Architecture Adventure – Curiosity First

A hidden gem by Lake Roxen, Stångåmynningen now welcomes curious visitors with a brand-new shelter, birdwatching tower and jetty. From here, you can spot goosanders, white-tailed eagles and more. A treat for the lucky few: the Kingfisher!

In the Getterön nature reserve north of Varberg, sea and land meet in a teeming wetland with a rich bird life. The Kärven bird observation tower is a three-dimensional puzzle that enhances the value of the site and creates a stimulating environment for curious visitors. A treat for the lucky few: the American pipit!

A UNESCO-listed wetland biosphere, this summer also represented at Biennale Architettura 2025 in Venice, is home to hundreds of bird species. From cranes to sea eagles almost in the middle of the city. One of Europe’s richest bird habitats, where nature and conservation meet. A treat for the lucky few: the black tern!

At the newly transformed Slussen, Vattentorget offers a front-row seat to the shifting tides between Lake Mälaren and the Baltic Sea – a public space shaped by architecture, water, and movement. Just inaugurated, Södermalmstorg and Mälartrappan extend the experience, connecting levels and lives across this dynamic city junction between Gamla stan and Södermalm.

Fun fact: Slussen has a new local celebrity – an otter! This rare but welcome visitor was recently spotted in the new fish migration tunnel and quickly captured the hearts of locals. Following a public vote, the otter was named Bernadutter – a playful nod to Sweden’s royal family and a fitting counterpart to nearby Victoriaslussen, named after Crown Princess Victoria.

In Gothenburg’s new Masthuggskajen district, Våghuset rises like a wave – a 13-storey tribute to the Göta River just beyond. With its fluid glass façade and sculptural clarity, it brings light, rhythm and presence to a fast-growing part of the city. Next door, Brick Studios offers a grounded counterpoint in warm brick and robust detailing. Together, they form a confident duo – movement and stillness, glass and clay.

Stretch your legs around Järntorget and Långgatorna – a short stroll away, packed with local spots for fika, design browsing or just watching the city go by.

Once an overlooked and desolate part of central Stockholm, five office buildings, four streets, two city squares and a shopping gallery have experienced a true modern-day renaissance. A bold gesture in urban revitalisation, the value and heritage of the 70´s office block is emphasised through a transformation into a bustling hub.

Settle in on Hobo’s leafy terrace and take in the buzz of the square – or head up to TAK for skyline views and a dinner worth lingering over.

Housing venues for arts, performance and literature as well as a hotel, Sara Cultural Centre is one of the world’s tallest timber buildings to date. Located just below the Arctic Circle in northern Sweden, Skellefteå has a long tradition of timber building and the raw material of the building is sourced from forests in the region.

World-class acoustics and a grand entrance worthy of the original building. When Örebro Concert Hall was rebuilt, the focus was on contemporary design and the audience. Home of the world-renowned Swedish Chamber Orchestra.

The Hippodrome is Malmö City Theatre’s main stage. Originally built as a circus building at the end of the 19th century, the building is now ready after extensive renovation – a warm and more accessible meeting place ready to open up to city life and a wider audience. The renovation has fused new architectural expressions with historical elements from the original circus venue.

Perched at a dramatic 67° angle and soaring 11 metres tall, the lifeguard tower at Tylösand is an arresting blend of form and function. As guardians of public safety, it’s a striking testament to vigilance and sculptural presence.

Craving something sweet after a day on duty (or just lounging)? Zancottis Gelato is a beloved spot about 8 km away. A bit of a walk – but consider it a scenic pilgrimage for excellent chocolate.

Bay Watch Swirl

• 1 scoop dark chocolate gelato
• 1 scoop creamy vanilla
• A drizzle of rich chocolate sauce
• A flake of sea salt on top

Southend is the Pier. Since 1835, it’s been the heart of the town – a civic landmark with deep cultural ties. Over time, its sparkle faded. But today, following a bold redesign by us, it’s been revived as a contemporary attraction with exceptional environmental credentials. A carbon-neutral, connected public space that welcomes new generations – and has brought renewed pride to Southend.

Just along the seafront, Rossi’s Ice Cream Parlour has been scooping since 1931. A local icon in its own right – try the lemon ice for a zesty, timeless treat.

Pier Lemon Float

• 1 scoop lemon ice
• 1 scoop vanilla
• A dash of sparkling lemonade
• A twist of lemon to finish

Just beyond Varberg, perched on Bastekullen, the Våga water tower rises like an elegant wave frozen mid-crest — a striking gesture to the sea and the life-giving force of water. It’s a sculptural landmark that redefines what a water tower can be, fluid in form and bold in vision.

Naturally, such a wave calls for a swirl. Stroll down to Kulingen Glasscafé by the harbour, a local favourite known for generous scoops and sea views.

Våga Wave Edition

• 1 scoop sea salt caramel
• 1 scoop blueberry ripple
• A splash of sparkling lemonade
• Topped with a soft wave of whipped cream

Naturum Kosterhavet is a contemporary reinvention of the marine vernacular – an architectural threshold to Sweden’s first marine national park. Inside, visitors can observe sealife up-close in the aquarium; outside, the building serves as a base for exploring beaches, trails and snorkelling paths through the country’s only coral reef, still growing. Step inside – or dive in – and discover a world rarely seen from shore.

As our cities expand, so does the need to clean the dirty water from them and protect them from flooding. The new stormwater pond at Exercisfältet in Uppsala solves both problems, while contributing to biodiversity and creating a place where people can socialise and go for a stroll.

A once-forgotten gem has been revived as a meeting place and green oasis in central Linköping. Originally laid out by the military in a National Romantic style, Grenadjärparken had long been neglected and left to grow wild. Today, it has returned as a biodiverse and peaceful space for rest and sensory experience – right in the heart of the city.