When I first found out about Rygerfjord Hotel & Hostel, I was intrigued. After all, staying in a hotel that’s also a boat is not something you do every day! The main vessel, built in 1950 at Mjellem & Karl’s shipyard in Bergen, Norway, has a rich and storied past. Originally known as Kvinnherad, this ship has had its fair share of adventures and mishaps, from engine troubles to a dramatic rescue in 1989. In 1995, she finally arrived at Stockholm’s Söder Mälarstrand, where she was transformed into the floating hotel we stayed in.
Disclaimer: I paid for my stay at Rygerfjord Hotel & Hostel, and this is not a sponsored post. All opinions and insights shared in this article are entirely my own, based on my personal experience. Additionally, this article may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a booking or purchase through these links—at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting my travel blog! 💙
Along with two other historic boats docked beside her, Rygerfjord now provides a cozy, budget-friendly place to stay with stunning lake views right in the heart of Stockholm. It was my second trip to the city with my boyfriend, and we were ready to experience the unique side of Stockholm that Rygerfjord promised. Here’s what it was like to stay aboard.
When I first booked our stay, I had so many questions. Would it be cold? Humid? Stable? I even tweeted about my mix of excitement and hesitation (see below).
As it turns out, my worries were mostly unfounded. Stockholm in late September was chilly, but our room was incredibly well-heated—even a bit too much! After a long day out exploring, we often opened the window to cool off the room, finding it cozy yet slightly stuffy at times.
Everything Rygerfjord Has to Offer
Rygerfjord Hotel & Hostel is spread across three historic ships docked along the scenic Söder Mälarstrand, offering travelers a unique blend of history, comfort, and adventure right on Lake Mälaren. Here’s a breakdown of everything this floating hotel has available for guests:
Total Cabins and Beds: Across its three ships, Rygerfjord offers 90 cabins and 183 beds. This range includes options for both solo travelers and couples, from budget-friendly single cabins to more spacious suites with lake views.
Cabin Types (as they are advertised on Booking.com):
- Classic Double Cabin with Shared Bathroom
- Economy Double Cabin with Shared Bathroom
- Economy Double Cabin with Shared Bathroom – Sea View
- Classic Double Cabin with Private Bathroom
- Standard Double Cabin with Private Bathroom
- Standard Double Cabin with Private Bathroom – Sea View
- Superior Double Room with Private Bathroom – Sea View
- Forward Cabin
- Suite
- Economy Single Cabin with Shared Bathroom
Note: The advertised “Sea View” is actually “Lake View”, as the Rygerfjord’s ships are docked at the southern shores of Lake Mälaren.
Facilities and Amenities:
- Reception (Boat 1): The main reception, located on Boat 1, operates 24/7 to assist with check-ins, check-outs, and general queries—a major convenience for travelers arriving late or needing early morning assistance.
- Bar and Restaurant: Guests can enjoy meals and drinks in the cozy bar and restaurant on board. Breakfast and dinner are available for an additional charge, although breakfast options are somewhat limited.
- Guest Kitchen (Boat 3): For guests wanting to prepare their own meals, fully equipped guest kitchens are available on Boat 3. This is a great perk for budget-conscious travelers who prefer DIY meals or snacks.
- Terrace on Deck: Each boat has access to a small deck area where guests can relax and enjoy stunning lake views, especially at sunset. It’s also the designated area for smoking, as the cabins are all non-smoking.
- Free Wi-Fi: Rygerfjord provides free Wi-Fi throughout the ships, which is steady enough for remote work, browsing, and sharing travel photos.
- 24-Hour Front Desk: Located on Boat 1, the front desk staff are available around the clock to assist guests with any needs. The multilingual team (speaking English, Swedish, Arabic, Farsi, Polish, and Russian) is known for being friendly and helpful.
- Proximity to Attractions: Rygerfjord’s location is one of its top features, placing guests within walking distance of Stockholm’s Old Town (Gamla Stan), the trendy Södermalm district, and Slussen metro station, making city exploration easy.
Rygerfjord is LGBTQ+ friendly, so that’s a big plus for creating a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere for everyone.
Accessing the boats at Rygerfjord Hotel & Hostel is secured with a locked gate and a floating pathway that connects the vessels to the shore. The boats are docked along a small, stable bridge that gently sways over the water, providing a memorable first step into life on board. For security, the entry gate is always kept closed and can only be opened with a key given to guests upon check-in. This locked gate ensures that only hotel guests and staff have access to the boats, keeping the floating accommodations private and safe from unwelcome visitors. The system gave us peace of mind, knowing that while the boats are easily accessible, they’re secure and exclusive to those staying on board.
With nearly 7000 reviews on Booking.com alone, it’s clear they’ve built a solid reputation among travelers from around the world. They’ve successfully created an inclusive and welcoming space for everyone, regardless of background. Now let’s go into more detail.
Our Room: Compact Comfort with a Few Quirks
We stayed in a Standard Double Cabin with a Private Bathroom on Boat 2. Rooms on a boat mean getting used to a few quirks, like limited space and creaky floors.
