Finland and Sweden: Arctic Circle, Ice Breaker and Swedish Lapland
- Details
Details
Embark on an unforgettable winter adventure with our exclusive multi-destination trip to Finland and Sweden, designed to immerse you in the magic of the Arctic. From December to March, our tour offers an exhilarating mix of cultural experiences, thrilling activities, and serene landscapes. Your journey begins with a three-night stay in the cosy and charming Hotelli Metsähirvas in Finland, where you'll explore the enchanting Santa Claus Village, get to cross the Arctic Circle line, and take part in a thrilling husky safari through pristine snowy forests. The magic of winter continues with an exhilarating Northern Lights snowmobiling excursion, giving you a front-row seat to natures most spectacular light show. Hotelli Metsähirvas is steeped in history, look out for clues about its past peppered around the building.
Next, you'll spend a night in a luxurious seaside glass villa at Kemi, Finland, looking out at the frozen Baltic Sea. Here, you'll experience the Icebreaker Arktis Blue Moment, a unique adventure that lets you witness the powerful icebreaker plough through the frozen Gulf of Bothnia; you even have the chance to float in the icy sea, should you want to.
Your journey concludes with a three-night stay in an inviting cabin at Brändön Lodge in Sweden, where you'll dive deeper into the Arctic wilderness. Enjoy Northern Lights snowshoeing, a peaceful trek that will hopefully bring you face-to-face with the Aurora Borealis. Discover the rich culture of the Sami people with an authentic reindeer experience, gaining insights into their traditional way of life, and enjoy a rejuvenating sauna and hot tub session, perfectly blending relaxation with stunning winter scenery. As you unwind, let the beauty of the icy seascape captivate your senses, creating memories that will last a lifetime. Each day of this tour is meticulously crafted to offer a perfect blend of excitement, culture, and relaxation, ensuring an extraordinary winter holiday in the heart of the Arctic.
Important Information
Itinerary
Your day begins with a buffet breakfast at Hotelli Metsähirvas, providing the energy needed for the thrilling activities planned. The morning kicks off with a 2.5 hour husky safari, where you will experience the exhilaration of mushing your own team of huskies through snow-covered landscapes. Your guide will provide a full safety briefing and instructions on how to navigate the sled. The sleds are for 2 people and you’ll have the chance to swap drivers along the way. After the activity, you’ll then return to the hotel for a hearty lunch.
Tonight, venture out on a thrilling journey through the pristine Finnish wilderness under the starlit sky. Your guide will provide a full safety lesson and instruction before setting off. As you navigate the snowy trails, the thrill of the ride is heightened by the anticipation of witnessing the magical Aurora Borealis illuminating the night. This guided adventure combines the excitement of snowmobiling with the awe-inspiring beauty of the Northern Lights, should conditions be favourable. Please note that all drivers must be over 18 years old and hold a valid driving licence. The safari will last for approximately 2.5 hours.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Following another delicious breakfast, you will be transferred to the enchanting Santa Claus Village. We have arranged return transfers for you, with the day spent exploring on your own. There are plenty of things to do at Santa Claus Village: immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere, meet Santa, visit Santa’s post office, and explore the charming shops and attractions. Soak up the holiday spirit before transferring back to Hotelli Metsähirvas later today, where you can relax and savour a delightful dinner.
Lunch at Santa Claus Village is not included today, however, should you only wish to spend a short time there, you can enjoy lunch back at the hotel.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch (at hotel), Dinner
After breakfast at Hotelli Metsähirvas, you will be transferred to Kemi Sea Villas, arriving just in time for an early lunch. The transfer time is approximately 1.5 hours. In the afternoon, a shuttle will take you to the harbour for the unique Icebreaker Arktis Blue Moment cruise. This once-in-a-lifetime adventure takes you through the frozen Gulf of Bothnia, offering you a chance to marvel at the ship’s powerful ability to break through the thick sea ice. During the cruise, guests have the unique opportunity to don survival suits and float amidst the ice floes, providing an exhilarating and surreal experience. This extraordinary journey combines breathtaking Arctic landscapes with the thrill of an ice dip!
Upon returning to the Sea Villas, take a tour of the SnowExperience, admiring the intricate ice and snow art, as well as the incredible ice bar.
Your day concludes with an exquisite snow and ice tasting menu dinner, followed by an overnight stay in a sea view villa, offering breathtaking views of the frozen seascape.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Start your day with a buffet breakfast at Brändön Lodge. Today is a free day, giving you the opportunity to relax or choose from a variety of additional activities available in the area. Whether you opt for ice fishing, cross-country skiing, or Nordic Winter Skills, there are plenty of ways to explore and enjoy the Arctic landscape. See our ‘Personalise Tour’ tab and speak to one of our Travel Experts for further information.
In the evening, prepare for an exploration of the Arctic’s beauty with a guided Northern Lights Snowshoeing tour. As you trek through the snowy terrain, there’s a chance to witness the mesmerising Aurora Borealis dancing across the night sky. You’ll be out for approximately 3 hours this evening.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
What's included?
