Grand Hotel Saltsjöbaden - Sweden´s French Riviera

Grand Hotel Saltsjöbaden was built on the initiative of the banker Knut Agathon Wallenberg, who earlier had bought a huge piece of property by the sea outside Stockholm in the inner archipelago. The architect Erik Josephson designed the hotel inspired by Grand Hotels along the French Riviera and added features which remind of a phantasy castle with 4 towers. A restaurant on the little island in front of the shoreline belonged to the hotel and later bath houses - separate for men and women - were added. The hotel became a popular meeting place and recreation spot. In the beginning reached by horse carriage, later with the little train Saltsjöbana was built which connected the hotel with Stockholms city. It was opened in 1893 by King Oscar II. The hotel was owned by the Wallenberg family until 1999. Today, it has ca 140 rooms and is currently being renovated and turned into a modern luxury hotel with restaurants, bars, celebration venues, conference space, spa, little beach and guest marina. The hotel became famous all over Sweden when on December 1938, the so called Saltsjöbaden Agreement was signed here. A historic agreement between the Swedish Trade Union Confederation and the Employers Association. It cemented the Swedish social norm that both sides would conclude agreements without interference by government. The rule is still in effect and is quite unique compared to other countries.