4 Nights (Winter)

Brandon Lodge and Sapmi Nature Camp

BRÄNDÖN LODGE is located on the coast of Swedish Lapland near Luleå. The hotel standard cabins overlook the sea and islands of the Luleå archipelago.

With a total of 1,300 islands and only 100 residents, it is a unique environment that is great for boating in summer and autumn. From December to April the sea around the island freezes up to a meter thick which is perfect for winter activities. The main building is a log cabin that includes a restaurant and a lounge and relaxation area. Surrounding the main building are 15 cabins overlooking the sea. Each cabin has been recently renovated and includes 1 one bathroom, two bedrooms with 2 single beds in each room, a lounge room, and a front-facing covered porch. The single beds in one room can be made up to a double. Winter clothing is provided to all guests and Brändön Lodge is the departure point for a wide range of fantastic activities all year round including their signature archipelago pack ice snowmobile tour in the winter.

Sápmi Nature Camp is a newly opened, high-end, sustainable and small-scale camp that offers high quality, close to nature accommodation on the border of the Laponia World Heritage Area. In 1996, Laponia was inscribed on the World Heritage List by the UN body UNESCO. That means the area is important for the whole world to care for and protect. Its selection is based on the combination of unique nature and the cultural values present in Laponia. The area bears traces of the Earth’s early history but also of mankind’s. The landscape has been formed in interaction with a living Sámi tradition where reindeer herding has been pursued for a long time.

The camp consists of newly built ‘double’ rooms in the form of lavvu tents (that looks like a tepee) furnished with comfortable double beds, stoves and cosy furnishings inspired by nature and the Sami culture. The base experience includes accommodation and full board and the guests then choose the nature of the activities they would like to enjoy.

Sápmi Nature Camp is operated by Lennart Pittja who grew up in a reindeer herding family here in Unna Tjerusj Sami community. This is grazing land that has been used by Unna Tjerusj for thousands of years. Sápmi Nature is committed to responsible tourism that does not threaten the reindeer and the herding here, but instead we want to share our knowledge about Sami life – both past and present. Because this is a small-scale, sustainable business, it is only between 2-10 guests here at the same time. This is far from a large-scale resort or impersonal mass tourism. It is a personal, comfortable and convenient Sámi experience and you have the chance to really learn about the Sami culture.

During the stay will take a rare excursion into the daily life of reindeer herding. Lennart’s brother Kenneth has the main responsibility for the day to day reindeer herding and one of the popular activities at the camp is to take a drive to the location of the reindeer herd where we find Kenneth and his family. Kenneth’s family including sons and daughter spend their year taking care of the reindeer and depending on the time of year and even the day you visit. The form the experience takes will therefore always be unique. On meeting Kenneth you will really enjoy his fun and laid back approach but keep in mind they are welcoming you into their workplace on a normal working day.

(Winter)

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Luleå

Guided transfer from Luleå airport to Brändön Lodge, Overnight in a 2 bedroom cabin, HB

Brändön Lodge is located just north of Luleå on the coast of Swedish Lapland overlooking the Bay of Bothnia and the 1250 islands of the Luleå archipelago. The first afternoon is well spent getting to know us, selecting your warm winter outer clothing and relaxing.

In the evening your chef / guide will pop you into a sled, drawn by a snowmobile, and together you will head out across the frozen sea to a nearby island where a small cosy restaurant hut has been strategically placed for the evening. This is the Aurora Hideaway dinner and your chef will cook a fantastic 3 course meal while you take the chance to relax and look for the northern lights.

Overnight, Cabin, Brändön Lodge, FB

Day 2: Luleå

Waking to a new day and after enjoying breakfast we will prepare for our feature 4 hour archipelago adventure that includes lunch. A Snowmobile experience exploring the frozen sea and the islands of the archipelago. Out in the islands we will search for small fishing villages, wildlife and the pack-ice formations.

This evening, after your included 3 course dinner you are free to relax and spend some time looking for the aurora in the northern sky.

Overnight, Cabin, Brändön Lodge, FB

Day 3: Journey to Sapmi Nature

After breakfast take the short transfer to Luleå Train station. Enjoy the Arctic train journey from Luleå to Gällivare station where your Sami guide will meet you and take you to Sapmi Nature Camp.

Overnight in 1 x Lavvu Sapmi Nature Camp, FB

Day 4: Sapmi Nature

Today we will take a rare excursion into the daily life of reindeer herding. Lennart’s brother Kenneth has the main responsibility for the day to day reindeer herding and one of the most popular activities at the camp is to take a drive to the location of the reindeer herd where we find Kenneth and his family.

Dinner each evening comes from nature and are most often foraged, hunted or fished by Lennart himself. Local meats such as Moose or Reindeer and fish such as trout or arctic char are commonly on the menu and are complemented with local berries, herbs and vegetables.

Overnight in 1 x Lavvu Sapmi Nature Camp, FB

Day 5: Transfer to Kiruna

After breakfast take your transfer to Kiruna for your return flight or train or optional extension at Icehotel.

Price Includes:

All transfers and 2nd class train tickets
2 x Nights Cabin accommodation at Brändön Lodge, FB
2 x Aurora Hideaway Dinner
2 x Nature tour to Pack Ice by Snowmobile incl lunch
2 x 3 course dinner at Brändön Lodge
2 x Nights Sapmi Nature camp, FB
2 x Meet the reindeer herders activityPrice Excludes:
Personal Insurance
Flights
Upgrades in the form of accommodation or activities
Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages

Note:

All activities are part of a small group tour unless noted as private.

Price quoted is an example only, subject to availability and supplier changes and should be reconfirmed before formal a quote to clients.

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