- Transfers: Airport transfer from Rovaniemi Airport to Hotelli Metsähirvas, return transfers to Santa Claus Village, taxi transfer from Hotelli Metsähirvas to Kemi Sea Villas, return group shuttle transfer from Kemi Sea Villas to harbour, taxi transfe
- Accommodation: 3 nights’ accommodation in a standard double/twin room at Hotelli Metsähirvas, 1 night accommodation in a twin seaside premium glass villa at Kemi, and 3 nights’ accommodation in a cabin at Brändön Lodge
- Meals: 7 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 7 Dinners
- Activities: Husky Safari, Santa Claus Village Visit, Northern Lights Snowmobiling, Icebreaker Arktis Blue Moment, SnowExperience, Sauna and Hot Tub Session, Northern Lights Snowshoeing and Sami Reindeer Experience
- Cold weather clothing during activities
- Fully qualified guides and instructors during activities
- 24/7 assistance from our UK based operations team and in destination support from our local partners
Excluded
- Flights are not included – please speak to our Travel Experts for a quote if you wish to include these
Accommodation
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- Restaurant Saihu and Lounge Bar: Enjoy a wide variety of local and international dishes including deer from the local hunting club, berries foraged by the staff and homemade spruce tree syrup
- Sauna and Spa: Experience the authentic Finnish sauna, a must-try during your stay. The spa area may also offer additional wellness treatments.
- Lounge and Common Areas: Relax in the cosy lounge areas, where you can socialise with other guests or simply enjoy some quiet time.
- Laundry Services: Laundry facilities or services are available to help you keep your clothing clean during your stay.
- 24-Hour Reception: A round-the-clock reception desk ensures you receive support and assistance at any time.
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Discover unparalleled luxury and Arctic charm at Kemi Seaside Glass Villas, where each villa offers a breathtaking view of the frozen Gulf of Bothnia, with two glass walls and a partial glass roof. Nestled in the heart of Finland’s winter wonderland, these exclusive accommodations provide a unique retreat amidst nature’s icy splendour.
Each villa is designed to enhance comfort and relaxation amidst the Arctic landscape, including twin beds, en-suite shower and toilet, kitchenette with coffee & tea maker, and free WiFi.
Facilities
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Igloo-style dining room where guests can enjoy gourmet meals with a unique icy ambiance.
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Personalised concierge services to cater to every guest’s needs and preferences.
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Outdoor terrace or balcony for enjoying the Northern Lights or Arctic sunsets in privacy and comfort.
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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
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Personalise This Tour
Ice fishing is an incredibly popular activity in the Nordic Countries. You will be led to a fishing spot in a snowmobile-pulled sled.
Your guide will demonstrate how to drill through the ice and set up a fishing line.
Duration: 2 hours
Have some fun in the snow as you learn how to travel across the frozen wilderness just like the locals do. During this cross-country skiing activity, you’ll explore the winter wonderland surroundings of the lodge and get a real back-to-nature experience of the Lappish landscape.
Your local guide will teach you all the techniques needed to use the cross-country ski equipment. Then, once you are fitted with your skis, you will follow your guide along the snowy trails.
The weather and snow conditions will determine which route you will take – either along the solid-frozen sea, through the enchanting forest or gliding across the specially-carved snowmobile tracks. You will also stop to warm up with hot drinks along the way and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
Duration: 2 hours
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
After an early dinner, you will have a short transfer to the nearby home of Ulf Jonsson, an amateur consultant of aviation, space and photography who has built his own small, but fantastic, observatory.
Ulf will take you through the range of binoculars and telescopes on offer. Then, the roll-away roof will reveal the night sky and you’ll get a brilliant view of the wonders overhead.
Ulf will point out constellations and explain how different cultures perceive the stars. If the moon is visible, you can track along the surface to observe the craters and mountain ranges. Of course, the real highlight in this part of the world is the Northern Lights and if conditions are favourable, you may get one of the most detailed views of this wonder. Should the Auroras appear, Ulf will also help you with your camera settings to capture this special moment.
Duration: 3 hours, including transfers
| Tour Loaction: | Lulea,Sweden |
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| Tour Loaction: | Lulea,Sweden |
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| Tour Loaction: | Lulea,Sweden |
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| Tour Loaction: | Lulea,Sweden |
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| Tour Loaction: | Lulea,Sweden |
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Tour Map
Additional Info
Price is based on 2 persons travelling
Tour terms, click here
Booking conditions, click here
Please note that the following cancellation terms supersede in part those mentioned in Section 7 of our general booking terms and conditions.?
– Up to balance due date (This is normally 16 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 92 days prior to departure – 50%
– 91 to 47 days prior to departure – 75%
– 46 or less days – 100%
Key Facts
For your best chance to see the Northern Lights, contact the UK’s only Aurora specialists
