Stockholm & the Northern Lights by Rail
- 9 Days
- From £1,099
- Sweden
- Travel to Stockholm by train with nights en route in Münster and Copenhagen
- Spend 2 nights in the Swedish capital with time to explore
- Take a sleeper north of the Arctic Circle, to the town of Kiruna
- Enjoy time at leisure for winter pursuits and the chance to see the Northern Lights!
- Decide when you would like to travel
- Adapt the route to suit your plans
- Upgrade your trains and hotels
- Add extra nights, destinations and/or tours
- Standard Class rail travel with seat reservations
- 7 nights’ handpicked hotel accommodation with breakfast
- Overnight sleeper from Stockholm to Kiruna in a private cabin
- Comprehensive directions to your hotels
- Clearly-presented wallets for your rail tickets, hotel vouchers and other documentation
- All credit card surcharges and complimentary delivery of your travel documents
PLEASE NOTE: The best time to see the Northern Lights in Swedish Lapland is between the end of September and early March
Suggested Itinerary
Depart London St Pancras this morning on a Eurostar service to Brussels Midi station. Then connect with German rail services train to Münster via the cathedral city of Cologne. Here, check in to the Kaiserhof Hotel (or similar) for an overnight stay.
Münster is an historic university city. Its skyline is punctuated by the Gothic and Romanesque towers and steeples of its medieval churches.
This morning, it’s time to board another InterCity service to cover the 180-mile journey north to Hamburg, where you change onto a direct train to Copenhagen via Jutland. The train traverses the flat landscapes of the Danish countryside before pulling into Copenhagen’s historic station in time for dinner. Your accommodation here will be the Absalon Hotel (or similar).
Cross the Oresund Bridge and head through Sweden to capital Stockholm. Your home for the next 2 nights is the Nordic Light Hotel (or similar).
Stockholm is a fascinating city in a stunning location. Spend your free time here discovering a wealth of museums, wandering through the historic Gamla Stan district, island hopping on foot or by ferry and experiencing a veritable smorgasbord of dining options.
Enjoy another day at leisure in Stockholm. We would recommend a visit the world-famous Vasa Museum, dedicated to the 17th century warship of the same name, which sank only a few minutes into her maiden voyage in 1628.
In the early evening, return to Stockholm’s main station for your overnight train heading north. Settle in to your private compartment for the night and awake near the Arctic Circle. Your destination is Kiruna, where you’ll check in for a 3-night stay at the Best Western Hotel Arctic Eden (or similar).
You have two full days in the town of Kiruna. Kiruna is around 100 miles north of the Arctic Circle meaning that, between around the last week of May and mid-July, you can experience the midnight sun, when the sun never sets! From the first week of December until mid-January, there are no hours of full daylight.
There are plenty of activities to choose from here, whether you want to try your hand at dog-sledding, snow shoe trekking, ice fishing or riding a snowmobile! You can also take tours into breathtaking Abisko National Park or visit the Aurora Sky Station for a chance to see the unforgettable Northern Lights.
It’s time to check out of your hotel today and transfer to Kiruna Airport for your flight back to London (not included). If you would rather not fly, we can look at options to bring you back overland, perhaps with a journey on the famous Inlandsbanan through central Sweden. Give us a call for details and prices.
TMR RECOMMENDS: In the winter months, why not extend your holiday and stop a night or two in the famous Ice Hotel, located near to Kiruna?
Typical hotels on this itinerary
Located within easy reach of Münster’s main station, the Tryp Inn City is a great choice for an overnight stop. There’s a 24 hour reception and a bar with free Wi-Fi internet access throughout. The bedrooms are all air-conditioned and equipped with a kettle, minibar, flat-screen TV and safety deposit box.
This family-run hotel is positioned in the heart of Copenhagen, a short stroll from the railway station, the Tivoli Gardens and Nyhavn harbour. The colourful interiors and bedrooms are designed by Designers Guild and there is a also a bar and terrace. Bicycle hire is available from reception.
The Nordic Light is a modern design hotel, located within easy walking distance of Stockholm Central Station and the main shopping street of the city. Bedrooms are equipped with a laptop-sized safe and satellite TV. The luxury beds are by Swedish brand, Hästens. The hotel also offers a restaurant, bar and fitness centre.
The Best Western Hotel Arctic Eden is located within walking distance of central Kiruna. The stylish, contemporary-style bedrooms come with free Wi-Fi access, flat-screen TVs and an electric kettle. The hotel also has a restaurant service regional cuisine along with a gym, a sauna and a plunge pool.