Brändön Lodge

Overlooking the icy Gulf of Bothnia and the Luleå archipelago, the cabins at Brändön form the perfect base from which to explore a region where islands outnumber people by a long way. The recently renovated cabins are all sea-facing, and provide two bedrooms and a private bathroom. A larger log cabin provides cosy communal spaces, including a restaurant and lounge lit up by a roaring fireplace. A sauna is situated by the water’s edge.

Eat

There is a convenient canteen-style restaurant and bar in the main building, adjoining a convivial relaxation area with a welcoming fireplace. Self-catering is also easy, with a well-stocked supermarket a 15-minute drive away. In late summer, join the locals picking berries in the forest to make your own vitamin-packed condiments and preserves.

Sleep

The 15 cabins were smartly renovated in 2013 and each comprises two bedrooms, a bathroom, lounge, small kitchen and sea-facing covered porch.

Do

Swedish Lapland is a year-round adventure playground, with a host of activities rooted in the region’s ancient and modern culture. Summer options include swimming, sea kayaking, caving, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, quad biking, whitewater rafting and beach barbecues. In winter choose from dogsledding, reindeer safaris, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, aurora viewing – or take a course in ice fishing, ice sculpting or igloo building. You can even take a hovercraft or cross-kart ride over the frozen archipelago to view the towering pack ice up close. A sauna is located a short distance from the cabins, overlooking the sea.