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    11 days - Independent tour - Staying at ICEHOTEL, Tromsø and 3 nights in Glass Igloos.

    Scandinavian Lapland offers a great range of comfortable Nordic style accommodations and activities with an added bonus of the mesmerising Northern Lights. During the day, you get to know huskies and reindeers, and at night, our guides will take you out on snowshoes and snowmobiles to ‘hunt’ for the Aurora Borealis.

    Experience the vastness of Finnish Lapland, a stay in glass igloos, the incredible wild scenery of coastal Norway and the original ICEHOTEL located in the little village of Jukkasjärvi.

    Highlights include

    • Enjoy staying at boutique lodges and travel between destinations in a minibus/transfer depending on size of group
    • ICEHOTEL stay, discover silence, Northern Lights, glistening snow clad forests, reindeer, cloudberries, kettle coffee and much more
    • 3 nights in a Glass Igloo in Finland
    • Visit Tromsø, Norway's Northern Lights hub
    • Cruise along the Norwegian Coast
    • Visit Finland, Norway and Sweden in 11 days, all above the Arctic Circle
    Day 1
    Welcome to Lapland and transfer to your glass igloo accommodation
    Day 2
    Husky Safari
    Day 3
    Fat biking and Snowmobiling evening Northern Lights tour
    Day 4
    Travel to Tromsø - the middle of the Aurora Borealis zone
    Day 5
    Visit the Polar Museum and city walk
    Day 6
    Encounter with a local reindeer and Sámi culture, then Northern Lights Silent Evening Cruise with five-course tasting dinner
    Day 7
    Travel to Abisko by express boat along Norwegian coast, minibus into Sweden
    Day 8
    Snowshoe hike and then Abisko Sky Station Evening visit
    Day 9
    Travel to ICEHOTEL & stay in an Ice room
    Day 10
    Ice sculpting and exploring the ICEHOTEL
    Day 11
    Departure day
    Start Place
    Kittilä, Finland, Finland
    End Place
    Kiruna, Sweden
    Destinations Visited
    Finland
    Norway
    Sweden
    Duration
    11 Days
    Start Date
    Scheduled
    Travel Style
    Independent
    Suitability
    Independent holiday with moderately active activities and no luggage handling included
    Code
    50DN0505

    Please note that all our itineraries, inclusions, dates and prices displayed on this website may change at any time. If you book an itinerary today and have this confirmed it will be the itinerary that is delivered to you. However, the online itinerary on our website may change in the meantime.

    As a Certified B Corporation, 50 Degrees North has designed this tour using handpicked local hoteliers and suppliers who share our ethos of delivering services and activities of high social and environmental standards.

    The CO2-e per person per day of all tours is carefully measured following each season. We fully offset all emissions of our tours on your behalf, and we constantly look at ways to reduce emissions where possible.

    Details

    Transportation
    • Transfers to and from airports to accommodation
    • Bus Levi - Tromsø (public bus)
    • Express boat Tromsø to Harstad
    • Private transfer Harstad to Abisko
    • Train from Abisko to Kiruna
    • Transfer to ICEHOTEL and transfers back to Kiruna
    • 24-hour emergency service
    • Taxes and service fees
    Included
    • All accommodation in a shared double/twin room, single supplement available
    • 1 night in ice room at ICEHOTEL
    • 3 nights in a glass igloo
    • Daily breakfast
    • Airport transfers days 1 and 11
    • Snowshoeing or fatbiking with Northern Lights snowmobiling
    • Husky ride in Finland
    • Tromsø city walk
    • Sami and Reindeer experience near Tromsø
    • Northern Lights Cuisine Cruise
    • Snowshoe walk in Sweden
    • Night visit to the Aurora Sky Station
    • Ice sculpturing at the ICEHOTEL
    • All transport between destinations, coach/scheduled transfer between Kittilä - Tromsø and Harstad to Abisko. Private taxi transfer to ICEHOTEL from Kiruna train station and from ICEHOTEL to Kiruna Airport.
    Not Included
    • Meals not specified in the itinerary
    • Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
    • Gratuities and items of personal nature
    • Travel insurance

    Itinerary

    Day 1 - Welcome to Lapland and transfer to your glass igloo accommodation

    Arrive into the small airport of Kittilä and transfer to your accommodation, check in from 4pm.

    Each glass igloo has a kitchenette, shower and toilet. The windows are insulated and electrically heated to keep them from frosting. The kitchenette is equipped with a breakfast set for two, electric stove, microwave, coffee maker and kettle, toaster and fridge. In addition, the igloos have a radio/CD player, a hair dryer and a socket for car engine heaters.

    At the centre of the igloo is a motorised double bed that can be converted into twin beds.

