Midsummer is one of Sweden's most beloved holidays, full of traditions, joy, and togetherness. But why do we actually celebrate Midsummer? Let's dive into this fascinating tradition and learn more about its origin and meaning, while also exploring how you can experience an unforgettable Midsummer celebration on Marholmen in the Roslagen archipelago.

When do people celebrate Midsummer?

Midsummer is celebrated close to the summer solstice, which happens around June 21st each year. The summer solstice is when the sun is at its highest point in the sky, giving us the longest day and shortest night of the year. This astronomical phenomenon has fascinated people for centuries and marks a turning point in nature's cycle, as we move from the rise of light towards darker times. It's a time to celebrate light, warmth, and life, and to enjoy nature's abundance before summer gradually starts to turn into autumn.

The origin of Midsummer

Originally, Midsummer was a pagan holiday celebrated to welcome summer and honor nature's forces. People believed that nature was full of magic and supernatural powers during this time, making it a period for fertility and prosperity.

With the advent of Christianity in Sweden, the Midsummer celebration was integrated with the celebration of St. John the Baptist's Day on June 24th. Despite the religious connection, Midsummer retained much of its original, pagan character, and it is still a holiday where the forces of nature and the sun are celebrated.

Traditions and Symbols

The Midsummer pole, one of the most iconic symbols of Midsummer, has its roots in ancient fertility symbols. Raising and dancing around the Midsummer pole is a central part of the celebration. Flowers and greenery are used to decorate the pole, houses, and people. Picking seven or nine different flowers and placing them under your pillow is said to bring visions of your future partner in your dreams.

Food and drink also play an important role in the Midsummer celebration. Traditional Midsummer dishes include pickled herring, new potatoes with dill, sour cream, strawberries, and a schnapps. Meals are often long and festive, with singing and dancing as natural elements.

Midsummer on Marholmen

If you're looking to experience a truly idyllic and traditional Midsummer, few places can compare to Marholmen in the Roslagen archipelago. Marholmen offers the perfect blend of beautiful scenery and rich cultural history. Here, you can celebrate Midsummer in a way that truly captures the essence of Swedish summer.

At Marholmen, the celebration starts already on the Thursday before Midsummer's Eve with check-in to hotels, cabins, or villas. Here, you'll be greeted by blooming summer meadows, water lapping against the jetties, and an atmosphere that's hard to beat. Midsummer's Eve at Marholmen includes the traditional raising of the maypole, followed by communal games and dancing. For food lovers, there's a traditional Midsummer lunch and a delicious grill buffet to enjoy.

Midsummer on Marholmen

Relaxation and Activities

Besides the traditional celebrations, Marholmen offers a variety of activities for the whole family. On Midsummer's Day, you can relax and enjoy nature, participate in activities like beach volleyball, adventure golf, fishing trips, and much more. Marholmen has something for everyone, whether you're looking for excitement or relaxation.

Activities on Marholmen

Conclusion

Midsummer is a time to celebrate light, nature, and togetherness with loved ones. By joining this celebration on Marholmen, you'll not only experience Swedish traditions authentically but also enjoy a relaxing and fun weekend in one of Sweden's most beautiful archipelago settings. Welcome to celebrate Midsummer on Marholmen – where tradition meets nature's beauty and creates memories for life.

Glamping is a trend that has become increasingly popular worldwide, including in Sweden. It's a more luxurious form of camping that combines the simplicity and tranquility of nature with modern comfort and style. But what does glamping really mean, and what can you expect from a glamping experience? In this article, we'll guide you through the world of glamping and give you tips on how you can experience this unique form of accommodation.

What does Glamping involve?

Glamping, or "glamorous camping," is a vacation style for those who want to experience nature without sacrificing comfort. It's camping for people who prefer a comfy bed over a sleeping bag on the ground, and who want to enjoy nature without having to pitch a tent.

