Nestled among the beautiful mountains of Lapland, in the small village of Riksgränsen, is a real mountain gem. Niehku Mountain Villa is located right on the national border between Sweden and Norway, around 200 km north of the Arctic Circle. I was lucky enough to stay here during my most recent visit to Swedish Lapland and in this particular blog post, I will give an insight into this must-see location and this 5-star accommodation.
Outdoor experience
Niehku is not only set within an inspiring and amazing landscape. It is also a got to place if you are looking for all things outdoor. All year round there is an opportunity to live the dream and participate in a variety of outdoor activities that will certainly get your adrenaline pumping. Niekhu offers you the opportunity to experience a wealth of adventures in the heart of Lapland and the nearby Kebnekaise massif.
I was suitably impressed with the villa, it is beautiful and anyone who chooses to visit here is in for a treat. Its design and feel are quite exquisite and high standard of comfort are there to be seen straight away.
During the winter months and with the help of helicopters and seasoned guides, Niehku offers all alpine enthusiasts access to over 60 skiable mountain peaks and as a result fly into a magnificent mountain world, where each peak, valley and mountain lake bear a Sami name. Between Riksgränsen, Abisko and Kebnekaise, you can indulge in winter skiing and ski round the clock under the beautiful midnight sun from May to Midsummer.
Throughout the rest of the year, the experienced guides offer opportunities to hike, cycle, climb, run, fish, hunt and have access to unique locations in the stunning natural mountain landscape of Swedish Lapland. So much so, you can have the chance to fly to roadless terrain and visit remote locations rarely marked on the tourist trail.
5-star accommodation
Once the day of adventure has been completed you can return to the calm and sanctuary of the main villa. Here you will find the accommodation to be more like a home, than a hotel. The accommodation is 5-star, comfy and superbly designed, so to give all guests the best possible experience. Niekhu pride themselves on offering quality service, as well as opportunities to relax and unwind, together with the best possible culinary experiences.
personal
The warm welcome and the personal touch from both Johan and Patrick is endearing and they really do want to wish all the guests the warmest of welcomes to a place that combines comfort with fantastic outdoor adventures. A place that you will enjoy to create many unforgettable memories. My stay at the Niehku Mountain Villa was fantastic and one that I will remember for a long time. From the moment I arrived I was made to feel very welcome with Jossi and all staff making time to meet and greet.
The entrance hall and reception
The villa
The villa is equipped with 14 exclusive double rooms and a cosy restaurant, bar, lounge and spa with a sauna and massage facilities. It is a highly attractive venue that is not only perfectly designed, but it also retains a strong personal, relaxed, family-orientated ambience for all to enjoy. I personally felt that it provided the perfect place to enjoy, rest and experience all that was on offer.
Not only is the villa's interior highly desirable, but the location on which it is positioned is highly desirable too. Close by the Malmbanan (the Iron Ore Line) passes through the site. This is right on the border between Sweden and Norway.
Warm up in the winter at this cosy fireplace
History
The train line runs between Kiruna and Narvik, and must be a wonderful journey to travel along. This historical train line has been transporting iron ore for over one-hundred years and is the lifeline of the region. With that said the Niehku Mountain Villa is actually built on the site of the line’s old roundhouse, which operated from 1902 to 1923. The roundhouse’s old semi-circular wall passes through sections of the new building – a fascinating architectural feature and an important part of the site’s history. How the architect has weaved the old into the new is very impressive to see. It is innovative and great to see the owners still preserving history.
The wine cellar which used to be one of the roundhouse pits
Part of the old roundhouse semi-circular wall through the building
The interior
For me, the biggest draw and one that impressed me the most was the amazing interiors, this villa has. They were designed by Stylt, an internationally award-winning design agency, which drew inspiration from the old roundhouse in combination with natural materials and colours and local culture and tradition. It is quite stunning and round each and every corner you will be taken in by its unique appeal.
The style and vision are also echoed in the name, Niehku. Which is the Northern Sami word for “dream”. It is a simple word, but one that seems the perfect way to help describe a venue where all dreams about your biggest adventures can come true.
Their beautiful interior, designed by Stylt
I feel I had the perfect stay here and I was humbled by the personal attention the staff gave me. It was such a nice welcome, that I will never forget. Their service was friendly and very professional. If you like the outdoors, fantastic dining, comfort and pure relaxation, I would thoroughly recommend you make a visit here.
I would like to thank Swedish Lapland for this wonderful recommendation and ofcourse Niehku Mountain Villa for allowing me to experience a wonderful stay. I hope one day to return to this wonderful place.
