Scandinavian Northern Lights

5.0/5 Based on 2 Reviews No Booking FeesDedicated Travel Advisor
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 Trip Length
9 Days
 Trip Starts
Helsinki
 Trip Finishes
Stockholm
9 Day Scandinavian Northern Lights Itinerary (Trafalgar)
Countries Explored: Finland, Sweden
Trip Styles
Winter , Regional Explorer
Accommodation
4 Star
Max. Group Size
48
Guide Level
Fully Guided
Trip Code
WSNL

Overview

Read 2 reviews and enjoy exclusive savings on Trafalgar's 9 Day Scandinavian Northern Lights. Snow, Santa Claus and the fascinating culture of the Sámi people await on this arctic adventure in pursuit of the Northern Lights that dance across the dark winter skies of Finland and Sweden.

Itinerary

Welcome to Helsinki! This lively hub for creativity and design is the perfect start to your northern adventure and your search for the mystical Northern Lights.

On arrival, you'll be transferred to your hotel. There's time to freshen up and enjoy the Finnish sauna or rooftop pool before joining your Local Specialist for a city sightseeing tour.

Later, a Welcome Reception will set the tone for your epic Scandinavian adventure. (WR) Stay: Holiday Inn City Centre

Today our flight takes us north from Helsinki, across the Arctic Circle to Ivalo. On arrival, we delve into the centuries-old traditions and heritage of the Sámi people on our MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at the Siida Sámi Museum on the shores of Lake Inari. Explore the museum's collections showcasing the spirit and history of Sámi culture over the centuries, as well as the evolution of the Sámi languages, Northern Lapland's unique natural environment and how this community has survived and indeed thrived in the Arctic's extremes.

Later, a short drive brings us to the enchanting snowy escape of Saariselkä, our home for the next two nights. (B/D) Stay: Santa's Tunturi

Today is your chance to try your hand at some winter activities. Perhaps ride a snowmobile, try snow shoeing, or build yourself a snowman. This evening, you'll want to join an Optional Experience to go out 'hunting' for the Northern Lights with an expert Local Specialist, who will explain this extraordinary phenomenon and maximise your chance of a sighting. (B)

Travel south to Rovaniemi, the official hometown of Santa Claus, where you'll discover the magic of Christmas and Dive Into Culture at Santa's official post office. Send a letter to your loved ones or snap a selfie at the edge of the Arctic Circle before continuing on to visit Rudolph and his friends. Dive Into Culture once more as we visit the home of Santa's sleigh-pullers. Be sure to bundle up for this unique opportunity to get up close and personal with these incredible Arctic creatures.

The perfect finale to this amazing day comes when we check in to tonight's iconic Stays With Stories hotel. Spend the night gazing upwards through your Aurora Cabin's perfectly positioned glass roof in search of the Northern Lights, all while staying warm and cosy in the middle of the Arctic wilderness. (B/D) Stay: Apukka Resort Aurora Cabins

Bid farewell to Finland, bound for Sweden. Today you will visit the unique church village of Gammelstad, UNESCO-listed for its 424 wooden houses built around an early 15th-century stone church, providing visitors with a view of what such a village would have looked like in northern Scandinavia several centuries ago. Continue to Luleå, the largest city in Swedish Lapland. Tonight perhaps join an Optional Experience to enjoy a dinner of locally-sourced Nordic specialties in a stunning lakeside lodge. (B) Stay: Elite Stadshotellet

This morning we venture north to Jokkmokk, an historic meeting place for the indigenous Sámi people for trade and festivals alike. Enjoy a guided tour through the fascinating Ájtte museum, learning the story of life and survival in the demanding northern climate. Continue on to Kiruna, the most northerly town in Sweden, where tonight we will Connect With Locals over a truly unique Be My Guest experience, joining members of a Sámi family for a traditional meal. (B/BMG) Stay: Scandic Kiruna

Today you have a free day to get acquainted with this Swedish mining centre, which is in the process of being relocated a few miles from its original location due to the growing size of the iron mine beneath its surface. Perhaps join a unique Optional Experience, navigating the snowy landscape on a husky safari, holding on tight as the eager dogs race across the white landscape. This exhilarating encounter with one of the most special canine breeds in the world is an experience you'll never forget.

