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The Ultimate Aurora Adventure
Overview
This grand 8-night Aurora tour of Swedish Lapland starts with incredible winter activities on the edge of a frozen archipelago, prior to a night at the exceptional Arctic Bath. A scenic train ride then takes you to the Aurora playground of Abisko for Northern Lights hunts and more activities before an unbelievable finale at the world-famous ICEHOTEL®!
What's included?
ALL OF THE ACTIVITIES AND SERVICES LISTED BELOW ARE INCLUDED IN THE HOLIDAY PRICE
- Transfers: return airport transfers, all destination transfers and train travel between Luleå and Abisko are included
- Accommodation: 3 nights winter cottage accommodation Brändön Lodge, 1-night in river cabin at Arctic Bath, 3 nights twin room at Abisko STF Turiststation, 1-night ICEHOTEL® in an ice room. You can choose to upgrade your room at the ICEHOTEL® or spend your final night at Abisko (supplements/deductions apply)
- Meals: 8 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 8 dinners
- The following activities and equipment are included: Northern Lights hunt by snowmobile-pulled sled, ice fishing experience, snowmobile forest tour, Northern Lights snowshoe hike, husky safari, Abisko Aurora Chase, and Aurora photography evening (the order of activities is subject to change)
- Cold weather clothing for the duration of your stay at Brändön Lodge and for activities only at Abisko STF Turiststation and the ICEHOTEL®
- Services of our expert local guides
A note about flights: flights are not included in the holiday price so the best possible fares and schedule can be found at the time of booking
The word 'ultimate' appears in the title of this holiday for good reason. This itinerary ticks so many bucket list boxes that it is hard to list them all here!
Starting at a lodge which looks out over the ice-bound archipelago around Lulea, you will head out on Northern Lights hunts as well as enjoy the delights of ice fishing and snowmobiling. You will stay in a winter cottage for your first three nights here and your fourth will be spent in a river cabin at the Arctic Bath, a unique floating hotel and spa on the river Lule.
A stunning train ride then takes you north to the Aurora Mecca of Abisko. Three nights at the famous STF Turiststation here will allow you to hunt the Northern Lights and enjoy the stunning landscape. This portion of the holiday will allow you to experience some of the Arctic highlights in a totally different environment, including by dog sled. You will also enjoy an unforgettable Aurora photography evening, a favourite with all of our guests. Your holiday ends at the world-famous ICEHOTEL® with an unforgettable night's stay.
Throughout this entire holiday, you will be in prime Aurora territory and many of your evenings will be dedicated to Northern Lights hunts with your expert guides.
This is an exceptional holiday which highlights the best experiences and adventures available in Swedish Lapland, all whilst providing outstanding Aurora viewing potential.
© ICEHOTEL, Rob Harding, Timsam Harding, Asaf Kliger, Peter Grant & Magnus Skoglöf & imagebank.sweden.se, Chad Blakley, Graeme Richardson, Pier Rynback
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Key facts
| Duration: | 8 nights |
| Pace: | Active |
Dates & Prices
Price Comparison Guarantee
Expertise and knowledge are key to witnessing the Northern Lights. We’ve been running Aurora hunting holidays longer than any company in the UK and with no lead in prices, no hidden costs and more included, we’re confident our tours will come out on top.Please note that the prices below are subject to change due to availability at the respective hotels; supplements may apply.
Activities: please note that if you are travelling early in the winter season and there is not enough snowfall, then some activities may be adapted by the local team, or alternatives provided, to ensure everyone’s safety and comfort. For more information on this, please see our booking terms and conditions.
Prices
| Departure dates between | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Fri 15 Dec 2023
to Sun 07 Jan 2024 |
Adults £ 5,285 To £ 5,920 | |
|
Mon 08 Jan 2024
to Tue 06 Feb 2024 |
Adults £ 5,165 To £ 5,785 | |
|
Wed 07 Feb 2024
to Sun 25 Feb 2024 |
Adults £ 5,245 To £ 5,875 | |
|
Mon 26 Feb 2024
to Sun 31 Mar 2024 |
Adults £ 5,165 To £ 5,785 |
Prices are subject to availability at the time of booking.
