Soul of Lapland
This Inland Railway holiday stretches deep into the reindeer-grazing lands and to the home of the indigenous Sami. Derive pleasure in their rich traditional culture.
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This Inland Railway holiday stretches deep into the reindeer-grazing lands and to the home of the indigenous Sami. Derive pleasure in their rich traditional culture.
The construction of the Inland Railway commenced in 1907 and runs through the very heart of the Swedish countryside. It is now over 100 years old and the 1300km (800 miles) of track runs alongside glorious lakes, through dense forest and provides unspoiled views. The line is still of great importance to Sweden's infrastructure, as nature provides a rich supply of raw materials and trains are much more environmentally friendly than road transport.
The Soul of Lapland takes a deep look at the culture of the indigenous Sami. Traditionally nomadic, following their reindeer to the mountains in the summer and back to the forests during the winter, the traditional Sami way of life is being eroded away by modern living. The Sami have adopted modern living such as mobile telephones and herding reindeer with helicopters and quad bikes, but their traditional grazing grounds may become less accessible with the building of transport infrastructure. A fascinating story. Plenty of chances to buy Sami handicrafts during your holiday in Lapland.
The highlights of this holiday include Stockholm, a wonderful city on water; Lake Siljan, created by a meteorite impact 365 million years ago; the city of Östersund; crossing the Arctic Circle; the midnight sun; the rich Sami culture.
Day 1
Fly from UK to Stockholm
Self transfer to the centre of Stockholm
Check into your hotel
Time to explore some of Stockholm
You may decide to travel a day or 2 earlier to see more of Stockholm
Day 2
Breakfast at your hotel
A morning to explore Stockholm
1345 - 1730 train from Stockholm to Mora
Mora is heavy in culture with plenty to see and do! It is home to the world's largest cross country ski race 'Vasaloppet', held every February. In the summer the sun warms the lake and bathing is a popular summer pastime at the city centre beach. You will be accommodated at the Best Western Mora Hotel.
Day 3
Relaxing breakfast at your hotel
1445 - 2105 Train to Östersund
Time to visit Zorngården, the home of the famous painter Anders Zorn,(entry included) before catching the afternoon train to Östersund. The train passes many water features on the way but the waterfalls at Strorstupet and Helvetesfallet are worthy of note. Short stops for coffee and evening meal allow you to explore the nature close to the railway line. In Östersund you will stay at the Clarion Hotel Grand.
Day 4
Breakfast at your hotel
Day at leisure in Östersund
Östersund is associated with winter and major sporting events, but it is also a real summer city. Östersund has much to offer everyone; historical walks, little churches, adventure pools, quad biking and much more including a boat trip on Sweden's fifth largest lake, Storsjön. Entry to the Sami heritage museum, Jamtli Historieland, is included.
Day 5
Early breakfast at your hotel
0705-1505 train to Slagnäs
Early morning train to Slagnäs passing streams and lakes bursting with fish; you may have the chance to try your luck! There is a short bus transfer to Båtsuoj Sami Centre where you will experience the Sami culture first hand, meet reindeer and treat yourself to a traditional Sami meal. Your hotel will be Hotel Lyktan in Arjeplog.
Day 6
Breakfast at your hotel
1605-1935 train from Arvidsjaur to Jokkmokk - welcome to the land of the midnight sun!
Spend the morning with a guided walk, with the emphasis on the exciting history of Arjeplog. Entrance to the Silver Museum is included. Transfer bus to Arvidsjaur for an afternoon departure to Jokkmokk. This part of the journey offers you some of the best opportunities to see reindeer and elk as the forest offers them excellent protection. The region surrounding Arvidsjaur has 12,000 lakes and 30,000 reindeer. As you cross the Arctic Circle there is a short stop for a photo opportunity! You will travel through the world heritage site of Laponia and the Muddus National Park. You will stay at Hotel Jokkmokk .
Day 7
Breakfast at your hotel
1935-2145 train to Gällivare
Spend the day exploring Jokkmokk. Entrance to the Mountain Garden and Ajtte Sami Museum are included. Gällivare is the heart of Sami country and you will have the opportunity to see how modern living is combined with a traditional way of life. In the evening it is still possible to see 1/11 of the total area of Sweden whilst enjoying an ice cream in the middle of the night, under the midnight sun at the top of Dundret Mountain (not available after 3rd August). You will be accommodated at Grand Hotel Lapland.
