100% customisable travel idea
White, invigorating and indulgent This winter, explore Sweden’s far north with outstanding places to stay
Sweden - Lapland - Harads - Kangos - Riksgränsen - Kiruna
100% customisable travel idea
Sweden - Lapland - Harads - Kangos - Riksgränsen - Kiruna
100% customisable for you
Upon arrival, you’ll pick up your rental car and drive to the peaceful small town of Harads. You’ll spend two nights in a hotel-spa set on the Lule river. Depending on the season, you’ll float or glide on the ice. For now, we’ll settle in by the frozen waters. Designed by two renowned architects, the establishment is a design gem. It is centred around a main circular building, flanked on the sides by several cabins - some floating, like yours, and others built on stilts. The whole is admirable. Focusing on minimalist décor, the interiors blend state-of-the-art amenities with natural materials. A very large wooden deck surrounds the room and invites you to contemplate the northern lights. And there are plenty of amenities to enjoy. The essential spa, more extravagant here, is crowned with a tangle of pine logs. It has multiple saunas. As for the renowned restaurant, it offers a true Lapland culinary journey with at least six courses.
Optional - Gourmet dinner.
The word “nature” deserves a capital letter here, as Lapland offers travellers the very best it has to offer. Rivers wind through vast conifer forests, a light of rare purity makes the ancient lakes shimmer, and the protected wildlife enjoys an uncommon calm.
On the agenda: Snowmobile rides and northern lights. Flexible yet robust, the snowmobile is ideal for gliding over frozen waters or following snow-covered forest trails. It is relatively easy to handle and quickly offers real driving pleasure and enjoyable gliding sensations. Accompanied by the guide, you’ll climb onto the vehicle and tackle dips and bumps - even in the midst of nighttime scenery. And the range it offers lets you discover that, despite its uniform whiteness, the region has varied features and more contrasts than you might expect. The outing features dinner in a cabin in the heart of nature and could include some chance encounters with local wildlife. With a bit of luck, you might also come face to face with shimmering, colourful sails - a spectacular local light phenomenon.
After another breakfast of homemade breads and fresh, high-quality produce - cold cuts, cheeses and made-to-order dishes - it’s time to head a little further north. It takes a few hours by car to reach Kangos, but the journey is an experience in itself: you’ll wind through vast conifer forests, frozen lakes and landscapes typical of the Arctic taiga. You can stop for a break in the heart of nature or in the villages of Jokkmokk and Gammelstad, both of which are rich in culture and history. As soon as you arrive at your new accommodation for the next two nights, you’ll be struck by the magnificent natural setting and the elegance of the century-old log houses, painted in the traditional Falun red and delightfully cosy.
Located 150 km (93 miles) north of the Arctic Circle, Kangos is a tiny village tucked away in the far north of Sweden, near the border with Finland. All around, the Lappish wilderness clearly still reigns, with raw landscapes stretching as far as the eye can see.
On your agenda- Dog sledding excursion. Dog sledding restores the epic spirit of winter. Something tells the traveller that here, they are experiencing the very essence of Arctic life. First, there is the barking. Then the straps tighten, the team pulls the sled, and the lead dog's commands guide the surge. Quickly, it is the hush of the clamour and the speed. You can sense the glide of the skates and the dash of the dogs without breaking the majestic silence. The musher (perhaps you?) closely follows the movement. He goes down a slope to ease the animals’ effort; a flat stretch, a descent, he goes back up. The experience is thrilling. The sled rides are led by experienced guides who work on a small scale, taking great care of their dogs and the pristine wilderness.
Drive to Riksgränsen. This ski resort in the Arctic Circle, close to Norway, is famous for its breathtaking mountain scenery and outstanding off-piste area. You’ll spend two nights in a hotel with character again. All that remains of the former railway maintenance workshop are the foundations and a stone wall from the original roundhouse - a section of which the architects have incorporated into the modern building. This unique style earned the establishment the prestigious Prix Versailles, awarded by UNESCO. The common areas encourage a friendly atmosphere - a living room with a coffee corner, a library, a chess set and a wood-burning stove. The room, decorated with pine décor and Sami motifs, invites rest. There are also minimalist bathrooms (grey ceramic and limestone countertops), a wellness area and an outdoor sauna. At the restaurant, the warm décor blends raw wood with contemporary touches, and chef Ragnar Martinsson serves a refined dinner inspired by the seasons and local culture - five courses that highlight local ingredients, including Kalix Lojrom caviar, fish, reindeer, vegetables and berries.
Optional - Dinner at Aurora Sky Station.
Renowned for its exceptional powder snow and a ski season that lasts well into spring, Riksgränsen resort attracts both enthusiasts and experts with its 42 groomed runs and vast off-piste areas, also accessible by heliskiing. The peaceful atmosphere of the snow-covered mountains and the guided excursions let visitors discover the region through the eyes of local people. After the snow, it’s time for relaxation in the many spas and hot tubs overlooking the peaks.
Already planned - your massage at the hotel. Nothing is more relaxing than a massage to loosen your warmed muscles after a day spent in the deep cold of the polar winter!
Optional - Dinner at the hotel restaurant.
This morning, we’ll head south towards Kiruna, following the shores of Lake Torneträsk to take in all the spectacular scenery along the way. Upon arrival, you’ll settle in for the night at a large modern hotel in the city centre - special mention for the panoramic view of the surrounding landscapes from the spa.
In Sweden’s northernmost city, a visit can be divided into two parts. We’ll begin by visiting the beautiful church built in 1912, inspired by a Sámi hut and entirely covered with red wooden shingles. Inside, a sublime painting by Prince Eugène titled “The Sacred Wood” adorns the altar. We’ll continue with the town hall - unmissable with its tower and clock. Its futuristic architecture is quite impressive.
Not to be missed - The LKAB mine, the largest underground iron mine in the world, located well beyond the Arctic Circle.
The guided tour (540 metres underground, no less) immerses you in the fascinating world of modern mining. Through exhibitions, screenings and impressive machinery, you’ll learn how iron ore is extracted, transported and processed, while also discovering the history of LKAB and its vital role in the Swedish economy. You’ll also understand why the city of Kiruna itself is being moved to keep pace with the mine’s development. Between technological innovation, industrial heritage and spectacular Arctic landscapes, this journey offers a unique and enriching experience at the crossroads of science, history and the culture of the Far North.
Optional - Meet the reindeer.
You’ll drive to Kiruna airport, return the rental car, then fly home.
This suggested itinerary can be customisable down to the smallest detail, including duration, stops and content. An à la carte menu of experiences is also available to create a journey that reflects who you are.
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