Swedish Lapland at Christmas

London to Luleå

Following a flight to the Swedish capital, we connect with our direct, internal flight to Luleå where we transfer to our hotel for the next two nights, the 4-Star Clarion Hotel Sense.

Ice breaker safari and Kiruna

This morning we transfer by coach to Piteå, taking to the waters of the Piteälven River on a specially adapted craft that breaks through the ice that forms further out to sea. We return to Luleå this afternoon where you have some free time to look around.

Tonight we set out by coach for Brändön Lodge, a cosy hideaway that makes a Northern Lights sighting all the more possible. A drink on arrival and an array of local snacks, served in one of the Sami style tents surrounding the property, ensures a warm welcome, and before a buffet dinner is served there is time to meet the resident reindeer.

We board the train to Kiruna on Day 3, travelling up to ninety miles north of the Arctic Circle. Our home for two nights is the 4-Star Camp Ripan where we enjoy a welcome drink and sit down to four-course menu inspired by the Northern Lights.

Sami Experience and Abisko National Park

We begin today's explorations with a visit to the famous Ice Hotel, the first of its kind located, just outside of Kiruna in Jukkasjärvi. After lunch here we enjoy a 'Sami experience'. We catch the direct train to Björkliden on Christmas Eve, Day 5, a destination famed as one of the best places in Europe to see the Northern Lights.

After a festive film, dinner and a talk by Aurora photographer and expert Chad Blakley, one of his colleagues will escort half of us out onto the snowy tundra for a chance to capture the lights themselves. The other half of the group will visit the Aurora Sky Station in Abisko National Park, enjoying this photographic experience tomorrow.

Christmas at the Aurora Sky Station

Christmas Day is at leisure to until tonight, when we feast on a traditional turkey dinner before setting our for the Aurora Sky Station to observe the huge expanse of sky visible from the panoramic windows. Free from light pollution, this is another wonderful opportunity to see the Northern Lights. Day 7 is at leisure for you relax in the hotel or perhaps head out for a winter walk.

Homeward bound

We return to Kiruna airport today by coach for our flight back to London via Stockholm.

Chad Blakley

After moving unexpectedly to Abisko National Park with his wife a little over five years ago, Chad made the area his home after one magical winter inspired him to make chasing, photographing and helping visitors discover the magical Northern Lights his life's work.

A professional photographer since his teenage years, Chad's passion for the art form makes him the perfect guest speaker to help us begin to capture the best possible images of the Aurora. Note: If Chad is unavailable, one of his guides will deliver the talk.

Departure Times

Provisional departure and return times, where available, can be found together with our dates and prices by clicking on the 'Prices & Availability' button. We write to all booked customers approximately 10 weeks prior to the start of their tour to advise the exact departure and return time for their particular group.