Björkliden Resort Guide
Insider tips from our team
Why Björkliden?
If you’re looking to ski in the Arctic Circle, or you want backcountry skiing that makes you really feel like you’re in the wilderness, or you want to see the Northern Lights, this is the resort for you. There’s something for all abilities whether on or off-piste - even beginners love it here - and plenty of non-ski activities when the slopes close. It’s a tiny resort base but the bar can still get lively and the views are extraordinary.
There are a variety of Northern Lights tours offered by the resort but for a more informal experience, you can walk up the hill behind the hotel to a small "warming hut" (i.e. a hut with a large window and an electric fire) to keep an eye out for the natural phenomenon. Ask at reception for directions.
The Skiing
The slopes
A compact resort with only five lifts, Björkliden has so much to offer that can’t be measured in kilometres of runs. Close to complete wilderness, the views are stunning at every turn, and if you’re brave enough to venture off-piste, it feels like there’s almost unlimited terrain to explore.
Off-piste
Lots of the off-piste is easily accessible from the lifts without hiking, but why not try ski touring while you’re there to get a real sense of achievement and 'earn your turns'? You can join a guided group to discover the best areas or even go heli-skiing to get to the least accessible terrain.
Ski school
Group ski lessons are available for children aged 4-11, with private lessons for all ages and abilities (limited times). Please enquire for more information.
Kids in Björkliden
The Hotel Fjället offers 'The Lemming Club' on select days - a couple of hours’ childcare for kids ages 4-11. This is early afternoon so parents get some ski time to themselves or can enjoy a leisurely lunch. When that’s not running, 'The Lemming Room' is available for all ages of children with toys, games and DVDs.
Food and Drink
On the mountain
Gammelgården Ski Lodge - Pizza and pasta restaurant, the lodge has been around since 1926!
Grytkåtan - Self-service café and warming hut.
Låktatjåkko Mountain Lodge - Sweden’s highest restaurant, 9 km from Björkliden, is reachable by snowmobile and offers amazing waffles, or for a special experience book their 3-course dinner.
Snöbaren - Casual lunch spot.
In Hotel Fjället
Restaurant Lapporten - An excellent selection of locally-inspired dishes using local ingredients wherever possible. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Bar Rallaren - Afterski bar which can get lively in the evenings.
Lobbybaren - A chilled out place to relax and enjoy the views.
Northern Lights Tours
Night Visit at Aurora Sky Station - In the evening, ride the chairlift up to the Sky Station in the Abisko National Park. This is one of the best places to see the Northern Lights in the world. There are guided tours of the Sky Station running throughout the evening.
Exclusive Dinner at Aurora Sky Station - Same as the Night Visit above, but with a special 3-course dinner influenced by Nordic cuisine beforehand.
Northern Lights Lavvu Experience - Snowshoe up to the lavvu (1.5 km from the hotel) which is far from light pollution and so allows for a great view of the Northern Lights. The hut has a warming fire and the guide will tell you all about the Lights and the surrounding area.
Nightly Aurora Photo Tour - A professional photographer from Lights Over Lapland will teach you how to take the best possible photos of the Northern Lights. A high-quality camera and lens are provided. Small groups ensure you get the most out of the session.
Activities
Dog Sledding - Get away from it all with the only sounds being that of the sled and the panting of dogs! One of the best ways to explore the Abisko National Park.
Snowmobile tours - Various tours offered from the resort, including up to Låktatjåkko Mountain Lodge for their amazing waffles.
Snowshoe Tour - Head off into the snow-covered landscape. Your guide will show you the best spots and help you enjoy the Arctic by a warm fire.
Ice Climbing - Led by qualified mountain guides, head off to climb the areas around the resort. Equipment is provided.
Ice Fishing - Learn how to catch dinner with an expert fisher. Transport to the nearby lake is by snowmobile and sledge, and there is an open fire and hot drinks close by.
Cave Tours - Kåppashåla cave is one of Sweden’s longest systems. Your guide is on hand to show you its wonders and help you learn the basics of caving.
Sami Culture experience day trip - Travel to the Sámi village of Rávttas (45 minutes east of Abisko) and experience a glimpse of the traditional lifestyle of the reindeer people, and of course, meet some friendly reindeer!
Fjell to Fjord Narvik day trip - The journey to Narvik is worth the trip alone, with amazing scenery including frozen waterfalls, mountains, valleys and fjords. Then you arrive and can enjoy the view from the 16th-floor observation deck of the Rica Hotel. Entrance to the War Museum is included in the tour.
ICEHOTEL day trip - Visit the first ICEHOTEL, created from scratch each November. You’ll have a guided tour of the hotel and learn about how it’s made, from the individually designed Art Suites to the Ice Church (where you can even get married!). Recently the ICEHOTEL 365 was built, allowing for a portion of the hotel to exist year-round.
We can book some of these directly for you - speak to your tour coordinator or call us on 01273 224063.