Sweden’s thriving Södra City area in Uppsala will soon welcome a new luxury hotel by Scandic Hotels marking a game-changer for Nordic tourism

Friday, June 20, 2025

n an exciting move that promises to boost both tourism and the business landscape in Uppsala, Scandic Hotels has unveiled plans to open a new 236-room hotel in the city’s rapidly developing Södra City area. The hotel will feature an array of premium amenities designed to cater to the needs of modern business and leisure travelers. With construction slated to begin in autumn 2025 and a grand opening scheduled for the second quarter of 2028, the new property is expected to significantly elevate Uppsala’s hotel market.

Uppsala, Sweden’s fourth-largest hotel market, has become a sought-after destination due to its unique combination of academic prestige, cutting-edge research, and proximity to major cultural and business hubs. This investment by Scandic Hotels aims to capitalize on the city’s growth, adding a much-needed luxury option for both domestic and international visitors.

Södra City: The Ideal Location for Scandic Hotels

Strategically located in Södra City, Uppsala’s emerging district, the new hotel will offer both business travelers and tourists easy access to key points of interest. The area is quickly becoming a focal point for both the local economy and tourism industry, thanks to its vibrant combination of residential, commercial, and cultural spaces.

Key Highlights of the Hotel’s Location:Proximity to Uppsala University Hospital: A leading medical facility, which attracts medical professionals, researchers, and patients from around the world.Close to Stadsträdgården Park: A historical green space and event venue, ideal for relaxation and outdoor events.Easy Access to the Central Station and Fyrisån River: The hotel’s location along the green line linking Uppsala’s central station to the Fyrisån River ensures seamless connectivity to key transport hubs and attractions.Nearby Attractions: The Studenternas sports ground and Flustret restaurant, a historic dining and event venue, further enhance the city’s appeal for visitors.

This central location within Uppsala’s Södra City offers exceptional access to both professional and leisure destinations, making it an ideal spot for a wide variety of travelers.

Scandic Hotels Features: Designed for Comfort and Functionality

The new Scandic hotel will combine luxury, sustainability, and practicality to cater to today’s diverse range of travelers. Key features include:

236 Rooms: Designed for comfort and relaxation, offering modern decor and top-tier amenities to suit both short stays and extended visits.Seven Meeting Rooms: The hotel will offer substantial meeting capacity, with the largest room accommodating up to 200 guests. These flexible meeting spaces can be divided into smaller sections to accommodate various types of business events.On-site Dining: A spacious restaurant offering a range of dining options, including a bar and outdoor seating area. Guests will be able to enjoy delicious meals with a stunning view of the park areas surrounding the hotel.Wellness and Fitness Facilities: A 100-square-meter gym, designed to cater to the fitness needs of hotel guests, will be available to guests throughout their stay.Office Space Integration: The hotel will be developed as a mixed-use building, integrating both hotel and office spaces. This innovative approach allows hotel guests and office tenants to share the lobby and entrance areas, enhancing the property’s functionality.

By offering a combination of business facilities, luxury amenities, and sustainability features, the new hotel will meet the evolving demands of both corporate travelers and leisure tourists.

Sustainability and Environmental Commitment: A Key Focus for Scandic Hotels

Scandic Hotels continues to demonstrate its commitment to sustainable operations, and the new Uppsala property will be no exception. The hotel will be LEED Platinum certified, the highest level of certification for environmentally responsible building practices. Additionally, it will meet the standards required for Nordic Swan Ecolabel certification—an official environmental label recognized in the Nordic region.

Sustainable Features:Energy-efficient building materials: These materials will contribute to reducing the hotel’s environmental footprint.Waste reduction: Systems designed to minimize waste and maximize recycling will be in place throughout the hotel.Eco-friendly operations: From energy-efficient lighting to responsible water usage, the hotel will incorporate sustainable practices across all departments.

Scandic’s commitment to green practices aligns perfectly with the growing trend of eco-conscious tourism in Sweden and across the Nordic region. This sustainable approach will resonate with guests who prioritize eco-friendly travel and sustainable tourism options.

Why Uppsala? The City’s Appeal for Travelers

Uppsala has emerged as a key player in the Nordic tourism scene, attracting a diverse range of visitors due to its blend of rich history, academic excellence, and cultural offerings. Known for being Sweden’s fourth-largest hotel market, Uppsala is also a vital hub for research, higher education, and business innovation.

Key Attractions in Uppsala:Uppsala University: As one of the oldest universities in Europe, Uppsala University is a major draw for international students, faculty, and researchers.Cultural Significance: The city is home to museums, historic buildings, and theater performances that highlight its cultural importance.Proximity to Stockholm and Arlanda Airport: With only 30 minutes to Stockholm and 18 minutes to Arlanda Airport, Uppsala serves as a convenient location for travelers visiting both the city and surrounding areas.

In addition to its academic and cultural significance, Uppsala offers a growing tourism sector, particularly among business travelers, weekend tourists, and academic visitors. The city’s thriving business community, along with its historical and cultural charm, makes it an attractive destination for both leisure and corporate visitors.

Scandic’s Expanding Nordic Portfolio: A Commitment to Growth

Scandic Hotels has made substantial investments in the Nordic region, expanding its portfolio in key markets like Uppsala. The new hotel in Södra City will join the company’s existing properties in Uppsala, which include Scandic Hotels Uppsala Nord (184 rooms) and Scandic Uplandia (151 rooms).

This expansion is part of Scandic’s strategy to grow its presence in strategically important markets in the Nordic countries, particularly those like Uppsala, which are seeing significant growth and development. Scandic aims to meet the growing demand for high-quality, sustainable accommodations in cities that are emerging as key business and tourist hubs.

With this new addition, Scandic will further strengthen its position as a leading brand in the Nordic hospitality market, offering premium accommodation options for a wide range of travelers.

The Future of Uppsala’s Tourism and Hospitality Sector

The opening of Scandic Hotels in Uppsala is just one example of the growing investment in the city’s tourism and hospitality sector. As Uppsala continues to develop into a key destination for both leisure and business visitors, the demand for high-quality hotel accommodations is expected to rise.

Key Trends Shaping Uppsala’s Future:Increased demand for business travel: As Uppsala’s economy continues to grow, so too will the demand for business-friendly accommodations and conference facilities.Cultural tourism: Uppsala’s historical significance and vibrant cultural scene will continue to draw cultural tourists seeking to explore Sweden’s rich heritage.Sustainability in hospitality: Guests increasingly seek sustainable travel options, and Scandic’s eco-friendly hotel will help meet this growing demand.

Scandic’s new hotel is well-positioned to meet these future needs, and its development will play a significant role in shaping Uppsala’s tourism landscape for years to come.

Scandic Hotels : A Game-Changer for Uppsala’s Hotel Market

The upcoming Scandic hotel in Uppsala is set to become a flagship property in the city’s growing tourism sector. With its premium amenities, strategic location, and commitment to sustainability, the hotel will attract a wide range of travelers, from business professionals to cultural tourists. As Uppsala continues to rise as a key destination in Sweden, Scandic’s investment highlights the city’s potential and sets a new standard for hospitality in the region.