Marholmen – a hundred years of hotel, Bath, and meetings in the Roslagen archipelago.

Here, our marketing manager Bibi Rydbacken tells journalist Oliver Hugemark about Marholmen during an interview for Scan Magazine in summer 2023.

1. Tell us about your origins and history, as well as memorable milestones on your journey.

People have bathed, laughed, rested, grown, met, and enjoyed Marholmen for over a hundred years, and we have a beautiful heritage to look after.

In 1913, Nils & Hanna Berg donated part of the island to the labor movement (LO) to establish a retreat and a school for women working in factories. The school's first principal was Natanael Beskow, who was married to the famous children's book author Elsa. During the summers, they lived on Marholmen and stood together on the pier to welcome the new students to the island. You can sense inspiration from Marholmen in some of Elsa's fairy tales.

Today, Marholmen is owned and developed by the Swedish Municipal Workers' Union, and we are convinced that we at Marholmen have the opportunity to contribute to a better society.

2. Tell us about your values, passion, sources of inspiration, and what drives you and your employees?

Marholmen isn't a Mediterranean resort. It's an island nestled in Swedish nature. Here, every season feels like its own special celebration, and our guests enjoy a stay that truly embraces everything an island in Roslagen has to offer – our food, our history, our culture, and our unique way of life.

The warm atmosphere and the genuine, thoughtful service make everyone feel at home. We want our guests to leave feeling like they've had a wonderful experience they'll want to return to and share with others.

3. Tell us about the relationship you and your business have with the Roslagen archipelago?

In classical mythology, islands are where the gods live. Everyone is welcome to Marholmen. The bridge to Marholmen is like a gateway to another world, embraced by water, offering unique experiences, adventures, and memories for life.

At Marholmen, you get the chance to escape the city's hustle and bustle and instead embrace the peace and beauty of the surrounding nature.

4. What's unique about staying with us?

I often meet guests who spent their summer holidays at Marholmen as children and continue the tradition by coming back again and again with their own kids. Many guests who come here for a kickoff or conference return with family and friends – and vice versa! I think it's because of the relaxed atmosphere, the beautiful nature, the delicious food, and the fact that there's always something new to discover and do, as we're a place that's constantly evolving.

5. What are the most popular activities and excursions at the hotel and on the island?

Bath, paddling, boat trips, and glamping on rafts moored by Rackaren island are just a few of the many activities available on the island. All year round, you can enjoy Mareld Spa with light therapy, or grab a 'Kolbulle' (a traditional Swedish pancake) cooked over an open fire at one of our barbecue spots. At Badholmen, you can try cold baths, sauna, and relax in our hot tubs. A new addition this autumn is the outdoor Bath 7° Bath & Sauna. For groups, there's also a wide range of activities that suit everyone, including challenging your colleagues on the 'Marholmen Masters' activity course – which is just as much fun as it sounds!

6. What options do your guests have to customize their stay with you?

As a guest at Marholmen, you have many accommodation options. You can choose between staying in a comfortable hotel room with its own terrace or balcony, a charming Marholmen cottage, or a distinctive villa – there's something for everyone. For those seeking a unique experience, Marholmen also offers glamping tents on Rackaren island during the summer months, and pitches with electricity for those bringing their own accommodation year-round.

7. Finally, what's the best thing about Marholmen, simply put?

We're carrying on Nils and Hanna's legacy by making it possible for many to experience, meet, and relax at Marholmen. We hope and believe they would be proud of today's Marholmen and happy that everyone is still welcome here, more than a hundred years later.