STF Saltoluokta Fjällstation — Hotel in Jokkmokks kommun

The STF Saltoluokta Fjällstation nestled amid the woods of a small Sámi settlement above a lake is unlike any mountain hut I’ve ever stayed at. An historic wooden building dating from the early twentieth century, it’s more like a high end lodge offering fine dining, comfortable accommodation, a sauna, laundry facilities and an incredibly well-stocked shop selling a range of items. Here you can buy various essentials (all in sensibly sized quantities), from freeze dried and other food, various toiletries, to camping fuel, maps and even local souvenirs. In addition, there is a wide range of outdoor clothing, footwear and equipment, all of which are recognised brands. The staff are incredibly friendly and go out of their way to make your stay pleasant.||||We booked online ahead of our visit and stayed in a comfy two-bed dorm (bed linen can be hired). The spotlessly clean shower and toilet facilities are shared and located in the hall. The place was a bit noisy during the day, but quiet after 10.00 pm. There were cooking facilities attached to our dormitory, but we chose to eat in the elegant Scandinavian inspired dining room with its rustic wooden tables and chairs. The food is distinctively Sámi and is organic and sourced locally; the bar has a respectable range of wines and spirits and best of all, craft beer, brewed by the Tjers Bryggeri from the Swedish Arctic. Dinner must be ordered before 3.00 pm and is a grand affair, with the chef announcing each course. On the menu are things such as reindeer soup with lingonberries, crispy fresh salad, smoked Arctic char with roasted root vegetables, tasty rye bread and white chocolate mousse with a red berry coulis. With candles twinkling on the wooden tables bathed in the dying rays of the autumn sun streaming in through its windows, the atmosphere in the dining room was enchanting. We rounded off a delicious and filling meal with a glass of fiery schnapps sipped beside a roaring log fire.||||The price for one night's accommodation with lunch, dinner and breakfast (even with our STF membership discount) was by no means cheap, but we will savour our memory of being at this wonderful mountain hut at the start of our Kungsleden trek...

Saltoluokta is a very unique place. And that WE in February, just when it opened for the season, was an exceptional experience. |First this amazing remote location, at the shore of lake Langas with one of the most beautiful national parks Sweden’s in the background. Then the main building with the authentic, nostalgic charm of a turn-of-the-century mountain station, standing a stone throw from Kungsleden.|The only way to access this magical place, apart from the King’s Trail, is by crossing the lake. Which means that, in winter, you are totally dependent on Mother Nature…if the wind is too strong, the ice too thin… you just have to wait. |We were lucky to be on the right side already, so we just had to extend the WE and postpone the rest. There was enough to keep us busy and happy: beautiful view, excellent food, respectable choice of drinks, fire crackling, sauna, books, even wifi… and a cheerful and relaxed staff to take care of us. What a wonderful feeling to be somehow cut from the outside world but sharing cosy amenities with friendly people! ||Tips: The 3-course dinner with accompanying wines at 6pm, with its humorous introduction through the restaurant team, is the highlight of the day. Don’t miss it. The rooms in the main (with sink but sharing showers and WCs) are simple, charming and perfectly heated. Warm sweaters though might be useful when hanging around in the lounge/library. The transfer through the hotel snowmobile, with a very professional driver,...

Saltoluokta is a very unique place. And that WE in February, just when it opened for the season, was an exceptional experience. |First this amazing remote location, at the shore of lake Langas with one of the most beautiful national parks Sweden’s in the background. Then the main building with the authentic, nostalgic charm of a turn-of-the-century mountain station, standing a stone throw from Kungsleden.|The only way to access this magical place, apart from the King’s Trail, is by crossing the lake. Which means that, in winter, you are totally dependent on Mother Nature…if the wind is too strong, the ice too thin… you just have to wait. |We were lucky to be on the right side already, so we just had to extend the WE and postpone the rest. There was enough to keep us busy and happy: beautiful view, excellent food, respectable choice of drinks, fire crackling, sauna, books, even wifi… and a cheerful and relaxed staff to take care of us. What a wonderful feeling to be somehow cut from the outside world but sharing cosy amenities with friendly people! ||Tips: The 3-course dinner with accompanying wines at 6pm, with its humorous introduction through the restaurant team, is the highlight of the day. Don’t miss it. The rooms in the main (with sink but sharing showers and WCs) are simple, charming and perfectly heated. Warm sweaters though might be useful when hanging around in the lounge/library. The transfer through the hotel snowmobile, with a very professional driver,...