City and Wilderness Northern Lights Break to Luleå
- Details
Details
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.
Itinerary
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
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, Dinne
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
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
What's included?
- Return indirect flights from London to Luleå (via Stockholm). Flight routes are subject to change
- Return airport transfers
- 3 nights in a standard room at either the Elite Stadshotel or Clarion Sense in Luleå
- Meals: 3 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
- Aurora Hideaway Dinner
- Husky Safari
- Sauna and Jacuzzi hour
- Cold-weather clothing for the duration of your stay
- Fully qualified guides and instructors during activities
Accommodation
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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 facilitiesAlong 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. |
Personalise This Tour
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
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.
Duration: 4 hours
Available only from 06 Jan – 07 Apr 2025
| Tour Loaction: | Lulea,Sweden |
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| Tour Loaction: | Lulea,Sweden |
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Tour Map
Key Facts
For your best chance to see the Northern Lights, contact the UK’s only Aurora specialists
