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Luleå and the Northern Lights

Self-Guided, 3 nights

Luleå and the Northern Lights

To Book

Call us on

01274 875 199

Or Contact us by email

Prices

The Swedish town of Luleå enjoys a magnificent location

in the Arctic on a peninsula where the Lule Bay meets the

Gulf of Bothnia. The peninsula itself overlooks a vast

archipelago of islands and skerries most of which are

uninhabited, unexploited and breathtaking.

 

There are two sides to Luleå. Modern Luleå is a lively, friendly town with an excellent selection of shops, cafes, restaurants and bars. The town has a very popular university, which adds to its vibe, along with the fact that Luleå is virtually the last spot of civilisation before entering the great Arctic wilderness!

By contrast, Luleå's old town or Gammelstad, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and houses an impressive collection of original village buildings surrounding the medieval stone church. The old town is a short bus journey from the main town centre and is a must see for anyone interested in the history and culture of the area.

Luleå's proximity to the famous Treehotel at Harads makes it easy to add an extra night to your itinerary and spend a night amongst the branches! For further information see under Excursions.

Luleå's location means it offers a wide variety of exciting outdoor winter activities with pick-up and drop-off at your hotel - perfect for those who want to combine a stay in the city with a variety of excursions into the wilderness.


View Larger Map

Day 1

Arrive Luleå Airport. Take the airport bus to your hotel.

3 nights LULEÅ - Quality Hotel Luleå *** or Elite Stadshotell Luleå ****

Day 4

Take the airport bus to Luleå Kallax Airport for your return flight to the UK.

Departure Day:  Daily except Saturday from London Heathrow airport
Departure Dates:  January to end March 2012*
Duration:  3 nights (extra nights available see Pricing Information)

N. B. Alternative airports available for departure.


Elite Stadshotellet ****

The Elite Stadshotellet Luleå is a modern hotel of a very high standard, where style and 100-year old craftsmanship have been tastefully combined with today’s demands for comfort and service. Elite Stadshotellet Luleå is located in central Luleå overlooking the city park and the north harbour.


Quality Hotel Luleå, Luleå ***plus

Centrally situated in the centre of Luleå. The hotel has two restaurants; Amphion Restaurant and Cook's Krog. There is also the Invit lounge bar to unwind for a pre-dinner drink. Cleo Nightclub is a popular night spot and the hotel also offers a relax department with pool and saunas. All rooms have shower and WC, trouser press, satellite TV, telephone and Free Wireless High Speed Internet Access.

Hovercraft Pack Ice Tour

Description:  Hovercrafts operate over even surfaces whether it’s ground, water or ice. They are supported by an air cushion which ensures the craft never touches what lies underneath and this provides a safe, fun and quick means of transportation. On this spectacular tour you will visit the outer edges of the Luleå archipelago travelling 30 centimetres over the ice! The tour begins with a guided minibus tranfer from your hotel which will take you out onto the ice roads. On the way the guide will talk about Luleå and the archipelago and after about 20 minutes in total you’ll meet with the hovercraft. After a briefing and go through of equipment the journey towards the pack-ice fields outside the archipelago begins. After arrival at the outer edges of the islands you will take a walk around the towering ice on trails checked by the guide. If conditions for pack-ice are not ideal then the islands of Kluntarna and Brändöskär with small idealic fishing-villages will be visited instead. On this tour the participants will experience the vastness of sea in a new way - frozen. Maybe, if you are lucky, you can also spot a seal or sea eagles...
Operates:  Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday departing 1100. February - April, varies depending on the thickness of the ice.
Duration:  3 hours, 15 minutes (this includes a guided transfer from the hotel of 20 minutes in each direction i.e. activity lasts 2.5 hours).
Price:  £248 per person, children under 10 half-price.
Price includes:  Guided transfer, activity, ligh lunch and refreshments.
Notes:  Warm clothes, especially warm boots, are required since the tour includes walking on ice.


