Abisko Mountain Lodge
This Swedish gem is the brainchild of Mina and Dick Johansson, two people with an unsurpassable passion for their surroundings and for whom, we at Activities Abroad have a huge amount of respect.
To be honest, who can blame them? Incredibly hard working, passionate, friendly, efficient and determined to ensure their clients enjoy the best possible stay.
Dick and Mina have designed their lodge to take full advantage of the Abisko area, its towering mountains, high alpine environment and Lake Torneträsk. They actively encourage all of their guests to get out amidst it all and experience the landscape up close.
The lodge's rooms are cleanly furnished, comfortable and airy. Each has an en suite shower and toilet room. The whole lodge has wireless broadband so you can keep in touch with the outside world (however we recommend just forgetting about it).
There are no televisions in the rooms. Your hosts want guests to spend time in the comfy lounge, relaxing and chatting together. The lodge restaurant provides a fabulous range of locally sourced produce; arctic char, smoked venison, elk, to name only a few typical ingredients.
There is passion in every aspect of the lodge as well as the activities. Dick Johansson is one of the most well known mountain guides in Europe let alone Sweden and so you are in ideal hands.
The last time we were there in March 2011, we watched a young adult moose just 25m from the dining room while eating breakfast and abandoned dinner to step outside to see the Aurora. It's a special kind of place, but be prepared for an interrupted meal or two.
The ICEHOTEL®
If you visit Swedish Lapland it is almost mandatory to visit this monument to winter architecture and design. A night here in warm rooms is memorable but a night in a cold room is extraordinary.
Situated in Jukkasjarvi on the banks of the Torne River, the hotel is created each year by artists, engineers and designers.
Explore the intricately decorated ice suites and perhaps stop for a cheeky cocktail in the original ABSOLUT ICEBAR®. It really is a very unique place to spend a night. There are warm restaurants a short walk from the hotel and cuisine varies from delicious a la carte cuisine to more relaxed dining.
Below you will find details of all of the accommodation options available to you.
The Cold Rooms
Don’t panic, you do not need to be Ranulph Fiennes to survive here. The inside temperature is always between -5 and -8 degrees and you will be dressed in warm thermals and sleep inside Arctic grade sleeping bags. You have a selection of room styles available.
The simplest rooms are the snow rooms, best compared to igloos. They contain an ice bed with a mattress covered in reindeer skins.
The next step up is an ice room. These rooms feature ice furniture as well as cosy beds and decorated with artwork carved into their walls.
The crème de la crème of ICEHOTEL® accommodation is the art suites. They are spacious and totally individual with each one having been designed by a talented artist. They may feature large sculptures, unique beds and spectacular lighting. No matter where you sleep you are woken with warm berry juice, a sauna and breakfast.
The Warm Rooms
There are 3 choice of accommodation at the ICEHOTEL®, there are hotel rooms for two people as well as small chalet style accommodation for 3 to 4 people.
Kaamos Hotel Room
The word Kaamos is the Swedish word for the mid winter light that is experienced in this region. The rooms are spacious and bright to reflect this and they are furnished in a contemporary Swedish style.
The en suite rooms have a television and phone. The double bed can be converted to a twin in some rooms and they are an ideal place to spend the night if you don’t fancy a cold room.
These are the most popular choice for couples.
Nordic Hotel Chalet
These chalets are ideal for parties of 2 or more as there are two separate bedrooms. One bedroom contains a double bed (that can convert to twin) and the other room contains bunk beds.
The chalets have a private bathroom with shower, small living area with fridge and kettle a television and telephone.
Arctic Chalet
The Arctic Chalets provide accommodation for up to 3 people in a double and a single room.
The chalets have a private bathroom with shower, small living area with fridge and kettle a television and telephone.