Travel Journal Highlights
- Witnessing the magic of the Northern Lights dancing across the Arctic sky.
- Staying in a traditional Lavvu tent in the wilderness, surrounded by silence and snow.
- Warming up in a lakeside sauna, with the option to dip into the icy waters outside.
- Experiencing the thrill of dog sledding across frozen lakes and through snow-covered forests.
- Riding snowmobiles all the way to the Arctic Circle—and spotting reindeer roaming freely in the wild.
Each of these moments felt like a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, stitched together into a journey we’ll never forget.
Accomodations:
Aurora Safari Camp:
Aurora Safari Camp is the first glamping site of its kind in the world, created to celebrate the beauty and extremes of Arctic Sweden. Tucked among the trees on the banks of Lake Degerselet, part of the Råne River, the camp is surrounded by deep forest in every direction. With its uninterrupted view of the night sky, it feels like it was made for winter nights chasing the Northern Lights.
We stayed in the Lapland Cones—unique, thoughtfully designed spaces that let you feel both cozy and connected to nature. Each heated Cone features a glass roof and wide north-facing windows, perfect for watching the aurora shimmer across the sky without ever leaving the warmth of your room. It was a magical balance of comfort and wilderness, and truly unlike anywhere else we’ve stayed.
The Outpost:
Just south of the Arctic Circle, in the quiet village of Mårdsel, sits The Outpost Lodge. Once a small post office, it has been transformed into a cozy winter hideaway where you can truly feel the serenity of the north. Evenings are spent fireside, gathered around the dinner table, sharing meals that feel both comforting and authentic to the region.
The wilderness surrounding Mårdsel invites adventure at a slower pace—perfect for trying out snowshoes, Nordic skis, or even a kicksled. With only six locals calling this remote village home, a stay here offers a rare glimpse into Arctic life, where Swedish traditions of cooking and hospitality are just as treasured as time spent out in nature.
Map of our Trip:
https://www.google.com/maps/d/embed?mid=1orwDfHKqjYUFF5PLYJQGqypkBZMVdfQ&ehbc=2E312F
Day 1 – New York
Our adventure began a little earlier than expected with a flight delay in New York. Instead of sitting around at the airport, we decided to make the most of it and head into the city for some sightseeing! Since we had packed in carry-ons only, we were already dressed in our long johns and winter boots—definitely not the most stylish look for strolling through Manhattan, but it made for a fun memory. Sometimes the unplanned detours end up being the most entertaining part of the journey.
Day 2 – Aurora Safari Camp, Sauna & The Northern Lights
We landed at Luleå Airport, where our guide met us for a 65-minute drive into the heart of the Råne River Valley. At the reception building, we were outfitted with extra winter gear before setting off on a short snowmobile ride across a frozen lake to reach the camp. The journey itself already felt like an adventure, and our arrival was met with warm refreshments and a cozy check-in to our Lapland Cone cabin.
Once settled, we had the chance to enjoy a true Arctic tradition—sauna on the frozen lake. Just outside the steaming warmth of the sauna was an ice pool for dipping, an invigorating contrast that left us both chilled and exhilarated. After dinner, we bundled up again and stepped outside to watch the sky. To our delight, the Northern Lights appeared, dancing above us in brilliant waves of color—right from base camp. It was a breathtaking start to our time in Lapland, one I’ll never forget.
Day 3: Ice Fishing
We learned that fishing is a way of life in Swedish Lapland—even in the depths of winter. Out on the frozen lake, our guide shared the extra knowledge it takes to fish in these conditions: understanding the thickness of the ice, the local fish species, and how to handle an ice drill with confidence. Although we didn’t catch anything this time, the experience felt less about the fish and more about the moment. Sitting together on the ice, sipping hot drinks and enjoying something sweet during fika, we found it was the perfect way to slow down, take in the quiet beauty of the lake, and simply be present in the Arctic landscape.
Day 4: Snowmobiling and Dog Sledding
Today we experienced the Arctic the way many locals do. The morning began with a one-hour snowmobile ride through the forest, leading us to the home of a team of sled dogs. We were warmly welcomed by their owners—experienced mushers who shared their passion and knowledge with us. After learning how to fit the huskies into their harnesses, we each had the chance to drive our very own dog sled team across frozen lakes. Gliding through the silent, snow-covered landscape behind the eager huskies felt like one of the most iconic ways to travel in the Arctic north.
After returning to base camp by snowmobile, we set off on a 45-minute drive to the peaceful village of Mårdsel, home to The Outpost Lodge. There, we were greeted by our wonderful hosts, Thomas and Karin—true locals who know the Råne River Valley like the back of their hands. Their love for the north shines through in every detail of the experience they create for guests. We’re staying in a cozy home all to ourselves, but gather at The Outpost for meals and adventures. It already feels like the perfect balance of wilderness and warmth.
Day 5 – Snowmobile trip to the Arctic Circle
Today our adventure began with a thrilling snowmobile ride to the Arctic Circle! At one point, I veered completely off the trail and had to be pulled out by our guide—definitely a moment I won’t forget. Along the way, we had such a wonderful time getting to know our guides and the other couple staying at The Outpost. And the highlight? Spotting reindeer in the wild! I could hardly believe my eyes—it felt like something straight out of a winter fairytale.
Day 6: Stockholm
Today we said goodbye to The Outpost and made our way back toward the airport for an overnight stay in Stockholm. To make the most of our short time in the city, we joined a private half-day tour. Our favorite stops were Gamla Stan, Stockholm’s historic Old Town with its cobblestone streets and colorful buildings, and the fascinating Vasa Museum, home to a beautifully preserved 17th-century warship that left us in awe. We ended the evening on a fun note at the famous Icebar, sipping drinks surrounded by walls of ice in a frosty 23°F atmosphere. It was the perfect way to wrap up our Scandinavian adventure.
Day 7: Return Home
This trip was truly one for the books. It pushed us all out of our comfort zones in the best ways. We bathed in a sauna perched on ice, wandered around base camp by candlelight, and rode snowmobiles across the Arctic Circle—spotting reindeer along the way. Every moment felt magical, and I’m so grateful to have experienced it all with my family.