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ICEHOTEL © Asaf Kilger
Lofoten
ICEHOTEL © Asaf Kilger
Lofoten
Lofoten © Svinøya Rorbuer

Norway & Sweden

Iconic Northern Lights

Escorted small group with Lofoten and ICEHOTEL

Savour eight days in spectacular Norway and Sweden on the search for the Northern Lights. As you go looking for the Aurora, you’ll be treated to unique experiences along the way, including a stay in the original ICEHOTEL and in a fisherman’s cabin in the Lofoten archipelago. In autumn you get to experience the beautiful colours of the leaves changing colours, and learn how people in the North prepare and cope with the extreme temperatures.

The trip runs from Bodø, Norway to Kiruna, Sweden with five scheduled departures. With a maximum of only 15 fellow passengers, spend less time waiting and more time enjoying! Getting on and off the bus, hotel check-ins, comfort stops, meals - with a small group everything is easier and quicker, giving you more time to enjoy your holiday.

Accommodation:

ICEHOTEL, in the village of Jukkasjärvi, about 17km from Kiruna, is the world’s first ice hotel; rebuilt each year, made entirely of ice and snow. It is certainly a unique experience, sleeping on reindeer skins inside the exquisitely carved ice rooms. Sleeping bags are included to ensure you are warm and snug during the night.

Your inclusions

  • 1 night in an Art Suite 365 (cold room) at ICEHOTEL
  • 2 nights in a warm room at ICEHOTEL
  • 2 nights in Traditional fisherman cabins in Lofoten
  • 1 night in the Wood hotel in Bodø
  • 1 night in Narvik
  • Breakfast daily, 5 lunches, 5 dinners
  • Reindeer experience with local Sámi family
  • Ice sculpting at the ICEHOTEL
  • Saltstramen maelstrom tour with 'Stone Age' style lunch & activities at an ancient local site
  • Lofoten Sightseeing tour including entrance to the Lofotr Viking Museum
  • Taste of Lofoten tour
  • Winter activity (Jan - March): Snowmobile excursion and dogsledding at ICEHOTEL
  • Coastal Voyage (Hurtigruten or Havila) from Bodø to Svolvær (day crossing, no cabin)
  • Experienced Tour Escort
  • Private mini-bus from Svolvær to Narvik, and Narvik to ICEHOTEL
  • Private arrival transfers in Bodø and shared airport transfers in Kiruna

Price from

  • From $10,691 per person share twin
  • Depart: 05 Jan 26
  • From $11,084 per person share twin
  • Depart: 02 Jan 27
  • From $11,834 per person share twin
  • Depart: 30 Jan & 20 Feb 27

Your itinerary

Arrive in Bodø and settle into your stunning new hotel, almost crafted entirely from wood. This modern yet cozy retreat offers the perfect blend of comfort and nature. After check-in, take a leisurely stroll around the forest nearby or catch a cab into the charming centre of this small Arctic city, known for its vibrant culture and scenic beauty.

Once you’ve explored, head up to the hotel’s rooftop for a relaxing session (small cost involved). Enjoy the panoramic views of the majestic fjords while unwinding in the outdoor pool, sauna, and fitness area — a serene way to take in the breathtaking landscape around you.

Later in the evening, your group leader will meet you in the hotel lobby for a warm welcome. You'll gather with your fellow travellers for a delicious welcome dinner at the hotel. After dinner, look for Northern Lights through the 'ceiling to floor' windows in the sophisticated cocktail bar. (D)

This morning, check out of your hotel and join a guided tour to Saltstraumen, home to the world’s strongest maelstrom. Every six hours, 400 million cubic meters of water rush through a 150-meter-wide, 3-kilometre-long strait, creating powerful whirlpools between Saltenfjorden and Skjerstadfjorden.

Next, visit a nearby Stone Age site, where you’ll step back in time to experience how early humans lived. Engage in hands-on activities like bow and arrow shooting, axe throwing, and learn about daily life from this ancient era. Afterward, enjoy a small Stone Age-style tapas lunch, prepared using traditional cooking methods from the time, offering a unique culinary experience that connects you to the past.

By 1pm, return to Bodø for a short time before boarding a Hurtigruten/Havila Coastal Ferry, traveling like a local across the stunning waters to the Lofoten Islands. You’ll arrive in the evening at 9.20pm, where you’ll transfer to your cozy fisherman’s cottage (Rorbu), an iconic way to experience life in the Lofoten Islands. (B, L, D)

After breakfast, embark on a guided scenic tour of the Lofoten Islands, with stops at the stunning Lofotr Viking Museum. Your local guide will take you to the best photo spots, sharing captivating local stories along the way. You’ll also have the chance to stroll along some of Lofoten's most beautiful beaches, surrounded by dramatic landscapes.

Your local guide will take you to the best photo spots, sharing captivating local stories along the way. You’ll also have the chance to stroll along some of Lofoten's most beautiful beaches, surrounded by dramatic landscapes.

