Escape to Mullsjö: Sweden's Secret Garden Hostel!
Escape to Mullsjö: Sweden's Secret Garden Hostel!
Escape to Mullsjö: Sweden's Secret Garden Hostel! - A Review That’s More Real Than Instagram
Alright, friends, buckle up. I'm about to tell you about Escape to Mullsjö: Sweden's Secret Garden Hostel! – but lemme tell you, this isn't your perfectly curated travel blog. This is real. I'm talking honest opinions, the good, the bad, and the wonderfully quirky bits that make a place truly memorable.
First off, the name? Escape to Mullsjö: Sweden's Secret Garden Hostel! It's got a mysterious ring to it, doesn't it? Makes you think of hidden waterfalls and maybe a fairy or two… Spoiler alert: no visible fairies, but the "secret garden" part? Spot on.
Getting There & Around (Accessibility & Such):
Okay, so I'm not a wheelchair user, so I can't personally vouch for the wheelchair accessibility of everything. BUT, the website does highlight "Facilities for disabled guests," and they've got an elevator, which is a huge plus. I'd recommend double-checking the specifics with them directly before booking if you have any mobility needs.
Now, for the general commute: They have free car parking on-site, which is a godsend in Sweden. And if you're flying in, they do offer airport transfer which could save you a world of taxi-related fiascos. Then the bicycle parking is a fantastic touch if you fancy some exploring on two wheels.
The Wi-Fi Whisperer (Internet Access):
Okay, so Wi-Fi. It's the bane of my existence sometimes. But, good news people! Free Wi-Fi in all rooms, Internet access – wireless, and Internet in general. And guess what, you can access Internet [LAN]! They clearly understand the modern traveler's NEEDS. Look, I need to be able to send pics, and they have that covered! They even have Wi-Fi for special events! Bonus!
Cleanliness & Safety: (Because, Yeah, We're All Thinking About It…):
This is where I got super impressed. I'm a bit of a germaphobe, so finding evidence of Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Rooms sanitized between stays, and Professional-grade sanitizing services made me breathe a sigh of relief bigger than the Swedish countryside itself. I'm talking Hand sanitizer everywhere, and the staff seemed genuinely committed to keeping things spotless. They even had Hygiene certification. Like, wow. They even have Hot water linen and laundry washing which is a fantastic touch if you're a bit of a mess like me.
And it’s not just about germs. They’ve got CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Fire extinguisher, Smoke alarms, and Security [24-hour]. I felt safe as houses. Even a Doctor/nurse on call. Which is nice. I am a worrier, sue me.
Eat, Drink, and Be Merry (Dining, Drinking & Snacking – Or, My Favorite Part!)
Okay, this is where things get exciting. Forget your bland hostel food! Escape to Mullsjö is a proper foodie destination. They have Restaurants, Bars, and a Coffee shop. Honestly, I could live in a coffee shop.
Breakfast [buffet] – A must. I'm talking a proper spread. Everything you could want. And they have a Breakfast service, and Breakfast takeaway service. They even have Asian breakfast, and Western breakfast. And they have Coffee/tea in restaurant.
Lunch/Dinner: They have a Menu, with Asian cuisine in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, and even Vegetarian restaurant. They have a Happy hour, and I personally appreciated the Bottle of water they supplied. They even have Desserts in restaurant for those moments of weakness.
Poolside bar: Yes, please! Because who doesn't love sipping something cold by the pool? And Speaking of the pool…
Relaxation Station (Things to do & Ways to Relax – My God, The Pool!):
Alright, let's talk about serious chilling. First of all, the Swimming pool [outdoor] is just… chef's kiss. It's clean, refreshing, and the Pool with view? Forget about it. I could spend weeks just staring out.
Then you have the options for full-blown pampering: Massage, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom. They have a Foot bath, and even Body scrub and Body wrap. They even have a Fitness center! Which I did not use, I'm on holiday!
My Big, Chaotic, Glorious Pool Day:
Okay, so I have to share this. One day, I decided I was going to own that pool. I grabbed a book, a ridiculously oversized sunhat, a cocktail from that lovely Poolside bar, and claimed my spot by the water. I spent the entire afternoon alternating between swimming, reading, and staring at the view. The sun was warm, the water was perfect, and for those few hours, all my worries melted away. This is what a vacation is all about. Seriously, that pool alone is worth the price of admission. I was in heaven.
The Rooms – Your Private Oasis:
Alright, so the rooms themselves are lovely. Non-smoking rooms so great, because who wants to smell of smoke while relaxing? They've got Air conditioning in the rooms which could be very handy. Air conditioning in public area is useful for those warmer days. Free bottled water, Coffee/tea maker, are included. My room also had a Seating area, and Sofa.
