Scan Magazine

By Karolina Oestlin | Photos: Discover the World

With a population of only nine million, finding a slice of winter wilderness in Sweden is enviably easy and Swedish Lapland, with its magical snowscapes and dramatic mountain ranges, is one of the best places to enjoy all it has to offer.

Whether you’re seeking the thrill of snow mobiling, husky sledging or ice driving at the world famous ICEHOTEL, or if you’d rather take a leisurely stroll through the arctic landscape or just sit back and soak up the silence, there are a myriad options from which to choose.

With specialist operator Discover the World’s exclusive direct flights to Kiruna from London Heathrow, one of Sweden’s most famous attractions is a mere 3.5 hours away.  Built from thousands of tons of ice and snow every year the ICEHOTEL is the jewel in the nation’s winter crown.  As well as the hotel itself, with its beautiful ice suites, pillar hall and ice chapel where visitors can host an unforgettable wedding, there is also a chance to jump on a snowmobile or dog sledge and explore the surrounding snowy wonderland.  At the end of an exhilarating day visitors can enjoy first class cuisine in the two restaurants or simply relax and enjoy the awe-inspiring Northern Lights as they sweep across the arctic sky. This year promises to be even more special as the hotel is celebrating its 20^th anniversary.

And if you’d like to add a cultural splash to your winter break then why not opt for one of Discover the World’s Sami cultural tours, where you can try your hand at reindeer herding, enjoy a traditional Lapland meal around a camp fire and learn about the life of Sweden’s indigenous peoples.

Prices for a three-night break with Discover the World start from £886pp (based on two sharing) and include exclusive direct flights between London Heathrow and Kiruna, transfers to/from the hotel and 3 nights accommodation on a bed & breakfast basis at the ICEHOTEL.

Departures available from mid-December 2009 until mid-April 2010.

To find out more or to book a trip, go to www.discoverlapland.co.uk or call Discover the World on 01737 218 801.