Day 8
Breakfast at your hotel
At this point you may decide you wish to continue exploring Swedish Lapland and the experts at Simply Sweden are here to offer their experience and advice. This holiday concludes with another spectacular train journey as you will have a private cabin on the overnight train to Stockholm.
1700 night train to Stockholm
Day 9
0920 arrival in Stockholm
Luggage storage is available at Stockholm Central Station
Self transfer to the airport
Afternoon flights to UK
times are approximate & hotels and activities are subject to change
A comfortable way to travel between Stockholm, Swedish Lapland and Narvik in northern Norway. The night train crosses the Arctic Circle and between the end of May and mid-August is in the land of the midnight sun. A true scenic wilderness, especially between Kiruna and Narvik through the mountains. There is something romantic about sleeping on the night train with the gentle rocking of the train and the ping, ping, ping of the level crossings.
You will be accommodated in a private sleeper cabin with space for 6, 3 or 2 people in bunk beds. Bathroom facilities are available in each carriage and you will also find a restaurant car in the middle of the train.
Your accommodation details are listed within the itinerary. All hotels are mid-range with en-suite facilities and reflect their local surroundings as you enjoy this scenic holiday along the backbone of Sweden.
A refurbished town house from 1866, Hotel Rex provides comfort and privacy. Located in the exciting central area of Vasastan it is just a 2 minute walk to the underground and just a few minutes walk from major attractions such as the Vasa Museum, Stockholm harbour, shopping districts and a wide variety of restaurants.
This is where the locals live! The area around Rex Hotel is not on the beaten tourist trail. Instead you will find cosy bars and restaurants full of locals. The entire Stockholm region and beyond is quickly and easily accessible by the underground. All the rooms are en-suite and wifi is available throughout the hotel.
Click on the image for more photos.
We don't have any set activities here as there is such a variety of activities and excursions that appeal to a range of tastes. Recommendations include a boat trip through the archipelago, a visit to the Vasa Museum and a walk around Gamla Stan (The Old Town).
We suggest you visit the Stockholm Tourism website.
Dates for this holiday are with the following 2015 UK departure dates
20 27 June
4 11 18 25 July
1 Aug
Prices from £1530 per person on a double / twin room
Supplements from
£200 single supplement
£850 per child on an extra bed
Price includes
return flights from the UK
all rail transport day 2 to day 8 with reserved seats
night train to Stockholm in a private cabin - room only
bed and breakfast at all hotels with private facilities (generally 3 star)
The construction of the Inland Railway commenced in 1907 and runs through the very heart of the Swedish countryside. It is now over 100 years old and the 1300km (800 miles) of track runs alongside glorious lakes, through dense forest and provides unspoiled views. The line is still of great importance to Sweden's infrastructure, as nature provides a rich supply of raw materials and trains are much more environmentally friendly than road transport.
The Soul of Lapland takes a deep look at the culture of the indigenous Sami. Traditionally nomadic, following their reindeer to the mountains in the summer and back to the forests during the winter, the traditional Sami way of life is being eroded away by modern living. The Sami have adopted modern living such as mobile telephones and herding reindeer with helicopters and quad bikes, but their traditional grazing grounds may become less accessible with the building of transport infrastructure. A fascinating story. Plenty of chances to buy Sami handicrafts during your holiday in Lapland.
The highlights of this holiday include Stockholm, a wonderful city on water; Lake Siljan, created by a meteorite impact 365 million years ago; the city of Östersund; crossing the Arctic Circle; the midnight sun; the rich Sami culture.
Day 1
Fly from UK to Stockholm
Self transfer to the centre of Stockholm
Check into your hotel
Time to explore some of Stockholm
You may decide to travel a day or 2 earlier to see more of Stockholm
Day 2
Breakfast at your hotel
A morning to explore Stockholm
1345 - 1730 train from Stockholm to Mora
Mora is heavy in culture with plenty to see and do! It is home to the world's largest cross country ski race 'Vasaloppet', held every February. In the summer the sun warms the lake and bathing is a popular summer pastime at the city centre beach. You will be accommodated at the Best Western Mora Hotel.
Day 3
Relaxing breakfast at your hotel
1445 - 2105 Train to Östersund
Time to visit Zorngården, the home of the famous painter Anders Zorn,(entry included) before catching the afternoon train to Östersund. The train passes many water features on the way but the waterfalls at Strorstupet and Helvetesfallet are worthy of note. Short stops for coffee and evening meal allow you to explore the nature close to the railway line. In Östersund you will stay at the Clarion Hotel Grand.
