The wooden lodge symbolises warmth, retreat and comfort in the cold climes of the North.

But what makes a great lodge? Here at Magnetic North, we spend a lot of time thinking about it (perhaps too much time).

• DESIGN: Nordic design lends itself perfectly to a warm Lodge atmosphere – from soft felt slippers, to gently scented candles and chunky knit throws.
• LIGHT: Light is also key when designing a lodge to make the most of any daylight, which can be scarce in winter and, of course, to view the Northern Lights from the comfort of a cosy lounge. Lanterns, lamps and candles are essential for creating a relaxing atmosphere.
• PEOPLE: But a lodge is nothing without its hosts and the people who care enough to put their guests’ experience first and to give them a holiday to remember. A great lodge is run by hosts who intuitively pre-empt their guests’ needs whilst giving them time and space to relax and feel at one with the natural surroundings.
• FOOD: Food should be local, and prepared with care providing guests with a taste of the landscape whether it be from fjord, mountain or field. Most lodges have a communal way of serving food which should permit social interaction without being overwhelming.
• ADVENTURE & RELAXATION: Lastly, a great lodge allows guests to choose their winning combination of adventure and relaxation. Activities should be close by and easy to book in advance. They shouldn’t be extreme but should allow guests to enjoy the landscapes whether it be by dog-sled, snow shoe or ski.

We think our selection of lodges below fit the bill…

1. NORWAY – Lyngen Alps

The Arctic Panorama Lodge in northern Norway stands on an island in a fjord. Needless to say, the remote location and full view of the surrounding landscapes and mountains provides guests with ample opportunity to witness the streams of colour of the Aurora Borealis. Our Northern Lights short breaks at the lodge include all transfers and meals and your selection of winter adventures including dog-sledding and snow mobiling. There are just six rooms in the lodge so it’ll feel more like a secret than a mass tourist destination. From £610 per person.

2. SWEDEN – Brandon Lodge 

Also on its own island is Brandon Lodge, with its coastal aspect overlooking the Luleå archipelago. In winter the tall statues of pack ice create an amazing wintry landscape and we particularly like the hovercraft on pack ice tour as a day trip to remember. Families will love the accommodation and activities on offer at the lodge and the chance to view the Aurora in a remote spot away from the city. From £1279 per adult and £468 per child.

3. CANADA – Blachford Lodge

Only accessible by ski-plance in winter, Blachford Lodge is a true wilderness destination. Located next to the Great Slave Lake, the accommodation is top notch and there are plenty of adventures to suit all levels of thrill-seekers. The lodge has lots of nooks and crannies to view the Northern Lights including a panorama lounge. And if you think that this would make a great Northern Lights honeymoon, then you are in good company as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge visited during theirs in 2011. From £1765 per person.

4. NORWAY – Trappers Hotel, Svalbard

Boutique hotel meets rustic hunting lodge, Trappers is one of our favourites located on the distant island of Spitsbergen in northern Norway. The log cabin atmosphere and trappings of a bygone era combine to great effect. The lodge is a perfect base for a winter Northern Lights adventure, whether you travel on expedition by snow mobile or dog-sled, or stay in Longyearbyen for the duration. Our winter spring break is a flexible way to design your own trip. From £880 per person.

5. NORWAY – Lyngen Lodge

OK, so this one should go first but we’d be accused of favouritism. We admit to having a complete love affair with Lyngen Lodge and all that it stands for. Great service, excellent Nordic style accommodation and fantastic adventures – all rolled into one short break. Just book before the rooms disappear!. From £995 per person.

6. NORWAY – Stengelsen Lodge

Fishermen of Northern Norway secretly like a little luxury and kept this lodge to themselves for too long. Now it’s open to winter bookings and offers a cosy and comfortable stay for those looking for husky sledding and a chance to stay at Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel which is just down the road. Trine, the wonderful hostess has a talented chef partner who delights his guests both at the Lodge and elsewhere in northern Norway. A short break in combination with the Igloo ice hotel starts at £985 per person.

7. NORWAY – Birk Husky Lodge

The Arctic borderlands between Russia and Norway provide plenty of scope for long dog-sledding adventures. Such was the thought of hostess Trine, when she set up her husky lodging near to the city of Kirkenes. The rooms of the lodge are comfortable and inviting and Trine’s home-prepared meals are simply delicious. The stars of the show are undoubtedly the husky dogs who inhabit the kennels nearby and are ready to take guests out on long husky sledding adventures. From £465 per person.

8. NORWAY – Engholm Husky Lodge

Another husky farm-turned lodge is Engholm Lodge near to Karasjok in Northern Norway. Sven Engholm is a man of many talents having built the design lodges himself by hand as well as being a champion husky musher. The rustic lodges all have a unique style and the newly built Raktu lodge is just stunning. Sven you’ve nailed it! Our 4 night dog-sledding and Northern Lights holiday has been popular already, but you can also tailor your stay with shorter and longer dog-sledding tours and cabin stays.

9. SWEDEN: Abisko Mountain Lodge

Its location next to the ever-popular Abisko Sky Station means this lodge is never short of guests. Rooms are modern and functional and the menu has all sorts of Swedish delights. Combine your stay with a visit to the ICEHOTEL at Jukkasjarvi or perhaps Camp Ripan in Kiruna.

10. ICELAND: Hotel Ranga

Lodges in Iceland are more like ranches, where sprawled farmland gives way to guest accommodation. Hotel Ranga is one such location in an isolated spot in southern Iceland. The suites are the pride of the hotel, and should be reserved for a special occasion. The restaurant gets lots of great feedback from our guests providing a taste of Iceland.

To arrange your holiday at a Nordic Lodge, please get in touch with us here at Magnetic North Travel and we’ll be pleased to put together an itinerary to fit your requirements.

As destination specialists for the Nordic countries, we’re able to offer a completely tailored experience, selecting the accommodation and adventures that suit you.