Return to your fisherman's cabin where you can eat at the rorbu's seafood restaurant or wander into town to explore Svolvær. For an extra adventure, an optional Northern Lights photography tour is available, weather permitting, offering a chance to capture the magical aurora borealis in all its glory. (B)

Sleep in this morning or head out on a walk around Svolvær before joining a food tour late morning. Stop to admire the fish racks, and sample your first taste of Lofoten. At the unique glass fish factory, the northern stories and delicacies continue. An optional Sea Eagle Safari can be booked for this morning.

You'll savor dried Arctic cod and salmon from the Lofoten waters, Lofoten lamb, cloudberries, and locally produced yogurt made with milk from cows grazing by the Arctic coast. Roe from the prized Arctic cod adds a special touch.

Later, transfer to Narvik for a free evening in town. Perched amidst majestic fjords and rugged mountains, Narvik is a place where breathtaking natural beauty meets a rich and tumultuous history. For history enthusiasts visiting Northern Norway, the waters surrounding Narvik hold echoes of one of World War II's most dramatic naval confrontations: the Battles of Narvik. These pivotal clashes were part of the German invasion of Norway, codenamed Operation Weserübung, and played a crucial role in shaping the early stages of the war. (B,L)

This morning, drive to the iconic and original ICEHOTEL, rebuilt each year, made entirely of ice and snow. Upon arrival, enjoy a delicious lunch before embarking on an exciting activity. In the autumn tours you will try your skills at Ice Sculpting, where as in the winter tours you will experience the thrill of Snowmobiling under the winter skies, and hopefully Northern Lights in the evening!

As evening falls, you’ll settle into your unique ice room for the night. Sleep in cozy thermal sleeping bags, laid out on reindeer skins atop a bed crafted from snow and ice. Inside the ICEHOTEL, the temperature remains a constant -5°C to -8°C, offering a cool, yet comfortable environment.

Dress in warm thermal underwear, put on a hat, and slip into your snug sleeping bag for the night. When morning comes, you’ll be gently awakened with a cup of hot lingonberry juice delivered to your bedside. Enjoy a delicious breakfast buffet, followed by a relaxing morning sauna. Towels and a warm sauna are also included in your stay, ensuring you feel refreshed and rejuvenated.

To keep you comfortable, the ICEHOTEL provides snow boots and, for those who feel a bit chilly, onesie snow suits – all free of charge. This experience promises to be a true winter adventure like no other. (B,L,D)

Today, for autumn tours, enjoy a gentle hike in the stunning Abisko mountains, with a scenic lunch along the way. For winter tours, try your hand at ice sculpting, guided by local artists who will immerse you in this magical world of art and design. Next, embark on a thrilling short dogsledding adventure.

In the evening, relax in a warm, comfortable hotel room for a restful sleep. A farewell dinner with the group will be served in the restaurant, marking the end of your unforgettable journey. (B,L,D)

Today you will be guided through the historic Sami camp at Jukkasjärvi’s old market site where they discover Sami culture firsthand. The guide introduces traditional kåtas, huts, and authentic Sami clothing while sharing stories and insights into this unique way of life. A visit to the reindeer farm follows where you can meet and feed the reindeer, which are central figures in Sami tradition.

The experience continues inside a warmly heated kåta, beautifully decorated with Sami colors, patterns, and reindeer horn details. As candles flicker and a fire crackles in the center, guests are served traditional Sami coffee along with a 2 course meal including traditional flatbread and souvas. Soft Sami music plays in the background, creating a cozy and atmospheric setting that completes this immersive cultural encounter.  (B, L, D)

After breakfast, transfer to Kiruna (20 - 30 mins) for your departure. (B)

Enquiry sent
  • Stay at the iconic ICEHOTEL in Sweden
  • Explore Coastal Norway in Bodø and get an introduction to the local Sámi Culture
  • Witness the beauty of the Lofoten Archipelago and stay in a local rorbu accommodation with all modern amenities
  • Plenty of chances to experience the Northern Lights throughout the journey
  • Escorted by your Tour Leader and experienced local guides, with only 15 fellow group travellers

Terms and Conditions

Valid until sold out • Advertised prices are per person share double, in NZ dollars for cash or eftpos purchase only. Credit card fees will apply. • All prices and packages are subject to availability at time of booking. • Prices are based on twin share and are subject to change without notice until time of confirmation. Prices may vary due to a number of factors including tax and surcharge increases, exchange rate movements and availability. • Portage is not included - you will be responsible for carrying all your luggage. • Please note that activities are subject to change due to updated schedules and weather. Weather in the coastal region can be unpredictable, and changes to itinerary can also be made when required. • All travellers need to be in good physical health in order to participate fully on this trip. • This tour is not suitable for children under the age of 14. • All travel must be commenced and completed as specified. •  Some surcharges and closeout periods may apply – please ask your House of Travel consultant for full details. • City taxes and fees are not included. •  Amendment & cancellation fees may apply. • Airfares are additional.  • Please ask your House of Travel consultant for full terms and conditions. HOT code: 50DEGREES