
Overview
What's included?
ALL OF THE EXPERIENCES AND SERVICES LISTED BELOW ARE INCLUDED IN THE HOLIDAY PRICE
- Flights: return indirect flights from London to Luleå (via Stockholm). Flight routes are subject to change
- Transfers: return airport transfers
- Accommodation: 3 nights in a standard room at either the Elite Stadshotel or Clarion Sense in Luleå
- Meals: 3 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner*
- Activities: husky safari, sauna and Jacuzzi hour, Aurora Hideaway dinner
- Cold-weather clothing provided for activities at Brändön Lodge
- Fully qualified guides and instructors during activities
*Please note: your dinner at Brandon Lodge is included but please let your Travel Expert know if you would like us to reserve a table for you at your hotel on the night of your arrival. There are also numerous restaurant options a short distance from your hotel.
Luleå is just south of the Arctic Circle so it is a fantastic spot to seek out the dazzling Aurora displays which frequently light up the night skies. In addition, the city itself is an intriguing blend of Sweden’s rich cultural history and the contemporary, but the key to its appeal as a location to visit, however, is that you are never far from nature. Whether it is the frozen lakes and rivers (or even the sea which freezes over in the heart of winter) or mile after mile of snow-covered forests which are home to a plethora of wildlife and just waiting for you to explore by dogsled or snowmobile. Luleå offers the chance to witness some of the most stunning scenery that Scandinavia has to offer.
Although the modern city has been moved closer to the sea (as a result of land upheaval), the historical heart of Lulea is definitely the Gammelstad Church town which is well worth a visit. Luleå is also home to a thriving restaurant scene with numerous high-end options offering tasting menus and local specialities all within a short distance of your hotel.
You cannot help but notice that the Swedes are a healthy lot as you will see them embracing the outdoors even in the heart of winter. Whether you see them cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, or simply walking (or kick sledding!) with their dogs on the path around the city on the frozen ice of the Baltic Sea, it is quite the inspiration to see them out and about. This is why we have included a trip to Brändön Lodge on your itinerary. Not only is the Lodge situated in a blissfully peaceful location overlooking the often frozen waters of the Bay of Bothnia, but it offers a unique opportunity to indulge your own taste for adventure.
As well as dogsledding through the snow-covered forests, you will also enjoy having your dinner prepared for you under the stars (and fingers-crossed even the Northern Lights) at the Aurora Hideaway. The Hideaways are like mini, mobile restaurants that can be moved to the best location whether on the pine-fringed shore or out on the pack ice itself.
For your remaining time in Luleå, you can make your own plans to explore as you please or if you wish to return to Brändön Lodge to further explore the Arctic wilderness please see our 'Personalise' section for more details.
Dates & Prices
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Prices
Terms
For our full booking terms and conditions please click here
The Specifics
Group Size
We always try to provide an approximation of the group size you can expect to be with for the duration of each of our holidays. It may be that you are joined by others for parts of your holiday (such as transfers and particular activities) but the above number reflects those you can normally expect to be with from beginning to end. If group size is something which is particularly important to you, please speak to our Travel Experts and they can suggest the best holidays for you.
Tailor-made holiday group sizes will vary for all activities as will the group size for any additional activities you book.
Minimum numbers required for a holiday to operate
Some of our holidays require a minimum number of participants to operate (as listed in the ‘Group Size’ section). If your holiday departure has not yet reached the minimum number, you will be told at the time of booking. In the unlikely event that your chosen date is not guaranteed by nine weeks before your scheduled departure date, we will contact you to discuss the available options as per our booking conditions.
Minimum and maximum age
If a specific minimum age applies to this holiday, it can be found in the Key Facts box on the holiday Overview page.
Unless otherwise stated in the Key Facts box on the holiday Overview page, the minimum age for participation in an Aurora Zone holiday is typically 12 years old (there may be younger children in some destinations who have booked with other companies). If an adult-only environment is important to you, then please contact our Travel Experts and they will advise on the best dates and destinations for you. If you are looking for a holiday designed specifically for families then please see our sister company www.activitiesabroad.com.
Itinerary amendments
The order of activities listed in this agenda is provided for guidance only, your final and detailed itinerary will be provided either with your final travel documents (which are uploaded into your online account around a week prior to departure) or upon arrival.
Medical History and Advice
We want our holidays to be accessible as they can be and will do our best to accommodate any special requests and requirements where possible. We have a wide range of holidays and destinations and so our travel experts will help find the best holiday for you.
