Sweden's Arctic Contrasts

Day 1

Fly from the UK to Luleå (via Stockholm). Transfer to your hotel in Luleå centre (approx 15 mins). Remainder of the day free to relax. We recommend dinner in your hotel’s wonderful restaurant, Nordic Kitchen & Table, with a panoramic view over the bay.

2 nights LULEÅ - Clarion Hotel Sense

Day 2

You will be spoilt for choice at breakfast - the Clarion Sense provides a wonderful breakfast buffet with a wide variety of choices - all organic and locally sourced.

Now you have the day at leisure in Luleå.  Why not try an exhilarating activity out on the Ice Road, the large playground snow-ploughed out by the local council on the frozen river, bays and sea of the Luleå Archipelago and into the snowy forests around the city?  Explore either on foot or by kick-sled, fat-bike, segway or Nordic Skis - it's fantastic fun with breathtaking views.

For those who prefer something a little less energetic there's always Luleå’s excellent collection of shops and museums. For those interested in Sami culture a visit to Biergo for a food tasting is a must.  Alternatively, the Clarion Sense Hotel has a wonderful spa where you can relax in the pool with panoramic views, take a foot bath, a Japanese bath, sauna or solarium. Details for all activities can be found under Excursions.

Day 3

Guided transfer from your hotel to Pine Bay Lodge, overlooking the archipelago. Your journey includes a brief visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Gammelstad Church Village, Luleå’s old town and includes a wide range of interesting places along the Luleå river valley. Your guide will tell you more about the region, its people and its history. Time to try an optional dog-sledding trip (see Optional Activities) before lunch is served at the lodge.

Evening departure on snowshoes for a guided walk into the Brändö forest. This is a fun activity, especially the first few minutes until you get used to your shoes! If the sky is clear you may see the Northern Lights but in the meantime you will learn how to light a fire in the snow and help your guide to prepare a delicious outdoor dinner which you eat sitting on reindeer furs under the dark night sky.

2 nights LULEÅ ARCHIPELAGO - Pine Bay Lodge

Day 4

Today you have an exciting snowmobile journey to Brändöskär island in the outermost archipelago, an idyllic fishing village dating from the 17th century. Outside the island is the frozen Bothnian Bay and the vast Luleå Archipelago with its seemingly endless fields of pack ice and snow; this is a journey mainly in wide open spaces, on frozen water with an almost surreal atmosphere as the sky and ground blend into one and the horizon becomes a blurred line in the distance.  Magic!  Try a spot of ice-fishing before lunch and cook your catch over an open fire - but don't worry if you don't catch anything...the guide has supplies!

Return to the Lodge during the afternoon and relax before a delicious 3-course dinner is served in the log house during the evening.  The sauna is available for those who want to try it out (don't forget...Snow Angels in the snow OBLIGATORY!), alternatively just curl up with your book or laptop (WiFi free).

Day 5

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before packing up and preparing for your guided transfer to Luleå Airport for your return flight home.

Departure Day: Wednesday and Thursday
Departure Dates: 12 Jan - 30 March 2017
Duration: 4 nights
Prices from: £1570 per person, single supplement £210*
*includes supplement for solo snowmobile

Price includes:

• Scheduled flights from the UK to Luleå via Stockholm including taxes.

• 2 nights at the Clarion Hotel Sense in Luleå based on two people sharing a superior double/twin room with shower and WC including breakfast.

• Guided transfer via Gammelstad Church Town from Luleå to Pine Bay Lodge.

• 2 nights at Pine Bay Lodge based on two people sharing a twin room with shower and WC including breakfast and 3-course dinner on the second evening.

• Northern Lights Snowshoe activity including campfire dinner. Duration 3 hours.

• Snowmobile Safari to the Luleå Archipelago (2 per snowmobile) including campfire lunch. Duration 4 hours.  Supplement for solo driving £105.

• Guided transfer to Luleå Airport.

Clarion Hotel Sense ****

Stylish, atmospheric and comfortable are just a few ways to describe Clarion Hotel Sense. As its name suggests, this centrally located hotel works to heighten all of your senses: sight, touch, smell, taste and sound. Each floor is dedicated to a particular season and you will be able to see this through the tasteful decor. All rooms are equipped with modern facilities, including high-speed internet and flat screen TV. If you would like to truly indulge during your time here then head to the spa where you will be able to relax and choose from a variety of different treatments. On an evening the top floor offers a laid-back yet high quality bar and restaurant, and everyone who stays at the Sense will experience one of the best buffet breakfasts in the whole of Sweden!

Pine Bay Lodge

Pine Bay Lodge (Furufjärden) is a cosy hotel in the classic Swedish Red Cottage style overlooking the scenic Luleå Archipelago and located 30 minutes away fom the centre of Luleå. The Lodge is very traditional with a homely feel and boasts 8 hotel style guest rooms all well renovated and with ensuite. The centre of the guesthouse has a large open plan dining and lounge room with an atmospheric open fire where guests can relax. There is also a sauna to complete the living Swedish experience!