Rooms vary, but they've got Additional toilet, Bathtub, Closet, Desk, Hair dryer, In-room safe box, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Reading light, Refrigerator, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], and a Window that opens. What more could you want!?
Oh, and the blackout curtains… absolute game-changer.
Services & Conveniences – They've Thought of Everything:
Okay, this is where the hostel really shines. They've got a Concierge service, Daily housekeeping, and Laundry service. There's a Convenience store on-site, and even a Gift/souvenir shop.
For the Kids:
And it's not just for adults. They're Family/child friendly, and have Babysitting service, and Kids meal options. So if you're traveling with little ones, this place is a winner.
The Little Quirks I Loved:
- The staff! They were genuinely friendly and helpful. One even gave me a local’s tip about a hidden hiking trail.
- The overall vibe is relaxed and welcoming. No judgment, just good vibes.
- The little details, like the fresh flowers in the lobby.
The Not-So-Perfect Bits (Because Honesty!):
- I wish they had a few more vegetarian options at the restaurant. But then again, I'm used to being fussy.
- Sometimes, the Wi-Fi was a little slow during peak hours. But hey, you're on vacation!
Final Verdict: Book It!
Look, if you're looking for a place to escape the everyday grind, to reconnect with nature, and to just breathe, Escape to Mullsjö: Sweden's Secret Garden Hostel! is it. The pool, the food, the staff… it all adds up to a truly memorable experience. It's clean, safe, comfortable, and full of little surprises. Seriously, go. You won't regret it.
Ready to Book?! Here's a Compelling Offer:
Escape to Mullsjö: Sweden's Secret Garden Hostel! - Your Swedish Sanctuary Awaits!
Tired of the same old vacation routine? Craving a getaway that’s as unique as you are? Dive into the heart of Sweden and discover the magic of Mullsjö!
Here's why you NEED to book your stay at Escape to Mullsjö:
- Unwind in Paradise: Lounge by our stunning Pool with a View, or pamper yourself with a luxurious Massage at our spa.
- Feast on Flavors: Indulge in a culinary journey with our diverse dining options, including delicious Asian cuisine, and sip refreshing cocktails at our vibrant Poolside bar.
- Stay Connected, Stay Comfortable: Enjoy Free Wi-Fi in every room and throughout the entire property, so you can share your unforgettable moments with the world.
- Safety First, Always: Rest easy knowing our top-notch cleanliness standards, including Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection and 24-hour security will
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your sanitized TripAdvisor itinerary. This is my go at Vandrarhemmet Aras Sateri och Tradgardar in Mullsjö, Sweden. Prepare for… a rollercoaster.
Day 1: Arrival & Mild Panic
- 14:00 - Arrive at Aras Sateri. Okay, fine, more like 14:30. Stockholm to Mullsjö wasn't exactly a breeze. A train, a bus that looked suspiciously like my grandma’s old beige station wagon, and a lot of mumbled Swedish directed at me got me here. The place is pretty, I'll give it that. Seriously, the photos don't do the flowers justice. They’re practically exploding with colour. Makes me want to grow up and become an eccentric plant lady.
- 14:30 - Check-in. Breathe. The woman at the reception desk (bless her soul, I think her name was Ingrid?) spoke perfect English, thank god! She gave me my key, mumbled something about the sauna being "cozy" (we'll see about that, Ingrid, we’ll see.) and handed me a map. Which I immediately folded incorrectly. That's my superpower.
- 15:00 - Explore (Attempt). So, I’m wandering around the grounds. The garden? Stunning. Like, seriously, I think I actually gasped. But also, the sheer peace of this place is starting to freak me out. My brain is used to the constant cacophony of city life. Is this… boredom? I'm considering writing a haiku about the existential dread of tranquility.
- 16:00 - Tea and Regret. Made myself a cup of tea in the communal kitchen. Should have opted for coffee. I’m starting to feel the jet lag. The tea tastes like… well, like nothing much. Regret level: high.
- 17:00 - Sauna (ish). Ingrid wasn’t kidding about the sauna. It's tiny. And hot. Like, really hot. Sat in there for five minutes, sweated out approximately a gallon of water, and then fled. My skin now feels like a cooked lobster. The cozy vibes were lost in translation.
- 18:00 - Dinner and Wonder. The "dinner" (included in the price, score!) was a simple Swedish meal. Meatballs! Gravy! Potatoes! The meatballs were good. The gravy was a little… glue-y. But hey, they're meatballs, right? While I was slurping down my mashed potatoes. I stared out the window at the setting sun and felt… well, maybe a tiny bit happy. Like, I'm not sure if I'm going to like this place, or love it, but it's a start!
