One weekend: 12–14 June 2026
The Art of Tracking Wildlife in Snow
Mountains & Night Skies - A Women's Photography Retreat in Swedish Lapland
Invitation to our Secret Adventure 🤫
Under the northern lights, we gather to create, connect and breathe in the stillness of the Arctic.
This is your invitation to join photographer Sara Lindström on a one-of-a-kind Secret Adventure – a journey where creativity grows in good company, beneath vast mountain skies.
WHEN
2–9 March 2026 (8 days / 7 nights)
Meeting point
Luleå, Sweden
RATE
45,000 SEK ≈ €4,080
Group size
Up to 7 participants
DIFFICULTY
Easy – for anyone with general fitness
FOR WHO
WOMEN, 17+
“The best photos often happen in silence – with warm hands, steady breath, and good company.”
Meet your host – Sara Lindström
I’m a photographer and wilderness guide from the north. I love slow nights under big skies, teaching simple ways to capture aurora, and creating a calm space where women feel welcome outdoors. For me, a good image begins with presence, not with gear. I can’t wait to share these mountains with you. – Sara
Night photography workshops
Paint the sky with your camera – simple settings, magic results. Photo: Sara Lindström
Creative circle
Women only. Shared learning, laughter and new friendships. Photo: Sara Lindström
The Wild animals
Quiet encounters with moose, reindeer and mountain hares – and subtle traces of life in the snow. Photo: Sara Lindström
Sámi reindeer and stories
Meet a reindeer herder and share stories around the fire. Photo: Sara Lindström
Huskies on snow
Ride through the winter forest and feel the silence of the trail.
Remote lakeside lodge
Cabins, sauna, good food and snow all around – our cozy base in the wild.
booking for this secret adventure is now closed
If you are interested in joining one of our unique Secret Adventures, discover the unknown, connect with fellow nature lovers, and create unforgettable memories while helping protect these special places you can sign up here.
We’ll send you an invite whenever a new adventure is ready!
🛡Full financial protection: Rest assured, all bookings are fully financially protected.
“I’d never seen anything like Sara’s pictures of Swedish Lapland. I longed to walk amidst those landscapes.”
Accommodation
First and last night in Luleå
We spend the first and last night at a comfortable hotel in central Luleå – a chance to land, rest and prepare before heading north, and to unwind before traveling home. You’ll have your own private room unless you book together with someone.
Five nights at mountain lodge
A cozy mountain lodge tucked away in a tiny Arctic village – home to just a few people and endless silence. The cabins have warm floors and soft beds, surrounded by frozen lakes and mountains. With no light pollution, this is an ideal place to see the northern lights.
7 nights in Swedish Lapland
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Arrive in Luleå by night train or a short flight from Stockholm. Check in at Amber Hotel in the town centre.
Settle in and relax. We meet up for a welcome dinner in town.
Night at Amber Hotel, Luleå.
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After breakfast we drive to Jokkmokk to visit Anna and her reindeer, with lunch in her lávvu.
In the afternoon we collect winter clothing if you have rented it, then continue to our mountain base.
Check in, enjoy dinner, then stargazing with hot drinks by the fire if the sky is clear.
Night at the lodge.
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After breakfast we start with a practical intro to night photography. Simple settings, steady shots, how to prepare for the dark.
After lunch we go for a short photo walk near the lodge to practice. Fika by the campfire.
Dinner at the lodge, then an aurora session on foot if the sky is clear.
Night at the lodge.
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A slow morning to rest, journal or take a walk.
After lunch we head out on a snowmobile excursion to reach deeper into the mountains. Hot drinks by the fire or a sunset sauna when we return.
Dinner at the lodge. If conditions are good, we go out again to watch for northern lights.
Night at the lodge.
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Today we travel by car to a scenic valley and explore on a gentle snowshoe hike. Packed lunch by a campfire.
Free time in the afternoon to rest or review photos.
Dinner at the lodge, then northern lights if the sky is clear.
Night at the lodge.
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A calm morning.
After lunch we take turns dog sledding through the winter forest.
Back at the lodge we warm up in the sauna.
Dinner together, and one more chance for night photography if conditions allow.
Night at the lodge.
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Breakfast, then departure to Jokkmokk to return rented winter clothing.
We continue to Storforsen for lunch and a short walk by Europe’s largest unbound rapids.
Arrival in Luleå during the afternoon, drop off at Amber Hotel, and goodbyes to your guide. Enjoy your evening in town.
Night at Amber Hotel, Luleå.
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Breakfast at the hotel.
If time allows, take a walk on the ice in the frozen bay and see a bit of Luleå before you travel home.
Check out and depart with flight or train.
LOCATION & HOW TO GET HERE
The adventure begins at Amber Hotel in Luleå, Swedish Lapland (check-in 3 pm, meeting 6 pm).
By train: Take the overnight Arctic Circle train from Stockholm or Arlanda (≈13 hours, runs on fossil-free energy). A return ticket in a shared sleeper costs around 3,000 SEK. Upon arrival, it’s just a 500 m walk to the hotel.