In order to give us the best possible chance to do this, we ask that if you or any member of your party has any medical condition or disability which may affect your holiday or has any special requirements, that you tell us at the time of enquiry or booking. You must also promptly advise us if any medical condition or disability which may affect your holiday develops after your booking has been confirmed. You may need to provide a doctor’s note and proof of insurance in some cases as the health and safety of our clients is absolutely paramount.
In providing this information you are allowing us to work with our expert local partners to ensure that your whole party can enjoy the holiday. By letting us know in advance we can discreetly work with you to adapt any part of the holiday which may potentially be challenging. Being able to prepare for this in advance makes an incredible difference to what we can offer and minimises any impact on your party and the rest of the group.
Unfortunately, if you choose not to share this information with us in advance then it may limit some or all of the itinerary you have booked, and we cannot be held accountable for any additional costs or missed activities resulting from this.
We want our holidays to be accessible as they can be and will do our best to accommodate any special requests and requirements where possible. We have a wide range of holidays and destinations and so our travel experts will help find the best holiday for you.
In order to give us the best possible chance to do this, we ask that if you or any member of your party has any medical condition or disability which may affect your holiday or has any special requirements, that you tell us at the time of enquiry or booking. You must also promptly advise us if any medical condition or disability which may affect your holiday develops after your booking has been confirmed. You may need to provide a doctor’s note and proof of insurance in some cases as the health and safety of our clients is absolutely paramount.
In providing this information you are allowing us to work with our expert local partners to ensure that your whole party can enjoy the holiday. By letting us know in advance we can discreetly work with you to adapt any part of the holiday which may potentially be challenging. Being able to prepare for this in advance makes an incredible difference to what we can offer and minimises any impact on your party and the rest of the group.
Unfortunately, if you choose not to share this information with us in advance then it may limit some or all of the itinerary you have booked, and we cannot be held accountable for any additional costs or missed activities resulting from this.
Insurance
Insurance is not included in your holiday, but it is a pre-requisite to travelling with us. You will need to ensure that you have cover for all the activities that you will be participating in during your holiday.
It is extremely important that you take out a suitable travel insurance policy at the time of booking. Plans do sometimes change, and you will need this policy should you need to cancel your holiday.
If you are struggling to find a suitable policy then details of our preferred provider, who will cover you for all the activities we offer, can be found on our website by clicking here. Please note that this policy is available to EU residents under the age of 75 only.
Booking Activities Locally
Additional activities can be booked locally in almost all our destinations. However, as per our booking conditions, we cannot be held responsible for any injury or loss incurred through participation in activities which are booked at your destination outside of our holiday itinerary (see our ‘Terms and Conditions’ for further details).
When arranging any such activity please always ensure that safety is your primary concern.
In some of our destinations, you can borrow or hire equipment for use in your free time. You do so entirely at your own risk. You must ensure that you are properly prepared, have the necessary equipment and knowledge (maps, etc) and ensure that where applicable, you follow marked routes. We recommend discussing your plans with the local teams who will be able to advise on the most suitable options for you.
Always let the reception/guide know where you are planning to go and take a torch and mobile phone (with the hotel/guide’s phone number stored). It is also a good idea to leave your contact number and the time you expect to return to the hotel should the hotel need to contact you.
The UK Foreign Office Advice
Our clients’ safety is at the centre of everything we do, and our operations team continually assesses and monitors the destinations we feature. We carry out thorough risk assessments and work closely with all of our suppliers to continually follow best practice. For up to date travel advice the UK government offers its Travel Aware website as well as the advice detailed below.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office Advice
We receive all updates from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) with regards to travel advice and we always ensure that we follow this advice in our operations. The FCO issues travel advisories for countries based on a very wide range of factors. They may provide notification about things as simple as a football match and crowds, or they may go so far as to advise against all travel to a region. We ask all our clients to refer to the relevant Travel Advice by Country for the destinations they are visiting in order to make an informed decision on the safety of the destination based on the details provided. It also provides vital information regarding entry requirements, embassy information, local laws and customs as well as specific safety and health. Guests should take responsibility for keeping themselves up to date with this advice. Please also ensure that, if you are transiting through another country, you have read the advice and meet the entry requirements for that destination too.
