Exploring the Beauty of Swedish Lapland and the Lofoten Islands
Read about two 50DN Destination Specialists’, Monica and Tom’s travels through Swedish Lapland and the Lofoten Islands – a trip with a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural immersion, and warm encounters.
We recently returned from an amazing trip through the stunning landscapes of Swedish Lapland and the Lofoten Islands in Norway. Each day was filled with incredible scenery, unique adventures, and wonderful hospitality that made the experience very special.
Day 1: Arrival to Swedish Lapland and Wilderness Dinner
Our adventure began in Luleå in Sweden, where we transferred out to the Arthotel Tornedalen, nestled in the picturesque landscapes of Swedish Lapland. Kalle and Alma, our lovely hosts at the Arthotel, greeted us warmly upon arrival. This charming and unique hotel, surrounded by art, offers a blend of contemporary comfort and traditional charm, with cosy accommodations and stunning views of the surrounding wilderness.
That evening, we were treated to a delicious wilderness dinner, featuring local delicacies prepared with care and creativity. Dinner was then complemented by a snowshoe hike under the night sky, immersing us in the tranquil beauty of the Lapland wilderness. It was a perfect start to our adventure, setting the tone for the memorable journey ahead.
Day 2: From the Arthotel to the Aurora Safari Camp
Our second day was brimming with excitement as we ventured from the comfort of Arthotel Tornedalen to explore more of the wonders of Swedish Lapland. Travelling through snowy conditions, we made our way to two iconic destinations: the Arctic Bath and the Treehotel. The Arctic Bath, known for its unique circular design and immersive spa experiences offers a serene retreat amidst the pristine wilderness. Next, we marvelled at the Treehotel, where each treehouse accommodation is an architectural surprise, blending seamlessly with the surrounding forest.
However, the highlight of our day awaited us at the Aurora Safari Camp. After gearing up in cosy winter attire, we embarked on an exhilarating snowmobile ride to the camp, where we were greeted with warm hospitality by the owners, Naila and Jonas. Dinner that night was another culinary wonder – and the best dinner we had during the entire trip – showcasing the finest ingredients and flavours of the region. The evening concluded with an ice bath and sauna session, leaving us refreshed and invigorated under the Arctic night sky. And yes, you can visit this camp with us on our tailor-made Aurora Glamping tour.
Image credit: @photobyfredrikbroman
Day 3: Authentic Swedish Lapland Experiences
Our journey into the heart of Swedish Lapland continued on the third day, as we embarked on another exciting snowmobile tour. This time, our destination was the Arctic Retreat and The Outpost Lodge.
The Arctic Retreat welcomed us with its rustic charm and serene surroundings, offering a true escape into nature. Nestled amidst snow-covered forests and pristine wilderness, it provides an idyllic setting for relaxation.
Next, we visited The Outpost Lodge, surrounded by vast stretches of wilderness and endless opportunities for exploration.
However, one of the highlights took place towards the end of the day when we met Johan (owner) at Lapland Guesthouse. Johan's warm hospitality, genuine passion for his homeland, and quirky character seemed to embody the spirit of Swedish Lapland, leaving a lasting impression on us.
The remote and authentic atmosphere of these places really allowed us to appreciate the raw beauty of the region, deepening our connection to the land and its people.
Day 4: Marvels at Sweden’s ICEHOTEL
After a morning snowmobile tour and another scenic drive, we reached the famed ICEHOTEL. The artistry and craftsmanship of the ice sculptures were incredible, leaving us in awe of the wonders of nature and human ingenuity. The visual spectacle of the ICEHOTEL alone made the visit well worthwhile.
Image credit: Asaf Kliger
Day 5: Journey to Abisko
Our fifth day was a whirlwind of transportation, we hopped into a taxi bound for the train station. From there, we embarked on a scenic train journey to Abisko, soaking in the stunning views along the way.
Upon arrival, we encountered a minor hiccup with our hotel booking. However, any concerns were quickly dispelled by the warm and welcoming atmosphere of Abisko Mountain Lodge. Nestled amidst the mountains in Swedish Lapland, the lodge has a cosy charm that immediately put us at ease. It was the perfect place to relax and recharge after a big day of travel.
