BOREAL NATURE & YOGA IN THE HEART OF THE ARCTIC
NEW YEAR IN SWEDISH LAPLAND
Swedish Lapland is one of the best places on the planet to witness one of nature’s most fascinating phenomena: the Northern Lights.
We will travel through some of the most spectacular landscapes in this Arctic region, from the Baltic Sea to the mountains of northern Sweden, seeking out the best locations to experience the magical Northern Lights.
We invite you on a journey to connect with nature, observe and learn. If the skies allow, along the way we will learn how to photograph the Northern Lights, capturing the best possible images and returning home with unforgettable memories./p>
On this polar adventure, above the Arctic Circle, we will enjoy unique experiences among snowy landscapes and boreal forests, always accompanied by our yoga practice, whether in the morning or in the evening.
Lapland is one of those places worth visiting at least once in a lifetime, and this journey is an opportunity to discover it in a special way while also learning more about the culture and history of the region we will be travelling through.
Come and spend the coming New Year in this incomparable setting with Mariona and Víctor from Yogaia, and Llum and Guillem, specialist guides from X-Plore.
Would you like to join us?
ITINERARY
DAY 1 · 27 December
FLIGHT AND ARRIVAL IN LULEÅ
Departure on our flight to Stockholm, followed by a connecting flight to Luleå. Transfer from the airport to the hotel.
Luleå, the largest city in Swedish Lapland, is located on the shores of Lule Bay, in the Gulf of Bothnia, and has around 75,000 inhabitants. One of the most prominent buildings in the city centre is its 67-metre-high neo-Gothic cathedral. But in winter, one of the most striking sights is seeing the waters of the Baltic completely frozen.
On this first night, we will watch the sky and, weather conditions permitting, try to take our first photographs of the Northern Lights.
Overnight in Luleå.
DAY 2 · 28 December
LULEÅ – GAMMELSTAD – STORFORSEN – JOKKMOKK
Breakfast. Early in the morning, we will leave Luleå to visit the nearby Church Town of Gammelstad, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996. It is considered one of the best-preserved examples of this type of traditional Scandinavian settlement and one of the most distinctive places in northern Sweden.
We will then continue to Storforsen, a spectacular stretch of rapids on the Pite River. The surroundings are impressive, with coniferous forests and vast expanses of water that, at this time of year, will be frozen.
We will follow the wooden walkways through the area before continuing our journey for around 100 km to Jokkmokk, one of the main centres of Sami culture in Sweden. Along the way, we will cross the Arctic Circle.
Accommodation in cabins and, in the evening, we will head out in search of the Northern Lights.
Overnight in cabins in Jokkmokk.
DAY 3 · 29 December
JOKKMOKK AND SURROUNDING AREA
In the morning, we will go on a snowshoeing excursion through the forests around Muddus National Park, where we will discover the characteristics of the taiga and boreal forest and have the opportunity to observe the flora and fauna of this Arctic region.
In the afternoon, as darkness begins to fall, we will return to Jokkmokk, where we can visit its fascinating museum and learn more about different aspects of Arctic nature, as well as Sami history and culture.
After dinner, we will head out again to try to observe and photograph the Northern Lights.
Second night in cabins in Jokkmokk.
DAY 4 · 30 December
JOKKMOKK – STORA SJÖFALLET NATIONAL PARK – JOKKMOKK
An exciting day awaits us today. We will leave the cabins early and head towards Stora Sjöfallet National Park, one of the great natural areas of northern Sweden.
We will spend the day exploring its spectacular mountain landscapes and observing and photographing the wildlife that inhabits this region. We may encounter species such as moose, foxes and eagles, as well as reindeer, which are closely connected to the life, culture and traditional activities of the Sami people.
Stora Sjöfallet is part of Laponia, the extensive area declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996, which also includes other neighbouring natural areas such as Sarek National Park. It is a region of great natural and cultural value, inhabited and used by the Sami people for generations. The area combines vast glacial lakes with rugged mountains reaching almost 2,000 metres in altitude.
Along the way, we will stop to observe and take photographs whenever conditions and opportunities allow. We will also take some short walks on snowshoes.
In the early afternoon, around sunset, we will begin the approximately two-hour journey back to Jokkmokk. If Northern Lights activity and sky conditions are favourable, we will take the opportunity to stop along the way for some observation.
DAYS 5 AND 6 · 31 December and 1 January
JOKKMOKK AND SURROUNDING AREA
We will have two more days to explore the surrounding area and discover new corners of the Sami heartland of Swedish Lapland, combining nature, observation and yoga practice.
We may visit Kvikkjokk, situated at the southern edge of Sarek National Park; head out to observe wildlife; take excursions through the snowy landscapes or simply enjoy more time for yoga practice and the surrounding environment.
Activities will be adapted to the weather conditions and the possibilities each day offers.
Overnight in Jokkmokk.
DAY 7 · 2 January
JOKKMOKK – LULEÅ
After breakfast and our yoga practice, we will begin our journey back to Luleå. Around three hours of travelling through completely snow-covered landscapes await us.
Along the way, and whenever conditions allow, we may stop for some observation or take a short snowshoeing excursion.
On arrival in Luleå, we will settle into our hotel. After dinner, if conditions are favourable, we will have one last opportunity to head out and observe the Northern Lights.
Overnight in Luleå.
DAY 8 · 3 January
LULEÅ – RETURN FLIGHT
Breakfast at the hotel and a free morning. If conditions allow, we may take a short excursion and experience walking on the frozen waters of the Baltic Sea.
At the agreed time, transfer to Luleå Airport to catch our return flight, with a stopover in Stockholm.
Arrival in Barcelona the same day, in the afternoon or evening.
PRICE PER PERSON:
€1,700
INCLUDED
- Transfers in 2 nine-seater vans.
- Guides/drivers from the X-Plore team.
- Accommodation as described in the ‘Accommodation’ section.
- 2 breakfasts in Luleå.
- Admission to the museum in Jokkmokk.
- Excursions to observe the Northern Lights every night when conditions are favourable for viewing them.
- Use of snowshoes.
- Use of spaces for yoga practice.
- Basic travel insurance.
NOT INCLUDED
- Flights (approximate price as of 26/08: €600 per person).
- Breakfasts in Jokkmokk.
- Lunches and dinners.
- Comprehensive travel insurance with cancellation cover.
- Optional activities: visit to a Sami camp, dog sledding, etc.
- Equipment for yoga practice.
- Expenses arising from unforeseen circumstances, whether caused by third parties or weather conditions (delays, cancellations, snowfall, natural disasters, etc.).
- Anything not specified in the ‘Included’ section.
NOTES ON MEALS
For breakfasts, picnics and/or dinners on the days we stay in the cabins, we will contribute to a shared fund to buy food and prepare the meals in the cabin kitchens.
ACCOMMODATION
LULEÅ · 2 nights (the first and the last)
Quality Hotel Luleå.
Double rooms.
JOKKMOKK · 5 nights
Accommodation in cabins with 2 bedrooms each: one bedroom with two beds occupied by two people and one bedroom with bunk beds occupied by one person. Three people per cabin.
REGISTRATION
Payment by bank transfer to Yogacoop SCCL:
IBAN: ES48 1491 0001 2920 5876 6425
Please send proof of payment to facturacio@yogaiabcn.org, including your full name, DNI or NIF – Swedish Lapland Trip.
Payment can also be made in cash at Yogaia reception.
Contact us if you need any further information or have any questions!