The FCO travel advice is applicable to British Passport Holders. Most governments will issue their own travel advice for a region and, if you are not a UK resident then you can find some helpful links below:
Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/
New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade https://www.mfat.govt.nz/
Canadian Consular Affairs Bureau http://voyage.gc.ca/
The U.S. Bureau of Consular Affairs https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel.html
If the FCO deems that there is an unacceptable level of risk for UK citizens then, together with the government, they may issue an advisory against all travel to a region or country. If such an advisory is published, then we will act accordingly, and this may require the cancellation, curtailment or amendment of a holiday itinerary. These decisions are made on the basis of ensuring our clients’ safety and will affect all clients on the holiday, regardless of their nationality.
If one of our local experts suggests an amendment due to a situation which develops locally then we may also take the decision to amend an itinerary appropriately.
If we have to cancel your holiday prior to departure you will be offered the option of an alternative trip (where any price difference will either be refunded to or covered by you) or a full refund of the monies paid.
If we have to curtail a holiday, then you will be refunded for any costs for the elements we have been unable to deliver, where we have been able to secure a refund from our suppliers. If we must reroute a holiday, then any basis for refund is determined on a case by case basis and dependent on whether the central holiday experience was provided or not.
Brexit information for British Passport holders
Information for British Passport Holders
It is your responsibility to ensure that your passport and/or any required visas are up to date for your holiday. Please take special note of rules relating to passport validity as these have changed since Brexit. You can find more general advice from the UK government on their Passport rules for travel to Europe and then country specific advice on the Foreign Travel Advice page under the entry requirements section.
Please also check the UK Governments ‘Get Travel Smart’ campaign for up to date information on travel advice by country, information on Travel Insurance and information on how to renew your passport if required.
The government have released the following guidance on passport validity for travel to Europe should the UK leave the EU without a deal. Please read the guidance on the link below carefully if you are travelling over or after the 29th March 2019.
The government have released the following guidance on passport validity for travel to Europe should the UK leave the EU without a deal. Please read the guidance on the link below carefully if you are travelling over or after the 29th March 2019.
The government have released the following guidance on passport validity for travel to Europe should the UK leave the EU without a deal. Please read the guidance on the link below carefully if you are travelling over or after the 29th March 2019.
Flight schedule changes and connecting transportation
On your documentation, we will confirm your flight schedule. Sometimes the flight number, routing and timings might change prior to your departure. If the change is classed as a significant change then we will contact you to discuss this. Please see our booking conditions for details.
Flight schedule changes can impact on your pre and post-holiday travel arrangements if these have been booked separately to your holiday. We strongly recommend that you do not book transport (such as trains or transfers), car parking or non-connecting flights to the departure point for your holiday until you have received your final confirmed travel times when your final travel documents are issued. We are not responsible for the effect of any schedule change on your pre or post travel arrangements. We strongly recommend that you do not purchase non-flexible or non-refundable tickets to avoid cancellation and penalty charges.
Booking your own flights - cancellation disclaimer
If you have chosen to book your own flights, then you will need to wait until we confirm to you that the holiday departure has met the minimum numbers required to run (if applicable to your chosen holiday). Once the holiday is guaranteed to run, you will be informed and you can then make your arrangements.
If transfers are included in your holiday, please ensure that any potential flights will be met by our standard transfers (speak to one of our Travel Experts for advice) otherwise private transfer supplements may be applicable. Once your flights are booked, please send us a copy of your detailed flight itinerary.
Please be aware that most tickets are non-refundable in the case of cancellation. For this reason, we strongly advise you check the rules of the ticket and check the limitations of your cancellation insurance before booking. We cannot be held liable, in the unlikely eventuality that we should be forced to cancel or amend your trip, for losses incurred relating to any flight booking you have made.
Terms and Conditions
Our full booking terms and conditions can be found on our website: https://www.theaurorazone.com/booking-conditions
Payment and Cancellation Terms
Please note that the following cancellation terms supersede in part those mentioned in sections 7 of our general booking terms and conditions.
- Up to balance due date (This is normally 12 weeks prior to departure however some holidays differ. If this applies to your holiday you will be advised at the time of booking) - Loss of deposit (including the full cost of flights or other services where paid at the time of booking)
- between balance due date and 43 days prior to departure - 60%
- 42 to 36 days prior to departure - 80%
- 35 or less days - 100%
Agenda
Agenda
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DAY 1
Arrival and Transfer
Your driver will welcome you at Luleå Airport and take you to your choice of hotel in Luleå, either the Elite Stadshotel or Clarion Sense to allow you to settle in. Both are only a 10-minute journey from the airport.
