A floating rustic cabin that offers a three sixty-degree view of marine life

There are some places on earth, waiting to show their infinite beauty and wonder to the world. Mountains, seabed, and green shrouded hills are some of the examples. If you are someone who loves the idea of living in a rustic cabin that floats on and below a lake, Otter Inn is the place for you.

Vasteras is one of Sweden’s oldest cities and is found on the shore of the rippling Lake Malaren. Otter Inn is a charmingly rustic cabin that floats on and below the lake, located just a short boat trip from Vasteras harbour. The brainchild of local artist Mikael Genberg, from the moment you step off the boat and into your cabin, you know this will be an incredibly special stay! From the port, guests are sent 1km to the hotel in the lake. All visitors then step on a floating deck around a red house or shed with a white main door and provided with an inflatable boat. The colours of red and white depict a typical Swedish cottage.

The deck has two chairs for the visitors to sit and relax while enjoying their view of the natural habitat. Bedside lamps are powered by batteries and many candles are provided, as there is not any electricity supply. Consequently, it is advisable to recharge your cell phone or any other electrical gadgets before arriving at Otter Inn. Before being left alone, visitors are given instructions.

The cabin is free of electricity, and you get plenty of time to spend time with your partner, or just with yourself, in peace and tranquillity. A glass of wine, relaxing on the deck is just what the doctors ordered. Inside, the room above water is furnished with handy kitchen equipment, with heat and light powered by gas. There is also plenty of freshwaters, a fridge, and a dry toilet. 

Climb downstairs by evening to the cosy bedroom set three meters below water, with large windows in all four directions that are ideal for fish-spotting! With the gentle rocking motion of the water and a comfy bed, you're set for a sound night's sleep.

Enjoy morning coffee and plan your day back out on the decking, waving to all the friendly boats that drift by. Guests may be provided with breakfast in cooler bags, as soon as they have arrived. Paying for the deluxe version, visitors are served dinner. Such a dinner is bought to guests by boat in the evening. For exploring further afar, visitors can use their inflatable canoe to get to a nearby uninhabited island. There is also the option to sunbathe upstairs on the hotel deck, swim around the hotel in the lake and watch the fish. Fish sightseeing can be done from within the bottom room (an aquarium-like experience except the aquarium is a major natural environment) or from above the surface of the lake’s water. Technically the visitor in the hotel is in the aquarium and it can be quite unusual to have fish watching you as you sleep in the Otter Inn.

This floating hotel is classified as self-service and is designed to accommodate two people at a time. This hotel is more about adventure and having an unusual experience than the conventional hotel experience. The Otter Inn is open in the summer months and the hotel has gained in popularity during those months