Program Study trip in Swedish Lapland for Inga
Thursday 20 November (Day 1)
On my Sweden holiday I was really looking forward to visiting the Lapland, and after departing from London I arrived at Luleaa Airport, having connected via Stockholm Arlanda airport. In Luleaa, where you will be met by our representative, who guided us to Braendon Lodge on the coast of Swedish Lapland for a warm welcome and site inspection.
For the first night, the accomodation was at the Pine Bay Lodge. Pine Bay Lodge is located on the coastal edge of the Luleå (Luleaa) Archipelago, approximately 30 minutes away from Luleå (Luleaa). The Luleå archipelago has a total of 1300 islands and only 100 residents and is a unique wilderness environment where the sea around the island freezes up to a metre thick in winter. The guest house is in a very, Swedish style, traditional and with a homely feel. It boasts 8 hotel style guest rooms, all well renovated and with en-suite facilities.
The centre of the guesthouse is a large open plan dining and lounge room with an enormous open fire where guests can relax. There is also a sauna facility that guests can book to complete living the Swedish experience. The guest house is open for independent travelers and small groups from Friday to Sunday nights. We recommend that guests pre-book at least half board (including dinner). They can offer day time activities, such as snowmobile tours, husky dog sledding. Often these tours include lunch. Lunch is also available at the Guesthouse on arrangement. Guests are able to purchase wine and beer on location.
After check-in we had a little time to change and be ready for a lovely dinner.
At 8 pm a lovely 3-course dinner was served at Pine Bay Lodge, followed by a sauna, in true Swedish Lapland style.
Friday 21 November (Day 2)
After a lovely, peaceful sleep at Pine Bay Lodge, breakfast was served at a very human time of 9am at Pine Bay Lodge. This morning we enjoyed a hearty breakfast with all that you can wish for in a buffet breakfast. With a full tummy, we were now ready to explore.
 We started with a guided transfer to Aurora Safari Camp with a site inspection of the surroundings and outdoor lunch at the Camp. The lunch was a hearty meal to make us stay warm for the trip.
 After a lovely lunch, we continued for check-in at our accommodation at Sörbyn Lodge (Soerbyn Lodge) to stay on the second night.
 Mid afternoon we met the lovely huskies from Isdimma Husky Adventure and, if the snow conditions permitted, we would go on a short tour. Luckily we did.
Thereafter, before dinner, we had a taster of driving a snowmobile in the surrounding forests with local guides. We had excellent fun.
Back in our Sörby Lodge, we had time for a sauna and relaxation before a 3-course dinner at Sörby Lodge. We ate a lovely meal with reindeer, salmon and other local specialties.
Saturday 22 November (Day 3)
Breakfast at Sörby Lodge. We had a buffet breakfast that was very tempting and tasty.
Following breakfast we had a guided transfer through the forest lands to Brittas Pensionat and the famous Treehotel, where we were going to stay the night. I was very excited.
We had a tour of the Treehotel, checked in and were then invited to lunch at Brittas Pensionat (Brittas Hostel). Brittas Hostel is where you check-in for the Treehotel, its restaurant and activities center.
The hostel was renovated to the current style in the 1950s and maintained in immaculate condition ever since. We enjoyed traditional Swedish food for lunch, it was lovely.
Following lunch it was time for some Outdoor Activities such as the Segway and Zipline. That was a huge amount of fun and we had a good laugh during testing.
Thereafter we returned to the Treehotel and ventured to the obligatory Sauna in the North, for some relaxation before enjoying another delightful dinner in Sweden, at Brittas Pensionat. Thereafter we were exhausted after an eventful day and we went back to the Treehotel to sleep.
Day 3 Sunday 23 November (Day 4)
We enjoyed a hearty breakfast at Brittas Pensionat, followed by a guided transfer by mini bus to Kiruna through Jokkmokk and Gällivare. Along the way we enjoyed the amazing scenery until we arrived in Jukkasjärvi, where we enjoyed lunch with the local Sami family, Nutti Saami Siida, and visited their Reindeer Lodge, which is rated excellent accommodation, so definitely worth a consideration.
Thereafter we drove onto the Icehotel that was under construction. Last year the 25th IceHotel in Jukkasjarvi was being built and we would see the progress of construction. Typically, the Ice Hotel opens around December 10th.
After observing the construction, we went onto Camp Ripan where we checked in for the night and thereafter tried snow evening shoeing in the trails surrounding Camp Ripan (at this time of the year it gets dark at around 4-5 pm, but very cozy with lots of lights and candles around).
And, as per standard in the Nordics, it was Spa time and time to relax at the Aurora Spa, followed by dinner at Camp Ripan. We crashed early after fresh Swedish air and lots of new experiences, and I sadly remembered that the next day would be my second last day in Sweden, before going home.
 Monday 24 November (Day 5)
We started with breakfast in Camp Ripan – and enjoyed a good, hearty and healthy breakfast, to get us ready to get to the mountains, so we were well prepared for traveling. We set off and arrived at Bjorkliden (Björkliden) after 1 hour. The road towards Norway took us from Kiruna up into the mountain region and the mountain resorts/villages of Abisko and Björkliden, that are very popular ski resorts and also for viewing the Northern Lights.
We checked in at Björkliden Fjällby, which was excellent and enjoys Scandinavia’s most beautiful views. It has Sweden’s third highest drop of 538 metres and you will enjoy quality Wilderness in a convenient and accessible way, while we offer skiing, dog sledding, snowmobiles, snowshoes, Northern Lights and even Snow Golf.
Thereafter we continued for Lunch at restaurant Lapporten. We had typical Swedish food and we enjoyed it and we were now ready for more outdoor activities according to weather conditions. This was followed by site inspection at Abisko Mountain station which is in a great location with good food and great staff and a great place to watch the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) as well. We had a short rest before we joined for dinner at STF Abisko Mountain station. After an enjoyable dinner with the helpful staff, good food and a great and cozy atmosphere.
The end is near, tonight is our last evening and I am almost crying as I have had such a delightful time.
Tuesday 24 November (Day 6)
We enjoyed our last breakfast at Björkliden in Sweden this time around. I can’t wait to return or tell you potential clients all about it. After breakfast and check-out, we took the transfer to Kiruna airport and departed from there back home.
What an amazing trip, we saw and tried so much. Can’t wait to bring you here!
TreeHotel in summer:
