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7 days - stay at the ICEHOTEL | Escorted | Age 10+ children
Celebrate the festive season in the glistening winter wonderland of Northern Sweden. The original ICEHOTEL is located as far as 200km inside the Arctic Circle, in the little village of Jukkasjärvi, and is the ideal place to start your White Christmas adventure. During your stay at ICEHOTEL, enjoy nights in both a warm and Ice room at ICEHOTEL as well as reindeer sledding through the frozen countryside.
Following your stay at ICEHOTEL, transfer to Björkliden, which is in the middle of the Aurora zone, and is considered to be one of best places on earth to see the Aurora Borealis. Arranged evening activities or a short walk to the aurora viewing point above your accommodation allows you a great chance to experience the Northern Lights.
The traditional festive food and drinks, snowy adventures, ceremonies and traditions of Swedish Christmas await you on this unique White Christmas holiday in Swedish Lapland.
This program suits families with children above the age of ten, but please contact us if you have younger children between age 8 and 10.
Highlights include
- Stay in the unforgettable ICEHOTEL, Sweden
- Enjoy great food with your group at the ICEHOTEL restaurant and Björkliden
- Meet the reindeers and sit with the local Sami herders for lunch, go snowmobiling and dog sledding around the mountains and lakes of Björkliden
- Day 1
- 21 December - Arrive in Kiruna
- Day 2
- 22 December - Reindeer Sledding, Ice Sculpting & overnight in an ICE room
- Day 3
- 23 December - Travel to Björkliden
- Day 4
- 24 December - Snowmobile Safari and Christmas Celebrations in Swedish Style
- Day 5
- 25 December - Christmas Day
- Day 6
- 26 December - Dogsledding with evening Northern Lights tour
- Day 7
- 27 December - Departure day
- Start/End Place
- Kiruna, Sweden
- Countries Visited
- Sweden
- Scandinavia
- Duration
- 7 Days
- Group Size
- 2 - 25
- Suitability
- Moderate
- Code
- CAS001
Details
Transportation
Private Car/bus transfers, snowmobile & sled.
Included
- 50 Degrees North escort
- 1 night in a warm room at the ICEHOTEL
- 1 night in an ice room at the ICEHOTEL
- Read more about staying in an ice room here.
- 4 nights in a cabin in Björkliden (including linen and end cleaning).
- Full board from dinner on day 1 to breakfast on day 7
- Ice Sculpting at the ICEHOTEL
- Sámi Culture & Reindeer Excursion
- Dogsledding tour
- Snowmobiling tour
- Northern Lights Experience
- Airport (or train station) pick up on day 1 and drop off on day 7
- Transfer between ICEHOTEL and Björkliden
- 24-hour emergency service
- Taxes and service fees
Not Included
International flight tickets, meals other than described, drinks, travel insurance, visas, gratitudes and any items of personal nature.
Please talk to us if you are considering an upgrade to an Deluxe/Art/Winter Suite at ICEHOTEL.
Please note that Wi-Fi is only available at the main lobby at Björkliden. This is a very comfortable relaxed place to catch up.
Itinerary
Day 1 - 21 December - Arrive in Kiruna
On arrival in Kiruna you will be brought to Jukkasjärvi, and your accommodation at the ICEHOTEL. Wander around ICEHOTEL, check out all the different art suites and enjoy your first day in the Swedish Lapland.
In the evening, enjoy dinner at the ICE Restaurant.
This evening you will stay in a warm room, i.e. a normal hotel room, and enjoy a good long sleep.
Meals
1 DinnerAccommodation
Warm room at the ICEHOTELDay 2 - 22 December - Reindeer Sledding, Ice Sculpting & overnight in an ICE room
After breakfast, join our Sámi guide to the reindeer camp for an encounter with the reindeer and Sámi culture. Feed the reindeer calves who approach you curiously, and try reindeer sledding around a short track. Enjoy lunch inside the traditional Sami tent.
In the afternoon, get ready to find your inner ice artist. Guided by the local artists and using the ice from Torne River, let yourself be guided into the magical world of ice sculpting.
Dinner tonight will be enjoyed at the homely restaurant The Old Homestead (Hembygdsgården).
In the evening you can enjoy a drink in the uber-cool icebar before settling into your room at ICEHOTEL. Inside ICEHOTEL, the temperature is never colder than -5 °C to -8 °C, regardless of how cold it may be outside. Dress in warm thermal underwear, put on a hat and slip into the cozy sleeping bag. You are awakened in the morning with a cup of hot lingonberry juice at your bedside. Breakfast buffet, morning sauna and towels are included in your stay.
Meals
1 Breakfast1 Lunch
1 Dinner
Accommodation
Cold ICE room at the ICEHOTELOptional Add Ons
Day 3 - 23 December - Travel to Björkliden
After breakfast we will follow the Torne River travelling to Björkliden, located near the Abisko National Park. On the way we will make a stop in Kiruna for a short tour and lunch. Your home for the next four nights is located on the mountain slope with fantastic views over the mountains.
On arrival to Björkliden, settle into your cabin and get to know the area.
This region, in the middle of the Aurora zone, is considered to be the best place on earth to see the Aurora Borealis. With its fresh, clean air and its practically permanent cloud-free sky the prerequisites in Abisko are optimal. More or less active northern lights can be seen almost every night, however, can never be guaranteed.
Winter activities:
You will join 3 excursions (snowmobiling, dogsledding, Northern Lights experience) over the next 3 days (24-26DEC2018). Please note that the schedule below is indicative only. Part of our group will have one excursion each day and part of our group will have the 3 excursions during 2 days (with one day free to explore the local area or relax in your cabin). During your free time, you have the option to go downhill skiing (depending on the snow levels), ice climbing, snowshoeing or more.
Meals
1 Breakfast1 Lunch
1 Dinner
Accommodation
Cabins in Björkliden - one available with private outdoor jacuzzi.Day 4 - 24 December - Snowmobile Safari and Christmas Celebrations in Swedish Style
We Scandinavians celebrate Christmas on the 24th of December.
Today we will take you on an exciting snowmobile safari. Riding a snowmobile through a beautiful winter landscape is a liberating feeling, just like surfing or riding a motorbike. If you haven't tried it, it's a must. If you have, you're going to want to do it again.
Traditional Christmas Eve Dinner will be served at Restaurant Lapporten - locals will be dressed up in evening suits celebrating alongside you. Spend the evening at your leisure or join the Christmas movies viewing in the main bulding. Or why not go for a walk outside to try and catch those magical Northern Lights again?
Santa Claus will also make an appearance either during the afternoon or evening in the lobby, so make sure you are there. Your escort will give you further details. This Swedish Santa will hand out small local gifts to the children.
Meals
1 Breakfast1 Lunch
1 Dinner
Accommodation
Cabin in BjörklidenDay 5 - 25 December - Christmas Day
Spend a relaxing morning at your cabin or head out for an optional downhill ski adventure. If you prefer to get away from the pulse near the lifts, pistes and après-ski here await cross-country skiing and ski touring.
Meals
1 Breakfast1 Lunch
1 Dinner
Accommodation
Cabin in BjörklidenDay 6 - 26 December - Dogsledding with evening Northern Lights tour
After breakfast join an exhilarating dogsledding tour. It's hard to get closer to nature. Glide across the blanket of snow to the sound of the runners and the panting of the dogs. The journey will take us out into the magnificent mountain landscape where we enjoy views that stretch for miles.
Travel through the snowy landscapes and recline comfortably in a large sled as your guide tells you stories about postmen, explorers and hunters who used to choose dog teams as a means of transport through the wilderness.
Traditional Dinner at the restaurant in the evening before heading out this evening for a Northern Lights snowshoe tour. You travel by snowshoes to a a hut situated 1,5 km from the hotel. It’s up there! Without interfering artificial light, the Northern Lights can be seen at their finest. The guide will tell your more about the magic of Northern Lights and the Björkliden area.
Meals
1 Breakfast1 Lunch
1 Dinner
Accommodation
Cabin in BjörklidenDay 7 - 27 December - Departure day
After breakfast, transfer to Kiruna airport is included. Fly out of Kiruna just after midday, or continue to your next destination by train.
Meals
1 BreakfastTwin/Double price is per person for 2 people sharing. Family Quad Total is the price for a family of 4 sharing a room/cabin (2 adults and 2 children between age 8-11).
27 Dec 2019
27 Dec 2019
Important Information
Downhill skiing possible during free time in Björkliden, subject to snow and weather conditions.
Please note that during your stay at Björkliden, there is an uphill walk from the cabins to the reception and restaurant. There is a small free downhill skiing slope near the cabins. Ski hire and toboagganing is available close by.
There are several types of accommodation available at Björkliden - please ask us about the details. Some of the accommodation options at Björkliden have bunk beds for the children/teenagers, which might suit some families and not others. We can walk you through what is available and customise the tour for your family.
With the optional activities, you can book in advance and they are available according to weekly activity program. You can take a chance and book on arrival if you decide to add anything.
Gallery
Interactive Tour Map
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If you want to commit to a booking please use the Book Tour form below.
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Travel Insurance
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory for all tours with 50 Degrees North. Please ensure that you have this organised as we will need to see proof of this upon issuing your tour documentation. Please contact us for a quote or visit http://www.suresave.net.au/
Practical Information for travelling and packing for Scandinavian Winter
Recommended Scandinavian Winter Tour Packing List:
- Warm wind and water proof jacket and trousers large enough to fit thick woollen jumper/clothing underneath
- Rain trousers – waterproof and breathable material
- Warm windproof cap/hat
- Warm gloves or mittens. Mittens where all fingers except the thumb are together are often warmer than gloves.
- Windproof gloves or mittens, which you can pull over the warm gloves
- Warm scarf
- 2 pairs of long woollen underwear (Merino wool in a few different thicknesses is perfect)
- 1-2 warm woollen jumper(s), or one jumper and a warm fleece
- Woollen or fleece trousers
- 2-3 pairs of warm woollen socks
- Warm & sturdy footwear with good grip
- Clothes for indoors, i.e. a shirt, T-shirts and jeans or cotton trousers
- Back pack for day trips (approx. 30 litre)
- Light footwear/trainers (mainly for indoors)
- Sun screen & Lip salve (the sun reflects off the snow and the air is dry)
- Sunglasses
- Hand warmers
- Nordic Grip anti-slip soles for walking on ice
- Personal medication
- Water bottle - thermo, or include a cover to keep warm (or you can stick it into a warm sock)
- Travel documents (including insurance)
- Photo ID
- Note book and pencil
- Camera, memory cards and charger
- Chargers for other gadgets
- Extra batteries for your cameras as they are used fast in cold conditions.
- Adapters
Optional Excursions at the ICEHOTEL
OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS AT THE ICEHOTEL
At 50 Degrees North, we generally include at least one of our favourite activities into your tailor-made itinerary but there will also be extra time when you could add something extra. There are lots of different optional excursions to enjoy during your stay at the ICEHOTEL. Now that it is open 365 days a year, the range is even wider.
During the summer months, enjoy the 24-hour daylight with kayaking, hiking or bike riding. You can rent your own equipment for half or whole day adventures.
An indication of what can be rented during your ICEHOTEL 365 stay:
- Canoe: Whole day SEK 395 Half day SEK 295
- XC BIKES (Cross Country bikes): Whole day SEK 395 Half day SEK 295
- SUP (Stand Up Paddle): Whole day SEK 395 Half day SEK 295
- Fishing equipment: Whole day SEK 295 incl. fishing permit
During summer, autumn & spring, optional activities include:
- Meet the Reindeer
- Challenge Park
- Wilderness Skills
- Wilderness Dinner
- Jukkasjärvi Sauna ritual
- Fishing adventures
- Expedition Flow of the Iron ore
- River rafting
During winter, optional activities include:
- Ice sculpturing
- Reindeer sledding
- Snow mobile adventures
- Dog sledding
- Saunas
- Northern Lights photography
- Horseback moose safari
- Cross country skiing
- Wilderness Skills
- Northern Lights by horseback
- Jukkasjärvi Sauna ritual including ICE PLUNGE - do you dare?
