A Spirit(ual) Journey Throughout the North of Sweden

It has always been on our wishlist, to tour the more northern parts of Sweden. Our interest in spirits and cocktails have taken us to many places in Sweden and abroad, but until now not really more north than Uppsala. Well this just changed, as we got the chance to pay a visit to gin producer Norrbottens Destilleri. And this was just the start of five fantastic days, driving between so many beautiful spots.

Norrbottens Destilleri
Töre, close to Kalix, is where Norrbottens Destilleri produce their gin, vodka and liqueurs. (Yes, they just launched a Rhubarb Pie Liqueur)! We got the chance to meet founder Dennis, and get his view on the bottles, the bars and the Norrbotten scenery.

And talking about Kalix, at the top of Nils Hotel is where Norrbottens Destilleri have a pop-up rooftop-bar during summer. Of course we visited and tried all the cocktails, and most of the food on the menu. Marie and Ceasar were behind the bar and mixed some phenomenal cocktails for us. A spritz using the mentioned Rhubarb Pie Liqueur, a peachy riff of our favorite cocktail The Last Word, and a spicy lemonade were just some of the delicious things we tried. And then there was the food - pizza, with Kalix Löjrom topping - that's just hard to beat!

Visiting the distillery was a beautiful experience. The place is big, but arranged in such an esthetic way. There are the elegant stills, the labelling machines, empty bottles waiting to be filled, all gorgeous to us.

Us Swedes can purchase the products at Systembolaget and there is also distribution to countries such as Denmark, Germany and even Japan.

Lapland View Lodge
During our northern journey we also visited Lapland View Lodge in Övertorneå. An almost surreal place, with cabins placed on the Luppio Mountain. Views are absolutely breathtaking!

Needing to take down only some 12 trees in the process, sustainability and respect for the nature were the guiding star when Lapland View Lodge was established a few years ago. We met up with Sofi and Henrik who work on sight, and they told us the footprint on the mountain will be minimal, should the cabins ever be removed.

Our cabin was at the very top of the mountain. We never counted, but there must have been several hundred steps to the top. But the effort you chip in to reach the top, is then rewarded with sweeping views, 180 degrees around the mountain. Just look at the photos below, this is just such a unique accommodation.

At Lapland View Lodge they arrange several activities. Driving your own dog sled is popular during the winter, but in summer the husky dogs get a well-deserved vacation from pulling sleighs. However, this is also the time when puppies are born, and there were some 20 of them during our visit. Just eight weeks old, we got to play and cuddle with all of them. Dog handler Naomi spent a few hours with us, teaching us all about the life of husky dogs. We were so impressed by Naomi's ability to know each of the 81 huskies by name, and also knowing each individual's personality.

There is an on-sight restaurant, and there we had a lovely barbecue buffet, and some cocktails made with gin from Norrbottens Destilleri.

Arctic Bath
We ended our Norrbotten tour at Arctic Bath in the small village Harads. A mesmerizing place indeed, built directly on the water. At the center is a combination of reception/restaurant/spa - and on the sides are six individual cabins, each fit for two persons. Living on the water meant we had our own deck, from which we could take a bath or just lay in our sun-beds.

A particular highlight for us was the exclusive tasting menu we had at the restaurant. We got a chat with head chef David Staf, and it became apparent very quickly that his ambitions are sky high (as recognized in the very recent mentioning in White Guide). This was one of our best dining experiences ever! There were around 12 courses, and each and every one of them was absolute top notch! From the initial snacks, to the concluding sweets - this was a journey worth taking. Such attention to details, world class service from the sweetest staff - and gorgeous tableware (made locally by Mokk ceramics).

There were a lot of experiences during these days, yet it felt so calming. That must be the effect of Norrbotten!