Day 4
Breakfast at your hotel
Day at leisure in Östersund
Östersund is associated with winter and major sporting events, but it is also a real summer city. Östersund has much to offer everyone; historical walks, little churches, adventure pools, quad biking and much more including a boat trip on Sweden's fifth largest lake, Storsjön. Entry to the Sami heritage museum, Jamtli Historieland, is included.
Day 5
Early breakfast at your hotel
0705-1505 train to Slagnäs
Early morning train to Slagnäs passing streams and lakes bursting with fish; you may have the chance to try your luck! There is a short bus transfer to Båtsuoj Sami Centre where you will experience the Sami culture first hand, meet reindeer and treat yourself to a traditional Sami meal. Your hotel will be Hotel Lyktan in Arjeplog.
Day 6
Breakfast at your hotel
1605-1935 train from Arvidsjaur to Jokkmokk - welcome to the land of the midnight sun!
Spend the morning with a guided walk, with the emphasis on the exciting history of Arjeplog. Entrance to the Silver Museum is included. Transfer bus to Arvidsjaur for an afternoon departure to Jokkmokk. This part of the journey offers you some of the best opportunities to see reindeer and elk as the forest offers them excellent protection. The region surrounding Arvidsjaur has 12,000 lakes and 30,000 reindeer. As you cross the Arctic Circle there is a short stop for a photo opportunity! You will travel through the world heritage site of Laponia and the Muddus National Park. You will stay at Hotel Jokkmokk .
Day 7
Breakfast at your hotel
1935-2145 train to Gällivare
Spend the day exploring Jokkmokk. Entrance to the Mountain Garden and Ajtte Sami Museum are included. Gällivare is the heart of Sami country and you will have the opportunity to see how modern living is combined with a traditional way of life. In the evening it is still possible to see 1/11 of the total area of Sweden whilst enjoying an ice cream in the middle of the night, under the midnight sun at the top of Dundret Mountain (not available after 3rd August). You will be accommodated at Grand Hotel Lapland.
Day 8
Breakfast at your hotel
At this point you may decide you wish to continue exploring Swedish Lapland and the experts at Simply Sweden are here to offer their experience and advice. This holiday concludes with another spectacular train journey as you will have a private cabin on the overnight train to Stockholm.
1700 night train to Stockholm
Day 9
0920 arrival in Stockholm
Luggage storage is available at Stockholm Central Station
Self transfer to the airport
Afternoon flights to UK
times are approximate & hotels and activities are subject to change
A comfortable way to travel between Stockholm, Swedish Lapland and Narvik in northern Norway. The night train crosses the Arctic Circle and between the end of May and mid-August is in the land of the midnight sun. A true scenic wilderness, especially between Kiruna and Narvik through the mountains. There is something romantic about sleeping on the night train with the gentle rocking of the train and the ping, ping, ping of the level crossings.
You will be accommodated in a private sleeper cabin with space for 6, 3 or 2 people in bunk beds. Bathroom facilities are available in each carriage and you will also find a restaurant car in the middle of the train.
Your accommodation details are listed within the itinerary. All hotels are mid-range with en-suite facilities and reflect their local surroundings as you enjoy this scenic holiday along the backbone of Sweden.
A refurbished town house from 1866, Hotel Rex provides comfort and privacy. Located in the exciting central area of Vasastan it is just a 2 minute walk to the underground and just a few minutes walk from major attractions such as the Vasa Museum, Stockholm harbour, shopping districts and a wide variety of restaurants.
This is where the locals live! The area around Rex Hotel is not on the beaten tourist trail. Instead you will find cosy bars and restaurants full of locals. The entire Stockholm region and beyond is quickly and easily accessible by the underground. All the rooms are en-suite and wifi is available throughout the hotel.
Click on the image for more photos.
We don't have any set activities here as there is such a variety of activities and excursions that appeal to a range of tastes. Recommendations include a boat trip through the archipelago, a visit to the Vasa Museum and a walk around Gamla Stan (The Old Town).
We suggest you visit the Stockholm Tourism website.
Dates for this holiday are with the following 2015 UK departure dates
20 27 June
4 11 18 25 July
1 Aug
Prices from £1530 per person on a double / twin room
Supplements from
£200 single supplement
£850 per child on an extra bed
Price includes
return flights from the UK
all rail transport day 2 to day 8 with reserved seats
night train to Stockholm in a private cabin - room only
bed and breakfast at all hotels with private facilities (generally 3 star)
