For many children, a trip to Lapland is a dream come true, but the sheer excitement of witnessing the Northern Lights in northern Sweden had a group of adults buzzing with joy. The experience of seeing the lights on two consecutive nights was incredibly fortunate and unforgettable.
Each day in Lapland brought a new adventure, from dog sledding and snowshoe hiking to mastering fire-building skills, meeting the indigenous Sámi people and their reindeer, and even taking a dip in the icy waters of the Bothnian Sea in survival suits.
Lapland, located in the Arctic region, encompasses northern Scandinavia, with Luleå being the largest city and serving as the main entry point to this enchanting land of towering pine forests and clear blue skies.
The mesmerizing aurora borealis can be observed from early August to late April, with temperatures plummeting to as low as -30°C between December and February.
During our stay, we lodged at Brändön Lodge, situated on the shores of the Bothnian Sea, just a short drive from Luleå Airport. The lodge offers 15 cozy cabins overlooking the Luleå archipelago and the Bay of Bothnia, equipped with snow gear for exploration. The main lodge features a restaurant, bar, and lounge area for relaxation, along with sauna facilities.
Another memorable stay was at the eco-lodge Arctic Retreat in Överstbyn, known for its luxury log cabins nestled by the Råne River and surrounded by a serene pine forest. Each cabin boasts an outdoor hot tub and a fireplace, providing a cozy retreat.
One evening, we were transported by sled across the frozen bay to a unique dining experience in a rustic setting, enjoying reindeer and elk dishes prepared by a personal chef. We also had the opportunity to cook our own reindeer over an open fire in a teepee at Brändön Lodge and savor outdoor picnics by the Kalix River.
Cuisine in Lapland features a variety of local delicacies such as fresh fish, meatballs, reindeer, elk, moose, and lingonberries, with options available for vegans and vegetarians. A highlight was ice fishing for perch, where our guide demonstrated the art of catching and smoking fish on the frozen lake.
Exploring the region on snowshoes, we learned about the unique flora and fauna, geological formations shaped by ancient glaciers, and indulged in traditional outdoor activities like making tea over an open fire.
Encounters with the Sámi people, reindeer feeding sessions, and playful interactions with huskies at Winterdog tours added cultural depth to our journey. For the adventurous, experiences like the Arctic Bath’s sauna and ice bath rituals and the Polar Explorer Icebreaker cruise provided thrilling escapades.
The mesmerizing display of the Northern Lights, witnessed against the backdrop of Swedish Lapland’s natural beauty, left a lasting impression, akin to stepping into a real-life Narnia filled with enchantment and wonder.
The Aurora Zone offers a four-day Brändön Lodge – The Call of Adventure holiday package, inclusive of flights, transfers, accommodations, meals, and activities, providing a similar experience to the bespoke trip we enjoyed.
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