Sweden's Arctic Contrasts

Explore Luleå
Your large playground is the ice of the frozen river, bays and sea or the snowy forests around Luleå city. From January to March you will see the citizens of Luleå taking tours on the specially prepared ice-road that circles the city and peninsula using different means of conveyance, for example skies, skates, bike or kick sled. We want you to be able to share their icy experience and Arctic lifestyle in Swedish Lapland so we are very happy to be able to offer a selection of fully guided Ice Road experiences! Your guide will pick you up from your Luleå city hotel. Equipment is included in all tours.

For the following tours you have the choice of Nordic Cross-Country Skiis, Ice-Skates, Kick-Sled, Fatbike or Segway

2-hour tour (includes Swedish Fika)
Price:  £68 per person (skiis, ice-skates, kick-sled) or £88 per person (fatbike, Segway)

3-hour tour (includes Muurikka BBQ lunch on the ice)
Price:  £88 per person (skiis, ice-skates, kick-sled) or £106 per person (fatbike, Segway)

4-hour tour (includes Muurikka BBQ lunch on the ice and ice-fishing)
Price:  £106 per person (skiis, ice-skates, kick-sled) or £125 per person (fatbike, Segway)

A Muurikka is a portable griddle pan, reminiscent of a wok, which cooks food over an open-fire. They are almost considered an essential piece of equipment in Swedish Lapland!

Night tour
A two-hour night tour on the ice in the Luleå bay. A magical experience out on the ice-road where the only light comes from your headlamp. Then stop for a coffee break, turn your headlamp off and look for the Northern Lights.
Price:  £78 per person (skiis, ice-skates, kick-sled) or £92 per person (fatbike, Segway) 

Local Food Tasting at Biergo
The Year of the Reindeer – a Sami story and tasting experience.  You are invited to listen to a story told by a Sami, where you will learn about the Sami culture, which revolves around the reindeer.  The herders follow their reindeer all year around – from the birth of the calves in the month of May, protecting them from predators and relocating them between summer and winter pastures.  Reindeer meat is essential in Sami cuisine, which is characterized by being healthy, flavoursome and organic. The presentation, which is held at the Sami owned shop, Biergo, ends with a tasting experience that represents a variety of Sami cooking methods.
Price: SEK625 (payable locally).

Drive your own dog-sled (from Brändön Lodge)
Transfer to the husky kennels where you will meet your dog team. Learn how to take care of your dogs, how to instruct them and drive the sled. One driver and one passenger who can swap over part way. Duration 2 hours. Includes warm clothing.
Price: £220 per person

Buck the Cubicle #3 from P2 Photography on Vimeo.

Who is this holiday suitable for?
Everyone but most especially those interested in experiencing life in an Arctic city and on an Arctic island on the edge of a frozen archipelago. It is certainly very popular with those wanting to experience the thrill of a snowmobile safari to witness the beautiful statues of ice created by the build up of pack-ice at the outer most parts of the archipelago.

What sort of clothing will I need?
You will need clothes for cold/cooler outdoor weather: warm trousers, a woollen pullover or fleece sweater, a warm wind and waterproof jacket and rain pants, woollen socks and an insulated bottom layer, like thermal underwear. A hat, scarf and gloves that are made from material that will dry overnight are great protection in Iceland’s winter weather and strong winds. Sturdy comfortable (hiking) boots are necessary for walking and when there is snow and icy terrain.

During your time at Pine Bay Lodge you will be supplied with thermal overalls, hats, gloves and boots which will keep you warm whilst taking part in outdoor activities. Of course, during your snowmobile safari you will also be supplied with a balaclava and helmet. 

Do I need to bring any sort of equipment with me?
You don't need to but we would certainly recommend the following:

• Sunglasses and a bit of sunscreen are helpful - the air is very clear in Sweden so when the sun shines, it is very bright.
• A camera with lots of film or memory cards. Many travelers say that they shoot twice as many pictures in Sweden than in other destinations.
• For Northern Lights photography we recommend bringing a second battery for your camera and also a tripod.
• A torch for evening walks and Northern Lights photography in order to operate your photo camera in the dark.
• A good skin moisturiser that is not water-based and a lipsalve.

Are special diets catered for?
Absolutely! Just let us know at the time of booking what your requirements are so that we can inform our suppliers and ensure you are provided with delicious alternatives where appropriate.

How difficult is it to ride a snowmobile?
It isn't difficult but it is important to remember that a snowmobile is a powerful machine and therefore care and attention is required. You do need to have a driving licence and rules and regulations which apply to driving a car e.g. drinking alcohol etc also apply to a snowmobile. 

You will be provided with full instructions beforehand for both health and safety and technique. As you are driving out into the outer archipelago much of the terrain is in wide open spaces over frozen water and therefore much easier to negotiate. When you choose to have two people per snowmobile you have the option to swap around at any point during your trip, and this is very popular with most couples. The trick is to relax and enjoy it!

Can you recommend any good restaurants in Luleå?
Yes!  Luleå has an excellent collection of superb restaurants with a strong focus on locally sourced ingredients and method of preparation.  Open our presentation, Luleå Restaurants, for more information regarding a quality selection; you will also find contact details if you would like to make a reservation.