Definition of Glamping

Glamping is a combination of "glamour" and "camping," referring to a more luxurious camping experience. This often means staying in well-equipped tents, cabins, yurts, or other unique accommodations that typically include amenities like real beds, private Bathrooms, and sometimes even air conditioning and heating.

Why choose Glamping?

Glamping has become a popular choice for those looking for a unique getaway. It offers a chance to escape the city noise and get closer to nature, all while enjoying comfort and luxury. It's the perfect balance between adventure and relaxation.

Glamping vs. Traditional Camping

While traditional camping often involves a lot of preparations and primitive conditions, glamping takes away much of that hassle and replaces it with first-class facilities and service.

Glamping Amenities

When you go glamping, you can totally expect a higher standard of amenities. These might include:

• Comfy beds with quality mattresses.
• Electricity and lighting.
• Private bathrooms with hot water.
• You can cook your own meals or even enjoy our on-site restaurant.
• Heated accommodations for cooler nights.

The Glamping Experience

Glamping isn't just about comfy accommodation; it's also about the experience. Many glamping sites are located in beautiful natural areas, offering activities like hiking, paddling, fishing, and wildlife watching. It's a chance to switch off your phone, disconnect from daily demands, and reconnect with nature and yourself.

Where can you go glamping?

Glamping has spread worldwide and can now be found in many different places, from remote forests to coastal beaches.

Glamping in Sweden

Glamping has become super popular in Sweden, and there are now tons of glamping sites to pick from. One of them is Marholmen, nestled in Roslagen, offering a luxurious nature experience with all the comforts you could dream of. Read more about Glamping in Stockholm.

Internationally

Internationally, you can find glamping spots from the African savannas to the American mountains. Each place offers its own unique charm and experiences.

How do you choose the right Glamping spot?

When you're looking for the perfect glamping spot, it's important to consider what you want to get out of your stay. Here are a few factors to think about:

Location

Do you want to be close to the water, in a forest, or on a mountaintop? The location doesn't just affect the view, but also what activities are available.

Amenities

Make sure your glamping spot has all the amenities that are important to you. Do you want access to a restaurant, or would you rather cook your own meals? Need Wi-Fi, or are you looking to totally unplug?

Type of Accommodation

Think about what kind of accommodation you prefer. Are you interested in a traditional tent, a yurt, a treehouse, or maybe a converted caravan?

Price

Glamping prices can vary a lot depending on the location and the kind of luxury you're looking for. Set a budget and look for options that fit within it.

Tips for your first Glamping trip

To get the most out of your glamping trip, here are a few tips:

Pack smart

Even though glamping is comfier than traditional camping, it's still a good idea to pack clothes for different weather and activities, plus some basic accessories.

Explore the area

Glamping spots are often located in beautiful natural areas. Take the opportunity to explore local hiking trails, waterways, or other scenic places.

Respect nature

Please remember that you're a guest in nature. Always follow 'Leave No Trace' principles and be respectful of the animals and environment around your glamping spot.

Be open to relaxation

Glamping is a chance to unwind. Leave work and everyday stress behind and enjoy your time in nature.

Summary

Glamping is the perfect solution for those seeking a nature experience without sacrificing comfort and luxury. Whether you're looking for a romantic weekend, a family vacation, or a solo adventure, there's a glamping spot that suits your needs. So, why not try glamping and create memories that will last a lifetime?

Glamping is here to stay, offering a unique blend of nature and comfort that's attracting more and more vacationers. By choosing the right spot and preparing well, you can look forward to an unforgettable experience that brings you closer to nature in a way you never thought possible.

So next time you're wondering 'what is glamping?', remember that it's much more than just a night under the stars – it's a whole experience waiting to be explored.

Rent a summer cottage experience – only the good parts

Marholmen has renovated its six villas, offering a perfect alternative to owning your own summer cottage. Rent one
of the villas for a summer cottage experience complete with nature, sea Bathing, spa, and the chance to invite friends and family.

