Highlights:
- Small-scale lodge with just 8 rooms
- Daily Northern Lights forecast
- Winter activities including dog sledding and snowmobiling
- Focus on local food
- Snowshoes, kicksled and ice fishing equipment included
- Sauna each night
Description »
The flexibility to make your stay in Lapland as active or relaxing as you wish
This comfortable lodge in the far north of Swedish Lapland is the perfect base to enjoy the beauty of winter far inside the Arctic Circle. A selection of activities are available to add as optional extras for those seeking winter adventures, or alternatively simply take the time to relax on a romantic break and enjoy the winter wonderland landscape of the surrounding lakes and forests.
Located far from areas of light pollution in an area ideal for Aurora watching, Aurora Lodge Escape in Lapland gives very good chances to see the Northern Lights during your stay. On arrival you will receive information and advice for seeing the Aurora as well as hints and tips on photographing the Northern Lights, and will have daily updates during your stay on the latest Aurora activity forecast.

Cross country skiing is one of the many winter activities available. Photo: LS.
Equipment included for self-guided winter adventures
A variety of equipment is included for your use during your stay to explore the surrounding area on your own self-guided adventures:
- Snowshoes for self-guided tours in the surrounding area. You will be provided with trail maps and information to help you explore, giving you the flexibility to be as active (or lazy!) as you wish during your stay. There are about 30km of trails immediately accessible from the lodge. Note that there are no prepared tracks, but the snowshoes can be used both on standard trails and in fresh snow.
- Kicksleds (a traditional, easy and fun way for Swedes to get around in the winter!).
- Ice fishing equipment.
- Cross country ski equipment (not included as standard but available to hire as optional extra).

For dogsled tours you can choose to drive your own sled or share with a partner. Photo: LS.
Comfortable accommodation, local cuisine and evening sauna
Sauna at the lodge is included each night, with the sauna building also having a cosy lounge with fireplace - for many guests travelling to the north in wintertime, the experience of a traditional Swedish sauna followed by (optional!) roll in the snow is one of their most enduring memories.
Accommodation is in private en-suite rooms for 2-4 persons, each with a view of the river Kalix. The lodge is also well-known for its cuisine and full board is included for your stay.
Optional activities including dog sledding, snowmobiling and showshoe tours
The following additional day activities are also available to book as optional extras:
- Husky Sledding: Drive your own dogsled (either shared one per two persons or own sled depending on preference) on a husky adventure into the nearby Kaitum Nature Reserve.
- 2-hour tour: A great way to get a feel for the excitement of dog sledding.
- Day tour (around 4 hours): Travel further and have lunch out on the trail!
- Overnight tour (from 10.00 Day 1 to 12.00 Day 2): Sled to a simple but comfortable Wilderness Camp for sauna, dinner and overnight and return by sled the next day.
- Guided Snowshoeing: Snowshoeing is an ideal way to discover the winter landscape and access areas not easily reachable in other ways. Choose between a 2-3 hour or 4-5 hour tour taking place in the forest surrounding the Lodge. Can also be combined with ice fishing.
- 2-3 hour tour: Possible during daytime or evening (please specify when booking) starting directly from the Lodge. Evening tours can give good chances to see Northern Lights. Terrain is easy walking and the tour is suitable for participants with general good health, but can be more demanding if snow conditions are heavy.
- 4-5 hour tour: An extended version of the above.
- Snowmobile Safari: The excitement and adventure of snowmobiling is often high on any visitor's list. Drive your own snowmobile (shared one per two persons
or own snowmobile depending on preference) on a 2-hour or 4-hour tour. All tours offer possibility to see reindeer.
- 2-hour tour: An ideal introduction to snowmobiling.
- 4-5 hour tour: Choose Snowmobile only or combined Snowmobile + Ice Fishing.
- Nordic Wellness afternoon: Relax and soak up the atmosphere in the wood-heated sauna 30 mins' walk from the lodge at the nearby Wilderness Camp.
- Guided Icefishing: The lakes and rivers surrounding the lodge are rich in fish, and assistance from a local guide will greatly improve your chances of a catch!
