The Inland Railway Across the Arctic Circle

The journey begins in the provinces of Värmland and

Dalecarlia and stretches 1300 kms northwards, across

the northern hinterland and the Arctic Circle, to its final

stop at the town of Gällivare in Swedish Lapland.

The railway ceased operation as a state run railway in 1992 and is now operated purely as a tourist facility with special onboard guides providing commentaries en route. As the driver is allowed flexibility with the timetable stops are often made for bathing in the lake, wild strawberry picking or to watch beavers damming! Other unscheduled stops may be to wait for elk, reindeer and occasional bears to leave the track.

This particular tour begins in Sweden's lovely capital city, Stockholm, and makes a leisurely journey northwards including Lake Siljan and Östersund before arriving at its final destination, Kiruna.

Day 1

Arrive Stockholm Arlanda Airport. Airport train and taxi to your hotel (not included).

1 night STOCKHOLM - Nordic Sea Hotel (BB)

Day 2

Departure by regular train to the bustling little town of Mora, overlooking picturesque Lake Siljan. The lake was formed millions of years ago when a meteorite crashed into Earth and the region is a popular destination for Swedes and tourists alike.

1 night MORA - Best Western Hotel Mora & Spa (BB)

Day 3

Experience Mora and Lake Siljan, for example Vasalopps Museum, Zorngården and Dala Horse Factory in Nusnås. Afternoon departure by Inland Railway from Mora to Östersund. Arrive Östersund during the evening.

1 night ÖSTERSUND - Clarion Hotel Grand (BB)

Day 4

Full day in Östersund including entrance to Jamtti Museum.

1 night ÖSTERSUND - Clarion Hotel Grand (BB)

Day 5

Morning departure to Slagnäs where you transfer to Båtsuoj Sami Culture Camp for an evening of Sami experiences including the opportunity to see reindeer and followed by a typical Sami dinner. Transfer by bus to the town of Arjeplog.

1 night ARJEPLOG - Hotel Lyktan (BB)

Day 6

Guided walk of Arjeplog with a visit to the Silver Museum and lunch before transferring to Arvidsjaur to rejoin the Inland Railway. The train stops at the point where it crosses the Arctic Circle for a short ceremony before continuing to Jokkmokk.

1 night JOKKMOKK - Hotel Jokkmokk (BB)

Day 7

Day in Jokkmokk including entrance to the Ajtte Sami Museum and Mountain Garden. Evening departure by train to Gällivare.

1 night GÄLLIVARE - Grand Hotel Lapland (BB)

Day 8

Afternoon departure by regular train to Kiruna.

1 night KIRUNA - Scandic Hotel Ferrum (BB)

Day 9

Shuttle bus to airport for return flight to the UK.

Departure Day: Saturdays from London Heathrow Airport
Departure Dates:
2, 9, 23 and 30 June 2012
7, 14, 21 and 28 August 2012
Duration: 8 nights

Alternative departures from regional airports are available. Please ask for details and prices.

Nordic Sea Hotel ****

Centrally situated in Stockholm City. The hotel is inspired by Sea - with a rugged, close to nature mood and a gigantic aquarium! The hotel offers a full service bar serving warm food, World famous Absolut Icebar, valet parking, porters and concierge, room service, in-house massage therapist, express laundry service, mini gym with fitness equipment, bathing machines and sauna. A fresh breakfast buffet is served every day with freshly baked bread from the hotel's own bakery. All rooms have Internet TV, air-conditioning, iron and ironing board, hair-dryer, minibar and complimentary tea and coffee making facilities.

Best Western Hotel Mora ***

In 1830 Mr. Sundsvallsson opened an inn with two rooms on the site where the Best Western Mora Hotell & Spa is located. Through the years buildings have been added and the hotel has been renovated and developed into a four star hotel with 141 rooms. Within walking distance you will find museums, art galleries, shopping, the beautiful Lake Siljan, skiing, bear park, and much more. All hotel guests have free use of the Relax area, with pool, jaccuzzi, steam room & sauna and fully eqipped fitness center for a truly indulgent experience!

Clarion Hotel Grand, Östersund

This hotel strives for a lively and vibrant atmosphere but at the same time allowing plenty of room for quiet business meetings or relaxation. Soak up the warm and welcoming surroundings built on art, music and design made especially with the guest in mind. This is modern hotel centrally situated in the centre of Östersund close to shops and restaurants. All rooms can be accessed via a lift and have shower and WC, TV, mini bar and telephone. Lastly, you can indulge in the hotel's bar, restaurant and indoor and outdoor swimming pools.

Hotel Lyktan ***

A cosy hotel situated in the centre of Arjeplog, 150 metres from the famous Silver Museum. The hotel has 36 rooms, single and double, equipped with satellite TV, shower and toilet as well as 7 larger family rooms for 4-5 people. The hotel also has a sauna, solarium, table tennis, darts and billiards.

Hotel Jokkmokk ***

Hotel Jokkmokk is beautifully located by Lake Talvatis, close to the centre of Jokkmokk town. Within a short walking distance you will find the Swedish Mountain and Sámi Museum Ájtte, the Alpine Garden, two beautiful churches, among many places of interest. All rooms have shower and WC, TV, telephone and permanent internet connection. The hotel also has saunas, either in the hotel building or in the specially built small sauna by the lake.

