Reviewed 04 Jan 2011 by Nick Curwin
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
There were too many! We had an absolutely fantastic time and would recommend Swedish Lapland and this operator very, very highly. If I had to pick some of many highlights I would say: the stunning landscape, the beautiful house, husky sledging, reindeer sledging, snowmobiling, seeing moose, ice fishing, night fishing, New Year's Eve's 'We Do It Twice' festivities, the amazing food including Rolf's great outdoor cooking - and Rolf himself and his thoughtfulness, hard work, patience, flexibility, knowledge and sense of humour.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
You MUST do this. And I strongly recommend Rolf and this holiday operator. Also, we allowed a travel day each side and four full days there thinking this would be enough. But we left wishing we were staying for longer. If you like authentic experiences and a bespoke holiday, this is the way to do Lapland.
The only other thing I'd say is: if you can find a way to get there and back using direct flights, this will simplify and shorten your journey considerably. I believe there are now direct weekly flights to Lulea and there may be more direct flights in the future. I recommend a single flight even if this means a longer transfer the other end.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Definitely. The local people Rolf booked were generous and thoughtful and did everything beautifully. They were all very small businesses or individuals. Rolf obviously has a great passion and respect for the place, the people there and
the environment and this was reflected in the way he planned the holiday.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Breath-taking. Magical. One of our best ever. We'll always remember it.
Reviewed 15 Mar 2010 by Carole Haynes
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
My husband had been intrigued most of his life about the way of life in the Arctic Circle, so as a surprise for his birthday I booked with this tour operator as I didn't want us to be just a part of a big group 'package deal'. This holiday was everything we expected and more. Rolf, the company owner and our personal guide for the 5 days we were there, is a skilled woodsman, born and bred in the area, and therefore very knowledgeable about Lapland's history, geography and way of life. He leaves no stone unturned to make sure your holiday is the best that it can be. The activities are very well planned, the accommodation is good, he provides everything you need to keep warm and is extremely pleasant and attentive the whole time. We enjoyed everything but for me the most magical night was the night on the River Torne, ice fishing in a sami tent and sitting on the diamond encrusted snow watching an amazing show of Northern Lights in the clear night sky.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
We went in February and were really lucky with the weather. It is a good time of year to go as earlier on in the winter it can be much colder. All warm clothing is provided, but we also took a few 'under' layers. Silk socks, available from ski shops, are the best! The holiday is also good value for money as absolutely EVERYTHING is provided, including all meals
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes. Rolf is very respectful of nature and activities such as reindeer sledding were arranged with local sami people
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Absolutely fantastic. I would recommend everybody to do this holiday with a guide, and especially Rolf, as you learn so much more about the way of life there. We have many happy memories and are looking forward to going back one day. My husband was certainly impressed with his surprise birthday gift.
Reviewed 02 Mar 2010 by Dorothee Gaschignard
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The big highlight for me was definitely the wildness day: I spent 24 hours in a cosy and wild log cabin, in the forest, by a beautiful frozen lake! Nature was stunning! Both sunset and sunrise were unique. And the silence... this is what you call the Sound of Silence: what an experience! And the day after, I had the opportunity to do some ice fishing, skying in the forest with a brilliant guide who was great at pointing out animal foot steps in the snow, giving me survival tips (great fun, even if I was never nowhere near danger!). A very special adventure of beauty.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Just enjoy all the simple things around! Don’t worry about the cold: -30°c doesn’t feel so cold after all! It is all about being prepared and listening to the local's advices; And they only give you good advice! People are so friendly and welcoming!
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Absolutely! Mickael and Maya really care for the environment. They really understand and respect it; And it is all done in the best, and warmest way you could imagine. Their home is so comfortable! Their vision of hospitality is one that is rare to find. Go and meet them!
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
A very special and unique holiday; I will go back. It was beautiful, moving (the Northern lights!), fun, welcoming, reviving, surprising, inspiring, relaxing... Amazing!
Reviewed 30 Dec 2007 by Roanne Weekes
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
It was all amazing - we have so many wonderful memories! The landscape is beautiful and we experienced so many new things in just a few days: cross country skiing, ice fishing, seeing moose and reindeer, dog sledding, snowmobiling and sampling delicious local food. Our host Rolf was so generous and accommodating and made sure we enjoyed our Lapland experience.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Consider travelling in February or March when there are more daylight hours!
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes - we visited small, local businesses and our host definitely practiced sustainable, environmentally friendly tourism.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
An amazing place to visit and would definitely recommend this operator to everyone. Our itinerary was well planned and our host Rolf was so knowledgeable, generous and accommodating, and exceeded our expectations to give us a memorable Lappish experience!
