Provence Webinar, 19 MarchGet the Inside Scoop →Sign Up Now
1
introductory
Activities
  • multi activity
Accommodation
  • hotel
Meals
  • 1 Dinner
  • 1 Lunch
  • 4 Breakfasts

6 Days£2640GBP

View Inclusions

Overview

Trip Code: SWE

Trip highlights

  • journey by overnight train from Stockholm to Lapland
  • snowshoe hike through a winter wonderland
  • dogsledding through a mountain landscape of birch forest
  • stay at the ice hotel with option to upgrade to a 'ice' room
  • search for northern lights at night by snowmobile and at the Aurora Sky Station

A true trip of a lifetime that ticks all the boxes for the ultimate Arctic Circle experience. Swedish Lapland in winter is astonishingly beautiful with a subtle mountain landscape interspersed with frozen rivers, lakes and snow blanketed forests. Arriving in this landscape by overnight train from Stockholm is an extraordinary experience. At Abisko National park, the low precipitation micro climate maximises your opportunity to view the Northern Lights, whilst the snow capped peaks and lake offer the perfect backdrop for winter activities. Hike along a small stretch of the Kungsleden trail, visit a Sami camp and ascend to the Aurora Sky Station at night. Travel by train to Kiruna where two nights are spent at the Ice Hotel, the original Ice Hotel whose seasonal rooms are created by artists each year. Travel by dog sled through the winter wonderland and learn about these friendly and affectionate huskies. On the final evening, hunt for the northern lights on snowmobiles with dinner in a rustic cabin, capping off a thrilling Lapland adventure.

Countries:

Sweden

Starting Point:

Stockholm

Itinerary

Expand all | Collapse all

On arrival in Stockholm, make your way to the joining hotel in central Stockholm. We recommend you purchase a Stockholm card which is a cost effective way of seeing the main sights of the city including a boat trip to the Archipelago, hop on hop off bus and boat, Vasa Museum, Skansen Open Air Museum etc.

Meals:  Nil

Continue your exploration of this wonderful city including the old town centre, the Royal Palace and the ABBA Museum. Early evening, walk to the main train station of Stockholm for your train to Lapland. Use the information boards to locate the train. It is worth stocking up on food for the train at the station (or at a supermarket earlier in the day), although the train does have food and drinks available to purchase. You will be accommodated for the journey in a private cabin with linen and blankets included.

Meals:  B

The train is expected to arrive late morning at the Abisko Turistation. Before that enjoy the twilight scenes around you of vast snow fields, mountains and forests. On arrival, make your way to the lodge where you will spend the next 2 nights. It is a short walk through the snow to reach the reception. The remainder of the day is free to explore the area. Take a sauna, enjoy lunch at the restaurant, walk along the Kungsleden trail to view the waterfall and gorge. Later in the evening join a group and walk with a guide to the base of the mountain to take the chairlift to the Aurora Sky Station. At the base you are provided with an outer shell perfect to keep you warm on top of the mountain, together with snow boots. The sky station offers ideal conditions for viewing the northern lights. A guide provides commentary on the phenomena and you can have snacks and warm drinks at the bar. If the lights don't show, lie on the snow and soak up the starry night and take in the expansive views to Abisko. In the event of poor weather, where the chairlift is not operational, an alternative activity will be offered (no refunds are available).

Meals:  Nil

Snowshoe hiking is an excellent way of experiencing the winter landscape in Abisko National Park. You are sure to have a fabulously different experience. On snowshoes you move easily over pristine snow. Variations in the mountain terrain, from birch tree forest to wide open white expanses of sun lit snow make an impact on both body and soul. Snowshoeing equipment is easy to use and, as soon as we have put our snowshoes on, we are off. We tread lightly across snow covered ground towards an opening glade in a birchwood forest. Suddenly mountain scenery becomes visible from a completely new perspective: A long valley framed by beautiful mountain tops. We pause for a while to take in the view. Continuing onwards we may change direction to follow the tracks of wild animals in the park. After we have enjoyed a light snack and a hot beverage (a classic Swedish “fika”) we make our way back to the station for your train to Kiruna. On arrival you will be met and transferred to the Ice Hotel, a 30min drive. The remainder of the day is free to explore the area around the hotel, book further activities or just soak up the atmosphere. The main restaurant serves gourmet meals with local specialties such as reindeer, moose and arctic char - bookings recommended.