Prices are based on 2 people sharing. Please note that flights are not included in the holiday price so that the best possible fares and schedule can be found at the time of booking. Our Travel Experts will happily provide you with a quote and arrange flights on your behalf.
Terms
For our full booking terms and conditions please click here
The Specifics
Holiday group size (approximate)
Minimum 1, maximum 24 (approximately)
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.
Passport rules for Travel to Europe after Brexit
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.
Passport rules for Travel to Europe after Brexit
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.
Passport rules for Travel to Europe after Brexit
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
-
DAY 1
Arrival and Northern Lights Hunt via Snowmobile-Pulled Sled
Upon arrival at the airport, you will be greeted by a driver who will transfer you to Brändön Lodge, your home for the next three nights.
You'll have some time to settle into your winter cottage before dinner in the main restaurant. We waste no time getting you out and about, though, so you will be straight out on your inaugural Northern Lights hunt.
Your guide will use all of their experience and knowledge as they lead you on an Aurora hunt using a snowmobile-pulled sleigh. Your destination will be chosen based on the weather and solar conditions and you will spend your first hours in the wilderness of Lapland awaiting a potential display of the Northern Lights.
This is an excellent way to start the holiday and, for many guests, it can feel a tad surreal. You will have started today at home and will end it out in the wilderness and peace of Lapland. This is a great way to kick start your holiday in style. The activity will last for approximately 2 hours.
Please note that the order of activities within your itinerary is subject to change and this agenda should be used as a guide only. The exact order of your agenda will be confirmed upon arrival at each hotel.
Included Meals: Dinner -
DAY 2
Ice Fishing and Optional Husky Safari
Today, you will enjoy the peace and quiet of the landscape during an ice fishing trip. This is a gentle way to spend some time absorbing your new surroundings and your guide will help you drill through the ice and drop your line into the waters below. Even if you do not land a catch, this is a delightful way to spend time in The Great Outdoors.
This afternoon has been left free for you to enjoy at your leisure. We find that some guests love to simply relax or enjoy a stroll. If you would rather be out and about, we can arrange a husky safari for you. Trying your hand at dog sledding is an unforgettable experience. Details can be found in the 'Personalise' section of the holiday page.
Dinner will be served back at the lodge tonight. As you head back to your cottage, ensure that you keep an eye on the sky above, you never know when the Northern Lights may start to dance above you.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner -
DAY 3
Snowmobile Tour of the Forest, Aurora Snowshoe and Wilderness Dinner
Today you will explore the forests surrounding the Luleå Archipelago on snowmobiles; an exhilarating experience.
After a full safety briefing, you will follow your guide and traverse the snow-laden landscape, making some stops en route to enjoy the incredible scenery and a hot drink. Snowmobiles give you the chance to journey further afield and gain a sense of the scale of the landscape which other means of transport cannot provide. Travelling in pairs you will each get the chance to drive and travel as the passenger so you can experience all that this activity has to offer (all drivers need a full driving licence and must be over 18). You will be out for approximately 2 hours today.
Your second Northern Lights hunt utilises snowshoes in order to give you access to remoter areas of the forest. Snowshoes allow you to walk on the deepest snow with greater ease and your guide will lead you to a prime Aurora viewpoint deep in the wilds. You will stop for dinner around a campfire which will be prepared expertly by your guide. You will sit on reindeer skins and soak up the very special atmosphere, hopefully, the Aurora will provide some post-dinner entertainment. You will be out for approximately 3 hours tonight.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner -
DAY 4
Night at the Arctic Bath
The Arctic Bath is a unique and stunning hotel and spa. It is famous for its distinctive circular design and eco-friendly approach. The hotel features a central open-air cold-water pool, surrounded by several floating cabins, in one of which you will spend the night – taking in the serene and tranquil atmosphere.
You will have the opportunity to relax in the open-air cold-water pool, which is kept at a refreshing temperature, even during the frigid winter months. The contrast between the warm steam rising from the pool and the cold Arctic air creates a unique sensation that invigorates the body and soul.
Inside the floating cabins, you can unwind in your cosy and well-appointed living space. The cabins feature natural materials that blend seamlessly with the surrounding environment. Large windows allow you to gaze out over the river and the snow-covered landscape.
