Skip to main content

Vipp Shelter Hotel Is a ‘Human Charging Station’ in the Remote Swedish Wilderness

VippHotel Youtube

For all the time we humans spend insulating ourselves with the trappings of modern, digital life, it seems more and more that we’re also looking to escape those same “conveniences.” Now, one Danish company is rethinking the idea of a proper digital detox by updating the traditional cabin-on-the-lake getaway in the most Scandinavian way possible.

The Vipp Shelter Hotel is a series of prefabricated structures placed in remote locations throughout Sweden. The steel and glass boxes feature a sleek, minimalist design that’s clever enough to stay out of its own way. Floor-to-ceiling windows run the entire width of the house, offering sweeping views of the country’s pristine wilderness and lakes. The pared-down, black-on-black decor eschews any non-essential elements or frilly accents. It’s everything you need, nothing you don’t.

Of course, this doesn’t mean guests should expect to live like ascetic monks during their visit. Every shelter is outfitted with the necessary creature comforts. There’s a simple, comfortable bedroom with wide skylights, a well-equipped kitchen at the center of the unit, and a relaxed living area with a wood-burning fireplace. More important is what you won’t find at the Vipp Shelter Hotel: a television, computer, clocks, or Wi-Fi. Here, you won’t — you can’t — descend into the push-notification-fueled feedback loop of Facebook, Instagram, and a 24-hour political news cycle. It’s pure, disconnected bliss. Think of it as a Faraday Cage for your soul.

Not long ago, it was easy to go hours — even days — without Internet access. Now, we’re addicted to our smartphones and ever-present Wi-Fi. So, it’s no surprise we’re craving truly off-grid getaways. A handful of U.S. companies already offer digital detox solutions. FreeHouse is one of our favorites. Think of it as Airbnb for off-grid accommodations where you can book remote cabins, isolated yurts, and private desert canyon homes far from civilization. GlampingHub provides similar accommodations, with an albeit more luxury slant.

Given the Scandinavian culture’s naturally calm demeanor and fact that they’re routinely ranked among the happiest people in the world, they’re clearly onto something.

Vipp Shelter Hotel is bookable directly through the Vipp website with rates starting at €600 (USD $740) per night for up to two adults.

Mike Richard
Mike Richard has traveled the world since 2008. He's kayaked in Antarctica, tracked endangered African wild dogs in South…
Denver travel guide: Where to stay, what to eat, and more
Here's how to have a great time in Denver
Denver Colorado

Denver is a one-of-a-kind city. A unique crossover of the Colorado hippie and high plains cowboy cultures, it's got a vibe unto its own. Offering everything from sports to art to the legal sale of weed, Denver has something for everyone in a cityscape that is generally designed well, making it easy to navigate. Traffic is relatively low, app-rented bikes and scooters plentiful, and wide bike lanes abound. Very exploration friendly.

To that end, here are a few suggestions for how to best enjoy your exploration. A lot has changed in Denver over the past few years, but I visited recently and dug into the latest and greatest in regard to where to stay, eat, and have fun.

Read more
Hit the open road with one of these top 5 motorcycle road trips
Capture the last of summer and first of fall with these moto road trips
motorcycle road trip routes in the sunset

As summer begins to fade into the fall, we start to settle in for the cooler months. We start to make preparations to wear cashmere sweaters and start layering for the cold and wet weather. Our summer clothes get packed away, and we start to make room in the closet for the next few months. But don't relinquish your summer too soon; you still have time to break out the motorcycle for one of the more beloved road trips in the United States.

All of the best road trips have a combination of open spaces, great views, and tourist stops that will keep you entertained the entire time you are gone. Once you ensure you have the right bike for your height and weight, you should pack tools for every eventuality on the road and clothes for every environment, from sun-baked deserts to snowy mountain tops. Also, you should absolutely pack for frequent snack breaks.

Read more
The best breweries in America: The ultimate bucket list if you love craft beer
Want to combine craft beer and travel? These breweries have great ales and more — worth booking a vacation for
Prairie Artisan Ales Brewery

If you didn’t know it, there are currently more than 9,000 (yes, you read that right) breweries operating in the U.S. That’s a lot of IPAs, pilsners, and barrel-aged stouts. Honestly, it’s way more beer than you or I could ever hope to drink. This also means there are a ton of breweries that, to put it a bit bluntly, aren’t worth your time. There are also a lot of great outfits, brewing award-winning beers. There are also a few that stand above the rest both in terms of quality and atmosphere. These are the bucket list breweries that every beer fan should visit at least once.

The best part? These gems can be found all over the country. There are Chicago breweries, Asheville breweries, and outstanding, can’t-miss breweries from Petaluma to St. Pete. We’re talking names like Tree House Brewery, Russian River Brewing, Brewery Ommegang, and Portland, Maine’s stalwart Allagash Brewing to name a few.

Read more