In the afternoon, you might choose to visit the incredible Icehotel on an Optional Experience to marvel at the ice sculptures and have a drink at the Ice Bar. Tonight, be sure to take the last chance to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights in this extraordinary Arctic environment. (B)

This morning we depart the frozen north to fly to Stockholm, Sweden's sophisticated capital. We join a Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour of the city locals refer to as 'beauty on the water', built on 14 islands where the lakes meet the sea.

Tonight, your journey across Lapland in search of the mystical Northern Lights comes to an end with a walk through the cobbled streets of the Old Town and a memorable Farewell Dinner with new friends. (B/FD) Stay: Clarion

As our journey in the snowy Arctic lands of reindeer and Father Christmas comes to an end, the memories of ancient Sámi culture and Nordic traditions in our hearts, we bid a fond farewell to newfound friends. (B)

Trip Inclusions

  • Kiruna: Join a Sami reindeer herder family in their homestead for a traditional meal in their lavvu (tepee) with insights into the way of life of a reindeer herder, their traditions and history.
  • Rovaniemi: Visit Rovaniemi, the hometown of Santa Claus, and meet its famous resident.
  • Rovaniemi: Ride an authentic Sámi reindeer-drawn sleigh, the traditional means of transport in snowy northern Finland.
  • Helsinki: Your Local Specialist will show you the sights of the harbour city. Wander through the aromatic stalls of a traditional food market and sample local produce like liquorice or smoked reindeer before enjoying free time to explore the harbour of this fascinating city of design.
  • Gammelstad: Visit the immaculately-preseved historic trading settlement of Gammelstad. Gain insight into the customs and development of this region as you view the wooden cottages and central stone church.
  • Stockholm: With your Local Specialist, visit Gamla Stan to see the cathedral where Swedish kings have been coronated and wander the narrow streets of the Old Town.
  • Inari: Learn about the Sámi peoples' traditions, culture and history at the Siida Sámi Museum in northern Finland.
  • Explore Helsinki, Gammelstad and Stockholm with a Local Specialist
  • Visit Saariselkä, Siida Sámi Museum, Rovaniemi, Luleå, Jokkmokk, Ájtte Museum, Kiruna and Stockholm City Hall
  • View the Northern Lights (weather permitting)
  • See the Sibelius Monument, the Olympic Stadium, the Opera House and Finlandia Hall in Helsinki, Riddarholmen Church and the Royal Palace in Stockholm
  • Rovaniemi: Gaze up at the Arctic sky keeping a keen eye out for the Northern Lights as you settle in for your overnight's stay in the cosy comfort of your Apukka Resort Aurora Cabin.

  • An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
  • Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
  • All porterage and restaurant gratuities
  • All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
  • Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
  • Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
  • Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
  • Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
  • Flight from Helsinki to Ivalo
  • Flight from Kiruna to Stockholm
  • Optional Experiences (Additional Cost) and free time

  • 1 Welcome Reception (WR)
  • 8 Breakfast (B)
  • 2 Dinner (D)
  • 1 Be My Guest (BMG)
  • 1 Farewell Dinner (FD)

  • Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
  • Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included

Trip Reviews (2) Most Recent 'Scandinavian Northern Lights' Reviews

5.0
AVG. RATING 5.0 / 5
2 Reviews
5 Star
100%
4 Star
3 Star
2 Star
1 Star
Wonderful Scandinavia tour 1 , VIC, Australia, Mar 2023
Had a wonderful Trafalgar tour of Scandinavia to see the Northern Lights. We were very blessed to see the lights over several nights which were amazing and Lapland was so beautiful. The tour guide Goran and driver Jacek were brilliant, I couldn’t fault them. Thanks Georgie for your excellent and efficient service in helping me organise this tour, I ...read more really appreciate it.
Scandinavian Northern Lights 0 , QLD, Australia, Dec 2022
Great experience, should be aware there is no guarantee on seeing the Northern Lights. Global Journeys are a delight to deal with and highly recommend them to book your travel.
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Prices & Dates

There are currently no departures available on this trip. Either it's the end of the season and new departures will be released shortly, or this itinerary has been changed and will no longer continue. Feel free to contact us for information about when next seasons dates will be released or click here to view the general release dates for all destinations.

Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices and trip information are correct at the time at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Trafalgar. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Trafalgar. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.

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