Set along the shore of the Bothnian Bay in Swedish Lapland, around 30 minutes north of Luleå, this cosy and secluded lodge is the perfect base for all manner of thrilling adventures in the surrounding wilderness. In winter, the sea freezes over entirely and the forests become blanketed in snow, creating ideal conditions for husky sledding and snowmobiling. It’s also a prime spot to seek out the Northern Lights, with exceptionally dark skies due to minimal light pollution in the area. Throughout your stay, you can expect warm, personal service, fabulous food, and an ambience of authenticity and tranquility.
Eat
The large, central lodge building houses the restaurant, built in traditional Swedish style and complete with a log fire and an inviting lounge area downstairs. Breakfast is served buffet-style, featuring a plentiful selection of both cooked and continental options to set you up for the day. A hot lunch is served daily, typically featuring freshly made soup, while dinner is a multi-course affair with an emphasis on seasonal, locally sourced produce. Main dishes often feature the likes of moose, reindeer or fresh fish, such as salmon, perch or Arctic char, while desserts often incorporate local berries. Alternative options can also be prepared to suit different dietary requirements. In the winter months, a special ‘dining on ice’ experience can be arranged, in which you’ll be served dinner in a traditional lavvu tent out on the frozen sea.
Sleep
A total of 15 cosy, tastefully furnished cabins are tucked away amid the forest, each equipped with a comfortable living area, a kitchenette (with a fridge and a microwave), an en-suite bathroom and two twin bedrooms, making them perfect for couples and families alike. Every cabin also comes with a covered porch facing out towards the forests and the sea.
Do
A whole host of thrilling winter activities can be arranged at Brandon Lodge, including husky sledding, snowmobiling, snowshoeing and ice fishing. These mostly take place during the daytime, but night tours are also available, offering the chance to go in search of the Northern Lights. When the skies are clear and the auroral activity is strong enough, it’s often possible to see the Northern Lights right outside the lodge – any time from late August through to early April. There’s also a sauna and an outdoor hot tub which can be booked on-site – perfect for relaxing in true Nordic style in between adventures. Outside of winter, popular activities here include hiking in the forests, sea kayaking and boat tours out to the nearby islands.