The room included a comfortable double bed, carpeted floors, and basic but thoughtful details: two bedside lamps, a shelf above the bed for extra storage, and blackout blinds. There’s no excess space here—it is a boat cabin, after all—but it had everything we needed.
The bathroom was private, though it was on the smaller side, with a compact shower, sink, and toilet. It’s perfectly functional, just don’t expect spa-like spaciousness. Towels and linens were provided and refreshed as needed, which was appreciated.
Interestingly, I learned that the rooms can vary quite a bit, even within the same category, so the layout and configuration of your cabin might differ slightly. For us, it was a snug space but well-suited for a budget-friendly stay.
We also didn’t have any issues with noise, although I’ve heard that rooms around the bar and reception on Boat 1 might get a bit rowdy in the evenings. The walls are thin, and the wooden floors creak as people walk down the corridors, but from our cabin, it was relatively quiet.
One thing you notice immediately is that you’re not on solid ground. The boats are anchored, of course, but there’s a subtle, gentle movement that reminded me constantly that we were on water, especially when it was windy. I admit, I had moments of mild dizziness as I adjusted, especially when walking around the cabin or corridor. If you’re prone to seasickness, keep this in mind!
Dining Options: Bar, Restaurant, and Guest Kitchens
While Rygerfjord offers breakfast and dinner for an additional cost in their restaurant on Boat 1, we opted to explore other options nearby. We’d heard that the breakfast was fairly basic and limited, so instead, we grabbed food at a local supermarket.
Unfortunately, the guest kitchen was on Boat 3, and we didn’t have access to it. To be honest, we didn’t go the extra mile to ask at the reception if there’s any way we could use it as well. If you stay on Boat 3 and you’re a budget traveller, the guest kitchen is a fantastic amenity that allows you to save on food costs.
The bar at Rygerfjord Hotel & Hostel is a cozy, intimate space that perfectly captures the maritime charm of the hotel. Nestled within the vintage wood-paneled interior of the boat, it offers a warm and inviting atmosphere where guests can unwind after a day of sightseeing. While the bar isn’t overly large, it has a friendly, laid-back vibe with comfortable seating, dim lighting, and a variety of reasonably priced drinks. Whether you’re in the mood for a glass of wine, a classic cocktail, or a local beer, the bar’s selection is tailored to suit different tastes.
Location, Location, Location
Rygerfjord’s location was unbeatable. Docked along Lake Mälaren with views across the water of Stockholm’s striking City Hall, this place is close to everything. Gamla Stan (Old Town) and Södermalm, two of the city’s most vibrant and historic districts, are within a 10-minute walk, and Slussen metro station is also nearby, making it easy to access all parts of Stockholm. While the city is walkable, having quick access to public transportation is invaluable, especially if you want to visit areas outside the central islands.
The small terrace on the deck is the perfect place to relax, have a drink, and take in the beauty of the lake and the Stockholm City Hall across the water.
Service and Amenities
One of the standout features here is the 24-hour front desk on Boat 1. This was crucial for us, as we arrived late in the evening and had a quick, easy check-in. The staff were friendly and helpful, and although we only spoke in English, they advertise a multilingual team that includes Swedish, English, Arabic, Farsi, Polish, and Russian speakers. For the record, Rygerfjord is also LGBTQ+ friendly, which I appreciated.
Wi-Fi was free and reliable, essential for keeping up with emails and sharing photos from our adventures in the city. One of my favorite parts of the experience was the terrace on the deck. It’s a cozy, communal space where you can relax with a drink and take in the views—perfect if, like me, you’re always on the lookout for scenic spots to unwind.
One unexpected perk: we were offered a free private taxi from the airport since our booking exceeded €290. This offer might vary by season or booking platform, but it’s worth checking out, especially if you’re staying for a week or longer.
Rygerfjord Hotel & Hostel at a Glance: Pros and Cons
To summarize, here’s a quick breakdown of the pros and cons of staying at Rygerfjord Hotel & Hostel:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Unique, memorable experience on a historic boat | Thin walls; potential noise around bar areas |
| Very affordable compared to other Stockholm hotels | Limited space in rooms |
| Excellent central location near Old Town and Södermalm | Slight boat movement can cause mild dizziness |
| Friendly, multilingual staff available 24/7 | Basic breakfast with few options (additional cost) |
| Guest kitchen on Boat 3 for DIY meals | Rooms vary in layout, even within the same category |
| Cozy deck with great sunset views over Lake Mälaren | No balconies in rooms, only designated smoking area on deck |
| Free, steady Wi-Fi throughout | Rooms can get very warm; ventilation could be improved |
| LGBTQ+ friendly and inclusive environment |
Final Thoughts
Staying at Rygerfjord Hotel & Hostel was a one-of-a-kind experience. The quirks of being on a boat—like slight rocking and cozy spaces—added a memorable charm that we’ll talk about for years. While it’s not for everyone (particularly those who prefer sprawling, luxurious rooms or complete silence), Rygerfjord is perfect for travelers looking for something a bit different in the heart of Stockholm.
Would I stay here again? Absolutely! The combination of location, budget, and unique ambiance is hard to beat. Just be ready for a true cabin experience and embrace the adventure of sleeping on Stockholm’s historic waters.