A trip to Lapland is a dream for many children, but the excitement among adults was palpable as we witnessed the mesmerizing Northern Lights during our journey to northern Sweden. We were fortunate to see this natural phenomenon on two consecutive nights, which made the experience truly unforgettable.
Each day in Lapland brought a new adventure, from dog sledding and snowshoe hiking to learning survival skills like fire-building, meeting the indigenous Sámi people and their reindeer, and even taking a plunge into the icy Bothnian Sea in survival suits.
Lapland, located in the Arctic region, encompasses northern Scandinavia, with Luleå being the largest city and a convenient starting point for exploring the breathtaking landscapes of towering pine forests and clear blue skies.
The aurora borealis, or Northern Lights, can be sighted from early August to late April, with temperatures dropping as low as -30°C during the winter months from December to February.
Our accommodation at Brändön Lodge, situated on the edge of the Bothnian Sea near Luleå Airport, provided a cozy retreat with 15 cabins offering stunning views of the archipelago and the Bay of Bothnia. The lodge is well-equipped with snow gear, sauna facilities, and a welcoming main building housing a restaurant, bar, and lounge area.
Another highlight was our stay at the eco-lodge Arctic Retreat in Överstbyn, where we indulged in luxury log cabins along the Råne River, complete with outdoor hot tubs and indoor fireplaces. Our dining experiences ranged from a unique barbecue dinner in a cozy setting to cooking our own meals over open fires in teepees and outdoor picnic spots.
The culinary delights in Lapland included a variety of local delicacies such as fresh fish, meatballs, reindeer, elk, moose, lingonberries, and options for vegan and vegetarian diets. We even had the opportunity to try perch caught through ice fishing, a traditional method practiced in the region.
Exploring the natural wonders of Lapland, we engaged in activities like snowshoe hiking, learning about the flora and fauna, and interacting with the Sámi people to understand their rich cultural heritage. Meeting reindeer and playful huskies added to the magical experience of our trip.
For the adventurous souls, a visit to Arctic Bath on the Luleå River and a cruise on the Polar Explorer Icebreaker in the Bothnian Sea offered unique and exhilarating experiences, including sauna rituals and icy plunges.
The captivating display of the Northern Lights in the night sky was a breathtaking sight, evoking a sense of wonder and enchantment among our group. Swedish Lapland truly felt like a magical winter wonderland, reminiscent of a scene from a fairytale.
The Aurora Zone’s Brändön Lodge – The Call of Adventure package provides a comprehensive four-day itinerary starting from £1,805 per adult and £1,215 per child, inclusive of flights, accommodations, meals, and various activities. This well-crafted package offers a similar immersive experience to the bespoke trip we enjoyed in Lapland.