If you wish we can make a reservation for you at the hotel restaurant this evening (although this dinner will not be included in the holiday price). You also have a multitude of excellent dining options within a short distance.
Included Meals: None -
DAY 2
Activity Day and Aurora Hideaway Dinner at Brändön Lodge
Following breakfast, you will be collected for your short transfer to Brändön Lodge (approximately 30 minutes). The Lodge enjoys a unique setting on the shore of the Bay of Bothnia and is actually a beach resort in Summer. However, of more interest to those seeking winter thrills and a uniquely peaceful place to hunt the Aurora, it overlooks the frozen sea in winter and is surrounded by atmospheric pine forests. You will soon be exploring the landscape on your first activity - dogsledding!
You will learn how to control your own sled dog team as you navigate a path through the forest and along frozen streams with nothing but the sound of paws on snow to accompany your progress. You will travel with two people to a sled and there is plenty of chance to swap between driving and sitting in the sled. Afterwards, you can take lunch at the lodge and will have a chance to unwind with a private session in the Lodge’s sauna (including access to the outdoor jacuzzi). You can enjoy a drink in the hotel bar before setting off for your dinner, which will be served at the Aurora Hideaway, out on the frozen sea. Your guide will prepare your dinner for you whilst you scan the skies for potential Northern Lights displays or perhaps even try a spot of snowshoeing to build up your appetite.
There will be a transfer vehicle waiting to take you back to your hotel at the end of your dinner.
Please note: cold weather clothing will be provided for your activities at Brändön Lodge but please bring swimwear, towels etc… for the sauna and perhaps a change of clothes for after the dogsledding and sauna.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner -
DAY 3
Free Day in Luleå
Today has been left free so you can either have a more leisurely day exploring Luleå at your own pace or if you would like more activities you can arrange to return to Brändön Lodge. You will find further details on the activities available and the prices for these and additional transfers on our 'Personalise' section.
Included Meals: Breakfast -
DAY 4
Departure
Sadly, it is time to bring your time in Luleå to a close and a transfer will be arranged to take you back to the airport for your flight home.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation
Accommodation
A NOTE ON ACCOMMODATION: hotels in Luleå are often in high demand so please do express your preference when submitting an enquiry and we will do our best to accommodate this but it may be necessary to look at alternative hotel options also. We recommend booking as far in advance as possible to avoid any disappointment.
Included in price
Elite Stadshotellet in Luleå
Nights: 1-3
This stunning hotel dates back to 1903 and the impressive entrance hall really gives you the wow factor when you first walk in. It has a great location in central Lulea and is right next to the city park and local shopping, entertainment and restaurants. The hotel has an onsite restaurant and gastropub called the Bishops Arms with an impressive range of 350 types of whisky, 29 draft beers and around 250 types of bottled beer which represent a range of Swedish and other Scandinavian Microbreweries. The hotel is Green Key certified which is a testament to its environmental policies.
Hotel facilities
Along with the Bishop’s Arms, there is another on-site restaurant named Tallkotten which is open for a very popular lunch service. The hotel has 159 well-appointed rooms and residents have free access to the next-door gym during their stay. There is free Wi-Fi throughout all bedrooms and public areas.
Room types
Standard double rooms
These bright and airy rooms are a great space to relax and rejuvenate after an exciting day exploring Lulea. They have a TV, hair dryer, safety deposit box and minibar to make your stay as comfortable as possible. The rooms either have a shower or bath with complimentary bath products from the hotel. The bed size is normally between 160-180cm and the hotel also boasts a pillow menu to ensure everyone is as comfortable as possible!
Standard Single rooms
These rooms have all the same comfortable facilities as the standard double/ twin rooms but are slightly smaller. The rooms normally range between 18-20 m2 and the bed size is between 90-120cm. These rooms provide a more cost-effective option for single travellers who plan to spend their time out exploring the city rather than spending lots of time in the hotel room.
Superior rooms (upgrade from £74 per person)
These rooms have the same stylish décor as the rest of the hotel but these tend to be on higher floors with large windows to enjoy the natural light and maximise the views of the harbour, the city park or the city itself. They also contain a kettle.
©Elite Stadshotellet
Other options
Elite Stadshotellet in Luleå
This stunning hotel dates back to 1903 and the impressive entrance hall really gives you the wow factor when you first walk in. It has a great location in central Lulea and is right next to the city park and local shopping, entertainment and restaurants. The hotel has an onsite restaurant and gastropub called the Bishops Arms with an impressive range of 350 types of whisky, 29 draft beers and around 250 types of bottled beer which represent a range of Swedish and other Scandinavian Microbreweries. The hotel is Green Key certified which is a testament to its environmental policies.