By air: Fly from Stockholm Arlanda with SAS or Norwegian, or check for direct flights from London, Paris or Düsseldorf. Luleå Airport is about 20 minutes from the city by taxi or airport shuttle.
As there are no scheduled activities on the first and last day of the tour, you’re free to arrive and depart at any time that suits you best.
WHAT'S INCLUDED?
Tour leader (Day 1–7)
All activities listed in the program
7 nights accommodation (2 nights in Luleå + 5 nights mountain lodge)
All meals from dinner Day 1 to lunch Day 7 + hotel breakfast Day 8
Transport in a 9-seater minivan throughout the trip
ADD-ONS
Single room upgrade in Luleå and at the lodge
Rent full winter clothing – 2300 SEK
Buy merino wool base layer set – 2025 SEK
Alcoholic drinks (cash or card)
STAY WARM & LOOK COOL
In the Arctic, comfort is everything. We’ll equip you with top-quality winter gear from Scandinavian brands like Fjällräven, Hestra and Lundhags – from boots and gloves to cozy layers and a headlamp for Arctic nights.
Add our soft merino-wool base layer set if you want that extra touch of warmth.
Our promise: you’ll stay warm and dry throughout the trip.
Questions & Answers
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Yes. Women only. 15 +
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No, all levels are welcome.
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A camera or phone, small tripod, extra batteries and a memory card. We’ll send a short gear list after booking.
Although a DSLR or mirrorless camera is highly beneficial to capture the night sky powerfully, the newer models of smart phones do a decent job too.
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We go out when the sky is clear. The aurora is natural and can never be guaranteed, but March is a good time here.
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While we can’t guarantee sightings, we’ve chosen dates and locations that maximize your chances. Even if the aurora is elusive, you’ll still enjoy an unforgettable winter experience filled with culture, wildlife, and cozy moments by the fire.
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Yes! The lodge is warm and cozy, and we highly recommend you rent our top-notch winter clothing. The sauna is also perfect for warming up after a day outdoors.
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Don’t worry, packing light is fine! You can rent our high-quality winter gear, including insulated boots, outerwear, and other essentials. You’ll stay warm and comfortable, even in the Arctic cold.
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The itinerary is balanced, with plenty of opportunities to rest and take things at your own pace. Snowshoe hikes and dog sledding are beginner-friendly, and our guide will tailor activities to the group's comfort level. There’s also no pressure to participate, relaxing by the fire is always an option.
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Absolutely! Our activities, like snowshoeing and dog sledding, are designed to be enjoyable and accessible for people with general fitness. You’re welcome to participate as much or as little as you like, and there’s always time to relax or explore quietly on your own.
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Not at all! Many of our guests travel solo and quickly form connections with other like-minded women in our small group setting. We intentionally keep group sizes small to ensure a friendly, intimate atmosphere where everyone feels welcome.
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Yes! The best time to visit Swedish Lapland for a snow based holiday is from December to March.
December, January and February tend to be the coldest months, with temperatures between -10°C to -30°C, but the air is pleasantly dry and crisp, making even the extreme cold bearable.
December and the first half of January will have very short daylight hours, but that also means better chances to see the Northern Lights.
The second half of February and March is a lot more pleasant with milder temperatures with snow on the ground but longer days and chances for bright, sunny weather, and still great for northern lights.
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You can but the recommended minimum age is 17 years.
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We expect to encounter Moose, Reindeer and Red Squirrel but also birds such as Siberian Jay, Siberian Tit, Willow Tit, Blue Tit, Black Grouse and Northern Dipper.
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This tour is not specifically adapted for photographing wildlife, although there will most likely be opportunities to photograph moose, reindeer, birds and capturing breathtaking moments and stunning landscapes as well as the Northern Lights.
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During this trip we will go dig sledding with our friend Tor-Henric. Happy dogs result in happy guests and guides. He take pride in ensuring his dogs are well-cared for and do not compromise on quality to compete with budget sledding companies.
His kennel meets all government requirements, and retired dogs are given a comfortable home on their property.
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We actively support rewilding and local initiatives, contributing to the preservation of the region's unique wildlife and environment.
You will be invited to help save Sweden's old-growth forests from clear-cutting by donating to WildSweden's Save the Forest Fund. 100% of your donation goes directly to activists and organisations working to conserve Sweden’s forests.
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Of course! Many of our guests choose to visit Stockholm before or after the adventure. You can also add extra days in Luleå, a great way to extend your Arctic adventure.
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Yes! We happily accommodate vegetarian, vegan, and other dietary preferences. Our meals feature locally-sourced, healthy ingredients, and you’ll have a variety of delicious options.
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Yes. Our schedule is intentionally balanced, with unplanned moments to rest, reflect, or enjoy the company of new friends.
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We offer flexible cancellation options. Cancellations up to 30 days before arrival are eligible for an 80% refund, and you can add our Cancellation Protection plan for even greater peace of mind.
