Utö Värdshus

Towards the end of the 1800s, the future did not look bright for the island of Utö. The once bustling mining community was shrinking at a fast rate after the mines had closed in the late 1870s. Towards the end of the 1800s, wholesaler Lewin bought the northern part of the island. “Lewin’s idea was to turn the island into a fashionable resort with spa hotels and soirées. The socialites of the time started going out to Utö en masse. Seen strolling across the island among the other summer guests were celebrities of the day such as Greta Garbo and August Strindberg. Ever since then, Utö Värdshus (Utö Hotel) has evolved into a year-round restaurant and conference facility hosting a number of activities and events.”