At the Arctic Bath, wellness is a central focus and you can indulge your senses in the spa as entry and toiletries are included. If you would like to include any specific spa treatments, including massages, saunas, and cold baths – these are not included and we do recommend booking these in advance. The spa menu often incorporates local ingredients and traditions, providing a truly authentic and rejuvenating experience.
As night falls, the hotel's restaurant offers a gourmet dining experience, showcasing Nordic cuisine with a modern twist. You will savour a delicious meal made from locally sourced ingredients while enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding wilderness.
After dinner, a visit to the outdoor relaxation area, complete with a cozy fireplace and comfortable seating, is a perfect way to finish the evening and hopefully the Aurora will appear to cap it all off.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner -
DAY 5
Train to Abisko and Free Evening
This morning you will awake and enjoy the enjoy the views over the river Lule. After breakfast, it is time to head to the train station for your train journey north to Abisko.
After your transfer, you will board the comfortable train for the 400km trip through Swedish Lapland. It takes around six and a half hours to reach your destination but the stunning fell and forest scenery will certainly keep you entertained as you head towards your next adventure. Lunch is not included today but you can pick up a light lunch and snacks near to the station or onboard the train.
Upon arrival at Abisko, it's just a short walk to your hotel, across the road from the train station. You will check into your rooms before a welcome dinner in the restaurant.
There will be some time for you to relax and catch your breath this afternoon after a packed few days.
There is no specific Aurora activity tonight, however, the beauty of Abisko is that if the conditions are conducive to a display you won't have to venture far to catch a great view of the Northern Lights. If you would like to include an additional Aurora hunt then we can arrange for you to search for the Northern Lights in a snowmobile-pulled sleigh, or journey up the mountain behind the lodge via cable car to visit the Abisko Sky Station. Please see the 'personalise' section for details of the available options.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner -
DAY 6
Husky Safari and Aurora Photography
Dog sledding is so popular with clients that we felt we had to include an outing with the huskies.
Today's trip takes place in the stunning terrain that surrounds Abisko. Your expert musher will take charge of the sled and show you how it’s done, as you sit back and enjoy the ride. The benefit of travelling in the sled is that it gives you the chance to enjoy the surroundings and capture the experience on camera if you wish to do so. The safari will last for around 2.5 hours, including preparation time and stops.
This evening you shall be led on an unforgettable Aurora hunt in the capable hands of a talented Aurora photographer. We know how many people delight in the idea of capturing a display of the Northern Lights on camera and tonight will give you the best possible chance. You will be provided with excellent camera equipment, all set to photograph the Northern Lights, so all you have to do is provide an SD memory card on which to store the pictures.
Your guide will spend almost every night of the Aurora season out hunting the Northern Lights with their camera and so you really could not be in more expert hands. You will be out for approximately 2.5 hours tonight, including transfers.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner -
DAY 7
Free Day and Abisko Aurora Chase
Today is yours to spend however you wish to do so. You may want to try your hand at ice fishing one more time or enjoy another thrilling snowmobile tour (see 'Personalise' section for more information).
This evening you will have a guide and vehicle at your disposal to help you track the Lights, as well as access to a variety of stunning locations from where to watch the skies.
During this adventure, your guide will talk about the auroras, the history of Abisko National Park and serve you a warm drink. They will use their experience and plus the mobility of the vehicle to go to where the aurora activity is the highest, and where there weather gives the best chance of success. Many of the locations are on lakes and rivers which allow you to see the auroras in the sky AND reflected in the polished ice during the Winter.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner -
DAY 8
The ICEHOTEL®
After breakfast, you will head south to the world-famous ICEHOTEL®.
Lunch will be served in the warm restaurant and then you will be free to explore at your leisure. There is an experience room so you can learn about the history and construction of this unique place which is part hotel and part art gallery. Then you can make your way around and take in the ICEBAR®, the wedding chapel and the real highlight, the amazing and intricately carved Art Suites.
This holiday includes a night in an Ice Room and we can arrange room upgrades if you wish to spend your last night in Sweden in one of the suites, please see the 'Personalise' section of the holiday page for details. You will sign off your final evening in Sweden in style with a three-course dinner. Please note that your room will be available to check in from approximately 6 pm onwards. If you would prefer, there are also standard “warm” rooms at the ICEHOTEL®, please just mention this when you enquire.
