Winter Gems of Swedish Lapland

Description

Your holiday begins at  Camp Ripan, on the edge of Kiruna in Swedish Lapland where you will stay for the first 4 nights in comfortable chalet style cabins.  Your final night in Lapland will be spent at Sweden's original ICEHOTEL, sleeping on a bed of ice!

Although it's only a short 10 minute walk into town, the area surrounding Camp Ripan offers a huge arena of opportunity and winter experiences. From traditional guided winter pursuits to the more obscure, at Camp Ripan you can do it all.  We have designed this itinerary to offer something a little different from the usual winter holidays however we can help you to plan and design your own itinerary if you are looking for something a little more traditional.

Day 1:
Arrive Kiruna and transfer to Camp Ripan.

Day 2:
This short break is jam-packed with Swedish experiences and to kick-start the adventure enjoy a fun and informative morning discovering how to be a Sami survivor. Learn the ancient ways of the Sami people, how they live in nature, how to dress to withstand the harsh Arctic conditions, practice how to set the perfect fire and live off the land in all of Lapland's eight seasons.

As night falls, immerse yourself in the dark wintry nights of Lapland and escape the city lights with a team of excitable huskies. Wind you way on a husky pulled sled through pine and birch forest down to the famous Torne River where night sky stretches out overhead. If the Aurora forecast is on your side and the skies are clear, you may see the northern lights dancing in the sky! 

Day 3:
No trip to Sweden would be complete without a little Sami culture and an encounter with the reindeer. During this fascinating day you will gain a greater understanding and appreciation of the hard life of a reindeer herder in the harsh Arctic climate and enjoy a short sleigh ride through the forest trails and maybe take part in an exhilarating reindeer race before sampling some traditional Sami delicacies back at the Sami tent.

Day 4:
The vast wilderness of northern Sweden offers great riding opportunities and the Icelandic Horse is the perfect companion on which to explore as you seek out the 'King of the Swedish Forest' on a moose safari. This natural way of getting around offers a certain peace and tranquility and you can relax even further on your return to the hotel with a final Swedish tradition at the Aurora Spa to mark the end of your stay. Immerse yourself in the temperate pools, unwind in the sauna and indulge your senses with an array of delicious natural Swedish products, if you are lucky the northern lights may even appear one last time as you relax in the warm waters of the outdoor pool surrounded by the cool crisp air of the polar night.

Day 5:
It’s time to leave Camp Ripan today, but a new and exciting adventure awaits in nearby Jukkasjärvi at ICEHOTEL. Spend the afternoon wandering at your leisure around  the rooms and suites of this magnificent architectural wonder. Visit the ice chapel and enjoy a drink in the IceBar before heading to dinner.  Your Ice Room or Suite is yours to enjoy from 6pm, although the trick is not to settle down too soon! When it is time for bed, cosy on up in your thermal sleeping bag for an unforgettable night on ice. 

Day 6:
Awake this morning to a glass of warm lingonberry juice and warm up in the sauna before breakfast. There is time to explore the village before your transfer back to the airport.  Be sure to visit Jukkasjärvi church and you may like to head to Nutti Sami Siida to browse the outdoor museum style exhibition or visit the shop stocked with local handicrafts and deli products from Swedish Lapland for the perfect souvenir to take home. 

Inspired? To read more about this itinerary, or for us to design your own unique holiday contact us …