Elite Hotel Knaust

You just have time think ’where’s the door handle?’ before the large oak doors swing open and bid you welcome. Once inside, in the warmth, you admire the magnificent fan-shaped marble staircase that the hotel is best known for. The reception is discreetly tucked away in a small side room in order not to mar your first impression. Taking the lift up to your room after checking in feels uncalled for. Hotel Knaust was founded in 1891 by Adolf Fredrik Knaust and was the pride of Sundsvall as well as the timber magnates’ watering hole. The entire edifice exudes history, but there are modern parts too, in the form of a conference section in the centre of the building, and a small gym. The lounges – one smaller with a bar and one larger – are more classical, as is the beautiful and well-preserved hall of mirrors with dark panelling, where you have breakfast, lunch or dinner. Tall ceilings and large, pretty windows in the hotel rooms as well create an airy and appealing atmosphere. The location in the historical centre (‘the Stone City’) is great, albeit not that close to the railway station. It’s definitely worth the walk, though.