If you would prefer to spend your last day and night at Abisko STF Turiststation instead this can be arranged for you.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner -
DAY 9
Departure
Following this epic Swedish adventure, it's time to transfer to the airport and catch your return flights home.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation
Accommodation
Included in price
Brändön Lodge
Nights: 1-3
Brändön Lodge is located on the edge of the sea that freezes around the Luleå Archipelago each year. It is a remarkable sight to see such a vast frozen mass of water each morning as you step out of your cosy cottage for a day of activities.
Hotel facilities
- Your meals are all served in the restaurant in the main building. You will enjoy a variety of local dishes and more international cuisine in the evening menus (which are typically two courses and served as a hearty buffet). Breakfasts are typically Scandinavian in style and provide you with the fuel that you need for a day of adventure
- The restaurant is situated on the upper floor of the main hotel building and offers panoramic views over the frozen bay while you tuck into your delicious meal
- The lodge also has a fully stocked bar and pretty impressive wine cellar for any enthusiasts staying
- A short walk from the restaurant building, there is also a sauna and hot tub for guests to enjoy. Indulging in a sauna, after an exhilarating day in the great outdoors is just the perfect way to unwind and the hot tub is the cherry on the cake! This is bookable locally and charges apply
Guest room types
Winter cottages: Brändön Lodge consists of individual winter cottages. Each homely cottage is detached, allowing guests the space to unwind and relax in comfort and having all the added benefits of the main building within walking distance.
All the winter cottages have an open plan living and dining area with kitchenette. We recommend taking tea and coffee provisions with you. They have two bedrooms (both furnished with twin beds – in some cases these can be moved together), an en-suite shower room, hairdryer and toilet. Recent room refurbishment leaves the cottages with a modern yet authentic Scandinavian feel. One of the nicest features of the cottages are the terraces, where in the morning you can step out and inhale the cool, crisp air and marvel at the view of the frozen sea and snow-covered forests that stretch before you.
Image credit: Graeme Richardson, Andream Walitalo
The Arctic Bath Hotel
Nights: 4
Situated in Northern Sweden, near the small village of Harads sits the innovative Arctic Bath Hotel.
Designed to look like floating timber down the river, as a nod to traditional transportation methods, the hotel floats on the Lule River during summer and freezes in place throughout the winter to offer a completely unique experience. What’s more, its northerly position also puts you in the heart of the Aurora Zone for a memorable base in which to search for the Northern Lights.
Hotel Facilities:
- The Arctic Bath has a strong focus on wellbeing and this is best experienced in the main building with three different saunas, spa treatment room, hot bath, outdoor and indoor showers and two dressing rooms. What’s more, in keeping with Nordic tradition, there is also a cold-water bath to take an icy plunge into.
- The hotel has been expertly designed to leave a minimal environmental footprint which can be seen with the use of locally sourced materials. The onsite restaurant also prides itself on its use of local, pure and sustainable ingredients.
- Unwind in the bar and lounge area or book a specialist treatment for the ultimate relaxation experience.
Room types:
Floating water cabins - double room sleeps two: Situated just a short distance from the main building are the six floating cabins that freeze in place during the winter. The cabins are decorated in Scandi-style and feature a double bed, shower room, underfloor heating and an exterior wooden deck - the perfect place to search the skies for the Northern Lights. All cabins also come with a minibar/spa bar, tea and coffee making facilities, WiFi, air conditioning and pellet heating stove. One of the water cabins is accessible.
Land cabins - sleeps five: Located on the tree-lined shore, you can opt instead to stay in one of the land cabins which are ideal for larger groups. Each cabin features a spiral staircase up to the loft room, five beds, underfloor heating and bathroom with bathtubs and shower. The cabins also feature a huge glass wall, making them an ideal place to search the skies for the Northern Lights. The cabins also come with tea and coffee making facilities, WiFi, a mini bar/spa bar, air-conditioning and pellet heating stove.
