It was my first trip so far to the North and it might help everyone who never been in Scandinavia before or above the Arctic Circle. What to expect, how to dress and what kind of experience I will receive – was my most important questions preparing for Arctic Europe familiarization trip.
It was the end of September and my journey started up North in Sweden, city called Skellefteå. Hard to write it? Harder to pronounce it! We’ve been advised on the easiest pronunciation is to keep repeating quickly “She Left You”. Correct! After we learn a lesson, we are ready to explore this small, peaceful and amazing city.
I’ve landed to Skellefteå airport late afternoon and it took half an hour by car to reach wonderful, historical hotel Stiftsgarden, where we had fresh, healthy and delicious 3-course dinner.
Late September weather in the North of Sweden was very pleasant and sunny. The temperature in the morning approximately 8 C and afternoon ~12 C. I would advise to take warmer clothes even though it doesn’t look cold, but better to be prepared.
The next day we had activities at Svansele Wilderness Camp, about an hour drive from Stiftsgarden hotel. We had an adventurous fat bike riding (~1 hrs) from Svansele center to Wilderness Camp, where for the first time I tried reindeer and moose meat cooked on open fire.
After a nice Wilderness lunch, we continued our day leaving Svansele behind and heading to other small North Sweden city – Arjeplog, surrounded by thousands of lakes. Kraja Hotel, were we stayed is located nearly to one of the lakes. Sunny and colourful autumn made my Swedish experience even more memorable!
In the winter time, Kraja Hotel owners opens Ice Hotel and most of the winter activities are available there. Ice drive is one of the most popular activities in Arjeplog during the winter season.
Next day we left fabulous Arjeplog city to continue our adventure crossing the Norway border. It took almost 4 hrs by car to reach port city Bodø, located just north of the Arctic Circle, is the largest urban area and city in Nordland county, and the second-largest in North Norway.
Our group had a chance to visit Salstraumen – the strongest current in the world, and after all we had a guided tour at the Aviation museum, with lots of history and impressive guide knowledge.
The highlight of Norway and Bodø was the magnificent Northern Lights, which I managed to see in the middle of the city center, surrounded by artificial lights!
The last day we have visited a small old Norwegian village – Kjerringøy. The village of Kjerringøy is located about 30 kilometres north of the town of Bodø, and it is a village and former municipality in Nordland county. To reach the village we had to make a short ferry transfer, which was very pleasant during sunny Autumn day.
I did enjoy Scandinavian culture, food and very friendly, good English speaking Scandinavian people. Would recommend for travellers who like to combine Wilderness and city environment together.
Text and photos by Julija Leliunaite