Arctic Circle Explorer: Tromso & Icehotel

Holiday overview

This is an unmissable chance to combine two Scandinavian icons, and two countries, on one unforgettable trip. Beginning with the dazzling disco-light displays over Norway’s Northern Lights capital, you’ll then board a bus east, stopping for a night in remote Narvik before heading on, via the Arctic Circle train, for a stay at Sweden’s iconic ICEHOTEL.

For the same journey in summer, see our Chasing the Midnight Sun itinerary.

Holiday itinerary

Day 1: Depart for Tromso

Fly to Tromso and take the airport shuttle to the city centre, then check into your hotel. We recommend the Clarion Collection Hotel With for its wonderful harbour views and top-floor relaxation area, perfect for views of the Northern Lights. Stays here also include afternoon waffles and a light evening meal, on the house. The rest of the day is free to explore, and there’s plenty to discover, whether it’s the informative Polaria Museum, itself a fabulous guide to the frozen north, or the many excellent restaurants and seemingly limitless supply of pubs that dot this lively city.

Day 2: Tromso excursions

While Tromso itself is full of bustling charm, the region’s real highlights lie beyond the city limits. You’ll have the chance to take in some of its many delights today with a choice of optional excursions. There’s everything from husky-sled rides and snowmobile trips through the wilderness to Northern Lights dinner cruises and distillery tastings. And, in the evening, be sure to book onto an aurora safari to catch the light show in all its ethereal splendour – weather permitting, of course.

Day 3: Bus to Narvik

Your trans-Scandinavian adventure begins in earnest today as you board the bus to Narvik. Grab a seat by the window if you can, for the best view of snow-dusted crags and icy fjords. On arrival, check into the Scandic Narvik whose contemporary rooms and 15th-floor sky bar look out across the mountainous surrounds. If you’ve time, take the chance for a cable car ride to the summit of Narvikfjellet.

Stay: Scandic Narvik

Day 4: Journey to ICEHOTEL

Today you’ll board the Arctic Circle Train for a memorable cross-border journey into Swedish Lapland. Along the way, you’ll race past the snowy mountain resort of Björkliden and Abisko National Park before sweeping into Kiruna for the short transfer to ICEHOTEL. Enjoy a tour of the hotel on arrival before checking into your freshly sculpted Ice Room. Art Suite upgrades are also available. The rest of the day is left free for optional adventures; snowmobiling, ice carving and Northern Lights tours compete for your attention alongside the likes of ice-carving classes and multi-course gourmet dining experiences.

Day 5: Depart ICEHOTEL

Wake from your night on ice with a warm glass of lingonberry juice and a sauna. Then, after breakfast, you’ll transfer back to Kiruna for your flight home.

Holiday pricing

• flight from the UK to Tromso returning Kiruna to London with checked baggage
• 2 nights at the Clarion Collection Hotel With in a standard double/twin bedroom with daily breakfast, afternoon waffles and light evening meal
• 1 night at the Scandic Narvik in a standard double/twin bedroom on a B&B basis
• 1 night in an ICEROOM at the ICEHOTEL (shared facilities) including warm clothing, guided tour, morning sauna & lingonberry juice and breakfast (upgrades available)
• local coach from Tromso to Narvik
• standard class rail journey from Narvik to Kiruna
• rail and airport transfers to/from the ICEHOTEL