Meals:  B

Embark on an exhilarating journey as a passenger on a dog sled through the stunning boreal landscape encircling the Torne River. Guided by a seasoned musher, you’ll have the chance to ask questions and learn throughout the ride. Midway, enjoy a warm and delightful lunch at a charming wilderness camp. The adventure concludes at the Ice Hotel. If you wish to guide and drive a dog sled, (supplement applies). Ask for details, must pre-book. This evening rug up and enjoy a snowmobile safari into the wilderness to hopefully see the northern lights. The guide will stop periodically to explain the northern lights and provide opportunities for viewing and photography. During the journey, you will visit a warm cabin where a two-course dinner will be served.

Meals:  B,L,D

Following breakfast at the hotel, check out and perhaps a last visit to see the dogs or walk on the river, you are transferred to Kiruna airport or train station where the trip concludes.

Meals:  B

Inclusions

What's included

  • 4 breakfasts - breakfasts are buffet style with a range of options including hot and cold dishes and beverages, 1 lunch and 1 dinner
  • 2 nights in hotels on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities, 2 nights at the Ice Hotel in a warm room (optional upgrade to Ice Room on one night - supplement applies), 1 night overnight train in private compartment
  • Train Stockholm/Abisko in private compartment / sleeper and train in seat from Abisko to Kiruna
  • Transfer from Kiruna train station to the Ice Hotel on day 4 and from the Ice Hotel to Kiruna Airport on day 6
  • Northern Lights Station excursion with winter outer suit provided
  • Snowshoe excursion including rental of snowshoes
  • 4 hour dog sled excursion with winter outer suit provided
  • Emergency hotline

  • Travel to Stockholm and from Kiruna
  • Meals not listed as included, drinks
  • Travel insurance - mandatory
  • Guide - this is a self guided holiday
  • A supplement will apply if you book a single room
  • Activities and entrance fees not mentioned as included
  • Transfers not listed as included
  • Hotel taxes if applicable - payable directly to the hotel
  • Items of a personal nature

Accommodation

4 star hotel

In Stockholm we stay in a centrally located 4 star hotel close to local attractions. All rooms have ensuite facilities, wifi and comfortable beds. At the Ice Hotel our standard accommodation is a superior room with ensuite facitlies, tea & coffee making and wifi. Also provided are complimentary snow boots & suits to use for the duration of your stay.

Ski Lodge

One night is spent in Abisko National Park staying at a lodge in a superior room with ensuite facilities.

Overnight Train Stockholm to Abisko

The train normally departs around 6.00pm and you will arrive in Abisko at 11.00am. Accommodation is in a private compartment with bedding including and shared toilets in the carriage. There is a snack and dining car however we do recommend that you purchase some food and drinks from the supermarket before boarding.

Ice Hotel - Art Suite

There is an option to upgrade one night at the Ice Hotel into an Art Suite. These are individually designed and sculpted each year by artists from around the world. Each suite is unique and has never been created before. The room holds a temperature of -5 to -8 degrees Celsius. The bed you sleep on has a thick mattress that rests on a wooden base. The bed is covered with reindeer hides and you sleep in a thermal sleeping bag. Instead of doors the hotel rooms have curtains that give you privacy. In the warm lobby next to the hotel, you will have a private changing booth, communal toilets and saunas for women and men. In the morning hot lingonberry juice will be served for all guests staying in ice rooms and suites – then a sauna session and hot shower awaits before breakfast.

Suitability

introductory

1

GRADE 1 - Suitable for people with good mobility and a reasonable level of fitness to comfortably complete all activities. You will need to carry your luggage from Stockholm hotel to the train station (450m) and through snow from Abisko Turistation to the lodge (350m), plus in and out of the train carriage.

Departure dates

Daily from 1 Dec to 10 Mar

Priceper person from

£2640GBP

Options & Supplements*
  • Upgrade dog sledding tour - driver experienceGBP£140
  • Upgrade one night to Art Suite, Ice Hotel - twin shareGBP£270
*Prices listed are per person

Trip reviews

Why travel with us

Personal Experience

We've been walking and cycling the planet for over four decades and are passionate about delivering exceptional service. Combined, we’ve travelled to virtually every corner of Europe, and are eager to share the many benefits of travelling on foot or by bike.

Great Value & Quality

Our well priced trips offer great value for money. Included in your package are comprehensive route notes, maps & guide books along with bag transfers and locally run accommodation. We take the stress out of organising your holiday.

Self-Guided Specialists

We have been operating active self guided holidays since 1973. We handle all the necessary logistics so that you can relax and explore your destination at your own pace. Many of our tours depart daily, giving you even greater flexibility.