Many dream of their own cottage where they can spend time with family and friends, but fewer love taking care of a cottage year-round with all that entails. Luckily, Marholmen offers six villas in different styles and sizes, all newly renovated for spring 2024 with high standards and preserved charm. Here, you can enjoy cottage life on your own terms; take care of yourselves or book hotel breakfast and meals at the island's restaurants.

All cottages are designed for socializing, with private plots and terraces in prime locations. They are nestled in the heart of the island's beautiful nature, close to all the activities on offer; from playgrounds, activities, an outdoor gym, illuminated trails, bathing jetties, and both indoor and outdoor spas. It's truly perfect for a relaxing weekend or a staycation.

– We're seeing more and more people wanting accommodations that feel like their own private space, where they can hang out with family and friends and decide how much they want to use the island's amenities. Our newly renovated villas are exactly that – like your very own summer cottage with all the extras, but without any of the hassle. says Marholmen's CEO Fredrik Utheim.

Read more and book here >>

Beda's Flower Meadow – beautiful, sustainable, and eco-friendly

This spring, Marholmen is starting its own flower gardens. This means they'll be self-sufficient in cut flowers for decorations all year round and can offer activities like flower arranging and pick-your-own flowers. This initiative is also really good for the environment; it boosts biodiversity and Marholmen can stop buying imported cut flowers.

Marholmen's local flower supplier, Kärodlat, is currently establishing the flower farm "Bedas blomsteräng" on the island, as part of Marholmen's ongoing sustainability efforts. This new flower meadow means that Marholmen will be self-sufficient in cut flowers year-round and can completely stop buying imported flowers. The cultivation is, of course, free from pesticides and artificial fertilizers.

This new initiative also means that Marholmen can offer activities based on the cultivation, such as courses in arranging flowers in vases, flower binding, and self-picking.

– With our local cultivation, we can totally skip the global flower industry's chemical use, huge water consumption, and long transport distances. We can decorate the whole place all year long with beautiful flowers that grow naturally right here on Marholmen, and at the same time, we're boosting the island's biodiversity, says Marholmen's CEO Fredrik Utheim.

Flower decoration that follows the seasonal cycle

When Sara creates Marholmen's floral decorations, she works with fresh flowers from the gardens from June to October, and for the rest of the year, she uses dried flowers, year-round greenery, and things found in nature.

– There are so many beautiful flowers we can grow locally here in Sweden, so I really don't see the need to import them. The season kicks off with tulips, narcissus, wild raspberries, wild honeysuckle, redcurrants, hazel, and early perennials. Then we get ranunculus and anemones, annuals like delphinium, snapdragon, zinnia, summer mallow, asters, statice, amaranths, cosmos, and everlasting flowers, and so on. In early August, the garden's star, the dahlia, makes its appearance. It's something we all really look forward to!, says Sara Lewell, Kärnodlat Roslagen.

Photographer: Mia Lewell

Discover a more luxurious camping experience with Glamping.

In today's stressful and busy world, many people long to relax in nature – but perhaps without having to compromise on comfort. If you love adventure but also want a touch of luxury, then Glamping is the best option. This isn't your average camping experience – it's Glamping, a perfect combination of nature and comfort.

Book Glamping near Stockholm

Being in the Stockholm archipelago during summer is unbeatable, and our glamping season at Marholmen is really popular. Just a stone's throw from Stockholm, you can enjoy glamping in Norrtälje and beautiful nature. Choose whether you want to stay anchored under swaying treetops or be lulled to sleep by the waves' movements on one of our glamping rafts. Here you can enjoy refreshing cliff Bath, sleep in comfy queen-size beds, and a delicious breakfast basket delivered outside your tent early in the morning.

Combine the best of both worlds with Glamping

Booking glamping at Marholmen is a perfect combination of relaxation and convenience. Instead of worrying about setting up a tent or lugging heavy gear, you can relax and enjoy nature completely hassle-free as a glamper. Whether you're planning a romantic weekend for two, a family vacation with the kids, or an adventurous trip with friends, we can tailor your glamping experience to your specific needs and wishes. So, why not embark on a glamping adventure this summer in the Stockholm archipelago? Book here.

