Swedish Lapland offers a one-of-a-kind adventure for those seeking an authentic experience in the heart of nature. From ice hotels to luxurious retreats, here’s a closer look at my incredible journey, filled with stunning winter landscapes, and stays at some of the most unique accommodations I’ve ever experienced.
Day 1 – Arrival & ICEHOTEL
My journey began with an early morning flight from Heathrow to Stockholm, followed by a quick connection to Kiruna – the fastest and most efficient way to travel to the heart of Swedish Lapland. As soon as we arrived, we were greeted by our guide from the ICEHOTEL, heading straight to our first stop – a small Sami-owned reindeer farm. These gentle animals, known for their calm demeanour, were a delightful introduction to the region, and it was an education to learn of the rich Sami culture of herding these gentle animals. After a traditional lunch we carried on to the highlight of the day – the iconic ICEHOTEL.
ICEHOTEL entrance
A visit to this hotel is like stepping into a frozen fairy tale, with an extraordinary blend of sculpted ice art and architecture in every room and across the common areas. Checking in was quick and efficient, and I was shown to my Arctic Chalet – a spacious, cosy retreat featuring a double bedroom, a second room with bunk beds, a lounge area, kitchenette, and a shower room. This is part of the hotel's warm accommodation which is set adjacent to the original ICEHOTEL and ICEHOTEL 365 buildings. My colleagues, feeling a bit more adventurous, opted for the Deluxe Art Suites in the ICEHOTEL 365 (located beside to the ICEHOTEL which is built every year from scratch) where the cold bedroom is complemented by a warm ensuite bathroom. These suites are as unique as they are chilly, but they offer a real Arctic experience for those willing to test their limits!
There was time for a guided tour of both the original ICEHOTEL and ICEHOTEL 365, with both serving up galleries of ice art, each room offering a different, imaginative theme which is designed every winter. The Icebar is another must-see feature, offering the chance to sip on expertly crafted cocktails from glasses made entirely of ice. For a truly hands-on experience, we participated in ice sculpting, an activity that allowed us to unleash our creativity on a solid block of ice. I would highly recommend this if you're looking for something fun and interactive. A pro tip: it’s best to arrive with a clear idea of what you’d like to carve – this helps streamline the process and makes for a more enjoyable experience. Dinner at the ICEHOTEL's Ice Restaurant was equally impressive, and I was delighted to find that they catered to all dietary needs. The Ice Menu, created from locally sourced ingredients, was as delicious as it was imaginative.
One of the individually designed ice rooms in the 2025 recreation of ICEHOTEL
Day 2 – Arctic Retreat
The following day, after a hearty breakfast at the ICEHOTEL, we embarked on a scenic 3.5-hour journey to the Arctic Retreat. This is obviously quite a long journey to do by car, but a great alternative is a direct train between Kiruna and Boden station, bookended by shorter car transfers.
Arctic Retreat itself is a peaceful sanctuary, tucked away in the heart of nature – the perfect place to unwind and enjoy the tranquility of the wilderness. The retreat consists of three beautifully designed log cabins, each secluded among birch trees with stunning views of the surrounding landscape. After settling in and enjoying a light lunch, we donned our thermal gear in preparation for an exhilarating dog sledding adventure. The huskies, eager to take us through the snowy trails, were an absolute joy to ride with. It’s an activity that truly connects you with nature while giving you a thrill at the same time. Back at the retreat, each cabin features its own Jacuzzi and a cosy atmosphere backed by the Råne River. A delicious 3-course dinner was prepared for us in the communal dining cabin, where we were treated to local delicacies while hearing captivating stories from our guide and fellow guests. The experience was both intimate and heartwarming.
Cabin views at Arctic Retreat
Day 3 – Aurora Safari Camp
Our adventure continued the next day, with a snowmobiling trip through seemingly endless stunning woodlands. After a 4-hour journey filled with breathtaking scenery, we enjoyed a traditional campfire lunch and fika in the wilderness – a quintessential Swedish experience. In the afternoon, we arrived at the remote Aurora Safari Camp, which sits beautifully on the shores of a frozen lake. The arrival, across the ice and a short uphill walk to the reception area, added to the sense of adventure and isolation. The camp consists of charming tipi cabins, which are equipped with ensuite toilet facilities, while the showers are located in a separate block. These tipis offer an authentic, back-to-nature experience with the added bonus of magnificent views of the surrounding landscape through the large windows. One of the most magical parts of our stay was the stunning Northern Lights display that graced the sky during our 4-course dinner.
Views at Aurora Safari Camp
Day 4 – Brandon Lodge & Treehotel
After breakfast, we departed to Brandon Lodge, with a detour to two remarkable hotels: the Treehotel and Arctic Bath. The Treehotel is unlike anything I’ve ever seen. Set in the forests of Harads, the hotel offers a unique collection of rooms located in the canopy amongst the trees! Each room is designed with nature in mind, giving guests an unforgettable experience of sleeping among the treetops. It’s the perfect place to enjoy activities like hiking, kayaking, or snowmobiling depending on the season. I’d also recommend a visit to their Forest Spa, which allows you to truly immerse yourself in nature. Next, we visited the Arctic Bath, an architectural masterpiece floating on the Lule River. The central structure is a captivating circular design that houses the main reception, restaurant and spa. Along the riverbank, you’ll find six waterfront cabins that offer panoramic views of the landscape, perfect for watching the sunrise or sunset.
Plunge pool at Arctic Bath
After a beautiful journey, we arrived at Brandon Lodge, a family-friendly hotel offering 15 cabins, each designed with comfort and practicality in mind. The cabins feature a double bedroom, a twin bedroom, a spacious lounge area, and a small kitchenette—ideal for those who want to feel at home in the middle of the wilderness. Dinner at Brandon Lodge was a delightful 3-course affair, but the evening was made even more special by our visit to the outdoor campfire. Unfortunately, the Northern Lights didn’t make an appearance this evening, but the warmth of the fire and the company made for a memorable end to the day.
Dragonfly cabin at the Treehotel
Day 5 – Nordic Skills & Departure
On our final day, we participated in a Nordic skills workshop, where we learned how to build a proper campfire and enjoy fika in the forest. It was a fantastic way to connect with the region’s traditions, obtain some practical forest skills and end our adventure on a high note. Afterwards, we boarded our transfer for the journey back to the UK, via Stockholm, reflecting on the incredible experiences we had in Swedish Lapland.
Tips for visiting Swedish Lapland
Swedish Lapland is a year-round destination, each season offering its own unique charm. In summer and autumn, the lush green forests are perfect for hiking, kayaking, and outdoor relaxation. Winter, on the other hand, brings snowmobiling, dog sledding, and the chance to witness the mesmerising Northern Lights, which we were lucky enough to experience.
Consider a multi-destination stay that combines the iconic ICEHOTEL with the forest retreats at Brandon Lodge or the luxurious Treehotel. Alternatively, embrace the tranquil solitude of the Arctic Retreat or Aurora Safari Camp – both perfect for those seeking to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
No matter where you stay, Swedish Lapland offers a rare opportunity to experience nature at its purest, with the added magic of unique accommodations that are unlike any other across the region. So pack your winter gear and get ready for a journey that’s sure to leave you with memories to last a lifetime.
