Luleå
Luleå - the Treehotel's closest town
Located on the coast of northern Sweden along the Gulf of Bothnia, Luleå serves as one of the main gateways to Swedish Lapland. While the city itself is a lively regional centre, the real attraction lies just inland, where forests, rivers and lakes hide some of Scandinavia’s most innovative wilderness accommodations.
Luleå Airport (LLA) is the largest airport in northern Sweden and offers regular flights to Stockholm, making it an important entry point for travellers heading into Swedish Lapland. From here it is easy to continue north to destinations such as Kiruna, Abisko and the ICEHOTEL, or explore the wilderness lodges located along the Lule River valley.
One of the most remarkable places to stay in the region is the Treehotel, located in the forest village of Harads about one hour northwest of Luleå. The property features a collection of architect-designed treehouses suspended high among the pine trees, including a mirrored cube, a bird’s nest and the striking Biosphere, a glass structure surrounded by hundreds of birdhouses.
Further inland along the Lule River, the award-winning Arctic Bath spa hotel offers another unique experience. The circular spa floats on the river in summer and freezes into the ice during winter, while guests stay in contemporary cabins along the riverbank or floating villas combining Nordic design with traditional sauna culture.
Another memorable wilderness retreat nearby is Aurora Safari Camp, a small lodge inspired by African safari camps but set deep in the forests of Swedish Lapland. Guests stay in tent-style cabins and can relax on a floating pontoon with a sauna, outdoor bath and firepit overlooking the river.
This forested wilderness of rivers and lakes just below the Arctic Circle offers excellent opportunities for hiking, kayaking, wildlife encounters and Northern Lights viewing.
You can read more about these unique experiences in this feature article, based on writer Rob McFarland's travels with us Sorry Santa, this winter wonderland is actually more magical in autumn.
