you to book in advance through Västtrafik, at least 60 minutes ahead of time. So, it’s a good idea to check the latest timetables and booking info on the Västtrafik website or app before you head out.
The Hotel Experience
Arken Hotel is a sleek, modern spot that doubles as a conference and spa hotel. It strikes a perfect balance between functionality and a love for art and nature, creating a soothing atmosphere for guests.
- Rooms: With 150 rooms to choose from, the hotel has something for everyone—whether you need a practical Single Room, a snug Small Double Room, or a more spacious Standard, Superior, or Premium Double Room, plus suites. Most rooms come equipped with the essentials like free Wi-Fi, a TV, a desk, and coffee/tea making facilities. Some of the larger rooms even have cozy seating areas or sofa beds. The decor is all about harmonious color schemes and comfy furnishings. And if you’re traveling with a furry friend, pets are sometimes welcome upon request (just a heads up, there may be extra charges).
- General Facilities: In addition to the spa, the hotel boasts conference facilities and common areas that often feature art. Guests can also enjoy activities like shuffleboard and table tennis.
Art Garden Spa – The Main Attraction
This is where Arken truly shines. The Art Garden Spa in Gothenburg is all about creating a peaceful retreat by blending art, nature, water, heat, and cool elements. It’s designed to be a soothing oasis that helps you unwind and boosts your wellbeing.
- Concept: The spa isn’t just a bunch of facilities; it’s an immersive experience centered around harmony. Art installations are thoughtfully placed throughout the spa and garden, enhancing the natural beauty and architecture.
- Pools: You’ll find both indoor and outdoor heated pools, perfect for enjoying year-round. There are also hot springs (which likely means heated jacuzzis or warm pools) and cold plunge options, essential for contrast bathing therapy.
- Sauna Oasis: This is a highlight of the spa. The Art Garden Spa features an impressive variety of heat experiences:
Outdoor Saunas: Standalone sauna buildings nestled within the garden landscape.
Dry Sauna: A traditional Finnish-style sauna.
Steam Room: Providing a humid heat experience.
Salt Room/Sauna: Merging heat with the therapeutic benefits of salt inhalation.
Infra Sauna: Utilizing infrared light for deeper heat penetration.
Natural Stone Sauna: Creating a unique ambiance and heat profile.
Ice Sauna: Offering a refreshing cold experience as part of the thermal circuit. - Other Water Experiences: Look forward to experience showers that provide various water effects, along with relaxing jacuzzis and whirlpools.
- Relaxation Areas: There are multiple zones designed for unwinding, which may include quiet rooms, comfy loungers, and possibly a lounge with a cozy fireplace.
- Treatments: A diverse spa menu is available, featuring a range of massages (like classic and hot stone), facials, body scrubs, wraps, and foot treatments. They aim to provide a top-notch escape from daily stress, so booking treatments in advance is highly recommended.
- Fitness & Activities: Guests can enjoy a well-equipped gym, with an outdoor gym nearby. There might also be yoga and meditation sessions available.
Dining Options at Arken
The hotel features Restaurang Flora, which is the main spot for dining.
- Cuisine: It emphasizes authentic flavor experiences, using fresh, seasonal, and often locally sourced ingredients from the Gothenburg area. The menu beautifully combines Swedish traditions with Nordic influences and a few international touches. There are also plenty of vegetarian and vegan options to choose from.
- Meals: Guests can enjoy a breakfast buffet, a diverse lunch menu (which often includes a salad bar), a delightful weekend brunch, and an à la carte dinner menu.
- Other Options: For something more casual, there’s a Bistro Menu with simpler dishes like burgers, salads, and shrimp sandwiches available in the lobby/bar area. Konstbaren (Art Bar) and Hugo’s Bar provide a cozy atmosphere for drinks. Plus, room service is always an option if you prefer to dine in.
Things to Do Nearby
While the hotel is situated in a more industrial and harbor-centric area, there are still plenty of things to explore nearby:
- Close By: The Volvo Museum is just a short walk or a quick drive away, where you can dive into the fascinating history of this iconic Gothenburg brand. You can also take leisurely coastal walks and soak in the beautiful harbor views.
- Central Gothenburg (About a 15-20 minute drive or longer if you take public transport):
Liseberg: This is Scandinavia’s largest amusement park, perfect for thrill-seekers.
Universeum: A science center that offers a unique rainforest experience right next to Liseberg.
Avenyn: The main boulevard of Gothenburg, lined with shops, restaurants, and bars.
Haga District: A charming historical neighborhood filled with wooden houses, cozy cafes, and quirky independent shops.
Museums: Don’t miss the Gothenburg Museum of Art (Konstmuseum), the City Museum (Stadsmuseum), and the Maritime Museum (Sjöfartsmuseet Akvariet).
Parks: Slottsskogen is a large city park that even has a zoo, and the Gothenburg Botanical Garden is a must-visit for nature lovers.
Practical Information & Pricing
When it comes to pricing, the Arken Hotel & Art Garden Spa usually sits in the upper mid-range to premium category among Gothenburg hotels, especially if you’re looking to book one of their spa packages. While you might stumble upon some more budget-friendly room-only rates, keep in mind that the standard room rates often don’t include access to the spa.
As for spa access and packages, you’ll typically need to reserve that separately or as part of a special package deal, which might include an overnight stay along with spa access, dinner, and/or brunch. They also offer day spa packages. The prices for these overnight spa packages can vary depending on the day and the type of room, so it’s a good idea to check their website for current deals like “Vardagslyx” (Weekday Luxury) or “Late Night Spa.”
When it comes to booking, it’s wise to secure your spa access and any treatments you want well ahead of time, particularly for weekends, as spots can fill up quickly.
For check-in and check-out, the standard times are usually check-in from 3:00 PM and check-out by 11:00 AM.
And if you’re driving, you’ll be pleased to know that free private parking is available on-site.
Conclusion
Arken Hotel & Art Garden Spa is your go-to spot for a truly unique wellness experience in Sweden, just a stone’s throw from Gothenburg. What really sets it apart is the amazing “Sauna Oasis,” along with a fantastic mix of indoor and outdoor pools, all beautifully intertwined with art and nature. While it’s not right in the heart of the city, it offers a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle, and you can easily get there by car. If you’re on the hunt for a spa hotel in Gothenburg that boasts impressive amenities and don’t mind being a bit outside the city center, Art Garden Spa is definitely a top pick for your next relaxing getaway. Just a heads up—make sure to book your spa access and treatments in advance!