Grand Hotel Lapland ***

The hotel has an international but relaxed atmosphere with a wonderful view over the mountains. The hotel is the centre for entertainment in the village with a bar, restaurant, disco and open-air cafe. Live music in the restaurant. All rooms have cable TV, telephone, mini-bar, trouser press, hairdryer, safe-deposit box and a wireless internet connection. All rooms are non-smoking and accessible via a lift.

Scandic Hotel Ferrum ****

Situated in the centre of Kiruna just 60 kms from Mount Kebnekaise and 1.5 kms from Kiruna's ski slopes. The hotel has 171 rooms all equipped with shower and WC, cable TV, telephone and wireless Internet access. Restaurant Reenstierna is a scenic spot to sip cocktails against a stunning mountain backdrop and Grapes Restaurant, where breakfast is served, also offers an excellent buffet lunch. The hotel's cosy Kiruna bar is a popular nightspot for the locals due to its weekly live music nights. The hotel also has a health and fitness suite which features a gym and sauna.

Wildlife Safari with Stockholm Adventures

Description: In Stockholm there isn't just natural forest vegetation but also wild animals close to the city. Reserve an evening for a comfortable tour out into the beautiful and historical Swedish landscape. Here you have the chance to meet the true forest inhabitants, elk, deer and wild pigs as well as a rich birdlife, at an excitingly close range. Expert guides show and help interpret the animals, nature and the rich history the nearby buildings evoke. They know where the kings of the forest, the elks usually wander at dusk to graze and search for water. This tour navigates through rural landscapes, meadows, pastures and hillsides, with typical red cottages and well-preserved, classic manor houses. From here developed the nation of Sweden, here lived the Vikings who raised their runestones – many of them are still standing. You travel in small, comfortable buses, departing from Stockholm city. Included are refreshments and snacks at sunset.
Operates: Thursday - Monday, 31 May - 27 August. No tours 22 and 23 June.
Duration: 3-4 hours, depending a little on what the animals do.
Departure Point: Scandic Sergel Plaza Hotel, meeting time 15 minutes prior to departure.
Departure Times: 31 May - 16 July = 2030; 19 July - 6 August = 2000; 9 - 13 August = 1930 and 16 - 27 August = 1900.
Price: £59 per adult, students and children under 16 years £35. Recommended minimum age 12

Stockholm on Two Wheels with Stockholm Adventures

Description: Sightseeing by bike one can move quickly and easily between Stockholm’s many islands, which each possess their own character. You follow the shores of the sea and the lake, pedal over bridges and pass all the major sights, such as the Royal Palace and the Royal Dramatic Theatre. The tour will also get you off beaten tourist tracks to see beautiful gardens, picturesque wooden houses from the 17th Century and old oak trees in the world’s first National City Park. Expert guides talk about the city both past and present, showing you beautiful places that are not accessible by bus or boat. Stockholm is a well-planned and safe cycling city with many bicycle ways and green stretches where cars are not allowed. Guided throughout in English.
Operates: Wednesday - Sunday, 16 - 27 May, departs 1100 and 1500; daily 30 May - 26 August, departs 1100 and 1500; Wednesday - Sunday 29 August - 16 September, departs 1100 and 1500.
Duration: 2 - 2½ hours
Departure Point: Outside the Skeppsholmen hostel at the old sail ship 'Af Chapman', opposite the Royal Palace. The closest metro station is Kungsträdgården, 5-6 minutes walk along the waterside.
Meet at least 15 minutes beforehand so you can be fitted for the bike and helmet.
Price: £28 per adult, students and children under 16 years £19.

Kayaking Day in the Archipelago with Stockholm Adventures

Description: If you could do just one nature excursion in Stockholm, then you should paddle kayak in the outer archipelago. This watery world consists of thousands of uninhabited small islands which are among the wildest areas in Europe. These kayaking tours have received the quality label for ecotourism, Natures Best! What's more - anyone can do it! The day tour is taken at an easy tempo to suit both beginners and more experienced alike. Most who paddle have no previous experience, but the techniques are easy to learn. After a short training session in the stable kayaks you set off on your journey of discovery. The tour guides are experienced paddlers with excellent knowledge of the archipelago, its history, flora and fauna. They know their way to the finest islands, skerries and inlets. Surprisingly few visitors come here and it is easy to find a deserted island to take a swim and stop for a rest with a well-prepared lunch.
Operates: 4 June - 28 August
Departures: Saturday and Sunday, 4, 5 and 26 June and 3 - 11 September. Thursday to Sunday, 30 June - 28 August
Duration: Full day (0848 departure by bus, returning to Slussen between 1800 and 1900).
Departure Point: Stavsnås port (you will need to take the public SL bus from metrol station Slussen in the city departing at 0848 to the port - duration 45 minutes). You then take the taxi boat (included) for a short journey to the kayak base on the island of Runmarö. Here you are met by your kayaking guides.
Price: £99 per adult (weekdays), £120 per adult (weekends). Students and children 12-15 years £99.
Price Includes: Sea kayak with all necessary equipment, tasty lunch hamper and snacks, kayaking guide, boat connection to and from Stavsnås (15 minutes).

Please view our Terms & Conditions for this holiday.