Active holiday in the snow near the Arctic circle in Swedish Lapland
This luxury winter holiday sees you staying on the edge of the Lulea archipelago, an outstandingly beautiful area just below the Arctic Circle in Swedish Lapland. Fly from the UK to Lulea via a short stopover in Stockholm and meet your private transfer to your hotel, a collection of idyllic log cabins each with their own private Jacuzzi. Your three-night stay here will be spent participating in adventurous Arctic activities, from Northern Lights hunting to snowmobile safaris. The activities included in this itinerary are suggestions, and there is a wide range of pursuits available – please ask at the time of enquiry for the full list. Enjoy the authentic cuisine at your hotel whilst relaxing in your log cabin next to the fire, keeping an eye out for the Aurora Borealis through the large north-facing windows. At the end of the holiday transfer back to the airport for your return flight to the UK.
Highlights
Swedish Lapland • Husky sled tour • Snowmobile tour • Northern Lights snowshoe walk
Add-ons in Stockholm
It might be desirable to add two or three nights in Stockholm, either at the beginning or end of this holiday.
Absolutely loved it. Bespoke sense of the trip is very good. Very pleasant and efficient service.Mrs H, Sep 2023
Holiday price guide Available December-April subject to the opening period of the hotel, from £2,730 per person.
From about
£2,730 Low winter season
£2,970 High winter season
Holiday Code SCFH02
We recommend adding on a couple of nights in Stockholm, before or after this holiday.
Call us on 01392 441245
Active holiday in the snow near the Arctic circle in Swedish Lapland
This holiday starts with a flight from London to Lulea, via a short stopover in Stockholm. Upon arrival in Lulea you will be met by a private transfer to take you to the Arctic Retreat, your base for the next three nights. At this time of year the plains will be covered in deep snow, and the hour-long journey from the airport is an excellent introduction to this magical area. Check in to your log cabin and perhaps enjoy a dip in your private Jacuzzi before sampling your first three-course meal, consisting of authentic Swedish dishes crafted with local ingredients including fish, game and berries. This evening you embark on a Northern Lights snowshoe walk. You will be equipped with your winter trekking gear and head north to find a clear view to spot the Aurora Borealis, enjoying stories from your guide en route. The route can be tailored to different fitness levels, and all activities offered in this itinerary are private. At the end of the excursion return to your comfortable accommodation for your first night in Swedish Lapland.
Today your main activity is a dogsledding self-drive excursion. Meet the teams of huskies and go through the instructions of how to control the sled before heading into the wondrous wilderness. You will alternate who is sitting on the sled and who is driving. The tour last roughly 3 and a half hours including lunch, plus half an hour transfers each way. The rest of the day can be spent enjoying your private Jacuzzi or exploring the local forested area, or perhaps you would like to arrange another shorter excursion to fill in the remaining hours either before or after your sumptuous 3-course evening meal.
Your final full day in Swedish Lapland sees you taking a snowmobile safari across the winter landscape. Learn to drive the vehicles before travelling through the boreal forests and across frozen lakes, keeping an eye out for reindeer and other wildlife as you go. This tour includes lunch, and your private experienced guide will direct you and tell stories about life in the northern regions. Return to your cabin in time to relax before enjoying one final dinner that evening.
Today you are transferred from the Arctic Retreat back to Lulea airport, where you catch your flight back to the UK via a stopover in Stockholm.
Absolutely loved it. Bespoke sense of the trip is very good. Very pleasant and efficient service.Mrs H, Sep 2023
Holiday price guide Available December-April subject to the opening period of the hotel, from £2,730 per person.
From about
£2,730 Low winter season
£2,970 High winter season
Holiday Code SCFH02
We recommend adding on a couple of nights in Stockholm, before or after this holiday.
Our prices include
● Scheduled return flights from London to Lulea via Stockholm
● 3 nights’ full board in a Log Cabin at Arctic Retreat, Gunnarsbyn
● Return transfers Lulea airport-Arctic Retreat
● All stated activities at the Arctic Retreat
● Concierge service and Expressions Holidays regional hints
Call us on 01392 441245
Absolutely loved it. Bespoke sense of the trip is very good. Very pleasant and efficient service.Mrs H, Sep 2023
Holiday price guide Available December-April subject to the opening period of the hotel, from £2,730 per person.
From about
£2,730 Low winter season
£2,970 High winter season
Holiday Code SCFH02
We recommend adding on a couple of nights in Stockholm, before or after this holiday.
Our prices include
• Scheduled return flights from London to Lulea via Stockholm
• 3 nights’ full board in a Log Cabin at Arctic Retreat, Gunnarsbyn
• Return transfers Lulea airport-Arctic Retreat
• All stated activities at the Arctic Retreat
• Concierge service and Expressions Holidays regional hints
The journey and how you get there Gunnarsbyn is about 70 kms north of Lulea and about 60 kms south of the Arctic Circle. You fly into Stockholm and then transfer on by air to Lulea, where you are met by a car to take you to the hotel.
