Summer in Swedish Lapland: Midnight Sun, Saunas and Alpine Meadows

This morning you'll take in the beauty of this extraordinary site from a kayak on the Gulf of Bothnia. Accompanied by a guide, paddle peacefully in the protected shallow bays until you reach one of the archipelago's 1,300 islands. You'll dismount here for a stroll to spot a number of animals including seals, seagulls, sea eagles and – if you're lucky – elk. Then head back to the lodge for a relaxing afternoon enjoying your surroundings.

If you didn't see any elk yesterday, don't fret. Today you'll head into the heart of the Swedish forest to meet some of these fascinating creatures. Within the beautiful natural setting of Cape Wild, your private guide will let you in on the lives of these giant deer, and teach you how to spot them in the wild. This is also an opportunity to understand how these impressive animals cope with harsh Lappish conditions. After coming up close to the elk, you'll head into a small shelter to meet some adorable reindeer.

When you've finished admiring Santa's steeds, jump back into your hire car and head towards Harads. This journey takes about an hour and follows the meanders of the Lulealven river. Along the way, stop at the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Gammelstad, a picturesque church town that was founded in the 15th century.


You'll spend tonight in an eco-hotel perched in the trees, where each room really is unique. Comfort and design go hand-in-hand here, so you can watch wild reindeer and elk passing by your windows before snuggling up in your cosy bed. This evening, enjoy a delicious meal of local specialities at your host's own house, including salmon, arctic crab, elk and reindeer.

After breakfast at the hotel owner's house this morning, you have the option to go riding in the forest – just let us know if you'd like us to arrange this for you. Then it's on to Kvikkjokk, about two-and-a-half hours away. You'll spend two nights here in a small hotel made up of wooden bungalows located on a peninsula of Lake Saggat. With the forest and the sparkling waters of the lake just outside your door, this is the perfect place for an afternoon stroll. When you return, head to the sauna or hot tub before a dinner of local specialities at the hotel restaurant.

Today, we recommend heading out for a hike along a famous route known as the Kungsleden (King's Trail). This historic trail is 290 miles long, and is considered one of the most beautiful hiking routes in the world. It passes through splendid mountain landscapes and alpine flower meadows, and offers panoramic views of glittering glaciers, bubbling streams, gorges and some of Sweden's most beautiful birch forests. The best part is that this monumental trail is split into manageable sections, so you can choose a distance that suits you.

It's on to Jokkmokk today, which should take just under an hour and a half to reach. This area is known for its rich Sámi history, so don't miss visiting the Sámi cultural centre of Ájtte, whose permanent exhibition tells the story of Sámi life through a large collection of objects, clothing and photographs. Just a stone's throw away is Fjällträdgården, a garden dedicated to Arctic botany which stretches along the roaring Kvarnbäcken River, just south of Lake Talvatis. Take a wander along the trail to admire some incredible plant species, including a rare wildflower known as King Karl's Sceptre.

You'll spend tonight in a small 1920s hotel with a truly Scandinavian feel. When you return from your day of exploring, cosy up in front of the roaring fireplace or warm up in the traditional sauna.

After a hearty breakfast at your hotel this morning, you'll drive on to Abisko. The journey takes just over three-and-a-half hours, but you can break it up with a fabulous lunch at the Aurora Sky Station – we'll arrange the tickets for you. This high-altitude restaurant is reached by a chairlift that overlooks the Abisko National Park. Once settled in front of the crackling fire, enjoy a feast of traditional Lappish cuisine, and take in the view of the valley, lake, rivers and mountains from the terrace. If you're in the mood for a post-lunch walk, take a stroll along one of the area's many hiking trails to spot wildlife or simply admire the view.

You'll spend the next two nights in a cosy lodge near the Abisko National Park. Tonight, enjoy a dinner of seasonal dishes at your hotel's restaurant.

Your hotel is in the perfect spot for hiking, so this morning we recommend a walk in Abisko National Park. One of the most scenic routes is the trail to Lake Trollsjön, which first passes through a thick birch forest before gaining height and leading you into the Kärkevagge ('stone valley', in Sámi). You'll be rewarded for your efforts with a magnificent view: a valley dotted with imposing boulders carried by ancient glacial rivers. The rest of the walk leads you through delightful mountain landscapes and lush meadows full of wildflowers that congregate on the gentle slopes around the delta and along small streams. After about three-and-half miles of walking, you'll reach the main event: the high-altitude lake of Trollsjön, known as Rissajaure in Sámi, which means 'the lake that sparkles like fire.' Its waters are so clear that, in good weather, you can see the bottom, which is 130ft below the surface. This enchanting spot is ideal for a lunch break or even a refreshing dip!

Your next stop is the Gällivare region, located at the crossroads of four large national parks: Sarek, Padjelanta, Stora Sjöfallet and Muddus. Along the way, we recommend a stop at Kiruna, Sweden's northernmost town. Here, you'll find a fascinating church built in 1912 in the form of a Sámi hut (lavvú) and entirely covered with red wooden tiles. Inside is an incredible painting that adorns the Art Nouveau altar: a work by Prince Eugen entitled The Holy Grove. You can then continue on to the town hall, recognisable by its tower, clock and above all its astonishing futuristic architecture. It houses the county art museum, which is worth a visit if it's open.

You'll spend tonight in a traditional red lodge outside the small village of Nilivaara. This cosy accommodation really makes you feel at home, and you'll have a kitchen where you can prepare homecooked meals, along with a living room where you can cosy up in front of the crackling fireplace. In true Swedish style there's a sauna for you to enjoy, and nothing less than a pine forest as your garden.

Today you'll head back to Luleå to spend your final night in Sweden in a modern hotel with sleek décor. There's a spa with a swimming pool where you can soak up your luscious Lappish surroundings, along with a restaurant that serves a combination of local and international cuisine. This evening, head to the lounge bar for cocktails and live music, where you can toast to a holiday well spent.