Luleå (2 nights) and Pine Bay Lodge (3 nights)
In the eastern parts of Swedish Lapland, along the 300 kilometre coastline beside the largest brackish water archipelago in the world, you will find the coastal town of Luleå. Luleå and its environs play host to many visitors all year round. In winter, when dressed in winter garb, the magnificent nature and the expansive views are more beautiful than ever. This programs combines 2 nights in the town with 3 nights at the nearby Brändön Lodge overlooking the frozen sea.
Day One - Friday
Arrive to Luleå by flight and transfer from one of our local airports.
Clarion Sense Hotel
Modern Luleå began to take shape in 1888. The town grew and a flourishing city was founded. In the 1940s, a budding garrison city and in the 50s shopping – Sweden’s first indoor shopping centre. Sweden’s northernmost university was built and the city’s hockey team continues to write history to the present day. Kulturens Hus (culture centre) becomes a new landmark and, finally: Clarion Hotel Sense offers up nine new storeys with ideas and promises of an even more exciting future. Clarion Hotel Sense in Luleå takes inspiration from the four seasons, nature and the local cultural heritage. From the north wind and northern lights. From spring floods, rime frost and the mighty midnight sun. Kitchen and Table Restaurant at Clarion Sense. Visitors to the Luleå region are in for a real treat with its many restaurants with a wide range of fabulous local produce including vendace roe, surströmming, ceps, char, venison, cloudberries, black grouse and almond potatoes. At Kitchen and Table, Top chef Marcus Samuelsson has now brought his inspiration and creativity from New York to put together a fabulous menu that perfectly combines these local delights with the flavours of Manhattan.
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Elite Hotel Luleå
In the middle of central Luleå lies this magnificent 1903 hotel, with a grand entrance and beautiful French-Renaissance-style banquet hall. The hotel offers tastefully decorated rooms, gym, parking, lunch restaurant and gastropub.Our standard double room is tastefully decorated with beautiful details. With a spacious 160 cm double bed, this room is suitable for two people or for those who travel for themselves who want extra comfort. The rooms are equipped with desk, telephone, TV, mini bar, hair dryer, shower or bathtub and some rooms also have safety box and iron. Kettle is available for loan at the reception.
Northern Lights Tour - 2 hours
The first evening your guide will meet you after dinner and take you on a nature experience with a local aurora photographer who will help you find the best places to see the Northern Lights around Luleå. After being picked up from your accommodation we will head to 2 or 3 great locations where we know there are great chances of northern lights viewing, and if you have your camera with you, the taking of really interesting northern lights images. The tour lasts for approx 2 hours but if the lights are strong we will likely stay out a little longer. As we will be out in the elements when viewing the aurora you will need to bring with you warm clothing.
Included: Pick-up at Clarion Sense Hotel, transfer to the viewing point, warm northern light drink and snacks, northern lights guide/photographer.
Day Two - Saturday
Optional Activities
Nature tour 2 hours by snowmobile:
Our nature tours by snowmobile start in Luleå and your guide will take you on a fantastic experience out into the forest surrounding Luleå to explore. Along the way the guide will stop regularly to discuss the environment, the wildlife and our fantastic arctic nature. We will also stop and make coffee and enjoy some local cake. The tour is 2 people per snowmobile and you will require a drivers licence. Read about our other requirements regarding snowmobiles here. What to bring: Outdoor clothing and shoes for the season. Winter overalls provided for this tour.
Day Three - Sunday
Guided Tour Gammelstad
The history of this region is contained in the World Heritage Church village at Gammelstad. Just outside of Luleå our guide will transfer you there and you will participate in a 2 hour guided tour of the village which includes the church and historic village. The village dates back to the 14th century and at that time the parishioners would often have to come long distances to church. The led to the family building small cottages in the classic Swedish red and white style around the church. Your guide will give a great insight into the village and the history of the region.
After this tour you will transfer 30 minutes to Pine Bay Lodge.
Pine Bay Lodge - 3 nights
Pine Bay Lodge is located just north of Luleå on the coast of Swedish Lapland. Pine Bay Lodge is located just north of Luleå overlooking a lake surrounded by forest and the archipelago. With a total of approximately 1,250 islands and only 100, residents the archipelago is a unique wilderness environment. In summer this is a warm and sunny region, one of the sunniest in Sweden and a paradise for activities such as swimming, fishing, boating and kayaking. In the winter however the sea around the islands freezes up to a meter thick and becomes a playground for activities such as snowmobiling, dog-sledding and even hovercraft tours.
Pine Bay Lodge is very traditional with a homely feel and boasts 9 hotel style rooms (5 double/twin and 4 single), all well renovated and with ensuite. To the side of the lodge is also a suite cabin that has two double rooms, one single room and shared bathroomfacilities. The centre of the lodge is a large open plan dining and lounge room with a big fireplace where guests can relax. There is also a sauna facility that guests can book to complete the living Swedish experience.
Day Four - Monday
Nordic Winter Skills
Winter life in Swedish Lapland is made comfortable by learning how to dress, behave and enjoy nature in the cold. We change into warm outdoor clothing and go outside to strap on your snowshoes. Our guides will take you on a 3-hour journey into the forests near the lodge and lead you through an adventurous and educational excursion. You will learn how use the snowshoes, make a fire in the snow and how to make tea and coffee over your open fire. During the excursion your guide will convery stories about their arctic life and you will learn about the forest, sea and wildlife of Sweden’s northernmost region. At lunchtime you will take a break in a traditional Sami teepee, where together we will make a typical outdoor wilderness lunch. Here, on the reindeer pelts you will enjoy your meal around the fire and then relax. In Swedish Lapland it is important to relax, discuss, enjoy and appreciate our special environment.
Day Five - Tuesday
Free day
Today you will be free to enjoy and explore the Lodge, the frozen sea and local attractions. If the local conditions are adequate we will even be able to offer a 2 hour drive your own dog-sledding tour as per the information below.
Our Sami friend Henrik Andersson, always keeps a few of his reindeer in the winter months. They are very friendly and this give all our guests a chance to meet and feed them. This is very popular amongst our guests.
Optional Activities
Dogsledding 2 hours drive your own
We offer exciting dog-sledding tours just outside Luleå at Brändön near where the husky farm is located. The tours go over ice covered lakes and through the wild forest, offering us great opportunities to vary this ancient way of travelling on snow and ice. With our highly skilled sled-guides and well trained, friendly dogs - Alaskan Husky - we provide a high quality, unforgettable nature-experience. On this tour you will 2 people per sled and taking turns driving your own small team of dogs. What to bring: Outdoor clothing and shoes for the season. Winter clothing supplied.
Day Six - Wednesday
Today your will have time to relax and a walk before departing at 09:00 on your transfer to Arvidsjaur airport for your direct flight home. On the way to Arvidsjaur we will stop at the Cape Wild and meet the Wild Moose on their property.
Note that:
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Customer prices:
5 night experience is xxxx Sek per person twin share. B&B in Luleå and Full Board at Pine Bay Lodge (3 course dinners)
Optional: 2 hour Nature tour by snowmobile Sek 1490 per person, 2 per snowmobile
Optional: 2 hour Drive your own dog sledding tour Sek 2450 per person, 2 per sled
TravelCo in Swedish Lapland AB
Småbåtsgatan 1, 1TR, 972 35 Luleå Sweden
Ph. +46 (0) 70 544 7147
Bookings: booking@travelco-swedishlapland.com