Frozen Dreams in Swedish Lapland: Cooper Lee’s Arctic Adventure with Thrillophilia
They say the Arctic calls to those who crave silence, wonder, and the kind of beauty that feels extraordinary.
For me, that call began years ago, on a frosty winter night in my small apartment in Seattle. I had been scrolling through travel blogs when I stumbled upon an image. It was a kaleidoscope of green and purple lights swirling above a snow-covered landscape. That photo of the Northern Lights, taken in Swedish Lapland, sparked a dream that stayed deep within me.
For years, the vision of that icy paradise lingered in my mind, growing more vivid with each passing winter. When I saw an ad for a group tour to Swedish Lapland pop up on my screen last fall, I knew it was fate. I booked the trip without hesitation and started waiting for the day to come.
“Cooper, you are going to freeze your ears off!” my best friend joked as I shared the news.
“Maybe,” I smiled. “But I will be freezing them off under the Northern Lights, so it will be worth it.”
The thrill only grew as the plane began its descent over Luleå’s pristine coastline. The vast area of snow-covered forests below looked like something out of a storybook. I leaned toward the window, and my breath fogged up the glass. It was the start of a story I had waited years to tell.
Finding Warmth in the Cold
Brändön Lodge was the kind of place you read about in winter tales but rarely believe exists in real life. Situated on a small island overlooking the frozen waters of the Luleå archipelago, it welcomed us like an old friend. Outside, the world was white and silent and the snow reflected the soft glow of the fading sun. And inside, the warmth of a crackling fire, the smell of fresh cinnamon rolls, and the cheerful chatter of fellow travellers surrounded us.
“You have never seen the auroras?” asked Lina, our host, as she handed me a cup of steaming coffee.
“Not yet,” I admitted, my fingers warming against the ceramic mug.
“Well,” she said with a knowing smile, “tonight might just be your lucky night.”
That evening, I bundled up in layers and joined a small group outside. The night sky stretched endlessly above us in a canvas of stars so vivid that it felt like we could pluck them from the heavens. And then, as if on cue, the auroras appeared - soft ribbons of green that slowly spread out, growing brighter and more vivid with each passing second.
“It is as if the sky is alive,” someone whispered, breaking the silence.
I did not respond as my heart was too full to speak.
Racing Through the Snow
The next morning, we were welcomed by the sound of excited barks. The huskies at the kennel were more than ready to get moving, their tails wagging furiously as they were tied to the sledges. “These dogs were born to run,” our guide explained as he introduced me to my team of huskies. “They will take good care of you.”
The moment we set off, the world around me transformed. The sledge glided effortlessly over the snow, with the huskies’ paws creating a rhythmic sound that blended perfectly with the fresh Arctic air. The trail wound through forests covered in white, frozen lakes and open fields that seemed to stretch forever.
“Lean into the turns!” our guide called out from his sledge ahead. “And don’t forget to hold on!”
“I am holding on for dear life!” I shouted back, laughing as the sledge picked up speed.
At one point, we stopped to let the dogs rest. I sat down to pet one of the lead huskies, a beautiful grey-and-white dog named Sisu. “You are amazing, you know that?” I said, scratching behind his ears. His warm and playful eyes seemed to agree.
The Heart of the Arctic
While travelling deeper into Swedish Lapland, the train journey to Kiruna felt like a movie montage. Snow-draped forests, frozen rivers, and quaint villages passed by in a blur of winter magic. I spent most of the ride stuck to the window and captivated by the scenery.
Camp Ripan was a cosy retreat that offered the perfect blend of luxury and authenticity. After a delicious three-course dinner, I could not resist a visit to the Aurora Spa. Floating in the warm and mineral-rich pool, surrounded by snow and gazing through panoramic windows at the Arctic wilderness, I felt a sense of serenity that words cannot capture.
“You look like you have been here forever,” a fellow traveller joked as we relaxed in the sauna.
“Maybe I have,” I replied, smiling. “It feels like home.”
Chasing the Lights in Abisko
If Kiruna was peaceful, Abisko National Park was pure magic. This part of Lapland is famous for its clear skies and breathtaking views of the Northern Lights, and it did not disappoint. Staying at the Abisko Mountain Lodge, I felt like I was on the edge of the world.
One evening, we went out with an expert photographer to capture the auroras. “Patience is key,” he advised, helping me set up my camera. And, the wait was worth it. The sky erupted in a symphony of greens and purples, the lights swirling and dancing like celestial music come to life.
I managed to capture a few photos, each one a treasure that I knew would transport me back to this moment for years to come. “Not bad for a first-timer,” the photographer said, glancing at my shots. I smiled.
An Icy Goodbye
Our final stop was the legendary Ice Hotel, which was carved entirely from ice and snow. Walking through its frozen halls felt like stepping into another world. Each room was a masterpiece, with sculptures that seemed to tell their own stories.
My room had a stunning design inspired by Arctic wildlife, with intricate carvings of reindeer and foxes that seemed to watch over me as I settled in for the night. Despite the icy surroundings, the high-tech sleeping bag kept me warm, and I drifted off feeling like I was part of the landscape itself.
Read more: Thrillophilia Sweden Reviews