Hotel facilities
Along with the Bishop’s Arms, there is another on-site restaurant named Tallkotten which is open for a very popular lunch service. The hotel has 159 well-appointed rooms and residents have free access to the next-door gym during their stay. There is free Wi-Fi throughout all bedrooms and public areas.
Room types
Standard double rooms
These bright and airy rooms are a great space to relax and rejuvenate after an exciting day exploring Lulea. They have a TV, hair dryer, safety deposit box and minibar to make your stay as comfortable as possible. The rooms either have a shower or bath with complimentary bath products from the hotel. The bed size is normally between 160-180cm and the hotel also boasts a pillow menu to ensure everyone is as comfortable as possible!
Standard Single rooms
These rooms have all the same comfortable facilities as the standard double/ twin rooms but are slightly smaller. The rooms normally range between 18-20 m2 and the bed size is between 90-120cm. These rooms provide a more cost-effective option for single travellers who plan to spend their time out exploring the city rather than spending lots of time in the hotel room.
Superior rooms (upgrade from £74 per person)
These rooms have the same stylish décor as the rest of the hotel but these tend to be on higher floors with large windows to enjoy the natural light and maximise the views of the harbour, the city park or the city itself. They also contain a kettle.
©Elite Stadshotellet
The Luleå Clarion Sense Hotel
This smart four-star hotel is right in the centre of Luleå, with nine floors of rooms. Cosy, chocolate-coloured interiors meet spectacular nature photography by local expert, Carl-Johan Utsi. Kick back on designer furniture, relax in the spa area and relish the drinks and music of the sleek ‘Lobby Bar’ or take in some of the best views of the city from the top floor, Skybar. Each floor is inspired by the year's four seasons in a timeless, sleek design with complementary colour schemes. Here you can experience the changing seasons, interpreted by prominent local photographers and lighting designers.
Hotel Facilities
- Weights workout or warm pool swim - you’ll be guaranteed incredible views of the waters around Luleå from the fitness centre
- Nordic spa treatments are not to be missed – pamper yourself with a massage or get invigorated in the saunas
- The innovative Kitchen & Table Restaurant serves up cuisine which fuses local ingredients with influences from the Manhattan dining scene. It is part of a group set up by acclaimed chef Marcus Samuelsson, who has cooked for the likes of Barack Obama and won multiple culinary awards
Room Type
Standard double room: twin beds with a large bathroom and stylish lighting. The room also comes with free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen television, and a telephone. There is also a hairdryer, ironing board and iron, and minibar.
Standard single room: single bed with a spacious bathroom and atmospheric lighting. A hairdryer, iron and ironing board, and minibar are also included. The room has free Wi-Fi, a telephone, and a flat-screen television.
Personalise
Personalise this tour
Our pick
Nordic Winter Skills
Having learned how to fasten snowshoes, you will be taken by a guide on a three-hour trek over the nearby trails. They will share their knowledge about the local flora and fauna and also show you different animal tracks in the snow. Making a stop, you will be taught how to set up a small fire and prepare a hot drink in the wilderness. You will have a break at a ‘kota’ (teepee) and enjoy a delicious lunch which will be cooked by your guide on an open fire.
Duration: 3 hours
Other options
Activities

Snowmobile Forest and Nature Tour
Snowmobiling through the snowy forests and frozen sea and lakes of Swedish Lapland is an enchanting and fast-paced experience. Having been shown how to drive the vehicles, you will follow your guide on a trail, travelling two people per snowmobile. It is also possible to upgrade to one person per vehicle.
Anyone wishing to drive a snowmobile must be at least 18 years old and in possession of a full driving licence.
Read more about this activityThere is a two-hour and a four-hour version of this activity. Stops will be made for tea and coffee along the way, with the four-hour version also featuring lunch.
Duration: 2 hours /4 hours
4-hour safari: Available from 8th January until the 4th April 2023

Hovercraft tour on the sea ice
An experience which is only available in this part of Swedish Lapland, this hovercraft tour is a genuinely unique means of exploring the Luleå Archipelago. As you are driven along, you can look for sea eagles and seals. There will also be a break to walk over the sea ice and make the most of the outstanding scenery.
Duration: 2.5 hours