
Customer Highlight: The Northern Lights & Lapland
Aug 01, 2026 · By Kira Whitaker
Explore the stunning features of Scandinavia through the eyes of our customers while reading about Great Rail Journeys’ tour The Northern Lights & Lapland.
Read more


A land of husky-drawn sleds, herds of reindeer, unending days under the Midnight Sun and everlasting winter nights, Scandinavia is what memorable vacations are made of. The Scandinavian Peninsula is a wonderland of dramatic views and inky seas, where each country is geographically diverse and culturally distinctive.
Cross the Arctic Circle while chasing the experience of a lifetime, watching the Northern Lights dance across the sky, or ride aboard far-north railways, like the Flåm Railway or the Bergen Railway, to discover the beauty of the remote Nordic regions. Traveling into Swedish Lapland, get to know the Sámi people while traveling amidst sparkling lakes and snowy mountain ranges. But it is not just the timeless backcountry that impresses; instead, Norway and Sweden are home to bustling cities - notably, Oslo and Stockholm - that allow the modern sides of these ancient countries to shine. A banquet for the senses, filled with captivating traditions, enthralling heritage and awe-inspiring natural scenery, Scandinavia has no shortage of wonders to behold. Discover them for yourself with an expertly curated selection of independent and escorted rail packages.




Norway's fjords feature towering cliffs and calm waters that create a scene of incredible natural beauty. These glacier-carved valleys, shaped over thousands of years, give a window into the untouched Nordic wilderness. Cruising through the region lets travelers discover hidden fjords, charming coastal towns, and dramatic, unspoiled landscapes.
Seeing the Northern Lights is an unforgettable experience, with vibrant waves of green, purple, and pink light dancing across the Arctic sky. Norway and Sweden are top spots for catching this natural phenomenon, and the long winter nights and clear skies give travelers the best chance to witness the stunning display.
Lapland is home to the indigenous Sámi people, giving visitors a one-of-a-kind cultural experience. You can go husky sledding, sample traditional Sámi dishes, and learn about their history and way of life. With its snowy landscapes, Lapland makes for the perfect winter wonderland getaway.
Nordic cuisine is known for its fresh, local ingredients, from hearty stews to smoked fish. In Sweden, the tradition of fika-a social coffee break with pastries-is a beloved custom. Enjoy classic cinnamon buns, open-faced sandwiches, and a hot cup of coffee, embracing life the Nordic way.





Embark on spellbinding Scandinavian rail journeys from the ancient Viking capital of Trondheim to Swedish Lapland, visiting the best places to see the Aurora Borealis, with many opportunities to experience these swirling lights. Travelling by rail through amazing landscapes, cross the Arctic Circle to Bodø to seek the ethereal Northern Lights on...





Explore Norway's iconic mountains, glaciers and azure fjords, and discover Swedish Lapland's untamed wilderness on this epic vacation. Experience all the great Scandinavian rail experiences, cross the Arctic Circle to the 'Land of the Midnight Sun' and visit an authentic Sámi village to gain an insight into the traditions of Lapland's indigenous...





Experience the beauty of Norway, from its natural wonders to charming cities, on this rail tour across stunning landscapes. Journey through the impressive wilderness of plateaus and waterfalls on two of the world's most famous train journeys: the Bergen Railway and the Flåm Railway. Marvel at towering cliff faces on a breathtaking fjordland...





Experience Norway in magical winter, first exploring Oslo and Bergen with an epic journey on the spectacularly scenic Bergen Railway, before embarking on a six-night cruise into the enthralling Arctic wilderness. Our northbound sea voyage from Bergen to Kirkenes passes beautiful fjords, and crosses the Arctic Circle, before a husky sled ride into...





Embark on a captivating summertime journey across Norway. From Oslo in the south to the Lofoten Islands north of the Arctic Circle, enjoy four epic trips on the world-renowned Flåm, Bergen, Nordland and Rauma railways. On this top-rated tour, discover Norway's beautiful cities and cruise across the shimmering Geirangerfjord. Experience a taste of...