Ice Breaker Adventure Piteå

Description:  Travelling by sea - quite important to mankind but made impossible by climate in the strong arctic winter. Only since the steam-engined steel vessels of the 19th century has it been possible to operate the channels of the northern seas in wintertime. Experience the might and the wide-open spaces of the ice-covered sea. Listen to the sound of ice blocks being crushed against the hull of the boat Arctic Explorer and get a glimpse of what little man can do in the hands of nature. The tour includes about 1 hour of ice-breaking and if the ice of the Bothnian Bay is not thick enough the Arctic Explorer will go upstream the River Piteå instead where there is plenty of thick ice to break. Meanwhile the passengers can stroll around the boat, both in- and outside, visit the captain on the bridge and the non-restricted areas of the engine-room. After about 30 minutes’ journeying the boat stops and the passengers are allowed out onto the ice and for those who dare is the chance of trying to swim among the floes dressed in a survival-suit!
Operates:  Saturdays, beginning of January - March/beginning of April. Departs 1000.
Duration:  4 hours (guided transfer to Piteå of 1 hour each way plus 2 hours on the ice breaker).
Price:  £199 per person, children 0-3 travel free and children 4-14 half-price)
Price Includes:  Guided transfer, activity, a hot drink (further snacks and drinks available to purchase onboard). Warm winter clothes are available for rent at £24 per person and for those who like to swim survival suits are provided at no extra charge.
Notes:  A minimum number of 10 passengers per departure is required in order for this tour to operate. Survival suits are attached to ropes held by the guides who stand on the ice - full safety and instruction briefing beforehand.


Snowmobile Pack Ice Tour

Description:  Four hours on the glistening ice and in the deep forests of the northern parts of the archipelago of Luleå on a snowmobile! Along the way the guide will tell you about the surroundings and about life in the northern wilderness. The participants are offered hot beverages and a chance to try ice-fishing. The destination of the tour is the island Brändöskär in the outermost archipelago, an idyllic fishing village dating from the 17th century. The chapel dated from 1774 and one of the fishing-huts will be visited. Outside the island is the frozen Bothnian bay with its seemingly endless fields of pack ice and snow. Some years the blue ice of the sea piles up into formations about 10 metres high - a mighty experience! The lunch for the day is cooked over an open fire in a large muurikka-pan.
Operates:  Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday, early January - late March. Departs 1000.
Duration:  5 hours, 30 minutes including guided transfer (transfer is 30-45 minutes in each direction, activity duration is 4 hours including preparation and safety briefing).
Price:  £250 per person based on 2 people sharing a snowmobile (clients will be able to swap over during the trip).
Price includes:  Transfer, activity, use of snowmobile suit, boots, socks, warm gloves, fleece suit, hood for underneath the helmet and helmet during the tour, lunch and hot beverages.
Notes:  Snowmobiles are insured and clients should note there is a potential self risk liability of SEK8000 including tax in case of damage. The client is responsible for any damage caused to their snowmobile during the tour and in such cases will be required to pay part or all of the self risk liability at the conclusion of the tour.


Snowmobile Forest Tour

Description:  Try the favourite winter-past time of the locals, a snowmobile excursion through snow-covered forests. The tour goes to some beautiful places with great views and the tranquility of the forest. Experience the wilderness and freedom of Swedish Lapland with Luleå only 15 kilometres away! Along the way stops are made and the guide will tell you about the surroundings and what life is like in the region. The tour is based on two people per snow mobile. You may upgrade to a single person per snow mobile. An experienced guide leads you on your way and will help ensure you find your way home.
Operates:  Monday, Wednesday and Friday, early January till early April. Departs at 0900.
Duration:  3 hours including transfers i.e. guided transfer is 20 minutes in each direction, activity 2 hours including preparation.
Price:  £158 per person. Participants must be 16 yrs and over.
Price includes:  Guided transfer, activity, use of helmets, warm winter overalls, hats, hoods for underneath the helmet, boots and gloves during the tour, warm drink.
Notes:  Snowmobiles are insured and clients should note there is a potential self risk liability of SEK8000 including tax in the case of damage. The client is responsible for any damage caused to their snowmobile during the tour and may be required to pay part or all of the self risk liability at the conclusion of the tour.


Snowmobile Night Tour

Description:  Drive into the polar night on a snowmobile excursion through snow-covered forests and across frozen lakes. Experience the wilderness, freedom and cold crisp winter of Swedish Lapland. This tour takes you from the openness of lake Ebbenjarka through dense arctic forests. Outside the lightened sky of the town it might be possible to view arctic lights and the stars of the northern hemisphere. The tour is based on two people per snow mobile, you may upgrade to a single person per snow mobile. An experienced guide leads you on the tour and ensures that you will safely find your way home.
Operates:  Tuesday and Thursday, early January till early April. Departs 1800.
Duration:  3 hours including transfer i.e. transfer is 20 minutes each way and activity 2 hours duration.
Price:  £158 per person. Participants must be 16 years and over.
Price Includes:  Guided transfer, activity, use of helmets, warm winter overalls, hats or hoods for underneath the helmet, boots and gloves, warm drink.
Notes:  Snowmobiles are insured and clients should note there is a potential self risk liability of SEK8000 including tax. The client is responsibile for any damage caused to their snowmobile during the tour and may be required to pay part or all of the self risk liability at the conclusion of the tour.