Booking a conference with activities is a great idea for creating both memorable and productive meetings. And when it comes to combining business with relaxation and adventure, few places can beat Marholmen. Our idyllic island, just an hour's drive from Stockholm, offers the perfect setting to create an extraordinary conference experience.

Why choose Marholmen for your conference with an activity?

Marholmen has long been a haven for both business travelers and holidaymakers, and it's an ideal place for those looking to book a conference with activities. With a wide range of accommodation options and outdoor activities, we at Marholmen can create a tailor-made kick-off that meets the needs of both smaller and larger companies.

Examples of activities you can book for corporate groups

Whether you're looking for teambuilding or adventure – we offer activities that suit everyone. Crown Marholmen's champion with fun indoor activities, or spend some wonderful hours on the lake with a professional fishing guide. Or why not challenge your company with refreshing cold baths or a cooking activity? Our activity team collectively has almost 100 years of experience in organizing corporate activities, and they're happy to help with suggestions and planning.

Book a memorable conference

Booking a conference with activities at Marholmen isn't just an investment in your company's future success; it's also a great opportunity for you to create lasting memories and relationships long after the conference ends. By combining business goals with relaxation and adventure, we at Marholmen can help you foster a positive company culture and boost participant engagement. So, the next time you're planning a conference, why not consider Marholmen as your destination? Feel free to contact us here if you'd like a quote for a conference or corporate event.

Easter is fast approaching, and it's the perfect holiday to relax and enjoy some time off with your loved ones. If you're looking to stay at a hotel for Easter right now, Marholmen might be just what you're looking for. We offer a unique combination of relaxation, nature, and activities that will make your Easter celebration a memorable stay in every way.

Easter at Marholmen

Our charming and beautiful atmosphere draws visitors all year round to stay, eat, meet, swim, or simply unwind. Just in time for Easter, the buds begin to open, and sunlight filters through the fresh new leaves. Here, you can celebrate Easter in a way that truly brings spring to life. You can also pick and choose from several accommodation options, whether you're a small or larger group, and of course, you can enjoy a delicious Easter buffet in our restaurant.

Spa hotel during Easter

At Marholmen, Easter isn't just about painting eggs and looking for Easter witches flying in the sky – here, you also get a chance to take care of yourself and your well-being. Our spa hotel is your sanctuary with fantastic views over the jetties and our calm bay. Here, you can relax this Easter with a soothing massage, refreshing Bath, or why not treat yourself to a facial?

Activities for everyone

Besides relaxation, we at Marholmen also offer a wide range of activities for those who want to celebrate Easter in a more active way. Make sure you've packed comfortable clothes and shoes so you can do whatever you feel like. Here you'll find several nature trails for walks and exercise, forest bathing, indoor and outdoor gyms, and several barbecue areas. All so you can enjoy the fresh spring air and celebrate Easter exactly how you wish.

Celebrating Easter at Marholmen isn't just another hotel stay – it's an experience for all your senses. So, why not make this year's Easter extra special and book your stay today?

Are you looking for a place to celebrate your big day? Choosing the perfect wedding venue is one of the most important decisions in the entire planning process, and more and more couples are now opting to celebrate their wedding at a hotel. If you're looking for a unique and memorable place to say 'I do,' Marholmen is the perfect destination. With plenty of space and endless possibilities for celebrations, we'll help you create an unforgettable day with your loved ones.

Why choose Marholmen for your special day?

Idyllic spot

Just a stone's throw from Stockholm, Marholmen is nestled in beautiful nature, surrounded by lush greenery and sparkling water. It's an idyllic spot for a romantic atmosphere that also offers a wonderful sense of peace and quiet.

Experienced in hosting all sorts of celebrations.

