TOURISM TREND: A WEEKEND IN THE WOODS, WITHOUT INTERNET OR SCREENS

In a world where screens constantly demand our attention and daily life becomes increasingly digital and fast-paced, more and more people are feeling the urge to escape—not to a luxurious resort, but straight into the heart of silence.

PHOTO: Kolarbyn Eco Lodge

So-called “Robinson-style” tourism, which involves staying in nature without technological comforts, is growing in popularity among those looking to disconnect, restore balance, and breathe deeply in peace.

One such retreat can be found in the dense forests near the village of Skinnskatteberg in Sweden, just a two-hour drive from Stockholm. Kolarbyn Eco Lodge is often referred to as “Sweden’s most primitive hostel,” and the title is well deserved.

This unique accommodation offers a complete digital detox and an authentic experience of living in nature—with no electricity, running water, internet, or any other “blessings” of the modern world.

LIFE AT KOLARBYN

At Kolarbyn, guests sleep in handmade forest huts covered with moss and grass, resembling something straight out of a fairytale or an ancient forest legend. The interiors are rustic and simple—two wooden beds, sheepskin covers instead of bedding, sleeping bags, and a small wood-burning stove for warmth. The floors are made of earth, and the only light comes from kerosene lamps. Guests must make their own fires, cook meals on an open hearth, and fetch water from a nearby spring. Everything you do here—you do with your own hands.

THE FOREST AS HOST

What makes this hostel truly one-of-a-kind is not just its minimalist lifestyle, but its proximity to untouched nature. Nearby lies a crystal-clear lake, perfect for swimming, canoeing, or simply watching the trees reflected in its still waters. Guests have free access to canoes and bicycles, and the surrounding hiking trails lead through thick woods and hilly landscapes, ideal for wildlife watching and forest adventures.

In collaboration with local guides, visitors can take part in various activities—from nighttime forest walks and beaver or moose spotting, to survival workshops, mushroom and berry foraging, and even fishing.

LUXURY IN A SPARTAN SPIRIT

Kolarbyn even has its own “forest spa”—a lakeside wooden sauna that you heat yourself by burning wood. Bathing takes place in the wild, water is heated over a fire, and toilets are dry and well-maintained, though without flushing. The entire concept is built around sustainability—waste is sorted and composted, there’s no light pollution, and everything is designed to leave as little impact on the environment as possible.

PRICING PACKAGES

Prices vary depending on the package, but the most popular option is the “Romantic Weekend”—a two-day stay including a private sauna session, firewood, sleeping bags, and canoe use, all for around €530. Meals are not included—guests can forage, fish, or bring their own food that can be easily prepared over an open flame.

In summer, demand for Kolarbyn soars, as Swedish forests quite literally come alive. Many come precisely for that—to flee the digital world, find inner peace, reset their minds, and rediscover the beauty of simple existence.