When it comes to epic road trips, there's one destination that stands out for its enchanting winter landscapes: Lapland, Northern Sweden. Join me on a journey filled with extraordinary accommodations, unique experiences, and mouthwatering local delicacies. Let's dive into our unforgettable itinerary!

Staying at Tree Hotel in Harads

Our first stop was the Tree Hotel in Harads, where we immersed ourselves in the whimsical world of tree houses. We opted for the Mirror Cube, a mesmerizing blend of contemporary design and natural surroundings. But there are other cool tree houses to choose from, like the Bird's Nest and the UFO. To relax and unwind, we indulged in the forest spa, where we enjoyed private access to drinks, a sauna, and an outdoor jacuzzi. It was a truly magical experience, surrounded by the snowy forest.

For dinner, we embarked on a unique adventure called "ice dining." We hopped on a wagon pulled by a snow scooter, gliding through the forest to our destination—a teepee perched above the Torneälv River. With fire torches illuminating the surroundings and the mesmerizing Northern Lights dancing above us, we savored a magical dining experience.

For all of the details, read more here.

Bucket List Stay at Arctic Bath Hotel

A short drive down the hill led us to our next stop, the Arctic Bath Hotel. This recently opened gem is situated above the water, offering small houses connected by wooden bridges. While we visited in winter, with the hotel surrounded by ice, I can only imagine the enchantment of flowing water during the summer. We couldn't resist the exhilarating experience of ice bathing in the central water hole, complemented by soothing saunas and heated outdoor jacuzzis. And to top it all off, I treated myself to a hot stone massage for enhanced relaxation. The dining experience at Arctic Bath was superb, featuring delightful wine choices such as SAV, a local wine made from the purest birch sap harvested in the northern Jämtland region.

Read my full guide here.

Staying at the Ice Hotel in Jukkasjärvi

Our next stop took us to Jukkasjärvi and the renowned Ice Hotel. While a bit more touristy, this iconic destination didn't disappoint. We stayed in one of their suites and enjoyed the unique ice bar experience, sipping champagne from glasses made of ice. Remember, the ice rooms are accessible after 18:00, so be prepared to store your belongings in lockers until then. Sleeping in an ice room is a chilly but unforgettable experience, cocooned in warm sleeping bags and wearing cozy layers.

Here is everything you need to know about staying at the Ice Hotel.

Dog Sledding at Pinetree Lodge

Next, we ventured to Pinetree Lodge, a tranquil retreat nestled among the picturesque winter landscapes. Our cozy wooden house offered stunning views of the frozen lake, complete with a sauna and fireplace. It was the perfect base for exhilarating dog sledding adventures. We were lucky to have ideal weather conditions, with clear skies and minimal wind, allowing us to glide through the snowy wonderland with the cheerful and resilient dogs.

Staying in a Glass Igloo at the Ice and Light Village

Our final stop was the Ice and Light Village, located next to the Kalix River. Here, heated glass igloos awaited us for a unique overnight experience. The warm welcome from the hostess and owner set the tone for an exceptional stay. We pre-ordered an extra ordinary dinner from "Arvids Matstudio," indulging in a wooden plank filled with local delicacies such as charcuteries, cheese, Kalix roe, and cloudberries. The personalized delivery by Arvid himself made it even more special. In the morning, we were greeted with a delightful breakfast basket, adding to the overall charm of our stay.

Getting to Northern Sweden by Air

To plan your own Lapland adventure, you have several options for travel. The closest airport is in Luleå, where you can rent a car for the road trip. Alternatively, you can take a bus or train to reach the various destinations within Lapland.