    This evening, dine at your accommodation restaurant, Restaurant Aurora Sky - open from 6pm.

    Meals
    1 Dinner
    Accommodation
    Levi Glass Igloos

    Day 2 - Husky Safari

    Mid morning, start your arctic experience with huskies! After the safety instructions start your 8km safari and enjoy the silence and beautiful winter scenery of Levi. Everyone will get a chance to mush their own husky team (one driving, one is sitting on a sledge). After the trip warm drinks will be served by the open fire.

    Afterwards, why not spend the afternoon in Levi where you can enjoy the local restaurants and cafes or join more optional activities. Downhill Skiing is also an afternoon option!

    Meals
    1 Breakfast
    Accommodation
    Levi Glass Igloos

    Day 3 - Fat biking and Snowmobiling evening Northern Lights tour

    Fat Bikes are bicycles with huge fat tires so they roll well even on snow! Electronic engine assists you as you pedal through the forest trails, taking the scenic route to see a perfect landscape view and to take some photos. Try to keep the smile off your face during this two hour adventure.

    After resting this afternoon, head out for an evening snowmobile drive to search for Northern Lights. Your guide, a professional Aurora Hunter will lead you through the snowy forests and frozen waters away from any artificial lights. It’s really exciting to drive at night. You might even see some white rabbits or reindeer in your headlights. If lucky, there might be beautiful Northern Lights above you. Warm drinks served during the safari.

    Return to your glass igloo.

    Meals
    1 Breakfast
    Accommodation
    Levi Glass Igloos

    Day 4 - Travel to Tromsø - the middle of the Aurora Borealis zone

    After breakfast, board your bus to travel to Tromsø, 6-hours north across the Norwegian border. Tromsø is the gateway to the Arctic and one of the best and most cosmopolitan places to observe the spectacle that is called the Northern Lights. Tromsø is located in the middle of the Aurora Borealis zone, and following the planet’s rotation, Tromsø moves into the aurora zone from 6pm to midnight.

    Meals
    1 Breakfast
    Accommodation
    Clarion Hotel The Edge
    Restaurants
    Restaurant options in Tromsø

    Day 5 - Visit the Polar Museum and city walk

    After breakfast, you are met by our guide at your hotel and brought outdoors on a historical and cultural city walk through Tromsø city. During this walk you visit the Polar Museum with your guide. This museum contains the history of the Arctic explorers Amundsen, Nansen and Scott. The walk ends at the Polaria aquarium and environmental centre.

    The rest of the day is free to wander around in this Arctic capital  - if it is a bit fresh outside, explore the lovely cafes & galleries.

    Clear night - be sure to head up to the cable car and observatory to look for the Northern Lights!

    Meals
    1 Breakfast
    Accommodation
    Clarion Hotel The Edge
    Restaurants
    Skarven

    Day 6 - Encounter with a local reindeer and Sámi culture, then Northern Lights Silent Evening Cruise with five-course tasting dinner

    After breakfast, start your Sami experience by hand-feeding a herd of 300 reindeer before entering the gamme tent for a hot traditional meal cooked over the fire. Finish the day by gathering around the fire to enjoy joiking (traditional Sami songs), Sami history and stories.

    In the evening, join a Northern Lights Cuisine Cruise in complete silence around the Arctic capital and enjoy the city from the sea. Take in the atmospheric arctic night over a local and seasonal tasting menu. On board the electric catamaran there is served a five-course taste of Northern Norway. Buy the drinks from the bar and enjoy the panoramic view of the well-known sights around Tromsø. Sailing on board the electric catamaran away from the light pollution of the city you might see the Northern Lights from deck, or from the panoramic saloon on the second floor. The darkness of the ocean will reflect the stars and Northern Lights as the snow-covered peaks offer a majestic backdrop. The experienced guide will share knowledge from life in the arctic, the coastal culture of Norway and the Nordic cuisine. Arrival back in Tromsø 22.30

    Meals
    1 Breakfast
    1 Dinner
    Accommodation
    Clarion Hotel The Edge

    Day 7 - Travel to Abisko by express boat along Norwegian coast, minibus into Sweden

    In the mid-morning you will make your way to the port and board the express service along the coast south to Harstad. On arrival in Harstad you will be picked up by our local friends for a 3-4 hour minibus transfer through winter landscapes to Abisko in Sweden.

    Dinner at the hotel's restaurant. This evening, join a snowshoe hike to search for the Northern Lights.

    Meals
    1 Breakfast
    1 Dinner
    Accommodation
    Abisko Tourist Station or similar

    Day 8 - Snowshoe hike and then Abisko Sky Station Evening visit

    Head out this morning on a guided snow shoe hike around the surrounding lake and mountain areas. Enjoy a free afternoon exploring the small village.

    After dinner at the hotel, visit the Abisko Aurora Sky Station. Abisko, 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 over the winter months, however they can never be 100% guaranteed.

    If you wish to enjoy dinner at the sky station (not included in tour), we would recommend booking beforehand. We can do this for you if you would like.

    Meals
    1 Breakfast
    1 Dinner
    Accommodation
    Abisko Tourist Station or similar

    Day 9 - Travel to ICEHOTEL & stay in an Ice room

    Take the local train to Kiruna and transfer to the ICEHOTEL. Wander around the ICEHOTEL and check out all the different art suites.

    Enjoy a drink in the uber-cool icebar before settling into your snow room at the ICEHOTEL. Choose between two restaurants: The ICE Restaurant with an "Ice Menu" or the Old Homestead with a more traditional feel.

    This evening, you will settle into your ice room for the night. Sleep in thermal sleeping bags laid out on reindeer skins on a special bed made of snow and ice.

    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.

    Note: The ICEHOTEL loans you snow boots and for those who feel cold, onesie snow suits - both free of charge.

    Meals
    1 Breakfast
    Accommodation
    ICEHOTEL

    Day 10 - Ice sculpting and exploring the ICEHOTEL

    Today, led by local artists and using the ice from Torne River, let yourself be guided into the magical world of ice sculpting.

    This evening you will stay in a warm room, i.e. a normal hotel room and enjoy a good long sleep.

    Meals
    1 Breakfast
    Accommodation
    ICEHOTEL

    Day 11 - Departure day

    After breakfast, transfer back to Kiruna for your departure.

    Meals
    1 Breakfast
    Dates & Prices

    Please note all prices are per person in double/twin share.

    The trip runs almost weekly from January 2025 to March 2025 with fixed departures from Kittilä selected Wednesday.

    This is an indicative price and date.

    PLEASE NOTE: The following dates are not available as independent departure but can be booked with our Lapland Highlights Escorted Small Group Tour: 20 Jan, 3 Feb, 17 Feb and 3 Mar 2025. The escorted version of this tour includes a private mini-bus between Kittilä - Tromsø, group escort and slightly different activities and accommodation. Please contact us for further information.

    Dates
    Start Date
    End Date
    From Price
    Status
    Accommodation
    8 Jan 2025
    18 Jan 2025
    8 Jan 2025
    18 Jan 2025
    GBP 5,007
    On request
    Standard
    19 Jan 2025
    31 Jan 2025
    19 Jan 2025
    31 Jan 2025
    GBP 4,997
    On request
    Standard
    1 Feb 2025
    2 Mar 2025
    1 Feb 2025
    2 Mar 2025
    GBP 4,997
    On request
    Standard
    3 Mar 2025
    6 Apr 2025
    3 Mar 2025
    6 Apr 2025
    GBP 4,997
    On request
    Standard

    Important Information

    Please note that the itinerary and price is subject to availability. We do our utmost to create an itinerary as close to this published tour as possible. Activities are subject to change due to updated schedules.

    Read about staying overnight at the ICEHOTEL here.

    SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL:

    Your glass igloo hosts in Kittila have been awarded the Green Key award in recognition of their environmental actions. The igloos are run on green electricity, geothermal heating, and air-air heat pumps. To reduce plastic no bottled water is sold or provided, Finnish tap water has been scientifically proven to be among the purest in the world, as such it is served in glass as an alternative. Recycled materials are encouraged, an example of this is staff clothes in the restaurant which are all made of recycled materials.

    Light pollution affects the ecosystem and among other things, it disrupts the ability of birds to navigate by moonlight and starlight, and the ability of nocturnal animals to hide from predators. As such they utilize as much natural light as possible, and only keep the lights on when they are needed. Customers are encouraged to do the same – this way marvelling the northern sky becomes easier.

    The original and famous ICEHOTEL was one of the first accommodations in Kiruna to become ‘Sustainable Arctic Destination’ certified and the hotel’s connection with the environmental cycle is core to everything it does. The hotel is located on the Torne River and ice is harvested every winter to make the hotel, and in the summer, when the hotel is melting, the water returns to its origin. As such waste and emissions are kept to an absolute minimum.

    Interactive Tour Map

    Inspiration

    What is the best month to see the Northern Lights 2024

    Planning your Northern Lights trip and want to get the best advice? As we approach another Solar maximum period, solar activity will start ramping up, and auroras should increase in frequency, peaking in 2024/2025.

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    Glass Igloos in Levi, Finland

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    Aurora Safari Camp founder, Fredrik Broman offers handy hints about capturing the Northern Lights.

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