- Ice Hotel and/or Sami outdoor museum visit: No trip to Lapland is complete without a visit to the world-famous Ice Hotel in Jukkasjärvi and the chance to see some reindeer and learn about the Sami, the indigenous reindeer-herding people of the area. Provided your departure arrangements allow suitable time, this tour is offered in connection with your departure transfer back to Kiruna. Guests choosing Ice Hotel only or Sámi Museum option only should plan to depart Kiruna airport or train station no earlier than 13.30. If combining both visits, additional time is required and you should plan for departure from Kiruna in the afternoon no earlier than 16.00.
Itinerary »
Arrival
You will be transferred from Kiruna airport or train station to the Lodge (transfer time approx. 1 hour).
Departure
Transfer to Kiruna airport or train station for departure.
Dates»
Dates 2020/21
Accommodation only (add activities as optional extras)
Start days flexible by arrangement from earliest arrival 1st December to latest departure 15th April. Minimum stay 4 days/3 nights.
*The Northern Lights are visible from around September to early/mid April. The deep midwinter period of November-January offers the longest hours of darkness, which is of course required for the Northern Lights to be visible, while the "spring winter" of March and April offers longer hours of daylight and typically milder temperatures. The Northern Lights can be visible at any time during this period, including during March to mid-April. While March and April have shorter nights, on the other hand these months can also have a greater incidence of clear skies.
Special Pre-Christmas Package 13th-17th December and 19th-23rd December 2020
5 days/4 nights including:
- Accommodation package as per standard 5 days/4 nights stay.
- Snowmobile tour 4-5 hours (sharing snowmobile one per two persons).
- Dogsled day tour 4 hours (sharing dogsled one per two persons).
- Guided snowshoe tour 2-3 hours.
- Nordic wellness afternoon.
Price per person (based on 2 persons sharing): £1033 or €1169/person, a saving of £142 or €160/person compared to booking the activities separately.
Guests staying during this period are also welcome to choose standard arrangements with free choice of activities.
Prices»
Prices 2020/21
Prices are based on 2 persons sharing, please see below for single supplement.
Accommodation only (add activities as optional extras) | ||
---|---|---|
Per adult 4 days/3 nights (based on 2 persons sharing) | GBP | |
Per child 4 days/3 nights (under 16, in parents' room) | GBP | |
Per adult 5 days/4 nights (based on 2 persons sharing) | GBP | |
Per child 5 days/4 nights (under 16, in parents' room) | GBP | |
Per adult 6 days/5 nights (based on 2 persons sharing) | GBP | |
Per child 6 days/5 nights (under 16, in parents' room) | GBP | |
Per adult 7 days/6 nights (based on 2 persons sharing) | GBP | |
Per child 7 days/6 nights (under 16, in parents' room) | GBP | |
Per adult 8 days/7 nights (based on 2 persons sharing) | GBP | |
Per child 8 days/7 nights (under 16, in parents' room) | GBP | |
Single supplement/person/night | GBP | |
Supplement for stays over Christmas or New Year/person/stay | GBP | |
Optional Extras (see description below) | ||
---|---|---|
Dog sledding 2 hours/person (share sled) | GBP | |
Dog sledding 2 hours/person (drive own sled) | GBP | |
Dog sledding day tour 4 hours/person (share sled) | GBP | |
Dog sledding day tour 4 hours/person (drive own sled) | GBP | |
Dog sledding overnight tour/person (share sled) | GBP | |
Dog sledding overnight tour/person (drive own sled) | GBP | |
Cross country ski hire (for self-guided tours)/person/day | GBP | |
Guided ice fishing 2-3 hours/person | GBP | |
Guided snowshoe and ice fishing tour 4-5 hours/person | GBP | |
Guided snowshoe tour 2-3 hours/person | GBP | |
Guided snowshoe tour 4-5 hours/person | GBP | |
Ice Hotel visit/person | GBP | |
Sami Outdoor Museum visit/person | GBP | |
Ice Hotel + Sami Outdoor Museum visit/person | GBP | |
Nordic wellness afternoon/person (min. 3 persons required) | GBP | |
Snowmobile tour 2 hours/person (share snowmobile) | GBP | |
Snowmobile 2 hours (drive own snowmobile) | GBP | |
Snowmobile tour 4-5 hours/person (share snowmobile) | GBP | |
Snowmobile tour 4-5 hours/person (drive own snowmobile) | GBP |
Activities must be reserved in advance.
