Above and Beyond: Discover the Summer Rooftop Terraces of Nordic Hotels & Resorts

As summer unfurls across the Nordics, it brings with it a unique charm that is best experienced from the heights of a rooftop. At Nordic Hotels & Resorts, we offer an array of rooftop experiences, ranging from tranquil nature retreats to sleek pools. Join us as we explore how these spaces transform into hubs of activity, relaxation, and unforgettable moments under the summer sky.

Summer in the Nordics is a season of contrasts. With cool winds and an everlasting midnight sun in the north, to a coastal climate in the south reminiscent of the Mediterranean, the Nordics can be said to have it all. Nowhere is this multifaceted season better experienced than on a rooftop terrace. Here's how our hotels across the Nordics activate their rooftops during summer—from soothing nature resorts to vibrant city escapes. 

With Nature as a Backdrop

Often in remote places, the serene rooftops found at many of our resorts provide the perfect setting to connect with nature. Whether nestled in the beautiful archipelago or hiding high in the mountains, these terraces are designed to enhance the natural beauty of their environments.

Beaming on a forested headland in the Swedish archipelago, Yasuragi is one of these destinations. This onsen-inspired bathhouse, evoking the Japanese ryokans of old, makes the most of nature on its big terrace. It is on this balcony that summers at Yasuragi are best spent; guests are welcome to enjoy drinks and bites here every day of the week. The magical view of the Stockholm inlet is always included in the meal. 

Eva Ottosson Rask is the General Manager of Yasuragi. She is proud of the big investments they’ve made in this year’s terrace—not only in new furniture but also in creating an inviting atmosphere.

– Our terrace has beautiful views all year, but summer might just be when Stockholm shows itself from its best side. This year, we have refurbished the entire terrace. We always ensure that both our guests and the locals know they are welcome here, including guests who don’t stay overnight or visit the baths. Our terrace is too good to keep to ourselves, says Eva Ottosson Rask.

Can’t get enough water views? Head to the relaxing Farris Bad in Larvik, southern Norway. When not trying out the spa resort’s abundance of saunas, pools, and treatments, guests can recharge with the rooftop terrace’s awe-inspiring ocean panorama. This is the perfect spot to enjoy summery drinks and snacks while watching the sunset over the vast, tranquil blue.

Heading further north, the iconic ski resort Copperhill Mountain Lodge might not seem like the natural choice for experiencing summer in the Nordics. However, don’t let its reputation as one of Sweden’s premier ski destinations fool you; being perched at the top of Förberget gives its terrace a magnificent view over the Åreskutan mountain area and the Indalsälven river. This is the perfect place for guests to enjoy after-hikes and after-bikes this summer.

Copperhill isn't the only one that boasts a beautiful landscape. Selma Spa in Sunne, Sweden, has a rooftop terrace overlooking the picturesque Fryken Lake. Selma Spa mixes fitness and movement with every spa treatment under the sun, so it's only natural that its terrace is made for winding down after a day of pampering. 

City Rooftops Alive with Energy

Turning to the capitals, many of its hotels’ rooftops are like extensions of the city’s social scene. Take Stockholm Under Stjärnorna, Swedish for “Stockholm under the stars”, for example. This rooftop park on top of the glamorous hotel At Six can take up to 1000 guests, and it is where Stockholm’s summer nights come alive. SUS hosts everything from open-air cinema nights and red carpet events to football match screenings and Pride parties, making it a cultural hotspot. For Ida-Maja Tejle, General Manager at At Six, SUS is the city’s natural watering hole.

– SUS is open every day during summer, making it the preferred stop for lunches, late-night drinks and everything in between. The 360 view of the skyline, with its mix of old rooftops and construction cranes, creates an inimitable atmosphere, one that SUS really has trademarked. This is where tourists and locals come to enjoy summer, together, says Ida-Maja Tejle.

Take right after the small bridge from SUS and you’ve arrived at renowned rooftop restaurant TAK Stockholm. Taking up the two top floors of Hobo Hotel, TAK offers an all-year rooftop experience that captures the playfulness of its Nordic-Japanese philosophy. Summers up here brings its own sets of themed parties, like the nightclub Project Panorama, as well as the Izakaya Kräftskiva, a Japanese take on the classic Swedish crayfish party.

Following the success of TAK Stockholm, TAK Oslo opened in Norway in 2022. Situated on top of hotel Sommerro, this iteration features the same culinary philosophy as its sibling—but here it is all framed by the splendid interiors of New York/London studio GrecoDeco. This summer, the main restaurant’s floor closes for a quick hiatus. Instead, the Izakaya Bar & Terrace floor is in charge of all the fun and bustle. Expect DJ’s every weekend, paired with exciting cocktails and enticing street food.

