Self-Catering in Swedish Lapland
Resting on the shores of Lake Saggat and on the edge of Laponia, Europe's last wilderness, is Årrenjarka Mountain Lodge - deep inside reindeer territory.
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Resting on the shores of Lake Saggat and on the edge of Laponia, Europe's last wilderness, is Årrenjarka Mountain Lodge - deep inside reindeer territory.
The history of Årrenjarka can be traced back thousands of years as ancient remains are still being discovered. The only road leading to Årrenjarka is the historic migration route followed by the Sami and their reindeer herds, travelling to the mountains in the spring and returning to the shelter of the forests for the harsh winters.
Årrenjarka homestead was founded in 1811 by the Mannberg family. Fertile soil, south facing meadows and rivers bursting with fish meant this location was perfect for living off the land. In 1969 the last cows left and Årrenjarka became a comfortable mountain retreat under the shadow of Mount Kassavare.
Today ten people live in Årrenjarka year round. Gun Mannberg and Lasse Lindqvist are the owners and your hosts. Gun is the head chef and keeps the family traditions of living off the land alive; cloudberries, arctic char, reindeer, almond potatoes and moose are all sourced locally.
Årrenjarka is on the edge of Laponia, widely recognised as Europe's last wilderness and is made up of 4 national parks Muddus, Sarek, Padjelanta and Stora Sjöfallet. It is recognised by UNESCO as it is the largest area in the world (and one of the last) with an ancestral way of life based on the seasonal movement of livestock.
Årrenjarka offers a genuine insight into the remote areas of Swedish Lapland. It is easy to see why one would want to stay in this great area, surrounded by rich fishing waters and wildlife-rich mountains.
Highlights
Day 1
Fly from the UK to Luleå (via Stockholm), or self arrival in Luleå.
Pick up your rental car.
Approx. 150 miles (280km) 3hr45 drive to Årrenjarka.
Great chances of seeing moose and reindeer along the way.
Recommend you stop on the way to purchase food.
Day 2 onwards
Enjoy the great outdoors and all that this beautiful region has to offer.
Final Day
All good things must come to an end.
Drive back to the airport.
Drop off the rental car.
Flights back to the UK (via Stockholm).
Spacious log cabins at Årrenjarka on the shores of Lake Saggat deep inside Swedish Lapland and the Arctic Circle.
8 Bed Cabins
Between 100 and 130 sqm
Outdoor lake facing terrace
3 bedrooms (2 x double / twins and 1 with 2 bunk beds)
1 or 2 bathrooms and a sauna
Fully equipped kitchen
Lounge with open fire and TV
6 Bed Cabins
Approx. 70 sqm
Outdoor lake facing terrace
2 bedrooms (1 x double / twin and 1 with 2 bunk beds)
1 x bathroom with WC and shower
Fully equipped kitchen
Lounge with TV
Reception Building
In the main building you will find reception, bar area, a small shop and the renowned restaurant. WiFi is available in the main building, but not in the log cabins.
Click on the image above for more photos.
Sámi Culture, Archaeology and History - 3 hours
** RECOMMENDED **
An introduction to the history and culture of the Sámi people, the indigenous people of Scandinavia. Your Sámi guide is a trained archaeologist and the day will start with an excursion around Årrenjarka’s forests where you will get to see many different types of ancient remains like old hearths, cooking pits and hunting pits - some date from the Stone Age.
Your guide will tell you about the culture, language and history of the Sámi people.
After the archaeological walk coffee is prepared over the open fire, and served with traditional Sámi bread and reindeer meat. The storytelling continues inside the lávvu and your guide will also perform some different joiks, traditional Sámi song.
£80 per person (minimum 2 persons)
Husky Walk and Kennel Visit - 3 hours
Visit the husky kennels and learn more about sleddogs. Have a cuddle with the friendly and happy huskies, they love people! Take a nice forest hike, about 3 kilometers, with some of the huskies. On the beach in Björnviken where you stop and make a campfire, prepare some coffee on the fire and talk more about the life with sleddogs. Includes fika (Swedish pastry).
£65 per person
Children under 15 half price
Min price is 2 adults
Hiking
Årrenjarka is the starting point of a variety of different hiking trails. Everything from shorter forest walks to longer mountain hikes. The staff at Årrenjarka will answer all questions about hiking, give suggestions and provide you with the right maps and information. You're in good hands, Lasse (owner of Årrenjarka) is the local mountain rescue leader!
Examples of hiking trails:
Årrenjarka – Kvikkjokk: A full day hike of 20 km across the mountains between Årrenjarka and Kvikkjokk. A very scenic hike with amazing views. It is also possible to walk up on the mountain and go back to Årrenjarka the same way you came. Fairly demanding, good physique required.
Årrevare: A nice mountain hike of about 5-6 kilometers up to the top of the mountain Årrevare. Nice views of the valley and surrounding mountains and a resting place with wind shelter at the viewpoint. Normal physique required.
Björnviken, “Bear Bay”: A fairly easy trail of 3-4 kilometers that lead to a beautiful little bay with a stone beach by Lake Saggat. Resting place with benches.