At Marholmen, we're used to arranging all kinds of celebrations and have several suitable venues for both large and small groups. With our wide range of activities , you can tailor your wedding day to your own wishes and create a unique experience for your guests. We also have a large network of local suppliers who can help with services that we can't provide ourselves.

Wedding with an overnight stay

By celebrating your wedding at Marholmen, both you and your guests have the option to stay overnight. You can also tailor your stay to your own wishes with a variety of accommodation options. Celebrating your wedding with an overnight stay also creates a wonderful opportunity to continue the festivities the next day, perhaps with a shared breakfast together with your staying guests.

Are you interested in learning more about how we can help you celebrate your big day? Don't hesitate to contact us today, and we'll tell you more.

Is your company looking for the ultimate destination for a memorable kick-off in Stockholm? Then Marholmen in the Stockholm archipelago is the perfect place for you! With an idyllic natural setting and modern facilities, we offer a unique venue for corporate events and kick-off activities.

Read more about all the possibilities for a kick-off with us here >>

We are currently seeking a results-oriented and dedicated hotel manager who wants to join us on our ongoing journey to develop Marholmen Sweden’s premier archipelago destination.

The role

As Hotel Manager at Marholmen , you Marholmen overall responsibility for the operations and development of Marholmen’s accommodation and spa services, including the front desk, housekeeping, and upselling to individual guests and private groups. Together with your team, you will exceed our guests’ expectations and create loyal ambassadors every day. 

You will report to the CEO and be part of the business’s management team. You will be responsible for representing the business’s leadership within your area of responsibility by guiding, leading, and developing your employees and contractors toward the business’s short- and long-term goals, taking into account the perspectives of employees, guests, sustainability, revenue, and profitability. Close collaboration with the Sales and Marketing Manager is essential to realizing the full market potential through joint revenue, positioning, and sales efforts focused on profitable revenue. 

The Hotel Manager has overall responsibility for the hotel’s systems, currently Visbook and its interfaces with support systems, such as payment systems, distribution and booking channels, The Bench, key card systems, etc. 

The hotel manager's general responsibilities are:

• Create guest experiences that make our guests want to come back and recommend us to others.
• Maximize upselling, revenue, and profitability.
• Be responsible for ensuring that your employees grow, are happy working with us, and that staffing levels align with the business’s activity levels.
• Develop products in collaboration with other departments and partners.
• Work with the rest of the management team to develop and implement Marholmen’s current business plan.

Who are you?

• You are accustomed to leading, managing, developing, and overseeing a hotel operation, with all that this entails.
• You are a confident leader who excels at motivating and developing your team, as your success is built on the team’s performance.
• You are sales-oriented and have in-depth knowledge of revenue and profit management
• You have a strategic, holistic perspective and approach your responsibilities in a systematic manner.
• You have experience in management, and it goes without saying that you contribute to the bigger picture beyond your own areas of responsibility.
• You value a holistic approach, collaboration, and teamwork.

Your skills and experience:

• Relevant college education or equivalent
• You have proven experience in hotel management and conference operations. Experience with and an interest in spa operations are a plus.
• You have extensive experience in setting requirements and purchasing services from close partners, such as in the cleaning and spa sectors
• In addition to Visbook/BookVisit, we currently work with a wide variety of systems and applications. Experience and knowledge of similar systems are a plus, and strong proficiency in Microsoft Office is a must.
• Experience with quality and environmental management systems such as ISO, the Nordic Ecolabel, or similar is a plus.
• Manager/Leader
• Excellent knowledge of Swedish and English. Additional languages are a plus.

What can we offer?

Marholmen an island in the Roslagen archipelago, just an hour’s drive from Stockholm. You’ll work alongside a dedicated team in a unique setting. We have strong owners who support our growth and ensure we’re a stable employer.

• We have a collective bargaining agreement and offer competitive employment terms and a range of benefits for our employees. 
• An exciting challenge and the opportunity right now to help shape the direction of our future and be part of our ongoing journey of development.