Dog Sledding Forest and Lakes Tour

Description:  Did you ever hear the sound of 60 exhillarated Alaskan Huskys communicating? This is what greets a visitor at Svedjekojan, the Husky-farm located at Tanuträsk some 35 minutes from Luleå. The team of dogs are enthusiastic and ready to go and you will soon be seated on a sled with 2 or 3 other people behind a team of 4 or more huskys. When your sled driver, you and the huskys are ready you will take off at pace along trails through the forest and across frozen lakes on a 2 hour adventure. Going on a dog-sledding tour through the arctic winter is an extraordinary experience in many ways. The strength of the dogs and their capability to pull the sled at high speed in the varied terrain, the crisp climate and stunning surroundings all gives the visitor a thrill never forgotten!
Operates:  Monday and Friday, middle of January to early April. Departs at 1230.
Duration:  3 hours, 30 minutes. Guided transfer is 35 minutes each way and activity 2 hours including preparation.
Price:  £216 per person, children under 10 are half price.
Price includes:  Guided transfer, activity, warm drink.
Notes:  Participants should bring their own warm winter clothing. Blankets are provided for those sitting on the dog sleds. A limited number of sizes of adult winter overalls are available for hire at £10 per person per tour. Please advise at time of booking.


Drive Your Own Dog Sled

Description:  Test-drive your own team of friendly Alaskan Huskys over frozen lakes and through snow covered forests. This is high adventure on miles of trails with no sounds other than your commands to the team, their quick footfall and the sled against the snow. Svedjekojan is located at the small village of Tanuträsk where 60 of the inhabitants are Alaskan Huskys! Pulling sleds in the crisp winter cold is what they love to do. Before the tour you will receive instructions on the how to drive he dog sled from the local experts and together with your team of huskys you’ll manage up steep hills as well as along straights in high speed. Returning to Svedjekojan after this stunning tour you will enjoy swapping stories of the days adventure.
Operates:  Monday and Friday, middle of January to early April. Departs 1230.
Duration:  3 hours, 30 minutes including transfer of 35 minutes in each direction i.e. activity duration is 2 hours.
Price:  £216 per person. Participants must be 16 years an over.
Price Includes:  Guided transfer, activity and warm drink.
Notes:  Participants should bring their own warm winter clothing. A limited number of sizes for adults winter clothing are available to rent at £10 per person per tour. Please advise at time of booking.


Driving On Ice (Cart and Car) - Day Tour

Description:  Test your skills driving on ice! The beautifully set lake Ebbenjarka is covered by solid arctic ice during wintertime and upon it six different tracks are prepared. Challenge yourself or your friends in a car and/or cross cart in the extreme conditions when simply staying on track may be difficult. The cars in this activity are older Volvos in which you may practice sliding into corners, braking on slippery straights and avoiding surprise obstacles on the track. The carts are also fantastic fun and a different experience as you are so close to the ground. With 25 kilometres of ice tracks on the lake you will enjoy two hours of fun and adventure and take home some fantastic memories. The vehicles are prepared with special winter tires but should you go too far out into the snowy side of the track the instructors will provide assistance. Time is divided between driving cars and cross carts and there is expert supervision.
Operates:  Monday, Wednesday and Friday, early January to early April. Departs at 0900.
Duration:  3 hours including transfer of 20 minutes in each direction, i.e. activity last for 2 hours including preparation.
Price:  £185 per person, participants must have a valid driving licence.
Price Includes:  Guided transfer, activity, use of helmets (obligatory), warm winter overalls, hats, boots and gloves if required.
Notes:  Meals and drinks are not included.


Driving On Ice (Cart and Car) - Night Tour

Description:  Test your skills at driving on ice in the darkness! Lake Ebbenjarka is covered by solid arctic ice during winter and upon it six different tracks are prepared. Challenge yourself in the extreme conditions when simply staying on track may be difficult, try braking or sliding into corners on the slippery ice! The vehicles in this fun acticity are older Volvos and cross carts prepared with special winter tires and extra headlights which are needed in the absence of daylight. Should you go too far out into the snowy side of the track instructors will provide assistance. Time is divided between driving cars and cross carts and there will be expert supervision. In the polar night 15 kilometres away from the bright lights of Luleå there might even be the chance of viewing arctic light!
Operates:  Tuesday and Thursday, early January to early April. Departs 1800.
Duration:  3 hours including transfer of 20 minutes each way i.e. activity duration is 2 hours including preparation.
Price:  £185 per person, participants must hold a valid driving licence.
Price Includes:  Guided transfer, activity, helmet (obligatory) and use of warm winter overalls, hat, boots and gloves in case of need.
Notes:  Meals and drink are not included. Full instructions provided.