Brudslöjan, “Bride’s Veil”: A short hike to a beautiful waterfall. Drive by car to Köpenhamn, a little place about 7 kilometers west of Årrenjarka. The trail starts from the parking place and you walk about 2 kilometers up before you reach a little plateau in the waterfall. Resting place with benches and a table along the trail.
Ailatis: A beautiful full-day hike to the top of a mountain on the south side of Lake Saggat. A trail that very few people walk every year, with stunning mountain views from the top. Boat transfer needed, book in the reception.
Canoes and rowing boats
Canoes and rowing boats are available for rent. Rental of life vests is included in the price. The friendly staff will help with suggestions of where to go on your paddle or rowing trip.
Fishing
There are lots of good possibilities for fishing around Årrenjarka. Licenses can be purchased in the reception and the staff will provide you with all the information you need and also give advice on where to go. Bring your own fishing equipment.
Helicopter tours & Delta boat tours in Kvikkjokk
Sightseeing flights from the helicopter base in Kvikkjokk and guided boat tours on the river delta in Kvikkjokk. These activities can be booked at reception during your stay.
Jacuzzi
Rent the Jacuzzi and sauna locally.
Availability
This self-catering holiday is available from
16th June to 30th September 2017 and
15th June to 30th September 2018
Midnight Sun
Mid-May until mid-July in this region.
Mid-Summer
Mid-Summer is a celebrated holiday weekend in Sweden as the Swedes celebrate the season of light and the longest days! In 2017 this will be on 23rd June.
The Seasons
Endless summer days extend into August and a more Autumnal feel comes to this region at the end of August and in September - this is the Arctic!
6 Bed Cabin
from £1050pp based on 6 people
from £1095pp based on 5 people
from £1230pp based on 4 people
8 Bed Cabin
from £1025pp based on 8 people
from £1125pp based on 6 people
from £1295pp based on 4 people
Price based on
Return flights from the UK
(this holiday can also be arranged without flights)
Rental car
7 nights self catering
Bedding, towels and electricity included
1 x entrance to the relax area with hot tub.
Some important information about this holiday
Please read our information about Sweden >>>.
Distances from Årrenjarka to ....
Luleå airport - 280km (3hr30)
Jokkmokk - 100km (1hr15)
Kvikkjokk - 17km (15min)
Jokkmokk
The closest town and where you will find the supermarket, shops and off-licence. It is also home to the famous Sami museum Ájtte and we highly recommend a visit (please check opening times before going there).
Laponia
This is widely recognised as Europe's last wilderness and is made up of 4 national parks Muddus, Sarek,Padjelanta and Stora Sjöfallet. It is recognised by UNESCO as it is the largest area in the world (and one of the last) with an ancestral way of life based on the seasonal movement of livestock.
The history of Årrenjarka can be traced back thousands of years as ancient remains are still being discovered. The only road leading to Årrenjarka is the historic migration route followed by the Sami and their reindeer herds, travelling to the mountains in the spring and returning to the shelter of the forests for the harsh winters.
Årrenjarka homestead was founded in 1811 by the Mannberg family. Fertile soil, south facing meadows and rivers bursting with fish meant this location was perfect for living off the land. In 1969 the last cows left and Årrenjarka became a comfortable mountain retreat under the shadow of Mount Kassavare.
Today ten people live in Årrenjarka year round. Gun Mannberg and Lasse Lindqvist are the owners and your hosts. Gun is the head chef and keeps the family traditions of living off the land alive; cloudberries, arctic char, reindeer, almond potatoes and moose are all sourced locally.
Årrenjarka is on the edge of Laponia, widely recognised as Europe's last wilderness and is made up of 4 national parks Muddus, Sarek, Padjelanta and Stora Sjöfallet. It is recognised by UNESCO as it is the largest area in the world (and one of the last) with an ancestral way of life based on the seasonal movement of livestock.
Årrenjarka offers a genuine insight into the remote areas of Swedish Lapland. It is easy to see why one would want to stay in this great area, surrounded by rich fishing waters and wildlife-rich mountains.
Highlights
Day 1
Fly from the UK to Luleå (via Stockholm), or self arrival in Luleå.
Pick up your rental car.
Approx. 150 miles (280km) 3hr45 drive to Årrenjarka.
Great chances of seeing moose and reindeer along the way.
Recommend you stop on the way to purchase food.
Day 2 onwards
Enjoy the great outdoors and all that this beautiful region has to offer.
Final Day
All good things must come to an end.
Drive back to the airport.
Drop off the rental car.
Flights back to the UK (via Stockholm).
Spacious log cabins at Årrenjarka on the shores of Lake Saggat deep inside Swedish Lapland and the Arctic Circle.
8 Bed Cabins
Between 100 and 130 sqm
Outdoor lake facing terrace
3 bedrooms (2 x double / twins and 1 with 2 bunk beds)
1 or 2 bathrooms and a sauna
Fully equipped kitchen
Lounge with open fire and TV
6 Bed Cabins
Approx. 70 sqm
Outdoor lake facing terrace
2 bedrooms (1 x double / twin and 1 with 2 bunk beds)
1 x bathroom with WC and shower
Fully equipped kitchen
Lounge with TV
Reception Building
In the main building you will find reception, bar area, a small shop and the renowned restaurant. WiFi is available in the main building, but not in the log cabins.
