Forest Hut Hotel, Kolarbyn, Sweden

This is what I would call going back to the bare minimum. It looks like a dwelling made on one of those survival shows you may have seen on the TV. Yup, it sure gives you the feeling of being one with nature.

These huts can be found in Kolarbyn, Sweden. At the moment, there are 12 of them and the only luxuries are two hard beds with sheep skin rugs and a wood heater.

Kolarbyn is located at lake Skärsjön which is ideal for fishing. You will need a fishing permit though which can be obtained at the reception.

To experience a stay in one of these huts will cost you a little less then $50 a night and half that amount for children. Breakfast is available for a cheap price and an extra bed for a child is free and can be arranged; just ask. Dogs and other pets are welcome too.

You may think this is a rather steep price for a hut, but it also included:
A guided walk in Kolarbyn, isolation mats, firewood for self-cutting, water, access to fire places, primitive kitchen facilities and equipment, dish place with running water in the creek, waste separation bins for recycling, access to big hut with tables and 45 seats, canoe and wooden rowing boat, free parking, and candles and matches.

You will need the latter because there is no electricity and water can be fetch from a forest well which is regularly tested and government approved as excellent drinking water. Outhouses are available, but for showers you can either dive into the lake, wash at the creek, or take a hot shower at the shared showers at Borntorpet which is less then 2 miles away.

Of course you can always use the floating sauna on the lake which accommodates 10 people; just keep in mind you have to cut your own fire wood and heat up the sauna yourself.

Reservations can be made between June 1 until August 30, and for the weekends from the last weekend of April until the first weekend in October. Make sure to reserve your accommodation at least one day in advance.

It sure is primitive, but that does have a certain charm and if you are a minimalist and like the simple way of life; you will absolutely be in your element!