Image Credits: The Arctic Bath Hotel
Abisko STF Turiststation
Nights: 5-7
Residing 100km from Kiruna, the historic and friendly Abisko STF Turiststation can be found in the wilderness of Swedish Lapland, offering mountain views and a warm welcome. The hotel has welcomed guests from around the world for over 100 years, acting as the gateway to the Abisko National Park, which is famed for its hiking trails in the summer and ski trails in the winter. The beautiful natural scenery of Northern Sweden is just a short walk away.
Hotel facilities
- The hotel consists of one large, the main building and several smaller outer buildings and cabins. In the main building, you will find the main hotel rooms, sauna, reception lounge, restaurant and the bar area
- The chefs here take great pride in the food, making great use of local and seasonal produce and traditional Swedish recipes. Breakfast is served buffet style, whilst lunch and dinner are set menus and also á la carte (lunch can also be provided to take with you on your daytime excursions)
- The lounge area in the lodge offers comfortable seating and a TV; perfect for relaxing in the evening. The bar area is located nearby, serving a range of beers, wines and spirits
- The hotel’s shop also has a range of food, freshly baked bread, fruit, toiletries and souvenirs.
Guest room types
Standard rooms: These traditionally-furnished, simple and modern rooms all come with en-suite shower and toilet facilities, as well as a small seating area. Some of the rooms have views of Lake Torneträsk, Mount Nuolja or Abisko National Park. Rooms are traditionally set up as a twin so please ask at the time of booking if you would prefer a double.
©Abikso STF Turiststation
The ICEHOTEL®
Nights: 8
The original
The ICEHOTEL® at Jukkasjärvi has the impressive claim of being the world’s first ice hotel and was developed from a concept beginning in 1989. A local entrepreneur by the name of Yngve Bergqvist who ran a thriving tourism business in the summer decided to attract tourists in the winter by offering ice carving workshops and creating a small ice igloo as a gallery to showcase these designs.
This igloo grew in scale each year until one night a group of guests, equipped with reindeer skins and sleeping bags asked to spend the night, creating the concept of the ice hotel in the process!
Although Ice and snow hotels can be found across Lapland, the ICEHOTEL® remains the original.
What’s more, 2018 saw the ICEHOTEL® become the first-ever Nordic Swan Ecolabel hotel made completely of ice and snow.
The certification process looks at all areas, from energy and water consumption to waste management; understandably, this presented many challenges when measuring a hotel whose rooms melt away at the end of each winter season!
The eco-label adds to a growing list of certifications for the ICEHOTEL® who is also certified a Sustainable Arctic Destination. Certification ensures guests are choosing environmentally conscious products and the ICEHOTEL® are – rightly so - very proud to receive such recognition.
ICEHOTEL 365
The hotel now boasts ICEHOTEL 365, a permanent structure, allowing it to be a year-round destination to visitors who travel the world to sleep in a room of ice and snow. Containing deluxe rooms, art suites, an ice bar and a sculpture hall, this environmentally sustainable building is a construct of glass, metal and concrete, but with the same incredible standard and visual design of snow and ice on the inside, with cooling tubes to keep it at a temperature of around -5 at all times.
Alongside this is the classic ICEHOTEL® building, constructed purely of ice and snow and carefully crafted each December, utilising blocks from the nearby Torne River.
Home to ice rooms, winter suites and a chapel the structure is a marvel to see and, come summer, simply melts back into the river from which it came. Each year, architects, designers and artists submit designs for the hotel's features and a handful are chosen to go forward with their theme.
The hotel consists of several buildings including the main ice building and ICEHOTEL 365. We cannot guarantee which area our guests will stay in.
The rooms which are contained within the ice and snow building will not be available until after the 16th of December. Check-in time for the cold rooms is usually around 6 pm and for the warm rooms, it is approximately 3 pm. The ICEHOTEL® is open to members of the public for viewing between 10 am and 6 pm. You will check out after breakfast. Please also note that for all ice accommodation other than Deluxe Suites, bathroom facilities are shared.
