Some places you visit just once. Others you carry with you. For me, Aurora Safari Camp, tucked away in the quiet wilderness of Swedish Lapland, is one of those rare places that stays in your soul long after you’ve left.
I visited at the end of August, as Lapland was gently shifting from summer to autumn. The days were still long, but the air was starting to cool and the landscape was changing from vibrant greens to soft golden hues. Instead of icy silence, the forest was alive with the sounds of nature, the water sparkling, and the whole scene felt open, alive, and peaceful. It’s a side of Lapland many miss, but one I completely fell for.
I was met at the riverbank by Jonas, the co-owner of Aurora Safari Camp. He arrived in his speedboat, helped me aboard, and we set off across the water towards the camp. The journey itself was part of the magic, gliding over a glassy lake, surrounded by pine trees and complete silence. It felt like stepping into a hidden world far removed from everyday life.
When we arrived at the camp, I was greeted by the warm, earthy scent of wood smoke. An instant comfort. That smell stayed with me long after I left, lingering both in my memory, and on my clothes! The camp itself is charmingly rustic but carefully designed. The tipis and Aurora cones are beautifully maintained and blend naturally into the wild surroundings. The small size of Aurora Safari Camp adds to its charm, creating an intimate atmosphere where every guest feels genuinely looked after and part of something special.
Later in the afternoon, my colleagues were dropped off at the Floating Safari Camp, a peaceful retreat floating just off the shore. It’s perfect for swimming, paddle boarding or relaxing in one of the tents or cabins on the water. The Arctic waters are surprisingly warm at this time of year, making it an incredibly refreshing experience. But instead of joining them, I chose a different path. Jonas invited me to go further along the river with him to one of his secret mushroom foraging spots hidden quietly along the water’s edge. We wandered through the forest under soft sunlight, gathering mushrooms and talking about life in the north, his connection to the land, and the simple pleasures it offers. It was absolute bliss!
Back at camp, Jonas cooked what we had gathered over the fire. The smoky flavour of the fire combined with the fresh-picked mushrooms made for a truly memorable and delicious late lunch. It perfectly reflected the camp’s philosophy, deeply rooted in nature and simplicity. Later that evening, we enjoyed a home-cooked dinner that rounded off the day beautifully.
Staying in a traditional tipi was a real adventure. Waking up surrounded by forest, hearing the gentle crackle of the fire outside, and breathing in the crisp fresh air was something quite special. For those hoping to catch the Northern Lights in comfort, the camp also offers Aurora Cones, which are wonderfully cosy with transparent roofs, so you can watch the magic unfold right from your bed without stepping out into the cold night.
The tipis and cones offer a luxurious yet earthy feel. Comfort and style balanced with a deep connection to nature. Facilities are simple but cosy. Showers are shared and housed in a tipi nearby, which adds to the communal, back-to-nature atmosphere. It’s a reminder that while the experience is comfortably indulgent, it remains about immersing yourself in the wilderness.
Although I visited just outside the peak Northern Lights season, the aurora still put on a magical display for me, dancing across the sky like a shimmering curtain of light. It was truly the cherry on top of what was already a very delicious cake! Sitting by the campfire, watching green and purple lights flicker and swirl above, is a memory I will cherish forever.
What truly makes Aurora Safari Camp unforgettable is the hospitality. Jonas and his wife Naila have created something incredibly special here. You feel their love for the land and for hosting in every detail, whether it’s the shared meals, the stories told around the fire, or the thoughtful touches in every tipi and Aurora Cone. They are warm, generous, and full of fascinating knowledge about the region. It never felt staged or transactional, just genuine care and connection, which is rare to find in travel these days.
Aurora Safari Camp is not flashy, and it’s not meant to be. It’s wild, remote, honest, and breathtakingly beautiful. It invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and be present, and It’s an experience I truly hope to share with my partner and son in the near future.
