‘Winter is coming’ - this year get set for the Northern Lights in Swedish Lapland

If you have been looking at your calendar lately filled with dread at the onset of our darker and mostly wetter winter months that are now ominously looming, don’t be. Instead start to get excited about them. As they say in the hit TV show Game Of Thrones, ‘winter is coming’ and with it an amazing opportunity to experience something you’ve always dreamed of, the magic of the Northern Lights. It may have been pushed to the back of your mind for many years, perhaps the adult in you has quashed the childlike wonder you once held for a true winter wonderland, but Swedish Lapland and the Scandinavian north is a place you really ought to see and experience at least once in your life.

(A guest at Pine Bay Lodge, celebrates after an exhilarating snowmobile ride across the tundra).

(Imagine standing under the awe-inspiring Aurora Borealis this winter). 

Planning a short winter break to see the Northern Lights and experience the beauty of a pristine winter wonderland couldn’t be easier with Sandgrouse Travel's help. Getting there too is simple and quick, with direct flights from major European airports straight into Oslo or Stockholm. From there it's a short flight north to Lulea or even an overnight train for the more intrepid. Once all arranged, a trip can stand as a glowing beacon on your horizon to look forward to as we go into autumn and winter. Whether it be a romantic long weekend, a fun-filled family adventure or a personal quest to experience driving your very own team of huskies across the frozen tundra, you won’t regret it for a moment.

(The Northern Lights as seen this October from Brandon Lodge, Swedish Lapland - photograph by Tomas Jonsson). 

(Guests enjoy travelling in the traditional Scandinavian way across a frozen lake). 

The Northern Lights, Husky Sledding, Snowmobiling, Ice Fishing, Hovercrafting

We at Sandgrouse Travel can think of a number of top spots across the frozen north for you to enjoy this winter, from the breathtaking and famous Jukkasjarvi Ice Hotel to the extremely remote Abisko Mountain Lodge in the heart of Northern Lights’ viewing country. But we particularly love the array of high-class activities on offer in a spectacular environment at both Pine Bay Lodge and Brandon Lodge. These two Swedish getaways sit on the edge of the frozen (at this time of year) Bothnian Sea, part of the Baltic Sea. In this northern corner of the Baltic Sea, the water is brackish as a result of many peaty rivers that flow into it. This means the water can freeze over at a more mild temperature, giving you the chance to  experience something akin to a visit to the North Pole. Pack ice stretches as far as the eye can see, linking the islands around Lulea and making them accessible by snowmobile, husky sledges and hovercrafts.

(A family enjoys playing a boardgame in the homely lounge area of Pine Bay Lodge). 

Reindeer Herding, Snowshoeing, Log-Fired Saunas, Fine Scandinavian Cuisine and much more

Pine Bay Lodge is a family run secret hideaway set deep in Swedish Lapland. The hotel retains its Swedish Red Cottage style, is simple yet cosy, and packs in a lot of traditional charm. With only 11 rooms, there’s a boutique hotel vibe. You will be treated to evenings in the cosy restaurant serving locally sourced traditional meals, a wood-fired sauna (as is customary in Scandinavia), and a hot-tub that enjoys breathtaking views overlooking the Lulea archipelago. Here you are truly living the winter dream. But it’s outside that Pine Bay Lodge comes into its own - Pine Bay Lodge and sister property Brandon Lodge offer guests the chance to fully immerse themselves in local life, culture and experiences. Guests can discover the full joys of the exhilarating active winter lifestyle found in this part of the world. From snowmobiling, husky sledding, hovercrafting, reindeer herding or ice fishing, to name but a few.

(Guests enjoy a warming drink by the fire after a day of exhilarting winter activities).

(Transport in style. The hovercraft roars into life and steams past - a firm favourite with guests).

Discover the magic of a 'Northern Lights Snowshoe Walk'

One of Sandgrouse Travel's favourite experiences to enjoy in the evenings at both Pine Bay Lodge and Brandon Lodge is an evening 'Northern Lights Snowshoe Walk'. In this part of the world, for many thousands of years during the winter months, snowshoes have been the /preferred choice of transport, and you will quickly see how they help in the thick soft snow as you walk out from the lodge into the surrounding forests. After dinner, your experienced guide will take you to the best viewing spots and if the conditions are just right, the spellbinding Northern Lights or Aurora Borealis may be seen. Depending on the time of year, and of course guests’ preferences, 'Northern Lights Snowshoe Walks' can set off at times to suit and the option to have dinner prepared outdoors by the guide is available. This is well worth arranging as you're invited to sit around a roaring camp fire on reindeer furs under the dark night sky. Truly as close to nature as you can be - a memory you'll take home forever. 

For more information on arranging your visit to Swedish Lapland this winter and the activities to enjoy, please contact Jonny at Sandgrouse Travel & Expeditions. Keep an eye out for full detailed sample itineraries on our forthcoming website. 

(Out on the pack ice, the pressure of the ice creates sastrugi that can be as high as a house).

(For many, this experience is the closest they will get to visiting the North Pole. A true Arctic experience to savour).