On your adventure through Lapland, you’ll explore the winter wonderland with huskies, reindeer, and snowshoes. Throughout your journey beneath the Arctic circle, Lapland’s landscape extends beyond frost to extensive forests, towering mountains and shimmering lakes. This itinerary includes a night at the famous ice hotel, where ice takes on new shapes and forms.
1. Dog sledding Through Lapland
Dog and man historically traversed the snowy plains of Swedish Lapland alongside one another. Surrounded by thick forests and far-away peaks, you’ll have the opportunity to join a team of huskies in mushing – or dog sledding – through Lapland.
A blur of pointed ears and wagging tails, these endearing animals make for playful travel companions. Having suited up, you’ll join them in harmony as they follow their instincts and chase through the landscape as a pack. Backdropped by the crunch of ice below the sleigh are a cacophony of happy barks and howls as the dogs hurtle through the snow. You and your husky pack will tear through the fresh snow together with thrilling views of the surrounding arctic.
2. Reindeer Encounter
You’ll continue to meet the animal life of Lapland with a visit to the region’s most famous herbivores. Reindeers wander throughout the Scandinavian Arctic circle, beneath the looming coniferous forests and above the highlands. Alongside professional herders, you’ll meet these magnificent creatures in their home environment - the vast, cool expanse of snow. Walking amidst the reindeers, amidst their soft grunts and the click of their toes, you’ll learn how they endure this barren landscape first-hand. Although often skittish and wary animals, by feeding the reindeer you’ll garner their trust, and some may allow you to pet their soft, thick coats. You’ll also get the chance to explore the surrounding area on a sled carried by your newfound reindeer friends.
3. Snowmobiling
If you’re curious about the most remote areas of Swedish Lapland, venture beyond human settlements to explore the wilderness by snowmobile. Often the preferred travel method of locals, snowmobile routes are abundant in Lapland and make for an exciting way to explore.
On your guided adventure, you’ll roam the icy terrain with ease. Lapland’s wilderness is as stunning as it is cold – towering coniferous trees are dusted with fine, crystalline snow, and sharp peaks are blanketed in white. Alternatively, speed into a seemingly infinite stretch of flat, white land, accompanied only by the whistle of the arctic winds and the crunch of ice underfoot.
4. A night in the ice hotel
After exploring, wind down the Arctic way with a night at the Ice Hotel. Surrounded by electric blue ice and enveloped in cosy reindeer hide, your night at the Ice Hotel invites a new perspective on Lapland’s frosty terrain.
Throughout the hotel, large chunks of ice drawn from the nearby Torne river are meticulously carved into fleeting pieces of art. Designers experiment with shape and form, some drawing from human life, others opting to create abstract structures, both breathing life into these crystalline sculptures. Each sculpture behaves differently, some casting stark shadows against the wall, others reflecting light.
The hotel, from its iconic design to its indoor sauna, provides a way for guests to wholly immerse themselves into the Lapland landscape.
5. Chasing the Northern lights
Travelling in a specially adapted 4x4's, you will embark upon a northern light safari, traversing the snowy landscape in search of the Aurora Borealis.
Once sighted, you will stop for champagne and canapés as the lights dance in the sky above you. Returning to your cosy lodge, indulge in a chef prepared dinner.
