Local Lives Holidays

Discover the heart and soul of Arctic Sweden and Norway’s Senja Island through the lives of locals, visiting in late summer and autumn when the colours of Arctic Europe are at their most vibrant.

You’ll return home feeling enriched by the experience – inspired by the people you’ve met and the things you’ve learned. You will discover the essence of a happy and fulfilled Nordic lifestyle – and you may well find that your wellbeing is improved as a result and your approach to life is positively altered.

At cosy lakeside Sörbyn Lodge, forest bathing, northern lights watching and a traditional wood-fired sauna introduce you to local Nordic lifestyle. Highlights also include delicious meals with ingredients sourced from lake and forest, a wood and leather handicraft workshop and a husky walk with local mushers, Sanne and Erik, stopping for traditional coffee fika over an open fire.

Head through the wildwoods of northern Sweden, crossing the Arctic Circle to reach the Sami village of Jokkmokk. Culinary guide and forager, Eva Gunnare will take you on a fascinating ‘flavour tour’ through her herbal garden, while Linn Huuva from Jokkmokk’s Arctic Deli will show you how to make traditional bread before treating you to a tasting menu based on the eight seasons of the Sami.

Spend a night at Sapmi Nature Camp (pictured) nestled in pristine forest where Lennart Pittja will provide unforgettable insights into the life of a Sami reindeer herder. Following an evening sauna and a swim in the river, it’s the perfect spot for northern lights watching.

Spend a day at an organic farm where you’ll learn from owners Britta-Karin and Thomas what life as farmers in the Arctic is like.