Meet the Team

Cecilia Sandström

Owner / guide

Cecilia is born in Sweden and traveled the world with her parents as a child. Because of her childhood adventures, she has continued to explore the planet: climbing mountains in Africa and Nepal, crossing the Amazonas by boat, traveling through Siberia by train, and kayaking in the waters of Svalbard. During her worldwide travels, she discovered that her true passion aligned with snow, ice, and cold waters. With many years of guiding she is never happier than being outdoors in nature and giving the guest the experience that will give them a memory for life.

Cristina Peñaranda

Office

Cristina is originally from the Basque Country and studied tourism in college. She has spent many years traveling the world as a backpacker, cycle tourist, and van-lifer, exploring diverse cultures and landscapes. With a background in social media and a passion for communication, she thrives on connecting with people online and helping guests plan unforgettable holidays. A lover of animals and nature, she found her heart in Sweden, falling deeply in love with the country’s stunning landscapes and peaceful lifestyle. She’s excited to share that same sense of wonder with Luleå Travel’s guests, offering them the same magic she felt when she first stepped onto Swedish soil.

Ruby Lui

Office

Ruby is graduated from a bachelor degree in tourism management in Hong Kong. She has been working in the tourism industry over more then 15 years.  With her professional background and speaking fluently Cantonese and Mandarin she is our contact for the Asian market. She loves the Northern Lights and picking blueberries and mushrooms in the Swedish forest. With a wide experience, affection and dedication for her work, she will ensure that you will get a piece of the magic Swedish Lapland has to offer too.

Daniel Módenes

Guide

Dani is originally from the Basque Country. He has traveled through Southeast Asia as a backpacker and explored Argentina as a bikepacker. More recently, he crossed Europe in a van from Spain to Nordkapp in Norway. These journeys have allowed him to experience different cultures, ways of life, and connect more deeply with nature. He is passionate about outdoor activities, sports, and observing animals in their natural habitat. Living in Lapland is an exciting adventure, and he is thrilled to contribute his experience at Luleå Travel.

Sofia Hagsand

Guide

Sofia is born and raised in the northern part of Sweden and is an experienced conservation biologist. Both preserving and teaching about nature is her passion. Being outdoors is where she is at ease, and she gladly shows you the beautiful diversity of the Swedish old growth forest in the Luleå region.

Craig Phillips

Guide

Craig enjoys showing visitors around his adopted homeland of Northern Sweden. It never ceases to amaze him how each season (surprisingly there are more than 4!) has its own special characteristics and range of activities. From island-hopping and wild swimming excursions under the Midnight Sun, to the exhilarating sensation of skiing, hiking, snowmobiling, ice-skating through the Arctic Winter Wonderland. Local history, nature, wildlife, Northern Lights, industry and the unique regional culture are all subjects that Craig is thrilled to discuss with you.

Claes-Jörgen Pohl

Guide

Classe grew up in the middle of Swedish Lapland and learned from his grandparents how to live close to the nature and Sámi culture. He has a passion to share his knowledge and heritage and with more than fifty years of experience he has a great respect for wildlife and the Sámi culture. Classe is an experienced mountain guide and has been guiding many international guests through our landscape. He is positive minded, loves people and is more than happy to share his knowledge and stories about people and places.

Johan Fjellström

Guide

Johan is born and raised in Norrbotten, the northernmost county of Sweden. Over the years he has learnt to respect the forests and he loves the beauty of the local nature and wildlife. He has been fishing since he was a small boy and fishing has become a part of his life. He feels happy to go out with quests and let them understand what’s so peaceful about fishing and suddenly feel the rush when you rod feels heavy and you got a fish on the line. With his experience in working with people for many years he will make sure you have the best outdoor experience possible.

Sasha Burdka

Guide

Henrik Pernsteiner

Guide

Henrik grew up in southern Sweden where he got in contact with nature during his early years as a scout. Having spent years of traveling to northern Sweden for fishing adventures he discovered his love for the outdoors. Besides being an environmental specialist, he has a wide knowledge ranging from white-water rafting, hiking and winter camping, which he more than loves to share with you. As a kayak instructor and a leader in the Swedish Outdoor Association you can rely on that Henrik always has something exciting up his sleeve.

Lien Strubbe

Office

Lien is originally from Belgium and holds a degree in Business Management with a specialization in marketing. She prefers to spend her free time traveling in nature. During the first time she visited Swedish Lapland she fell in love with the region right away. She believes that magical memories and experiences are the most beautiful gift that life can offer, and she wants to share that gift with others.

Piotr Sitarz

Guide

Piotr has been hiking since he was 8 years old. Besides that he has a background as professional chef, he loves the outdoors. Covering more than 4000km a year on ski’s and roller ski’s, competing in ski races is where he is getting stoked about. During winter you will often see him in the frozen Luleå Archipelago, testing out new gear, cooking outdoors while winter camping. He has a strong interest in everything what has to do with ice, weather, climate change and is eager to share his passion with you.

Stefanie Kendlbacher

Guide

Stefanie hails from a small village in the Austrian Alps. With a diverse professional and educational background, holding a bachelor’s degree in social work and a degree in agriculture, her true passion lies in the outdoors. From long-distance adventures on foot or skis, mountaineering in the Alps and other mountain ranges to simply enjoying the sounds of nature, she finds a deep connection and joy in the natural world. Captivated by Sweden’s breathtaking landscapes and relaxed lifestyle, she made it her home. As a nature guide, she looks forward to sharing Sweden’s stunning scenery and the unique charm of Nordic life with others.