Northern Lights Tour in Snow Shoes with Dinner

Description:  Snow shoes have been used thousands of years in winter conditions and they really make life easier when the snow cover is thick. Instead of sinking to the hips with every step taken, the snowshoes allow the user to tread on top and make otherwise unaccessible terrain explorable. Walking through the Brändö forests the experienced guide will tell about the surroundings and life in the northern wilderness and if conditions are right the northern lights may be spotted! Underway there will be a pause during which the participants will learn how to light a fire in the snow, when this is ready coffee and tea will be prepared. Dinner will be prepared outdoors by the guide and the participants themselves and enjoyed sitting on reindeer furs under the dark sky. This is as close to nature you can get.
Operates:  Monday, Wednesday and Friday, early January to late March. Departs 1800.
Duration:  3 hours including transfers of 30 minutes in each direction i.e. activity duration is 2 hours.
Price:  £158 per person, children under 13 are half price.
Price Includes:  Guided transfer, activitiy, use snowshoes, boots, arm suit, hat, socks, warm gloves and fleece suit during the activity and dinner and warm beverages.
Notes:  No particular level of fitness required.


Visit a Sami Camp and Gammelstad World Heritage Village

Description:   Meet a Sami family and their reindeer at a Sami camp near Storklinten just north of Boden. The Sami are the native people of Swedish Lapland and their culture and way of life are important to local history.
At the camp you will meet representatives from a Sami family, sit down in a tipi and listen to their stories,
get to know their ways, taste their food and familiarise yourself with their hand crafts. You will get close to the reindeer that are kept at the camp. There will also be an opportunity to take a sleigh ride. A hot lunch is served as part of this tour which lasts in total about 3 hours. On the way home to Luleå the guided tour will stop at the world heritage gammelstad church village for a guided tour. World Heritage Gammelstad Church Town is the largest and best preserved example in Sweden of an old church town that has roots in the Middle Ages. The stone church dates from the 1400’s and the many surrounding cottages have a long tradition that still lives today. Exploring these historical sites with your guide will give you an insight into the rich and interesting history that exists in this northern city.
Operates:  Wednesdays, December to April. Departs 1200.
Duration:  5½ hours including transfer of 1 hours each way i.e. activity duration is approximately 3 hours at Sami Camp plus half an hour at Gammelstad Church Village.
Price:  £208 per person, children 0-7 £64 and children 8-15 £77.
Price Includes:  Guided transfer, visit to Sami Camp and Gammelstad, use of warm overalls, shoes and gloves during the trip, warm drink and light lunch.


Snowmobile Expedition Luleå Archipelago

Description:  Our guides will pick you up at your city hotel . At the start point your guides will equip you with thermal rescue overalls and other equipment such as helmets, gloves and balaclavas and inform about safety and
security and ice rescue, and how to handle the 500 cc touring snow-mobiles. Then we start our expedition towards the frozen archipelago. We will pass the fishing harbour on Hindersön and make a stop at the beautiful Jopikgården Inn for coffee and waffles. After the break and if mother nature and ice conditions allows we will try to reach out to the drift ice area. At Brändöskär, we make a short visit to the small chapel. After a half day of snow-mobile driving we reach Kluntarna, a fantastic and special Island with a real arctic character, here we make a stop in the wind sheltered bay for our outdoor lunch sitting on reindeer skins around the campfire. Chances to see moose, reindeer and other wildlife are normally good. After Lunch we make a snowshoe trekking tour to the highest peak of the island. Next stop Bastaskär to look at the well preserved shipwreck. In the afternoon we will turn back towards the mainland where we try on some ice fishing on route before we reach back to the mainland where our expedition ends. Transfer back to Luleå.
Operates:  Daily subject to availability, 1 February to 15 April.
Duration:  7-8 hours including guided transfer to Råneå River Valley of 30 minutes each way.
Price:  £240 per person.
Price Includes:  Guided transfer, activity, warm suit, hood for underneath the helmet, helmet, boots and gloves, coffee and waffles and outdoor lunch with warm beverage.
Notes:  Snowmobiles are insured and clients should note there is a potential self risk liability of SEK8000 including tax in the case of damage. The client is responsible for any damage caused to their snowmobile during the tour and may be required to pay part or all of the self risk liability at the conclusion of the tour.


Overnight at the Treehotel, Harads

Description:  Spend a night in one of the World's most unique hotels- amongst the branches! An amazing collection of tree house rooms, all with WC and washbasin - showers in the Tree Sauna close by!
Operates:  Daily.
Duration:  Overnight.
Price:  £355 per person. Includes transfer, overnight accommodation in the Birds Nest, Cabin, Blue Cone or UFO (supp. for Mirrorcube £21 per person) and breakfast at Britta's Pensjonat.


Please view our Terms & Conditions for this holiday.

To book call 01274 875 199 or Contact us by email

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