SWEDEN

WILDERNESS MADE EASY

A new direct seasonal flight makes Lulea’s frozen archipelago easily accessible for a short break. Ice roads across solid rivers lead to wilderness activities such as dog-sledding and snowmobiling across the Barents Sea. Wander through rows of 400 bright red cottages in the Unesco-listed old town, Gammelstad, and sleep in a modern spa hotel.

Wexas (0208 125 4231; wexas.com) offers four days from £780pp (two sharing), including flights, breakfasts and a northern lights dinner

AN ICE ROOM WITH A VIEW

Rapidly becoming one of the world’s top destinations for aurora spotting, Abisko’s mountain-wrapped wilderness promises high success rates. Combine a trip to the Aurora Sky Station with an overnight stay in Kiruna’s original Icehotel, where suites are crafted with ice freshly harvested from the River Torne.

Discover the World (01737 214250; discover-the-world.com) offers three nights from £579pp (two sharing), excluding flights. Available in

December and from January to March

Suite dreams: Sweden’s original Icehotel – and the world’s first