Day 2: Embracing the Unexpected & Possibly Losing My Mind
- 08:00 - Breakfast and Disappointment. Breakfast was another included thing. The bread was stale and dry, the cheese was… well, I think it was cheese. The coffee was strong and black, and for that I was very grateful. I saw someone else scoop up some of that bread and make a sandwich. I should have done that, too.
- 09:00 - Hike (Sort Of). Decided to be all outdoorsy and take a hike. Used that map I messed up. Got lost. Briefly. Ended up following a cow trail. The cows were unimpressed. There was one particularly grumpy looking cow that gave me a rather suspicious stare. I think I offended her.
- 11:00 - Gardens Redux and Rapture? Back in the gardens. This time I had an idea. Grabbed my book and a blanket and plonked myself down in a patch of sunflowers. The sun was warm, and the bees were buzzing. Suddenly, the quiet wasn't so terrifying. I think I was actually… enjoying myself.
- 13:00 - Lunch and Epiphany (Maybe). Back to the kitchen. This time I made myself a ham and cheese sandwich. Used the last of the coffee to keep me awake. While I was eating, I heard laughter coming from the common room and, against my better judgment, wandered in. An older couple was there, playing cards from what seemed like a century ago. They smiled at me and the lady offered me a ginger cookie. I didn't love the cookie, but I loved them. I was starting to get the point of this place. It's not about doing things, it's about being.
- 15:00 - The Lake and Inner Peace (Almost). Walked down to the lake. It was shimmering in the sunlight. Took off my shoes and dipped my toes in the water. It was freezing. Jumped back and squealed! Managed to find a smooth, flat rock and did some rock skipping. For the first time in a long time, my internal monologue quieted down. For a good five minutes, the only thing I could hear was the wind and the water, and the ridiculous “plunk” sound of the rocks hitting the surface of the water.
- 16:00 - Journaling & Self-Doubt. Back in my room with my journal, trying to capture that feeling. Honestly? It's hard! My brain keeps wanting to analyze everything, to find the flaw. But maybe… maybe that’s the whole point. The imperfection. The messy, awkward, beautiful, utterly human imperfection of it all. Maybe, just maybe, I’m starting to actually… like this place.
- 17:00 - Sausage and Sunset. The evening was closing in. I went outside to see the sunset. Grabbed a sausage from the kitchen and ate it watching the sun go down. It was the best sausage I've ever had. The colors were unreal. Every single color of the rainbow, blending and colliding, reflecting onto the water. It was… breathtaking.
- 19:00 - Stargazing. (Or Trying To). The sky was dark. I sat in the garden and stared up at the stars. Couldn’t see a damn thing. Too much light pollution, I guess. But the air smelled wonderful, and the quiet was comforting. I could have sworn I even saw a shooting star. Or maybe it was just my imagination.
Day 3: Departure and (Maybe, Just Maybe) Sadness
- 08:00 - Breakfast and… well, the same breakfast. But, surprisingly, the stale bread didn’t taste so bad. Maybe I was just used to it. Or maybe something had shifted.
- 09:00 - Packing and Reluctant Farewell. Packing up. It's hard to believe I'm leaving. I was starting to feel like I could stay here forever. I don’t know what I'm going to do when I get back to the city. My brain is going to explode.
- 10:00 - Final Garden Stroll and a Bittersweet Goodbye. One last walk through the gardens. That sense of peace, that feeling of just… being… it’s still there. I linger near my favourite flower, then head for the gate.
- 11:00 - Departure. A Long Way Back. Waiting for the bus, I see Ingrid. "Had a good time?" she asks. I grin. "Maybe," I reply. "Or perhaps, I just got it." And with the sun on my face, I smile. It will take a long time to get back to the city. Hopefully, I managed to remember the lesson…
- 12:00 - The Bus, the Train… and the Future. As the bus rumbles down the road, I realize something. Going home will be a challenge. But I think I'll face it better now. I hope I can bring the peace of Aras Sateri back with me. I hope I will.
Wait… Mullsjö? Where EVEN is that? And Why?
Okay, fair question. Mullsjö's not exactly a household name. It's in Sweden. Like, *proper* Sweden. Think rolling hills, ridiculously green forests, and lakes that look Photoshopped. It's about an hour and a half from Gothenburg, which is your best bet for flying in (and trust me, Gothenburg is a cool city to explore before or after. I got horribly lost trying to find a decent fika there, but that's a story for another time...).