Norway's breathtaking Sognefjord is home to rich Viking traditions and some of the country's most fascinating cities. Its beautiful blue waters are surrounded by charming villages and varied terrain, complete with mountains, plateaus, waterfalls, and emerald forests. Explore this region by train and cruise on this eight-day journey through...





Embark on an immersive exploration of Norway's northern coast, witnessing striking natural wonders and encountering captivating history. Beginning in the ancient Viking city of Trondheim, board the iconic Nordland Railway for a scenic journey across the Arctic Circle to Bodø. Enjoy a serene cruise across Beiar fjord and visit a Sámi village...





Discover the architecture, culture and history of three beautiful cities on the shores of the Baltic Sea. Beginning in modern, innovative Helsinki, enjoy a guided tour of the city's architectural marvels and a cruise around the beautiful archipelago. Travel by train to charming Tallinn and wander the fairytale streets of Estonia's timeless...





Embark on an amazing exploration of six incredible countries. Traveling through Denmark and Sweden, cross the Baltic Sea to explore the idyllic charms of Latvia, Estonia and Finland before flying home from Helsinki. Experience the history and distinct culture of these attractive capital cities, taking in the colorful waterways, palaces and old...





Discover glorious Norway in summer, combining guided city tours and a journey on the Bergen Railway from Oslo with a six-night cruise through some of the world's most magical fjords into the land of the Midnight Sun. An epic voyage north is marked by the crossing of the Arctic Circle, before continuing into northern Norway to marvel at...





Experience the beauty of Norway in winter on an unforgettable journey through breathtaking fjords and colorful cities. Travel on one of the world's most famous rail journeys - the Flåm Railway - crossing snowy plateaus and winding past cascading waterfalls, before soaking up the scenery of Norway's wild landscapes aboard two fjord cruises. Step...







One of the best places in the world for auroral activity, Swedish Lapland is as remote as it is scenic. Heritage and tradition are the beating heart of the region and experiencing morsels of this culture in highly scenic locations immerses you in Sweden in ways you could have only imagined previously. This expedition presents the opportunity to do...
Discover the incredible railways of Scandinavia and the Baltics. It's no secret-we love trains, and we know many of you do too! That's why our tours include some of the most iconic railways and train journeys across the region.
Framing the deep azure waters of the Baltic Sea, Scandinavia and the Baltic states make up some of Northern Europe's most unique regions. Each country is geographically diverse and culturally distinctive. Crossing the border from one country to the next presents a wide berth of adventures that are far from ordinary. Scandinavian trip itineraries venture through beautiful Norway with its fjords and dramatic landscapes. Travelers may venture across the Arctic Circle while chasing the experience of a lifetime, watching the Aurora Borealis dance across the sky, or ride aboard far-north railways, like the Flåm Railroad or the Bergen Railroad, to discover the beauty of the remote Nordic regions. Escorted tours in Swedish Lapland allow visitors to mingle amongst reindeer and travel amidst sparkling lakes and snowy mountain ranges. But it is not just the backcountry that impresses; instead, Norway and Sweden are both home to dazzling cities - most notably, Oslo and Stockholm - that allow the modern sides of these ancient countries to shine. Travel that extends into Finland presents an even more comprehensive look at the wonders to be discovered in the Nordic countries.
The Baltic region is home to lesser-traveled countries, where the traditions of yesteryear still hold firm. Including Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania, the Baltics are full of fascinating locales and beautiful cities. Take Latvia's Rigi, for example, with its Medieval Old Town and quaint wooden buildings. Estonia's breathtaking coastal islands and perfectly preserved capital city, Tallinn, complete with cobbled streets and ancient architecture spanning the ages, offer yet another glimpse at the contrasts that made the Nordic-Baltic countries so incredible. With so many languages, cuisines, and traditions to discover, there is no shortage of wonders to unearth in Scandinavia and the Baltics.