This summer itinerary is a beautiful exploration of Swedish Lapland and its northernmost archipelago. You'll have three days to explore, with over 1,400 islands making for the perfect setting for the likes of seal safaris, bird watching boat trips and strolling among giant sand dunes on remote beaches – all under the never-ending glow of the Midnight Sun. Then, a trip highlight sees you head north for an outdoor dining experience in Huuva Hideaway in Liehittaja, foraging for ingredients before a fireside cookout in the middle of the forest. Alongside it all, you'll be staying at the Haparanda Stadshotell, one of Sweden's most renowned hotels, where you'll enjoy included, three-course gourmet meals – think reindeer and Kalix roe – alongside sauna sessions and yoga.
Summer in the heart of Swedish Lapland
Day by day itinerary
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Day 1 » UK to Lulea
Fly to Lulea (via Stockholm) and pick up your hire car ready to drive to Harparanda in Swedish Lapland. Be sure to stop off at the 400-year-old UNESCO-listed Gammelstad just outside of Lulea as you skirt Sweden's northernmost archipelago to reach your accommodation for the duration of the trip, the Haparanda Stadshotell. One of the country's famous turn-of-the-century hotels, this gem has been restored to its former glory and is filled with authentic character. Expect everything from yoga lessons to cosy, fur-trimmed rooms – some with private Jacuzzis and saunas – alongside a fine-dining restaurant where you'll enjoy daily included, gourmet three-course meals. Traditional Swedish fare will see you sample likes of Kalix roe, smoked reindeer on toast with lingonberries, Arctic char and, to finish, warm cloudberries with Swedish vanilla cookies, served among a gorgeous candle-lit setting and accompanied by an excellent wine list.
Stay: Haparanda Stadshotell
Meals: Dinner
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Day 2 » Explore the archipelago
After an included breakfast you've got a full day to explore. Perhaps stroll over the nearby border – remember your passport – to Finland's Tornio and visit the small museums and art galleries. Just be sure to remember the 1-hour time difference! Alternatively, head to the Haparanda Archipelago National Park on a boat trip, a collection of beautiful islands and reefs dotted with seals and myriad bird species. The island of Sandskär is particularly worth a stop at, with fishing villages and sandy beaches with 20 metre-high dunes are filled with unique flora and fauna, including over 100,000 birds. You could even play a round on the world’s only golf course that crosses the border of two countries – and two time zones. This evening, we'd highly recommend an evening seal safari from the Haparanda harbour to see grey seals in their natural habitat, before returning to your hotel for another gourmet dinner.
Stay: Haparanda Stadshotell
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
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Day 3 » Outdoor dining in the wilderness
After breakfast, head even further north up to Huuva Hideaway in Liehittaja for an outdoor dining experience and a true trip highlight. After a short hike in the forest, together with a guide and chef, you'll pick goodies from 'nature's pantry', from berries to mushrooms, to take part in a cookout over the fire. Learn more about the surrounding nature and the Sámi and Tornedalian food culture before sitting at the outdoor table in the forest on an old Sámi reindeer corral to dine on the likes of wild meat, fish and greens along with your foraged ingredients. On your return, be sure to stop at Kukkolaforsen and the rapids where, in summer, locals hunt for whitefish using medieval-style fishing nets from wooden jetties. Return to Harparanda Stadshotell for your final evening – then why not complete your Swedish Lapland experience by booking a sauna session?
Stay: Haparanda Stadshotell
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Day 4 » Lulea to UK
After breakfast, if time allows, head out to explore the seafront city of Lulea before dropping off your car at the airport in time for your flight back to the UK.
Meals: Breakfast
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