Call us on 01392 441245
Active holiday in the snow near the Arctic circle in Swedish Lapland
Absolutely loved it. Bespoke sense of the trip is very good. Very pleasant and efficient service.Mrs H, Sep 2023
Holiday price guide Available December-April subject to the opening period of the hotel, from £2,730 per person.
From about
£2,730 Low winter season
£2,970 High winter season
Holiday Code SCFH02
We recommend adding on a couple of nights in Stockholm, before or after this holiday.
Our prices include
• Scheduled return flights from London to Lulea via Stockholm
• 3 nights’ full board in a Log Cabin at Arctic Retreat, Gunnarsbyn
• Return transfers Lulea airport-Arctic Retreat
• All stated activities at the Arctic Retreat
• Concierge service and Expressions Holidays regional hints
The journey and how you get there Gunnarsbyn is about 70 kms north of Lulea and about 60 kms south of the Arctic Circle. You fly into Stockholm and then transfer on by air to Lulea, where you are met by a car to take you to the hotel.
Call us on 01392 441245
Active holiday in the snow near the Arctic circle in Swedish Lapland
About Sweden
Sweden is a land of diversity and grandiosity, making it an ideal destination for a luxury, tailor-made holiday. The country excels in all areas from rural to urban: the picturesque wilderness of the north abounds in magical splendour, whilst the metropolitan areas to the south offer culture, history and world-class cuisine. Time in the vast northern expanses of imposing mountains, wild forests and foreboding marshes will be spent spotting wild reindeer and embarking on hiking trails and dog sledding. During the winter the night skies are lit up with the wonder of the Aurora Borealis, whilst during the height of summer night is kept almost entirely at bay by the Midnight Sun. Heading further south, waterways and agricultural land ensure a peaceful break indulging in experiencing a more laid-back, yet no less authentic, side of Swedish life. The cities to the south of Sweden offer culture and history through their collection of world-class museums such as the Vasa Museum, castles, cathedrals and restaurants. The capital Stockholm encapsulates all of this with its historic old town, chic restaurants and magnificent Royal Palace. As the largest country in Northern Europe, there are many different ways of travelling the large expanses between locations, the most iconic of which is by train, taking you from the relative warmth of the south to the frozen tundra and snow-capped forests of the north. Sweden is an enticing destination for a holiday in its own right or can be visited in conjunction with the other Scandinavian countries. With a variety of transport options you can experience multiple regions, or perhaps choose to stay in one area for longer to truly get a feel for the majesty of this country.
Highlights of Sweden
Sweden contains over 100,000 lakes, ranging from forest ponds to vast expanses of water such as Vänern, the third largest lake in Europe. Lake swimming is popular activity and there are many opportunities for water sports on some of the smaller lakes. Sweden’s freedom to roam means anyone has the right to explore freely in nature, and there are a great number of hiking trails which will allow you to take full advantage of this. Kungsleden Trail (King’s Trail) is Sweden’s longest and most famous walking trail and will take you through a varied mountain landscape and the Vindelfjällen Nature Reserve, one of the largest protected areas in Europe. Sweden is also known for its wildlife: reindeer live in the northern forests and mountains, whilst moose, wolves and bears can also be spotted in the more remote regions. Further south the landscape is interspersed with glorious castles, the most impressive of which is arguably Drottningholm just outside Stockholm, which dates from the 17th century and was one of the most lavish buildings of its era. Above the Arctic Circle the Northern Lights illuminate the night sky during winter, in stark contrast to the Midnight Sun which keeps night-time at bay during the summer months. Sweden has a strong Viking heritage which can still be seen at archaeological sites of burial mounds, wood huts and museums. Some of the best of these can be seen in the capital of Stockholm, in particular the Viking Museum and the Birka Museum, the latter of which was an important Viking Age trading centre during the 9th century. Stockholm’s Gamla Stan (Old Town) is where the city was founded in 1252 and is home to the city’s cathedral, which has been at the heart of religious and political life in Sweden since its construction in the 13th century. The Royal Palace is the official residence of the King and Queen of Sweden and was built largely during the 18th century in the Italian Baroque style. New Nordic restaurants line the streets and squares, where you can try everything from local game to seafood classics.
Cultural highlights of Sweden
Viking treasure and artefacts in museums around the country. Folk tales and mythology. A wide variety of museums in Stockholm, including the ABBA Museum and the Vasa Museum. Midsummer celebrations in late June. Buffet-style Smögåsbord meals and specialities such as kroppkakor (potato dumplings).
Facts in brief
Capital StockholmAirport Stockholm is the main transport hub for Sweden with four international airports serving the city
Size 173,860 sq. miles
Population 10.2 million
