We Love —
- Getting the change to see the enchanting natural phenomenon the Northern Lights.
- Taking a ride on an icebreaker and then venturing for a wetsuit swim in the frozen Arctic waters.
- Exploring Luleå and its medieval Gammelstad Church Town - a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Customer reviews —
Your itinerary in brief —
Head out to Lapland for a 4 or 5 night trip amidst beautiful snowy landscapes.
Stay in Luleå, a modern city on the Baltic Sea and an ideal base for the popular Arctic Circle activities, including excursions aboard an icebreaker.
Your itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival in Luleå
Day 2: Excursion on board the icebreaker Arctic Explorer
Day 3: Northern Lights hunt
Day 4: Day at leisure
Day 5: Departure
Go for the 5 night trip and spend 1 extra night in Luleå.
Please note: This is a self-guided trip. You will be staying in the same hotel throughout your stay
Your itinerary in detail —
Day 1: Arrival in Luleå
Welcome to Luleå, a picturesque coastal city in northern Sweden where history and innovation seamlessly coexist. Discover its enchanting archipelago, bustling city centre, and a rich cultural scene, offering a unique blend of tradition and modernity.
- Night at Elite Stadshotellet Luleå 4*
DAY 2: EXCURSION ON BOARD THE ARCTIC EXPLORER ICEBREAKER
Challenge the laws of nature in safe and comfortable conditions on the Polar or Arctic Explorer vessels, which are certified for travel on the ice. You also have the opportunity to swim or walk across the ice in survival suits. Warm clothes, shoes and equipment are included in the price.
In the afternoon, explore Luleå on your own. Known for the Gammelstad Church Town, you can also visit Norrbottens Museum which showcases local history, art and culture. Offshore, in the Bay of Bothnia, find beaches, quaint cottages and many seals.
- Breakfast at Elite Stadshotellet Luleå 4*
- Excursion with the Arctic Explorer Icebreaker (2 hours)
- Night at Elite Stadshotellet Luleå 4*
Day 3: Northern Lights hunt
During the day, you will have the chance to participate in one of the optional winter activities (at an extra cost; to be selected at the time of booking), like a thrilling dog sledding ride through the forest or a visit to a moose and reindeer farm to meet these majestic animals.
In the evening, you will be picked up in central Luleå for a guided hunt for the impressive Aurora Borealis.
In suitable weather conditions, you will have a good chance to witness the Northern Lights. This activity starts at 20.00 and lasts 3 hours. During this time, you will visit at least 3 different spots.
- Breakfast included
- Northern Lights hunting excursion
- Night at Elite Stadshotellet Luleå 4*
DAY 4: FREE DAY
Try the rush of snowmobiling, ice fishing or continue chasing the Northern Lights (not included). You can also use this time to relax and do some shopping in the city.
Lule River transforms into a giant ice track during this time of the year and gives perfect conditions for winter sports. You can walk on the ice or you can try sledding, skating, cycling on it.
- Breakfast included
- Free time to explore Luleå
- Night at Elite Stadshotellet Luleå 4*
DAY 5: DEPARTURE
Enjoy breakfast at Elite Stadshotellet Luleå 4* before you bid farewell to Luleå after an incredible trip.
- Breakfast included
Guaranteed departure for a maximum of up to 35 people. Important information about your tour and visits: The hotels, which comply with local standards, are indicative and may be changed locally for hotels of a similar category. The itinerary is subject to changes due to compelling reasons such as delayed flights, weather conditions or other cases of force majeure. The order of visits is also subject to change without affecting the overall experience of the itinerary.
Your hotels —
Hand-picked just for you
Maximum room capacity
This offer is based on a stay in a Standard Room at Elite Stadshotellet Luleå 4* hotel.
If the hotels listed above are unavailable, you will be provided with comfortable accommodation in similar hotels. Local standards apply.
The maximum room capacity is 2 adults or 2 adults + 1 child.
Your dining choices
Throughout your tour, you will enjoy breakfast included.
Optional excursions —
Day 4: Guided Northern Lights hunt (with shared snowmobile - 3 hours)
Experience the Northern Lights from a snowmobile and head to the darkest spots to maximise your chances of seeing the Aurora.
During the tour, you will be served the typical ‘Swedish fika’ (something sweet to eat and a hot drink). You must have a valid category B driving licence to drive a snowmobile.
Day 3 or 4: Guided tour (with shared snowmobile with lunch - 3 hours)
Start about 30 km from Luleå, in the village of Möron, where all the snowmobiles and equipment are located.
There, you'll drive to a lovely barbecue area where prepare your lunch. The last part of the snowmobile ride is on thick ice offering beautiful snowy views. Clothing, helmet, boots, gloves, lunch and liability insurance are all included.
Day 3 or 4: Guided husky safari
This is an ideal dog-sledding trip for all the family, taking you through snow-covered forests and open fields. The tour ends with a coffee in a barbecue hut.
On arrival, you will receive instructions and safety briefings before harnessing the dogs. The guide will take you on a dogsled ride through Ale's beautiful natural surroundings.
Day 4: Aurora Spa
Come and relax in the heart of winter wonderland and enjoy a hot bath in the traditional Nordic whirlpool. Enjoy a dip in the wood-heated outdoor pool, surrounded by snow and ice.
Once you've finished swimming, take a dip in the ice bath before relaxing in the wood-heated sauna. The magnificent view from the sauna or hot tub might even give you the chance to see the Northern Lights dancing in the middle of a starry sky.
Swimwear is compulsory, slippers are included and please bring your own towel.
Your journey to Lapland —
Flights:
You will be able to choose your airline and flight times when you make your booking. This flight may include one or more stopovers. The stopover may be technical (without a change of aircraft) or transit (with a change of aircraft).
Luggage information
Luggage, meals and other services on board may be subject to an additional fee on certain airlines. It is possible to view details of luggage allowances when you choose your flights at the next stage of the booking process. If luggage is not included with your flight, please go to the airline's website before your departure to purchase your luggage for an additional fee.
For domestic flights, airlines do not always offer the option of reserving luggage. In this case, you will need to pay for it at the airport counter.
You will receive all the information you need to check in for your flights after you have made your reservation.
Your destinations —
Lapland
Lapland casts a powerful spell: the midnight sun, the aurora borealis (Northern Lights) and roaming reindeer are part of its allure – as is Santa Claus himself, who ‘officially’ resides here – along with the awesome latitudes. At Nuorgam, the northernmost point, you have passed Iceland and nearly all of Canada and Alaska.
Spanning 30% of Finland’s land area, Lapland is home to just 3% of its population. Its vast wilderness is ripe for exploring on foot, skis or sled. The sense of space, pure air and big skies are what's most memorable here, more so than the towns.
Lapland’s far north is known as Sápmi, home of the Sámi, whose main communities are around Inari, Utsjoki and Hetta. Rovaniemi, on the Arctic Circle, is the most popular gateway to the north.