- Dog sledding day tours*: Minimum age 12. Minimum age to drive own sled 16. When choosing shared sled, participants share sled one per two persons. Dogsled tour 4 hours includes lunch. Begins at 10.00 ending around 14.00.
- Dog sledding overnight tours*: Minimum age 12. Begins 10.00 on Day 1 ending around 12.00 on Day 2. Dogsled to a wilderness camp for dinner, sauna and overnight stay and return by dogsled the following morning. Accommodation at the Wilderness Camp is shared, using sleeping bags (provided) to sleep in a "kåta", a traditional wooden tipi structure with central wood-burning stove. The Wilderness Camp is simple but cosy and comfortable - see image below. Toilet facilities are dry outside wilderness toilet.
- Cross country ski hire: Please specify number of days required on booking and provide height, weight and shoe size. The skis used are slightly wider than standard cross country skis, wax-free with "scales", and ideal for skiing on fresh snow. The skis are used with standard cross country boots. There are marked trails in the area for self-guided tours and from around February onwards, some trails will also have prepared tracks.
- Guided snowshoeing: Minimum age 12. 2-3 hour possible as daytime or evening tour - please specify on booking. Day tour includes lunch. All tours take place in the Lodge surroundings.
- Ice Hotel visit: On departure day (total 1.5-2 hours). Includes transfer to Ice Hotel in Jukkasjärvi, guided tour of the Ice Hotel (tour given by the person doing your transfer) and onward transfer to Kiruna or Kiruna airport after visit. Guests choosing this option must plan to depart Kiruna train station or airport no earlier than 13.30 on the departure day.
- Sámi outdoor museum visit: On departure day, available in connection with Ice Hotel visit or separately. Includes transfer to Sami Museum in Jukkasjärvi, entrance and bag of reindeer feed and onward transfer to Kiruna or Kiruna airport after the visit. The museum shows aspects of the life of the Sami reindeer herders, the indigenous people of the area. There are also a small number of reindeer corralled at the museum which you are welcome to feed. Lunch is available to purchase in the Sámi cafe adjacent to the museum. Guests choosing this option must plan to depart Kiruna train station or airport no earlier than 13.30 on the departure day.
- Ice Hotel + Sámi Outdoor Museum: Details as above for separate activities. If choosing this combined option, you should plan for departure from Kiruna train station or airport no earlier than 16.00.
- Nordic wellness afternoon: Walk on trail to wilderness camp approx. 30 mins, wood-heated sauna is prepared in advance.
- Snowmobile tours*: Minimum age 12. Participants wishing to drive a snowmobile must hold full driving licence. When choosing shared snowmobile, participants share snowmobile one per two persons.
*On rare occasions when temperatures fall below -30 degrees C, dogsled and snowmobile tours may not take place for safety reasons. In this case, an alternative activity will be offered.

Wilderness Camp (if adding overnight dogsled tour), with dining area, sleeping accommodation and toilet facilities. Photos: LS.
What's Included »
Included
Accommodation:
- Full board accommodation in private 2-4 person rooms with en-suite shower and WC. There are 8 rooms at the lodge in total.
- Sauna available each night.

Typical bedroom, dining room, sauna building and lodge area. Photos: LS.
Meals:
Full board from dinner on arrival day to breakfast on departure day.
Equipment and Activities:
- Use of snowshoes, kicksleds and ice fishing equipment is included during your stay.
- Warm winter clothing (thermal outer suit, hats, gloves and boots)
- Information on Northern Lights/photography tips on arrival and daily activity forecast.
Transfer:
Communal transfer is included to/from Kiruna on arrival/departure (transfer time about one hour). Transfer times can be flexible to a certain extent depending on travel arrangements.
Not Included
- Travel: We do not arrange flights or domestic travel, but are happy to advise on suitable connections and assist you with any aspect of planning your journey. See under "Getting There" for general travel information.
- Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase).
- Additional activities available to book as optional extras.
Good To Know »
Required
Health requirements/experience:
General good health. Minimum age 12 years.
