Here, Europe experts, Milly and Claire, share their top tips for where to stay and what to do during a vacation in Swedish Lapland.
Swedish Lapland is an adventure playground that comes to life during the winter months. While the array of unique activities available will no doubt form an integral part of your stay there, it is important to bear in mind that they should be pre-booked. For us, a snowshoe walk through the forest and a husky ride over a frozen lake were real highlights.
Snowmobiling in Lapland
Skiing is only one of the activities on offerPreparing for the cold weather is crucial and we’d suggest taking woollen socks as well as plenty of layers, thermals and a pair of sturdy waterproof boots. Staying warm is especially important if you wish to dine outdoors over an open fire, or during the day while you’re out and about.
Where to stay
Unique accommodation abounds in Swedish Lapland, here are a few of our favorites for an extraordinary stay in this corner of the world:
Aurora Safari Camp
The Aurora Safari Camp is a real glamping experience. There you can expect to get back to nature by spending the night under canvas, surrounded by pine trees and overlooking a glittering frozen lake. Relinquishing the British idea of showering will never feel so good as you embrace the typical Swedish sauna, we can guarantee you’ll never have felt so clean. Another bonus of this camp is that it is bookable on an exclusive use basis, so your stay there can be completely customized to you and your guests.
Aurora Tented Camp exterior
Inside one of the tents at Aurora Safari CampTreehotel
Get away from it all at the Treehotel for the ultimate retreat in Swedish Lapland. Situated a 5 minute walk through the wood from the main building, accommodation comes in individual tree houses equipped with toilets. Unless you stay in either the Dragonfly or 7th Room, showers are located nearby but the option to book the onsite sauna or a stint in the outdoor jacuzzi is perfect for two hours of relaxation. For the true tree house experience, opt for either the Bird’s Nest or UFO rooms, which are suspended from the trees with wires and accessible by a retractable ladder.
The spectacular 7th Room at the Treehotel
Mirror Cube at the TreehotelIce Hotel
The Ice Hotel is the first hotel in the world to be constructed with snow and ice. Offering both cold and warm rooms, the novel experience of staying here confirms it as one of our favorite hotels in Swedish Lapland. From the moment you arrive, the adventure begins as you are whisked from the airport by husky sleigh. If you simply can’t live without home comforts, book a Deluxe Suite in the Ice Hotel 365 which offers en suite accommodation, complete with a sauna. Whichever room you do choose, make sure you have a hot shower or spend some time in the sauna before making your way to a cold room for the night.
For a unique way to spend your final night, choose the wilderness dinner, a three course gourmet experience, inspired by the season and served in a secluded wilderness camp for the ultimate off the beaten track adventure.
Claire at the Ice Hotel
Milly in the Art Suite, Ice Hotel
