If you walk into a hotel and the first thing you see is a kayak hanging from the ceiling, you’ve probably reached the Scandic Downtown Camper Stockholm. It’s weird. Honestly, it shouldn't work as well as it does, but it manages to strike this odd balance between a high-end boutique stay and a rugged basecamp for people who actually want to go outside. Most people hear "Scandic" and think of the massive Nordic chain—which it is—but this specific property feels like the black sheep of the family. In a good way.
It’s right there on Brunkebergstorg. Ten years ago, this square was basically a concrete wasteland that locals avoided. Now? It’s the pulse of the city's "urban escape" scene. You’ve got the flashy Six and At Six hotels nearby, but the Downtown Camper is the one where people are actually wearing beanies and drinking craft beer in the lobby.
The Vibe Check at Scandic Downtown Camper Stockholm
Forget the stuffy check-in desks.
The lobby is more of a communal living room. It's loud, it's busy, and there’s usually a fire pit going. The design language is heavy on "reclaimed wood meets industrial chic." Think leather, wool, and plenty of places to plug in a laptop. It feels like a place where a startup founder and a backpacker would both feel comfortable, which is a hard needle to thread.
They call their staff "Camp Leaders." It sounds a bit cheesy on paper, right? But in practice, these people actually know the city. They aren't just handing out maps; they’re organizing group runs, yoga sessions on the roof, and film screenings. It’s an intentional effort to kill the loneliness that usually comes with business travel.
Living in a "Camp" Room
The rooms are where the "camper" theme gets literal. You aren't going to find a gold-plated bidet here. Instead, you get window nooks with cushions. You get hooks for your gear. Some of the larger suites, like the "Master Camper" setup, can house up to 12 people. It’s basically a high-end hostel for adults who have jobs but still want to hang out with their friends.
The beds are classic Scandic quality—firm, clean, and predictably comfortable. But the real win is the functional space. If you’ve ever stayed in a tiny European hotel room and wondered where the heck to put your suitcase, you’ll appreciate the layout here. Everything is designed to be used, not just looked at.
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The Rooftop Situation: The Nest
Let’s talk about The Nest. It’s their wellness center on the top floor, and it’s arguably the best part of the whole building. There is an outdoor pool that stays heated year-round. Floating in 38-degree water while looking out over the Stockholm skyline while it’s snowing outside is a core memory kind of experience.
It’s not free for everyone, though. Unless you’re in a premium room, you usually have to pay an extra fee to access the pool and sauna area. Some people find that annoying. Honestly, it’s probably for the best because otherwise, it would be a crowded mess. They keep the numbers limited so it actually stays relaxing. The sauna is shaped like a giant bird's nest (hence the name), and the views of the City Hall and the Old Town (Gamla Stan) are unbeatable.
Eating and Drinking at Camp
The main restaurant, Campfire, revolves around—you guessed it—an open fire.
The food isn't just Swedish meatballs. It’s a bit more global than that. You’ve got charred vegetables, grilled meats, and a lot of "family style" sharing plates. The breakfast buffet is a beast. If you haven't had a Scandic breakfast before, you’re in for a treat. We’re talking about 15 types of bread, smoked fish, ginger shots, and enough coffee to vibrate your way through a 4-hour walking tour of Södermalm.
One thing to note: it gets loud. If you want a quiet, romantic candlelit dinner where you can hear a pin drop, this isn't the spot. Go to a cellar in Gamla Stan for that. Come here if you want energy.
Why the Location Actually Matters
Being at Brunkebergstorg means you are central. Not "ten-minute bus ride" central, but "walk to the Royal Palace in eight minutes" central.
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- Shopping: You are a stone's throw from Drottninggatan and NK (the fancy department store).
- Transit: The T-Centralen (Central Station) is a five-minute walk. If you’re taking the Arlanda Express from the airport, you can be at the hotel bar twenty minutes after your train pulls into the city.
- The Old Town: Cross the bridge and you're in the medieval heart of the city.
The downside? It’s a busy area. It’s not a quiet residential street. If you want the "local living" feel of a quiet street in Vasastan, this will feel a bit too much like the center of the universe.
Sustainability and the "Scandic Way"
Scandic as a brand has been obsessed with sustainability since the 90s. They were the ones who started the "hang your towel if you want to reuse it" trend that every hotel in the world does now. At Downtown Camper, they take it further. They don't use plastic straws, they weigh their food waste to reduce it, and they encourage guests to borrow bikes, skateboards, or kayaks instead of taking taxis.
They even have a "Sound Effect" policy where they use specific acoustic designs to make the open spaces feel less chaotic. It’s these small details that make a massive hotel feel like a well-oiled machine rather than a factory.
The Community Element
Most hotels want you to stay in your room and order expensive minibar snacks. This place is the opposite. They want you in the lobby. They want you joining their "Community Table" dinners. They have a DIY workshop area where you can fix your bike or just tinker. It’s a very specific vibe that targets the modern traveler who values experiences over thread counts.
Is it perfect? No. Sometimes the elevator wait times are a bit much during peak checkout hours. And if you aren't into the "outdoor enthusiast" aesthetic, the decor might feel a bit try-hard. But for 90% of people visiting Stockholm who want to be in the middle of everything without staying in a boring, beige box, it’s a top-tier choice.
Practical Insights for Your Stay
If you’re planning to book a room at the Scandic Downtown Camper Stockholm, there are a few things you should know to get the most out of it.
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First, check the event calendar on their website before you arrive. They often have DJs, guest speakers, or specialized workshops that are free for guests. It’s a great way to meet locals, as many Stockholmers actually use the hotel as a workspace or hangout spot.
Second, don't miss the "Net." In some of the common areas, they have giant cargo nets suspended over the atrium that you can actually lay on. It’s terrifying for a second, then it’s the most relaxing thing ever.
Third, if you’re traveling with a group or a large family, ask about the connecting rooms. They have a unique system where you can essentially "block off" a whole wing of a floor to create a private apartment-style setup. It’s much better than trying to coordinate across different floors.
Actionable Steps for Travelers:
- Book the Nest in advance. Don't wait until you arrive to try and get a slot for the rooftop pool. It sells out, especially on weekends.
- Use the gear. Don't just look at the bikes and kayaks. Stockholm is a city built on 14 islands; seeing it from the water is a completely different experience than walking the streets.
- Explore the neighborhood. Brunkebergstorg has some of the best rooftop bars in the city. Check out "Tak" right across the square for a Japanese-Swedish fusion drink with a view.
- Skip the taxi. Use the SL (Stockholm Public Transport) app. The hotel is so close to the subway that a taxi is almost always a waste of money and time.
- Look for the "Camp Leader" board. It’s usually near the entrance and lists the daily activities. Even if you’re a solo traveler, joining the morning run is the fastest way to get your bearings in the city.
Stockholm is a city that prides itself on being "Lagom"—not too much, not too little, just right. The Downtown Camper pushes that boundary a bit, leaning into "a bit more," but it does so with a genuine soul that most big-box hotels lack. Whether you're there for the rooftop pool or just the central location, it's a solid base for exploring the Swedish capital.