While in the up and coming Oslo, don’t miss THE THIEF and its rooftop terrace in the trendy Tjuvholmen district. During summer, the terrace becomes a hub for live music, DJ sets and intimate concerts, with cocktails and wines flowing. Heading up to the stylish terrace, chances are you’ll pass art pieces by the likes of Damien Hirst and Richard Prince. For THE THIEF’s General Manager Robert Holan, it is important for the hotel to mirror the city’s pulse.

– There is something magical about taking the elevator up to our rooftop. The pulse you feel here is different from the pulse of the main property. Our rooftop is defined by the rhythm, sound of clinking glasses, and happy people that create that unique, lively atmosphere of THE THIEF, says Robert Holan.

Looking east, the Finnish capital of Helsinki bursts with exciting culture, both high-brow and underground. The best way to experience this, while at the same time enjoying the Helsinki skyline, is at hotel Klaus K’s Sky Terrace. Up on the seventh floor of the hotel is a rooftop where guests get that down-to-earth yet whimsical friendliness that Finnish culture is known for. The newly initiated Jazz and Open Stage Nights are a perfect example of this, featuring a pianist and singer, with opportunities for guests to join in on the fun.

Sanna Koroleva-Räst is the Meetings and Events Manager at Klaus K. For her, the Sky Terrace should be as welcoming as it is lively.

– We host a variety of events to really give guests a taste of the Helsinki culture. Last year, we proudly served as an official Pride House for Pride Month, and this year, we're continuing the tradition and celebrating Pride with activities, like for example a Drag Queen Show up on the Sky Terrace. We expect a night filled with beauty, attitude, high heels and an authentic Pride energy, says Sanna Koroleva-Räst.

Dive Into the View at These Rooftop Pools

While Nordic winters are exceptionally cold, its summers can get scorchingly hot. For these days, few things are as soothing as a rooftop pool—and no one does it better than the pool terrace of the exquisite Villa Copenhagen. Despite being located in the city center, overlooking the hotel’s beautiful facade and the neighboring Tivoli’s skyline, the chic pool area of Villa Copenhagen offers a peaceful retreat from the urban hustle. Swimmers can enjoy poolside cocktails, sunset sauna sessions, and a guilt-free plunge in the sustainably heated pool.

– At Villa Copenhagen, we focus on creating unique and memorable experiences around our pool. Our Hangover Sundays are a good example of this. This is a summer campaign running throughout July and August where guests can cure their headaches with a refreshing dip, cocktails, pizzas from our bakery Rug, and much more. It’s our way of creating a vibrant and dynamic space, meant for both relaxation and enjoyment, says Peter Høgh Pedersen, General Manager of Villa Copenhagen.

Equally as central yet secluded is the rooftop pool of Sommerro in Oslo. Sommerro’s rooftop on the seventh floor is an excellent spot for leisurely strokes in the pool and lazy days in the plush cabanas. Those who prefer to stay away from heights do not need to fret: Sommerro is happy to have you down at Vestkantbadet, its carefully restored historical bath, complete with well-equipped treatment rooms, saunas, a gym and more.

Less than a one hour car ride from Oslo you’ll find the sunny Hotel Riviera, where the party never stops. Ascend to the 14th floor of this cosmopolitan resort and you’ve arrived at the hotel’s pool and wellness terrace. This chic oasis offers the ultimate escape from the daily grind, where guests can unwind in the warm indoor/outdoor pool, while the nearby bar serves up refreshing drinks to keep the vacation mood alive. With sparkling cocktails, lounge beats, and the vibes of Côte d'Azur, Hotel Riviera’s pool season stretches across the entire year. 

High above the heart of Gothenburg, Sweden, Avalon Hotel’s rooftop terrace is a social hub on the Swedish west coast. This landmark welcomes guests daily up to its secluded pool area. The newly renovated terrace shows off a unique design where part of the pool extends freely over Kungsportsplatsen, offering an exhilarating swimming experience. From Midsummer to mid-August, the terrace is fully staffed, ensuring guests can effortlessly order drinks from the ground floor bar, delivered straight to their lounge chair.

Last, but certainly not least, we turn to the northern parts of Norway, and the embodiment of the Northern spirit: Wood Hotel Bodø. This newly opened outdoor resort proudly draws inspiration from the nature of Bodø and its local traditions. The resort’s wellbeing area on the top eight floor offers a holistic retreat and a stunning pool with endless views.

In the summers, guests at Wood Hotel Bodø are treated to the unforgettable natural phenomenon that is the midnight sun. During the summer months, the sun never sets in these parts of the world above the Arctic circle; instead, it showers heaven and earth in a golden glow—all night. From Wood Hotel Bodø’s rooftop pool, guests have a front-row seat to this once-in-a-lifetime experience.