Northern Scandinavia in Winter
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on an unforgettable multi-day tour through the enchanting landscapes of Finland, Sweden, and Norway. This Arctic adventure begins in Rovaniemi, the heart of Lapland, where you'll explore the cultural and natural wonders of the region. Journey through the charming cities of Lulea and Kiruna, delving into the rich history and traditions of the Sami people. Experience the magic of the Northern Lights in the breathtaking Abisko National Park and Tromso, renowned for its vibrant culture and stunning vistas. With a blend of guided tours, cultural experiences, and opportunities for independent exploration, this tour promises an immersive and captivating journey through the Arctic's most iconic destinations.
Included
7 breakfasts, 1 lunch
OVERNIGHT TRAIN:
Finnish overnight trains are a very comfortable way to travel long distances without losing valuable time to explore the destinations. Compartments usually consist of 3 or 4 berths (2 bottom bunks and 1 or 2 top bunks), lockable doors with key-card access, communal bathroom facilities at the end of each carriage (sink and toilet), and plenty of space for luggage. Blankets, pillows and linen are provided, and each berth has a reading light. The exact layout of the cabin depends on the carriage type the group are allocated to. All trains have heating, however please note that windows can't be opened.
Train , Public bus , Private vehicle
OCCASIONAL ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMODATION:
The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline. On rare occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our usual accommodation. A similar standard of accommodation will be used in these instances.
TWIN SHARE BASIS:
Accommodation on this trip is on a twin/multishare basis. We pair up solo travellers with another traveller of the same gender as per the gender marker on each of their passports. Please note there may be times where facilities will be shared rather than ensuite and rare occasions when you share a room with passengers travelling on different Intrepid trips than your own.
CHECK-IN TIME:
Throughout the trip we request that our hotels prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination.
PRE/POST TRIP ACCOMMODATION:
If you've purchased pre-trip or post-trip accommodation (if available), you may be required to change rooms from your trip accommodation for these extra nights.
FACILITIES:
Your accommodation may not always have private en suite facilities or air-conditioning. European hotels generally don't provide kettles or fridges.
Hotel (5 nights), Guesthouse (2 nights)
hotel: 5 night(s), guesthouse: 2 night(s);
All Intrepid group trips in Europe are accompanied by one of our local European group leaders. ’Local’ in this context means a leader who is European or lives in Europe. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Intrepid endeavours to provide the services of an experienced leader however, due to the seasonality of travel, rare situations may arise where your leader is new to a particular region or training other group leaders. Your leader takes care of logistics, will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects.
At Intrepid we also aim to support local guides in the individual cities or locations we travel to. If you are interested in delving deeper into the local culture at a specific site or location then your leader can recommend an optional local guide service in most of the main destinations of your trip.
Rovaniemi - Welcome meeting
Rovaniemi – Rovaniemi Leader led orientation walk
Rovaniemi - Snow Hotel Entrance
Lulea - Gammelstadt Lantern Tour and Bread baking
Kiruna - Orientation Walk
Abysko NP - Northern Light Hunting Trip
Lapland - Trip to Sami village with lunch
Tromso - Orientation Walk
Tromso - MACK Brewery Guided Visit
Map
Attractions
Daily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Arrival in Rovaniemi
- Rovaniemi - Arrival day
- More
- Santa's Post Office
- Arktikum Science Museum
- More
Welcome to the enchanting city of Rovaniemi, the gateway to the Arctic wilderness. As you arrive, immerse yourself in the vibrant culture and breathtaking landscapes of Lapland. Join your fellow adventurers for a welcome meeting at 6 pm, where you'll get acquainted with the journey ahead. If you arrive early, explore the city at your leisure, perhaps visiting Santa's Workshop or taking a hike through the stunning aapa mires. Conclude your day with an optional welcome dinner, setting the stage for the adventures to come.
Day 2 – Day 2: Discover Rovaniemi
- Rovaniemi
- More
- Ounasvaara Winter Trail
- Arctic Circle Husky Park
- Arktikum Science Museum
- More
Begin your day with a guided orientation walk through Rovaniemi, a city reborn from the ashes of World War II. Known as the official hometown of Santa Claus, Rovaniemi offers a blend of modernity and tradition. Later, venture to the Arctic Snowhotel, a marvel of ice and snow artistry. Return to the city and delve into the Arctic's mysteries at the Arktikum museum. Spend your afternoon biking through the city or exploring the Ounasvaara walking trail, where panoramic views await.
Day 3 – Day 3: Explore Lulea
- Luleå
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- Gammelstad Church Town
- Norrbottens järnvägsmuseum
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Journey to Lulea, a coastal gem in Swedish Lapland, renowned for its charming wooden houses and the historic Nederlulea Church. Participate in a bread-baking workshop at the Hagnan Open-Air Museum, where you'll uncover Swedish baking traditions and folklore. As night falls, visit the UNESCO-listed Gammelstad Church Town, a unique testament to the region's past. With a local guide, explore this historic site by lamplight, and perhaps later, seek out the elusive Northern Lights.
Day 4 – Day 4: Kiruna and Abisko National Park
- Kiruna
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- Abisko National Park
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Travel like a local as you journey by bus to Kiruna, Sweden's northernmost city. Upon arrival, enjoy a guided walk to familiarize yourself with the area. In the evening, venture into the captivating Abisko National Park with a local guide to chase the mesmerizing Northern Lights. As the sky dances with colors, learn about the Viking legends that surround this natural phenomenon.
Day 5 – Day 5: Sami Cultural Experience
- Kiruna
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- Nutti Sámi Siida
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Embark on a cultural journey to a Sami Village, where you'll meet Europe's only recognized Indigenous people. Engage with the locals, learn about their traditions, and understand their deep connection with nature. A local reindeer herder will share stories of how these majestic animals are vital to their way of life. Enjoy a traditional Sami lunch before returning to Kiruna for a relaxing evening.
Day 6 – Day 6: Journey to Tromso
- Tromsø
- Kiruna
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- Narvik War Museum
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Embark on a scenic train ride to Narvik, where you'll have time to explore and learn about its strategic importance during World War II at the Narvik War Museum. After lunch, continue your journey by bus to Tromso, a picturesque city renowned for its vibrant culture and as a prime location to witness the Northern Lights.
Day 7 – Day 7: Explore Tromso
- Tromsø
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Start your day with a guided walk through Tromso, exploring its colorful houses and stunning natural backdrop. Choose your own adventure in the afternoon, perhaps joining a conservation project to support local Arctic owls. Later, regroup with your fellow travelers for a guided tour of MACK Brewery, the world's northernmost brewery, and enjoy a final evening in this captivating city.
Day 8 – Day 8: Farewell Tromso
- Tromsø - Departure day
- More
Conclude your Arctic adventure with a leisurely breakfast in Tromso. With no further activities planned, your journey comes to an end. If you wish to extend your stay and increase your chances of witnessing the Northern Lights, additional accommodation can be arranged.
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