(Feature story from the Field Book Issue 1)

The small village of Åre in northern Sweden has been an epicentre of tourism for well over a century, with the first ski lift being installed as early as 1940. These days, Åre is the biggest ski resort in northern Europe, with a bustling vibe and an authentic ski culture. Hotel Granen, located on a steep road just above the village square, is one of the longest-standing establishments in town, dating back to 1916. Since then, the hotel has been carefully expanded and renovated.

Stepping through the doors at Granen feels almost like coming home, even if you’ve never been here before. The staff greets you with a friendly smile and a soft demeanour, combining more than 100 years of hospitality experience with the Scandinavian tradition of maintaining a respectful distance.
Slip down in front of the fireplace with a drink in hand to chat about the day’s skiing, or enjoy the sauna downstairs in the spa area. After all, this is a place for slowing down and reconnecting with yourself, your friends, and your loved ones in a rustic and warm atmosphere.

At dinnertime, the kitchen serves up dishes that use carefully selected, local ingredients, perfectly complementing the hotel’s wilderness surroundings. Contrary to what one would think, fresh seafood is a staple item on the menu. After all, the ice-cold waters of the North Atlantic are no more than an hour and a half away. The wine cellar also happens to be one of the best in town, curated by sommelier and rapper Petter Alexis Askergren, one of Sweden’s most successful music artists over the past 25 years, who also happens to be one of the hotel’s co-owners. In keeping with Granen’s general outlook, however, there’s no aggressive promotion of the wine list–it is just there if you want it. And that’s just the Scandinavian way of doing things.