Hotel facilities
- The reception is in the main warm building which also houses the lounge area, warm bar, dressing room, luggage room, restaurant and gift shop which sells a selection of ICEHOTEL® themed gifts and locally sourced handicrafts
- Guests who are on a guided tour of the ICEHOTEL® will also visit the large warehouse where you can learn about how the hotel is constructed each season
- The restaurant serves breakfast lunch and dinner which include some wonderful Swedish favourites. The restaurant operates fixed dinner seating times and we highly recommend that you make a reservation in advance with us
- As an alternative, guests can eat at the Homestead Restaurant which is a smaller, rustic restaurant a short walk from the hotel
- The classic ICEHOTEL® building is connected to a warm building which houses the toilets, showers and sauna. There are also lockers in here in which to store your valuables and clothes overnight
- The warm building also has a small number of bunk beds in case you decide your ice room is not for you
Guest room types
The Cold Rooms: the inside of the cold rooms is kept at around -5°C but you will be equipped with arctic grade thermal sleeping bags so you will stay surprisingly warm!
Please take note that the cold rooms are accommodated in two separate buildings. ICEHOTEL 365 is a permanent building constructed of metal, glass and concrete with an ice and snow interior kept cool via cooling tubes. Some rooms are also in the classic ice building which is made wholly of ice and snow and constructed afresh each winter season. We cannot guarantee which area you will stay in although we use ice rooms in the classic ice building as standard.
Ice Rooms (in classic ice building) (only available after 16th December): the ice rooms are the simplest designed rooms which are usually booked as standard. These are made of ice and snow and each contains a mattress topped with reindeer skins and also some ice furniture and carvings. They are closed off from the corridors via thick curtains as opposed to doors, but the thick walls of ice and snow allow for great sound insulation. There are usually around 15 rooms available for guests.
Art Suites (in classic ice building) (only available after 16th December): these are uniquely and beautifully designed by chosen artists around the world each year and offer a wide variety of themes and include intricate sculptures and carvings to reflect this. As with the ice rooms, these have curtains instead of doors and there are around 15 in total for guests to book.
Deluxe Suites (in permanent ICEHOTEL 365 building): the unique and enchanting Deluxe Suites 365 are individually themed and hand-carved by artists commissioned throughout the world, with the designs changing each year. To spend a night amidst the lifelike and exquisite carvings is a surreal and magical experience. You are awoken by sparkling colours which reflect from the ice and cup of hot lingonberry juice at your bedside table. A sauna session then awaits you before you enjoy a delicious breakfast. The Deluxe Suites are part of the new concept ICEHOTEL 365, available all year round thanks to a new specially designed building which is run on solar power. There are three different types of Deluxe suite available.
Deluxe Suite Hilla: the Hilla Suites are beautifully decorated suites available throughout the year. They contain a bathroom, two comfortable armchairs, a shower and a sauna, which is directly connected to the bedroom. A comfortable bed decorated with reindeer hides and inclusive of a thermal sleeping bag lies at the centre. The design is a mixture of local culture and history created by Marjolein Vonk and Pia Sandgren. A heated relaxation area is available which provides storage for your belongings and the suite has doors which lock for your privacy.
Deluxe Suite Jáuvre: these majestic suites are furnished with comfortable Carpe Diem beds covered in reindeer hides and inclusive of a thermal sleeping bag. Inside the room, there is a bathroom, two comfortable armchairs, a shower, sauna and a bathtub. Similarly, to the other suites, the Jáuvre suites are designed with a combination of local culture and history by Marjolein Vonk and Pia Sandgren and they have a heated relaxation area from where you can store all your belongings and the suite has doors which lock for your privacy.
Deluxe Suite Johka: this spacious suite contains a comfortable double bed, a connecting bathroom, two comfortable armchairs and double waterfall showers, which are directly connected to the room. The design features a combination of local culture and history and was created by Marjolein Vonk and Pia Sandgren. A heated relaxation area provides storage for your belongings and the suite has doors which lock for your privacy.
Art Suites 365 (in permanent ICEHOTEL 365 building): these offer the same amenities as the art suites in the classic ice building but being part of the permanent building allows them to have a proper door. Each is independently and artistically designed by chosen artists and architects to reflect new carefully chosen themes each year. There are 12 art 365 suites in total.
The Warm Rooms: for those less keen on sleeping in low temperatures, the ICEHOTEL® also has a number of warm accommodation options:
Kaamos Hotel Room (standard): light and airy, these en-suite rooms have modern décor and furnishings. Each has a double bed or twin beds and TV.