Terms and Conditions 

This is a permanent position with a 6-month probationary period. 

Application

For this recruitment, we have chosen to partner with Urvalet Executive AB. You can find more information about the recruitment process on Urvalet’s website,www.urvalet.se. Please note: We only accept applications submitted through Urvalet’s website, where you will need to upload your application.

We would like to receive your application as soon as possible. The selection process and interviews will take place on an ongoing basis. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the recruiter in charge at Urvalet: Linda Wiltbourn,linda.wiltbourn@urvalet.se 

In the days leading up to Christmas, we will be closing our beautiful Art Nouveau villa, Villa Berg a careful renovation. The villa will reopen in the summer with a fresh new look, new amenities, and 13 double rooms (instead of the current 14 single rooms).

Here are a few “before” photos. More to come!

Here's an interview with our marketing manager Bibi Rydbacken, published in Tid för Konferens (Time for Conference), a supplement in Dagens Industri, in autumn 2023. Text by Ingela Engblom.

Marholmen has been a place for meetings and relaxation for over a hundred years. Today, it's a modern conference facility offering archipelago experiences all year round. This autumn, "7° Bath & Sauna" is opening. Gather your colleagues for an energizing time with meetings, baths, and team-building activities.

Marholmen is an island in Roslagen near Norrtälje, connected to the mainland by a bridge. The island is full of exciting environments from different eras. One time you might stay and conference in a grand Art Nouveau villa from 1912, next in the modern hotel, or in the cozy cabins. During the warmer months of the year, glamping tents are available for the more adventurous guests.

“The purpose of the meeting determines what works best. No matter how our guests stay, they're always close to the sea. Nature is a common thread in everything we do across the entire business,” says Bibi Rydbacken, Marketing and Sales Manager at Marholmen.

In recent years, we've started a big development journey, and we're already well on our way!

“We're developing Marholmen into an archipelago destination where our guests can create memories all year round, while carefully preserving the island's soul, nature, and history,” she explains.

In the early 1900s, Marholmen was owned by the merchant Nils Berg and his wife Hanna. The couple were involved in social issues and donated the island to the labor movement (LO) to build a retreat for women working in factories. In the 20s, an adult education center was also started on the island, and that's how it all began. – Today, we're a meeting place that welcomes both conference and private guests for meetings, relaxation, Bath, and casual get-togethers.

One of Marholmen's strengths is that groups of all sizes feel right at home here. Smaller meetings can get their own villa, with Villa Berg being the largest, featuring 14 rooms. The historic Strandpaviljongen can be rented for private dinners or Christmas parties for up to 90 guests. Our biggest meeting room fits 180 people, while events and kickoffs with lots of attendees can rent the entire island, which has accommodation for almost 400 people.

“The nature here on the island gives us fantastic opportunities to tailor different kinds of meetings. A big advantage is that we have our own professional activity team that creates unique setups based on each customer's purpose and needs,” says Bibi Rydbacken.  

New this autumn is the outdoor Bath area ”7° Bath & Sauna” where groups of up to 50 people can enjoy warm outdoor Baths in tubs, saunas, cold dips in the sea, and comfy lounges. The idea is for guests to spend most of their time outdoors.

“The average temperature throughout the year here at Marholmen is seven degrees – hence the name. We believe in lots of wonderful jetty and sauna relaxation, all year round and in all weathers,” concludes Bibi.

Facts about Marholmen

• 34 hectares of archipelago nature.
• An hour by car from Stockholm, Uppsala, and Arlanda.
• Meeting rooms for up to 180 participants
• 50 modern hotel rooms with a balcony or terrace
• 40 newly renovated cottages with a living room, sauna, and fireplace.
• A total of 200 rooms and 368 beds
• Our own activity team organizes things like Marholmen's Masters, Boat Orienteering, or Carpet Curling tournaments.
• We can serve your conference lunch outdoors around an open fire.
• Mareld Spa with treatments, indoor and outdoor Baths & sun therapy