Why Mullsjö? Um…escape. Pure and simple. If you're tired of the usual tourist traps, the crowds, the noise, the *beige* of modern life, Mullsjö is your antidote. It’s Sweden's secret garden, basically. I went to recharge, and boy, did it work. I swear I could practically *feel* the stress melting off me while I was there.
Is Escape to Mullsjö Hostel… actually a hostel? Or is it some fancy spa with “hostel” tacked on for the vibe?
It's a hostel. A *glorious* hostel, to be clear. None of that weird, sterile, overpriced-hotel-masquerading-as-a-hostel nonsense. Expect dorms (they're surprisingly comfy, I must say), and private rooms (if you're feeling flush, which I totally wasn't, but I treated myself to a single room for one night and it was pure bliss… more on that later). There's a communal kitchen, a cozy common area filled with mismatched furniture (which I LOVED – it felt like being in someone’s super cool, slightly eccentric grandma's house), and a generally relaxed atmosphere. Basically, it's exactly what you hope a hostel will be.
What's the Vibe? Is it Rowdy or Relaxed? I'm not sure I can handle a party hostel right now...
Definitely relaxed. Think more sipping herbal tea while gazing at a sunset over the lake than shots and glow sticks. (Though, a few beers around a bonfire is definitely on the cards, if you manage to organize one. I tried, but failed miserably, mostly because I was too busy trying to perfect my Swedish pronunciation of 'fika'…)
The crowd is usually a mix of hikers, nature enthusiasts, people needing a digital detox (like *moi*), and maybe the occasional solo traveler looking for some peace. I'd say it's perfect for anyone who appreciates a little quiet time, and wants to get away from the chaos of modern life. Seriously, I almost forgot what the sound of traffic was like.
Okay, so the Rooms… What's the deal? Dorms? Private rooms? Toiletries?
Dorms are dorms. They're clean, the beds are comfortable (a huge plus!), and you get a locker for your stuff. I shared with three other people, and it was totally fine. No issues with snoring (thank goodness!). Private rooms are available – and if you're feeling fancy, they’re a wonderful choice and super cozy.
Toiletries are… basic. Bring your own shampoo and soap. They provide towels though, which is a relief, because I’m always forgetting to pack them. Honestly, I'm the queen of forgetting! Don't be like me. Pack a towel.
Are there any common areas? Because I don't want to be stuck in my room all day.
YES! Thank god. There's a lovely communal kitchen, which, honestly, is the heart of the hostel. You can rustle up your own meals, which is fantastic if you're on a budget (like me!). It's also where you'll probably meet other guests. I made some amazing friends there (and shared the aforementioned fika experience with them – success!!).
There's also a cozy common room with comfy sofas, books, and a fireplace (which, unfortunately, wasn't lit when I was there, but the thought was lovely). The place is filled with quirky art and cozy corners, so you’ll definitely find a place to relax.
Is there Wi-Fi? Because, you know... #DigitalNomadLife
Yes, there is Wi-Fi. Pretty decent Wi-Fi, actually. BUT… and this is a big BUT… I sincerely encourage you to try to disconnect! It's part of the whole "escape" thing. I spent most of my time off my phone, and it was glorious. I'd highly recommend it. Seriously. Put your phone away and *look* at stuff.
What's there to do in Mullsjö? Aside from, you know, *being* there?
Oh, boy. Where do I begin? Mullsjö is an outdoor paradise. Hiking trails (easy ones, challenging ones, all sorts!), cycling routes, kayaking on the lakes. I spent a *solid* afternoon just wandering around the forest near the hostel, and it was pure bliss. I even tried to spot a moose (failed, sadly… though I *did* see a squirrel that was judging me).
In the winter, there's skiing and snowboarding. Honestly, there's something for everyone, regardless of your fitness level. And, crucially, there's a complete lack of crowds. Which is why I enjoyed it so much. You get the space to breathe!
Kayaking? Is that… easy? Because I’ve never kayaked before.
Kayaking is relatively easy! I'd never done it before either, and I survived. Mostly. The hostel can help you arrange it. They give you the gear, and the lake is beautiful and calm (at least, it was the day I went… the weather’s a bit unpredictable, so always check). There are a few gentle currents, but nothing too scary. You might get a bit wet, and you *will* probably wobble a bit at first, but it’s a wonderfully peaceful way to spend a few hours, especially on a gorgeous day.
My only advice: don’t forget to bring sunscreen! I learned that the hard way. I ended up with a *spectacular* lobster-red sunburn on my nose, which, frankly, made the next two days a bit uncomfortable. But the memories? Totally worth it.
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