What makes this "Easy-Medium"?
As a catered experience with full facilities, there is great flexibility to make your stay as relaxing or active as you wish. Any activities are optional, but most guests will choose at least some optional activities during their stay and level of challenge of these activities will vary.
NB: Perception of difficulty is very subjective. What is hard to one person may be easy for another and vice versa, depending on factors including level of fitness, age and previous experience. Weather conditions/temperatures can also dramatically affect the actual level of challenge encountered.
Equipment/clothes needed:
For information on any equipment and/or clothing included as standard for this experience, please see under "What's Included".
A detailed recommended packing list for personal items to bring will be sent with your booking documentation.
NB: We advise you not to buy equipment or clothes for your trip or to incur other non-refundable expenses such as flights until you have received confirmation of your booking from us in writing. Note of course that the most appropriate clothing to use as well as the level of challenge experienced during any outdoor activity may vary significantly depending on factors such as the time of year and the particular weather/temperature conditions during your trip.
Preparing for your trip:
For further reading, we also have a number of general information articles to get you ready for your trip, covering a wide variety of topics from what to do on a city break before/after your tour, advice on packing, eyewear for winter and considerations for female travellers.
Minimum number:
While most commonly chosen by persons travelling with one or more companions, the Aurora Lodge Escape is also suitable for solo travellers. Note in this case that some optional activities may require a minimum total number of participants in order to be possible.
Combine This With
This experience makes a good combination with the following:
- Discover Dog Sledding in Lapland (4 days, one hour by transfer)
- Dog Sledding and Winter Camping on the King's Trail (8 days, one hour by transfer)
- Husky Mountain Expedition in Lapland (8 or 12 days, one hour by transfer)
- Northern Lights Dog Sledding in Lapland (8 days, one hour by transfer)
- One-day and Overnight Husky Tours in Kiruna (1-2 days, one hour by transfer)
Groups
This experience is very suitable for groups. Please contact us to discuss your requirements.
Eco Info
This provider has a written environmental policy.
Getting There »
Getting There
See below for a summary of travel options. To learn more about how to travel to this experience, please get in touch!
Detailed information on travel will be provided in response to your enquiry. We are happy to advise on suitable connections and assist you with any aspect of planning your journey.
NB: Please ensure that you make a booking with us first and wait for confirmation that your spaces are reserved before making any travel arrangements.
Travel Summary:
By Air:
Fly to Stockholm then onward to Kiruna by night train or domestic flight connection. Transfer from Kiruna airport or train station is included. (If travelling by train to this experience, it is most convenient for your arrival to have pick-up transfer from Gällivare rather than Kiruna (the train reaches Gällivare approx. one hour before Kiruna), though pick-up from Kiruna is also possible. On departure, guests should always depart from Kiruna).
Without Flying:
Ferry Dover-Dunkirk or Newcastle-Amsterdam for onward train connections as above.
"The best part of my trip was the dog sledding overnight stay in the middle of the forest. Nice guide, lovely friendly dogs. Beautiful accommodation and superb food brought to us by snow mobile. Beautiful sauna and heated accommodation. I wish we could have stay longer in the wild forest dog sledding." Danielle, March 2020
"We really liked the fact that everything was accessible from our accommodation...picking up outdoor gear in the barn, visiting the dogs each day, walking on trails day and night, chatting to guides in the lodge, a friendly atmosphere that felt personal. Very competent guides and special thanks to Matz who had to help us back onto our snowmobile a few times! Would highly recommend staying there. [The best parts were] the friendly welcome, all of the staff, the excellent food, all day complimentary tea, coffee, juice, the dog sledding, the snowmobile guide Matz and lunch in the wild, walking on trails from our door, seeing the Northern Lights. We were so lucky with the weather, blue skies after recent snowfall...stunning scenery." Vicki, February 2020
"The host was just amazing. SO welcoming and very funny. The transfer driver was brilliant to talk to. The dogsled guides were such good company and so helpful. If I get anyone to consider an arctic adventure, I will be sure that they use you!" John, who combined a stay at the Aurora Lodge with Discover Dog Sledding in Lapland, December 2019.
Read more reviews »