Prices and validity dates vary - we will assist you with up to date information at the time of booking.
ICEHOTEL OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES CONDITIONS:
The tours always include top quality equipment and our guides are trained in wilderness safety and touring in Arctic climate. Your tour begins with an introduction and safety demonstration by the guide. All outdoor activities are weather dependent and may be cancelled or replaced by more suitable alternatives should the conditions not permit to run the tour as planned. The snow depth at the beginning and end of the season determines start and finish dates for activities.
All tours start and finish at ICEHOTEL Meeting Point, Jukkasjärvi. Please note that there must be a minimum of two adults per tour, as it will otherwise be cancelled.
We also recommend you calculate for some “warm time” between activities, for you to go inside for a couple of hours, change clothing if necessary and re-heat.
Never shower, wash your face or put on water-based creams or make-up before going out on an excursion as this means you remove the skin’s natural protective layer of oil and you are more exposed to the cold.
ICEHOTEL ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION
The activities start and finish at ICEHOTEL meeting point so no transfers to/from the activity are necessary. Our snowmobiles are purchased from contractors who are leading in environmental sustainability. The machines have four stroke engines that are environmentally friendly and not very noisy so good for our guides and our neighbours too. All vehicles are run on unleaded petrol or environmentally friendly diesel. ICEHOTEL staff or our suppliers prepare and maintains the snowmobile and dog sledding tracks so that we can ensure that it is done in a way that is not harmful for our surroundings. ICEHOTEL management works closely with local land-owners and Sámi villages to continuously maintain sustainable levels of land-use in connection with our activities. ICEHOTEL seeks to work with local suppliers of food in order to minimise our carbon footprint and promote local entrepreneurs. ICEHOTEL strives to avoid using disposable items where possible.
We recycle and re-use as much as possible and our guides always bring back wastage from the tours to dispose or recycle at the main hotel facilities. ICEHOTEL has set out a goal to become CO2 negative, which means that we will contribute to producing more energy than we consume.
SAFETY & INSURANCE INFORMATION
All our guides are trained and hold the Swedish Transport Board’s permission to work as a snowmobile guide. All snowmobile tours begin with an induction to the vehicle that you will be driving. Should a damage occur during a tour, the snowmobile will be inspected and if necessary taken out of service to be repaired until it can run on tour again. In order to drive a snowmobile on a tour operated by ICEHOTEL, you must be at least 16 years of age and have a driver’s license. If your license has been issued before Jan 1, 2000, you are entitled to drive snowmobile on your own or in connection with a guided tour.
If your license was issued after this date, you are only eligible to drive a snowmobile under the supervision of a certified guide. To attend Ice driving as a driver, you must be at least 18 years of age and have a driver’s license that is valid in Sweden. If you are unsure, please check with our Destination Specialists. Alcohol must not be consumed prior to or in connection with a
snowmobile or ice driving activity. A breath alcohol test may be carried out prior to the tour and ICEHOTEL reserves the right to refuse your participation without refund if levels are found to be too high. All our guides are trained in wilderness safety and to prevent associated dangers such as frost bite. First aid and other health and safety equipment are always brought on the tour and our health and safety policies are developed in collaboration with the local emergency services. ICEHOTEL provides necessary safety equipment for our activities, e.g. helmets for the snowmobile and ráidu tours. Crossing frozen rivers is always done by ICEHOTEL snowmobile guides before customers in order to check the resilience of the ice. Despite this, accidents may still occur.
Booking an optional tour:
We recommend that you book your activities at least three weeks prior to your stay, to ensure that there is space for you on the excursions that you are interested in.