Värmland Experience

Between the Scandinavian capitals of Oslo and Stockholm you will find the heart-shaped region of Värmland which sits amidst an extensive area of sweeping forests, fertile farmland and lazy rivers.

During the winter months the lakes freeze over and the snow falls coating the forests, mountains and valleys in a thick white blanket making this an ideal region from which to try out a number of outdoor activities including dog sledding, snowmobiling and snowshoeing.

We have combined this holiday with a night spent in Oslo at the beginning and a night in Stockholm at the end with transportation between by rail. This provides a delightful contrast between the bustling pace of the capital cities and the peaceful, relaxed, quiet nature of Värmland's magnificent wilderness.

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Day 1

Fly from the UK to Oslo. Transfer by airport bus to your hotel.

1 night OSLO - Rica Oslo Hotel (BB)

Day 2

Journey by rail from Oslo, across the border into Sweden, to the town of Karlstad alongside the northern shore of Lake Vänern. Met on arrival at Karlstad Station and transferred to Olsäter for dinner and overnight.

Overnight OLSÄTER - Klarälvsbanan Guesthouse (FB)

Day 3

After breakfast transfer (duration 1 hour 15 mins) to the husky farm where you will be introduced to the husky dogs and given instruction and safety information before setting out on a short dog sledding trip (duration 1.5 hours). A traditional Värmland lunch will be prepared on scillets over an open fire. During the afternoon you will take a snowmobile trip (duration approx. 2 hours) to our camp for the evening in a tent tipi wrapped up warmly in thermal sleeping bags and listening to SILENCE! Dinner prepared over an open fire.

Overnight WILDERNESS - Tent Tipi (FB)

Day 4

After breakfast you will try your hand at ice fishing and who knows, perhaps you will catch lunch?! During the afternoon we journey by snowmobile back to Olsäter for dinner and overnight.

Overnight OLSÄTER - Klarälvsbanan Guesthouse (FB)

Day 5

A day of relative relaxation with the opportunity to try snowshoeing or cross country skiing.

Overnight OLSÄTER - Klarälvsbanan Guesthouse (FB)

Day 6

After a lazy breakfast transfer to Karlstad Station. Journey by rail to Stockholm.

1 night STOCKHOLM - Rica Hotel Stockholm (BB)

Day 7

Take the Arlanda Express to Stockholm Airport for return flights to the UK.

Departure Days:  Wednesdays & Saturdays
Departure Dates:  18 December 2010 - 30 March 2011
Duration:  6 nights

NB. Departures also possible from the following airports, subject to flight schedules and availability:
Edinburgh (via Oslo) - supp. £45 per person
Manchester (direct) - reduction of £23 per person

Rica Oslo Hotel ****

First-class business hotel in Karl Johans street in the centre of Oslo with the entrance on Biskop Gunnerus street. With the hotel's central location, it is only two minutes' walk to Oslo Sentralstasjon and Gardermobanen. Rica Oslo Hotel has its own special character - with works of art by many famous artists being exhibited both inside and outside, with decorations and sculptures.  All rooms are of a high international standard, well equipped with TV, minibar, trouser press, hairdryer, etc., in addition to the rooms being decorated with art (reproductions) by various famous Norwegian artists.

Among other things, the hotel's restaurant "Bjørvigen Mat & Vinhus" serves a large luncheon buffet with hot and cold dishes, as well as a delicious à la carte menu. In addition, there is a cosy lobby bar with room for approx. 30 people.

Klarälvsbanans Bed & Breakfast
The B&B is an old farm, Old Mangård, from 1800 situated next to the Klarälvsbanan bike path at Olsater. Completely renovated in 2008 with four rooms, located in the old barn. Facilities include double beds, breakfast room, terrace and outdoor grill facilitiy. Two bedrooms have shared shower and WC and one room has private shower and WC. Lovely, traditional accommodation.

Rica Hotel Stockholm ***

Rica Hotel Stockholm is a contemporary luxury hotel with an amazing winter garden, and al fresco breakfast dining in the summer months. Get a fortifying lunch at the Oasen restaurant before hitting the streets-all the sights are just a short walk away. Then, why not round your day off with a relaxing sauna before crawling into bed.
The hotel has 292 rooms, all newly refurbished in pleasant modern Scandinavian design. The rooms are equipped with minisafe, minibar, cable/pay-TV, radio, hair dryer and air condition. There is access to broadband or wireless internet connection. Rooms for disabled guests are also available. All rooms have a smoke detector. All rooms are "non smoking".
Café Oasen in the hotel lobby is a popular meeting point for the hotel guests. The café offers different kinds of coffee, pastry and sandwiches. The hotel also has its own lunch restaurant, Restaurang Oasen, which offers delicious home cooking.
The area around Hötorget features a wide range of restaurants, from very simple to exclusive.

Many of Stockholm´s night clubs, pubs and discotheques are within easy walking distance.