Image: Aurora Sky Station
Day 6: Crossing the border from Sweden to Norway
Our journey from Abisko in Sweden to Narvik in Norway was a bit of an adventure, involving multiple modes of transportation. We started with a train ride, followed by a bus trip, and finally a taxi to reach Camp 291 in Narvik. Located on the slopes of Narvikfjellet, Camp 291, offers new and modern design accommodations with stunning views of the surrounding fjords and mountains.
Image credit: Melissa Hegge
Day 7: From Narvik to the Capital of the Lofoten Islands
Our day began with a scenic three-hour bus ride from Narvik to Svolvær, showcasing the stunning landscapes of the region.
Svolvær is a wonderfully walkable town, making it easy to explore on foot. We checked into Svinøya Rorbuer, our accommodation for the night. Svinøya Rorbuer offers charming traditional fisherman's cabins, or "rorbuer," providing a unique and cosy stay. Nestled on a small island connected to Svolvær by a bridge, the location offers fantastic views of the surrounding fjords and mountains.
The combination of rustic charm and modern comforts at Svinøya Rorbuer made for a memorable stay. The town itself, with its vibrant harbor and picturesque scenery, invited us to wander and soak in the local atmosphere. Our day was filled with appreciation for the beauty and serenity of the Lofoten Islands, setting the stage for the adventures to come. This spot is also famous for capturing images of the Northern Lights with a majestic landscapes, found on this tour, Lofoten and the Northern Lights.
Day 8: Sea Eagle Safari and Gourmet Delights
The highlight of the day was a thrilling RIB Sea Eagle Safari, where we had the chance to see these majestic birds up close and experience the rugged beauty of the coastline from the water.
Our day concluded with a sumptuous seven-course dinner at Hattvika Lodge. The meal was an experience in itself, featuring an array of delicious seafood dishes that highlighted the fresh, local ingredients.
The combination of thrilling adventure and gourmet delights made this day a standout in our journey, perfectly capturing the essence of the Lofoten Islands.
Image credit: Carl Filip Olsson
Day 9: Hiking and Lofoten Hospitality
We spent a part of the day hiking with a knowledgeable guide, exploring the natural beauty of the region. In the evening, we retreated to the warmth and comfort of Holmen Lofoten, a truly extraordinary place nestled on the shores of the Norwegian Sea.
The hospitality at Holmen Lofoten was exceptional, with attentive staff ensuring that every aspect of our stay was perfect. And the culinary experience at Holmen Lofoten continued to impress – as expected, considering their many programs and activities, including their unique Kitchen on the Edge of the World program. From fresh seafood to locally sourced ingredients, each meal showcased the flavours of the region with creativity and flair.
Day 10: Reflections and Highlights
As our journey came to an end, we reflected on the numerous highlights. Dining at Aurora Safari Camp with the delightful company and the exceptional chef Julia, the exhilarating RIB tour in Svolvær, the gourmet dinner at Hatvika Lodge, and the heartwarming welcome at Abisko Mountain Lodge stood out. Also, sharing a whiskey with Johan at Lapland Guesthouse and the never-ending stunning scenery made this trip truly unforgettable.
This journey through Swedish Lapland and the Lofoten Islands was an extraordinary experience that we cannot wait to utilise when crafting further adventures for 50 Degrees North’s clients.
-Monica & Tom
Tours to Swedish Lapland in Winter
Some tours of interest for anyone wishing to visit the places Monica and Tom travelled to:
Tours near Luleå, Swedish Lapland (days 1-2):
Luleå tours with 50 Degrees North
Tours near Kiruna, Swedish Lapland (days 3-4):
Kiruna tours with 50 Degrees North
Tours near Svolvær, Norway (days 7-10):
Svolvær tours with 50 Degrees North
Tours visiting the Lofoten Islands, Norway (days 7-10):
Lofoten tours with 50 Degrees North
