Swedish Summer Cabin Break at Arctic Retreat

Day by day itinerary

• Day 1 » Arrive at Arctic Retreat

  Fly (via Stockholm) to Luleå, a coastal city in Swedish Lapland, where a private transfer will bring you to Arctic Retreat, just over an hour’s drive to the north. Hidden among boreal forests on the banks of the Råne River, this secluded eco-lodge comprises three beautifully appointed log cabins, each with floor-to-ceiling windows and a private Jacuzzi. You’ll also have access to a sauna cabin, a cosy lounge cabin and a traditional restaurant cabin. This evening, enjoy your first delicious dinner at Arctic Retreat, with dishes prepared using the finest locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. Expect the likes of freshly caught fish, local meat, and mushrooms and berries foraged from the surrounding woodlands. It’s the perfect way to begin your Swedish summer adventure.

  Stay: Arctic Retreat, Sweden

  Meals: Dinner

• Day 2 » Guided hike & fishing

  Today begins with a bountiful breakfast before you set off on a guided hike, venturing deep into the taiga forest that surrounds Arctic Retreat. The terrain is gently undulating and the route can be altered to suit your fitness levels; it’s a wonderful way to immerse yourself in the region’s wild, unspoiled nature. You’ll hike for around four hours in total, stopping along the way for a light lunch, served outdoors in the fresh Arctic air.

  Later on, you’ll have the opportunity to experience another classic Swedish outdoor pursuit, as you try your hand at fishing on the Råne River and among the nearby lakes, which offer the chance to catch the likes of perch, pike, grayling and even salmon. Your guide will show you the basics of how to fish, after which you’ll be perfectly equipped to continue honing your skills throughout the remainder of your stay. If you’d prefer, you may opt to go fishing first and go hiking later beneath the Midnight Sun, which provides 24/7 daylight throughout the summer months in Swedish Lapland. We’ve also included half-day use of fat bikes or gravel bikes and half-day use of canoes, giving you further possibilities to explore the surrounding landscapes at leisure. 

  Stay: Arctic Retreat, Sweden

  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

• Day 3 » Swedish baking & canoeing

  This morning, you’ll learn the secrets behind one of Sweden’s most loved sweet treats: the cinnamon bun. During your baking workshop, you’ll prepare the perfect dough for your buns, which you’ll then leave to proof for a while while making some delicious chocolate balls. Then, it’s time to bake your cinnamon buns, which you’ll enjoy alongside coffee or tea – this is what Swedes call ‘fika’, the national ritual of taking a break for a hot drink and a pastry or a piece of cake. In the afternoon, you’ll take to the Råne River on a guided canoe adventure, which affords you the chance to spot local wildlife such as moose, beavers and reindeer while you peacefully glide along. Round off your day with an invigorating wild swimming session back at Arctic Retreat, followed by yet another delightful dinner. 

  Stay: Arctic Retreat, Sweden

  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

• Day 4 » Immerse yourself in Sámi culture

  Having immersed yourself in the natural beauty of Swedish Lapland, today you’ll experience an authentic taste of the region’s deeply rooted Sámi culture. You’ll hear stories about the Sámi people, both past and present, and how their unique way of life has enabled them to live in harmony with nature over the millennia. There’s also an opportunity to taste some traditional Sámi delicacies, such as dried reindeer meat, gáhkku bread, and the rather unusual combination of coffee and cheese. For a supplement, it’s also possible to arrange a more in-depth Sámi experience that includes meeting reindeer and enjoying a fireside dinner. After this enriching cultural encounter, you’ll return to Arctic Retreat and enjoy the rest of the day as you wish – whether that be soaking in your Jacuzzi, relaxing in the sauna or putting your new outdoor skills to the test.

  Stay: Arctic Retreat, Sweden

  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

• Day 5 » Return to UK

  After one last breakfast, it’s time to bid farewell to Arctic Retreat as a private transfer brings you back to Luleå Airport to begin your journey home. 

  Meals: Breakfast