Swedish Lapland is a region unlike any other. Home to mountains, forests, marshes, wild rivers, and archipelagos. Stretching from Sorsele and Skellefteå in the province of Västerbotten, to the northernmost tip of Sweden, this Arctic territory covers a quarter of the country. From your hotel base in Luleå, experience an Icebreaker excursion, Husky Safari, Northern Lights Hunting and time for optional excursions. Optional overnight stay at Arctic Bath floating spa hotel in Harads.
Itinerary
Day 1 Luleå Arrival
On arrival at Luleå Airport, private transfer to your hotel. Luleå is the capital of the region known as Norrbotten County. It is the northernmost city of Sweden and can be found on the northwest corner of the Gulf of Bothnia. It is a small, laidback city with more than its fair share of world class restaurants and a perfect base point for many Arctic activities in Sweden. Check-in to the Elite Stadshotellet Luleå for 4 nights stay. Remainder of the day at leisure. Meet your tour leader this evening in the hotel lobby at 18.00hrs for a welcome meeting. Alternatively, meet your tour leader at 08.00hrs at breakfast tomorrow morning, if you are unable to attend the meeting this evening.
Day 2 Arctic Explorer Icebreaker
Today you will head out on an Icebreaker excursion. Listen to the sound of ice blocks being crushed against the hull of the boat. Go for a walk on the frozen sea and enjoy a hot drink on the ice. Challenge the laws of nature in safe and comfortable conditions on the ice-classified vessel Arctic Explorer. You will have the opportunity to swim among the ice floes in a survival suit. Transfer by coach back to the hotel and remainder of the day at leisure. Luleå is a coastal city in Swedish Lapland. It’s known for the Gammelstad Church Town, a cluster of well-preserved wooden houses and the stone Nederluleå Church from the 1400s. In the city centre, Norrbottens Museum showcases local history, art and culture. Offshore, in the Bay of Bothnia, there are more than 1,000 islands with beaches, cottages and seals. 2nd overnight at Elite Stadshotellet Luleå.
Day 3 Husky Safari and Northern Lights Hunt
This morning, get ready for a Husky Safari. An experienced instructor will show you the basics and you will learn how the sled works, how to harness and connect the dogs in the team. When the dogs are tethered, it is time to drive into the snowy wilderness. The guide drives first and shows the way through the forest. During the tour, you will stop for a rest and change drivers. When you return to the camp, hot drinks and snacks are served in a hut. Return to the hotel by coach.
Optional afternoon excursion to a Moose and Reindeer Park, where you will have the chance to see the biggest Scandinavian wild animal. A chance to stand eye to eye with ‘The King of The Forest’ and feed the moose from your own hand.
In the evening, you will be picked up in central Luleå for a Northern Lights Hunt. Your guide will search for a location, where the sky is clear and free of artificial lights. In suitable weather conditions, and with some luck on your side, you will have a good chance to witness this natural penomenon. During the trip, the guide will also tell you more about Aurora and Swedish fika will be served (something sweet to eat and something hot to drink). 3rd overnight at Elite Stadshotellet Luleå.
Day 4 Optional activities, Optional Arctic Bath overnight stay
Day at leisure to explore Luleå on your own, or time for an optional excursion:
Ice Fishing 2hrs: head out into nature, learn about the marine environment and possibly catch a fish to take back to the lodge for lunch. Your guide will give you an insight into the nature of the frozen sea, ice conditions and safely navigation. Ice fishing is an important part of the local lifestyle. Travel with your guide by big snowmobile sleds to reach the best location. Drill holes in the ice and start fishing. A normal catch would be perch or sometimes pike. Includes Luleå transfers, hot drink and snack.
Kick Sled tour 3hrs: since the mid 19th century, the kick sled has been used as a means of transport in the villages on both ice and snow. It helps you keep your balance well and is easy to swing with. The kick sled has been used mainly in the north, and you still see the people in the villages taking their children to school on the kick sled or as a means of transport to the store. It makes it easier for to be out in nature by covering longer distances in a shorter time.
Snowmobile Safari with lunch 4hrs: begin your adventure about 30km outside of Luleå in the village of Möron, close to the forest and the lakes with ice and open fields. During the trip, stop for a traditional light lunch break (such as grilled sausages ) and enjoy the snowy nature. Enjoy snowmobiling over the thick ice that offers nice, white-bedded views.
Northern Lights Hunt by Snowmobile 4hrs: travel by snowmobile, and your guide can access the best spots and the darkest places in nature. Drive through the forest and over the frozen sea ice. If conditions are favourable, the ice is a very good place to witness the Northern Lights. During the trip, enjoy a break for Swedish fika.
4th overnight at Elite Stadshotellet Luleå.
Optional upgrade to an overnight stay at Arctic Bath in a water cabin. Arctic Bath is a floating spa hotel, situated on Lule river in the small village of Harads in Swedish Lapland. Includes dinner, access to spa facilities and transfers.
Day 5 Luleå Departure
Private transfer to Luleå Airport, where your arrangements conclude.
2024 departures:
05, 12, 19 January
02, 09, 23 February
Notes:
Maximum group size: 35 persons
Extra hotel nights can be added in Luleå and Stockholm
All optional excursions must be pre-booked. Minimum age and height requirements may apply. All snowmobile drivers must hold a valid driver's licence.
