Many adults were thrilled to witness the mesmerizing Northern Lights during a trip to northern Sweden, despite it being a dream destination for children. Fortunately, luck was on our side as we were able to see this natural phenomenon on two consecutive nights, making the experience even more extraordinary.
Our days were filled with exciting activities such as sledding with huskies, snowshoe hiking, learning survival skills like fire building, interacting with the indigenous Sámi people and their reindeer, and taking a plunge into the Bothnian Sea while wearing survival suits.
Lapland, situated in the Arctic region, encompasses northern Scandinavia, with Luleå being the largest city and serving as a gateway 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 dropping as low as -30°C between December and February.
Our accommodation at Brändön Lodge, located on the edge of the Bothnian Sea, offered stunning views of the Luleå archipelago and the Bay of Bothnia. The lodge provided 15 cozy cabins equipped with snow gear, along with a main lodge featuring a restaurant, bar, lounge area, sauna facilities, and relaxation cabins.
During our stay at the eco-lodge Arctic Retreat in Överstbyn, we enjoyed the luxury log cabins nestled along the Råne River, each with its own outdoor hot tub and indoor fireplace. Our dining experiences ranged from a unique meal in a cozy shed across a frozen bay to cooking reindeer over an open fire in teepees.
The culinary delights of Lapland featured fresh local ingredients like fish, meatballs, reindeer, elk, moose, lingonberries, and various vegan and vegetarian options. We also indulged in freshly caught and smoked perch from ice fishing, a traditional and rewarding activity led by our expert guide Arne.
Exploring the wilderness, we engaged in activities like snowshoe hiking, learning about the local flora and fauna, and interacting with the Sámi people and their reindeer herds. Additionally, we had the opportunity to visit huskies and enjoy the company of adorable puppies.
For those seeking adventure, a visit to Arctic Bath on the Luleå River offers a unique experience of sauna rituals and ice baths. The Polar Explorer Icebreaker cruise in the Bothnian Sea provided an exhilarating opportunity to walk on ice and even swim in the icy waters wearing a survival suit.
The magical moment of witnessing the Northern Lights illuminated the night sky, creating a spectacular display of vibrant colors, reminiscent of a scene from a fairytale. Swedish Lapland truly felt like a magical wonderland, offering an unforgettable experience.
The Aurora Zone’s four-day Brändön Lodge – The Call of Adventure holiday package starts from £1,805 per adult and £1,215 per child, inclusive of flights, transfers, accommodations, listed activities, and meals. To book this package or for more information, visit theaurorazone.com.
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