Click on the image above for more photos.
Sámi Culture, Archaeology and History - 3 hours
** RECOMMENDED **
An introduction to the history and culture of the Sámi people, the indigenous people of Scandinavia. Your Sámi guide is a trained archaeologist and the day will start with an excursion around Årrenjarka’s forests where you will get to see many different types of ancient remains like old hearths, cooking pits and hunting pits - some date from the Stone Age.
Your guide will tell you about the culture, language and history of the Sámi people.
After the archaeological walk coffee is prepared over the open fire, and served with traditional Sámi bread and reindeer meat. The storytelling continues inside the lávvu and your guide will also perform some different joiks, traditional Sámi song.
£80 per person (minimum 2 persons)
Husky Walk and Kennel Visit - 3 hours
Visit the husky kennels and learn more about sleddogs. Have a cuddle with the friendly and happy huskies, they love people! Take a nice forest hike, about 3 kilometers, with some of the huskies. On the beach in Björnviken where you stop and make a campfire, prepare some coffee on the fire and talk more about the life with sleddogs. Includes fika (Swedish pastry).
£65 per person
Children under 15 half price
Min price is 2 adults
Hiking
Årrenjarka is the starting point of a variety of different hiking trails. Everything from shorter forest walks to longer mountain hikes. The staff at Årrenjarka will answer all questions about hiking, give suggestions and provide you with the right maps and information. You're in good hands, Lasse (owner of Årrenjarka) is the local mountain rescue leader!
Examples of hiking trails:
Årrenjarka – Kvikkjokk: A full day hike of 20 km across the mountains between Årrenjarka and Kvikkjokk. A very scenic hike with amazing views. It is also possible to walk up on the mountain and go back to Årrenjarka the same way you came. Fairly demanding, good physique required.
Årrevare: A nice mountain hike of about 5-6 kilometers up to the top of the mountain Årrevare. Nice views of the valley and surrounding mountains and a resting place with wind shelter at the viewpoint. Normal physique required.
Björnviken, “Bear Bay”: A fairly easy trail of 3-4 kilometers that lead to a beautiful little bay with a stone beach by Lake Saggat. Resting place with benches.
Brudslöjan, “Bride’s Veil”: A short hike to a beautiful waterfall. Drive by car to Köpenhamn, a little place about 7 kilometers west of Årrenjarka. The trail starts from the parking place and you walk about 2 kilometers up before you reach a little plateau in the waterfall. Resting place with benches and a table along the trail.
Ailatis: A beautiful full-day hike to the top of a mountain on the south side of Lake Saggat. A trail that very few people walk every year, with stunning mountain views from the top. Boat transfer needed, book in the reception.
Canoes and rowing boats
Canoes and rowing boats are available for rent. Rental of life vests is included in the price. The friendly staff will help with suggestions of where to go on your paddle or rowing trip.
Fishing
There are lots of good possibilities for fishing around Årrenjarka. Licenses can be purchased in the reception and the staff will provide you with all the information you need and also give advice on where to go. Bring your own fishing equipment.
Helicopter tours & Delta boat tours in Kvikkjokk
Sightseeing flights from the helicopter base in Kvikkjokk and guided boat tours on the river delta in Kvikkjokk. These activities can be booked at reception during your stay.
Jacuzzi
Rent the Jacuzzi and sauna locally.
Availability
This self-catering holiday is available from
16th June to 30th September 2017 and
15th June to 30th September 2018
Midnight Sun
Mid-May until mid-July in this region.
Mid-Summer
Mid-Summer is a celebrated holiday weekend in Sweden as the Swedes celebrate the season of light and the longest days! In 2017 this will be on 23rd June.
The Seasons
Endless summer days extend into August and a more Autumnal feel comes to this region at the end of August and in September - this is the Arctic!
6 Bed Cabin
from £1050pp based on 6 people
from £1095pp based on 5 people
from £1230pp based on 4 people
8 Bed Cabin
from £1025pp based on 8 people
from £1125pp based on 6 people
from £1295pp based on 4 people
Price based on
Return flights from the UK
(this holiday can also be arranged without flights)
Rental car
7 nights self catering
Bedding, towels and electricity included
1 x entrance to the relax area with hot tub.
Some important information about this holiday
Please read our information about Sweden >>>.
Distances from Årrenjarka to ....
Luleå airport - 280km (3hr30)
Jokkmokk - 100km (1hr15)
Kvikkjokk - 17km (15min)
Jokkmokk
The closest town and where you will find the supermarket, shops and off-licence. It is also home to the famous Sami museum Ájtte and we highly recommend a visit (please check opening times before going there).
Laponia
This is widely recognised as Europe's last wilderness and is made up of 4 national parks Muddus, Sarek,Padjelanta and Stora Sjöfallet. It is recognised by UNESCO as it is the largest area in the world (and one of the last) with an ancestral way of life based on the seasonal movement of livestock.
