In the center of Arctic bath The Lule River flows by, and regardless of the time of year, this is where guests bathe. In winter, an illuminated ice wall is created that really speeds up circulation, especially when combined with an introductory sauna bath. Follow along as Voyage checks in.

At Arctic Bath, everything revolves around the circle out on the river, this is where we find a spa, sauna, ice bath, hot tub, restaurant and reception.

Right out on the Lule River in Harads, just south of the Arctic Circle, we find the spectacular Arctic Bath building. Here, they have been inspired by the log piles that were naturally formed when timber was floated on the river. The logs were collected together – and formed a pile of timber, quite simply – a log pile. Here, however, the logs are a little better organized and a beautiful circular building now towers over.

It's cold and the air is dry and the snow crunches under our boots when we check in. A strong sun shines, without warming, when VOYAGE checked in in February 2020, a few months after opening.

The understated luxury resort has attracted great interest internationally. As mentioned, Harads is already an established destination – this is where we find Treehotel, where the architect Bertil Harstrom Among other things, he designed Bird's Nest - a bird's nest up in a tree - his design has now been taken out onto the river.

Everything is here

On Arctic Bath Everything revolves around the circle out on the river, this is where we find the spa, sauna, ice rink, whirlpool, restaurant and reception. Check-in is in twelve houses, half on water, half on land, they are what they are called; Land, Water, Suite. But enough about that, we are here to swim in the ice rink where the water is about four degrees. To prevent it from freezing right here, a motor that circulates the water is installed.

As I said, it is the bath here that is the experience that attracts and for those of us who are checked in this is included in the price, but it is also possible to come here as a spa guest for the day. On our visit, the spa ritual was called Sauna Gus, today it goes by the name Julevädno which is also Lule Sami the name of the Lule River.

Experience Christmas Eve
A form of Mindful sauna experience in three steps. Where cleansing, relaxation and clarity are the goals. A 45 minute experience that combines hot sauna baths with a dip in the Lule River. The most common ritual is that it includes three hot sauna baths with breaks.

Speed of circulation

We have booked in for a guided sauna ritual that will include cleansing, relaxation and clarity. There are four of us in total, us and a couple from Italy. They don't think it's likely that they will swim out there, but step by step we are all getting closer to that dip. The sauna is hot and with the help of a terry towel, our guide Jennie gets the air circulating. It comes in warm puffs, we are asked to breathe calmly - in and out. The scent of eucalyptus spreads in the sauna and it definitely makes me feel refreshed. When the temperature has risen a little more, it's time for the first dip.
– Remember to breathe slowly when you dive, says Jennie when we get out.
It's really crazy cold, maybe especially around the feet. Then you just have to plop down into the green glowing hole. It burns, time stops for a second. The thrill when I step up is palpable. Back into the warmth.
“You are crazy,” says the Italian man.
“You should try it,” I say.

Check in at Arctic bath

Price for one night including breakfast and dinner in the suite: from 10,800 SEK, sauna ritual, hot tub and dip in ice water included in the price. Spa day including lunch and coffee, 1,595 SEK, must be pre-booked! It costs a bit, but the experience is unique – and perhaps a good choice for those who want to experience Sweden from its most luxurious side. Add some northern lights to that! www.arcticbath.se

Lingonberries in the glass

We manage two more dips. Then it's time for all four of us to get down – one by one. We let the unbathed go in first, and maybe their experience is greater than ours. We all have different relationships with this ice-cold bath that has become increasingly trendy in recent years. Darkness has fallen and the sky is clear. It feels hard to leave our nest out on the river, so we crawl into the hot tub and treat ourselves to a well-deserved drink – one with lingonberries in it.

After bathing, we go back to our magical suite and enjoy the sunset. The house we live in has generous window areas and just sitting here and looking at the surroundings is probably so lovely. But for those who want a little more activity, there are dog sled rides, snowshoe walks and evening sleigh rides to catch the northern lights. But we sit comfortably here and then make our way back to the main building to enjoy dinner. At the jetty that leads us out, we see holes drilled in the ice, it turns out that one of the guests who is here with his son has spent the afternoon fishing. Whether it is his catch or another fisherman's fish that ended up on my plate, the story does not tell.