Kaamos Hotel Room (superior): these rooms have the same amenities as the standard Kaamos rooms, however, they have recently been updated and decorated in a contemporary style.
Nordic Hotel Chalet: these are designed to accommodate up to four people. Each has one double/twin bedroom and one room with bunk beds, making them ideal for families or small groups of friends. Each has an ensuite bathroom with shower, small living room with a fridge and kettle and TV.
Arctic Chalet: these have a double and a single room so are best suited to three people. Each chalet is en-suite and has a shower room, a small living area, fridge, kettle, TV and telephone.
Image credits: ICEHOTEL, Jose Carlos, Cabello Millan, Javier Alvaro, Colomino Matassa & Asaf Kliger, Tjasa Gusfors, David Andren, AnnaSofia Maag, Anna Katrin Kraus, Hans Aesch, Rob Harding, Timsam Harding, Luc Voisin, Mathieu Brison, Petros Dermatas, Ellie Souti, Nicolas Triboulot, Cedric Alizard, Sebastian Scheller,Kristina Mockel, Jose Carlos, Cabello Millan, Javier Alvaro, Colomino Matassa, Peter Grant & Magnus Skoglöf & Martin Jakobsson & Imagebank.sweden.se
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Abisko - Aurora sleigh ride
From £242pp
An excellent addition for those who want to really maximise their time at Abisko and spend another evening enjoying an Aurora excursion.
Travelling in a snowmobile-pulled sleigh, your guide will lead you on a hunt for the Northern Lights during a safari lasting around two and a half to three hours.
This is a relaxing activity, as all you have to do is sit back and keep a close watch on the sky for any potential sight of the Aurora. Your guide will select a spot, deep in the mountains, where the light-free skies are ready to provide the perfect backdrop to any potential display of the Northern Lights.
Warm drinks will be enjoyed as you all await the Aurora.
Other options
Activities
Aurora Sky Station
From: £140pp
The Aurora Sky Station is a wonderful Northern Lights viewing base located on Mount Nuolja, 900 metres above sea level in Abisko. To reach the summit you will travel via chairlift and, on a clear night, you can enjoy spectacular views across the mountainous landscape.
At the station, guests can enjoy a lookout tower with panoramic windows, in addition to a Northern Lights exhibition, a café and a souvenir shop.
Read more about this activityAbisko, as an Aurora Zone location, is renowned for its frequently clear night skies, as the prevailing winds and surrounding mountains help to break up cloud cover. This should hopefully ensure that should conditions be right, you will enjoy a wonderful view of the sky, given the minimal light pollution at the station.
Guests should be aware however that the chair lift to get to the station is not covered (you will be provided with warm overalls) so should the weather be unfavourable then the lift will not operate. On these occasions, you will remain in the Aurora Lounge at ground level and enjoy a Northern Lights film and talk. Unfortunately, refunds are not possible.
The popularity of the Sky Station means that we would strongly advise you to book your visit in advance to ensure availability. Please note however that once your date is booked it cannot be cancelled or rearranged should the Aurora and weather conditions be poor.
You will be transferred to the Sky Station at approximately 20:40 and there are three return transfer times available: 22:45, 00:15 and 01:00.
©Katie Lane
Brändön husky safari
From: £202pp
You will head out for a 1.5-hour safari (approximate duration), which will take you through snow-covered forests and across frozen lakes, offering stunning views all around. At the kennels, you will meet with the expert mushers and after a safety briefing, you will be assigned your team of enthusiastic dogs.
Travelling two people per team, you will then head out onto the trails. Back at the kennels, there will be plenty of time to make a fuss of the dogs and take photographs.
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Abisko - snowmobile safari
From: £188pp
One of the many highlights of Abisko is that it is surrounded by spectacular and untouched wilderness and one of the best ways to explore is to set off by snowmobile. These thrilling machines let you cover a great deal of ground more quickly.
Read more about this activityBefore departure, you will be given full instructions and a safety briefing on how to handle the snowmobiles before setting off, two people per snowmobile across frozen lakes and along wide mountain trails.
You will need a full driving licence to drive a snowmobile and should be over 18. You can swap between driver and passenger during the trip. The activity will last for approximately 2 hours.
©Lindsay Correa (client)
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