Welcome to Simply Sweden

All our holidays are available without flights if you are travelling from outside the UK.

Just make your enquiry as normal and we will be able to tailor-make your enquiry.

Okay

Simply Sweden

Call us on 01427 700115

new royalslider


Great Scandinavian Rail Journey

Experience the magic and the relaxing atmosphere on board the scenic trains of Scandinavia as you travel through the land of the midnight sun.

Overview

New for 2015 we expect this tour of Scandinavia to be extremely popular. This is a magnificent 8 night holiday into the land of the midnight sun visiting Stockholm, Bodø, Trondheim and Oslo along the way.

The Arctic Circle Train - Stockholm to Narvik
This train leaves Stockholm in the early evening, heading north passing through the cities of Uppsala, Sundsvall and Umeå before heading inland and crossing the Arctic Circle into the land of the midnight sun with dense forests, wide rushing rivers and some beautiful coastal scenery, especially around the High Coast. The stretch between Boden and Narvik is the route of the famous Iron Ore train. Kiruna is home to the world's largest underground mine and these mighty trains are regularly seen transporting their heavy cargo to the ports of Narvik or Luleå. Spectacular Arctic scenery and the famous gateway to the mountains, Lapporten, as you cross the international border at Riksgränsen from Sweden to Norway.

The Northern Railway - Bodø to Trondheim
Arguably the most famous train in Scandinavia with truly amazing coastal and mountain scenery as you cross the Arctic Circle. This is geographically the narrowest part of Norway and mountains rise out of the sea in this region. Snow-capped mountains, enclosed bays, 44 stations, 293 bridges and 154 tunnels all feature along the longest rail route (729km) in the Norwegian network. Simply magical!

The Dovre Railway - Trondheim to Oslo
This is a journey through scenic national parks, deep mountain valleys and features Gudbrandsdalen valley and the mighty Dovrefjell mountain range with the track rising to 1000m above sea level and the mountains towering above. You will also pass Mjøsa, Norway's largest lake and many wooden station buildings worthy of a quick photo when the train stops. A diverse journey from the ancient capital to current capital city with a vast expanse of beautiful scenery in the middle.

Itinerary

Day 1
Fly from UK to Stockholm
Check in to your centrally located hotel
Time to explore Stockholm

Day 2
Breakfast at your hotel
A day at leisure to explore Stockholm and the archipelago

Day 3
Breakfast at your hotel
Day at leisure to explore Stockholm and the archipelago
1755 departure on the "Arctic Circle Train" towards Lapland
Private cabin on board
Sit back, relax and enjoy the Swedish countryside

Day 4
Wake up in Swedish Lapland
Crossing the Arctic Circle during the morning
Enjoy the wilderness scenery towards Kiruna
Between Kiruna and Narvik wonderful mountain scenery
Cross the international border between Sweden and Norway at Riksgränsen
1600 arrival in Narvik on the Norwegian coast.
Check in to your hotel in the centre of Narvik
Afternoon at leisure

Day 5
Breakfast at your hotel
0700 long distance bus from Narvik
You won't want to close your eyes! Enjoy the fjord and mountain scenery
1317 arrival in Bodø
Check in to your hotel
Afternoon at leisure

Day 6
Breakfast at your hotel
Morning at leisure in Bodø
1230 departure on the Northern Railway to Trondheim - famous for the scenery
Cross the Arctic Circle
2200 arrival in Trondheim
Check in to your hotel

Day 7
Breakfast at your hotel
Day at leisure to explore the history and culture of Trondheim

Day 8
Breakfast at your hotel
0825 departure on The Dovre Railway for Oslo
Magical mountain scenery
1500 arrival in Oslo
Check in to your hotel

Day 9
Breakfast at your hotel
Day at leisure in Oslo
Afternoon flights back to UK

Times are approximate

Accommodation

Clarion Collection Grand Olav - Trondheim

Trondheim can be traced back to 997AD when it was founded as a trading post. It was the capital of Norway during the Viking Age and there is a long history and rich culture to explore. The Nidaros Cathedral has long been one of the most important religious sites in northern Europe and was built between 1070 and 1300over the burial site of King Olaf.

Clarion Collection Hotel Grand Olav is located in the centre of Trondheim close to the railway and bus station with excellent connections to the airport, Oslo and Bodø. There are 106 en-suite individual hotel rooms and wifi is available throughout the hotel. Afternoon tea is included along with a simple evening meal between 6pm and 9pm.

Please click on the image for more photos.

Clarion Collection Hotel Grand - Bodø

Clarion Collection Hotel Grand was a victim of WWII. On 27th May 1940 Bodø was heavily bombed and the building was extensively damaged. In the dining room there is a mirror, which is one of the few items not to be damaged during the bombing raid.

This hotel, which dates from the 1850's, is now a modern hotel in the centre of Bodø reflecting the rich culture and long history of this northern city. You will find a relax area, warm atmospheric restaurant and 97 rooms just a 5 min walk from the railway station and the Hurtigruten Coastal Steamer quay.

Please click on the image for more photos.

Quality Hotel Grand Royal - Narvik

Narvik is the end destination for the Arctic Circle Train from Stockholm and from where most of the iron ore mined in Kiruna is shipped around the world. It is also the scene of strategic battles during WWII as the allies as Nazis fought for control of the iron ore shipping routes in 1940 as Narvik provided an ice free port during the harsh winter months.

Quality Hotel Narvik is located in the centre of Narvik just a short distance from the railway station and with good bus connections to Bodø, Tromsø and the main airport at Evenes. There are 162 en-suite hotel rooms and wifi is available throughout the hotel.

Please click on the image for more photos.

Rex Hotel - Stockholm

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.

Royal Christiania - Oslo

Royal Christiania is situated less than 100m from the Central Station in Oslo and is close to the major shopping and entertainment districts and all the major tourist attractions are within easy reach. The water front is less than 10mins walk away. The history of Oslo dates back to 1000AD and can be found in Gamlebyen (Old Town). As a Scandinavian city it will come as no surprise that architecture and design feature heavily.

Click on the image for more photos.

 

Train - Arctic Circle Train

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.

 

Activities & Excursions

Great Scandinavian Rail Journey

The joy of visiting these cities is the vast amount of attractions that appeal to so many different people, regardless of age, ability and interests. You can enjoy the energy, vitality and diversity of each of these breathtaking cities, but also luxuriate in the tranquillity and beauty of the surroundings. We don't have any set activities but can recommend our favourites in each city. Here are some links to the local tourism websites which we hope you will find useful:

Stockholm Tourism

Bodø Tourism

Trondheim Tourism

Oslo Tourism 

Dates

Almost daily departures throughout the year.

For the midnight sun we recommend the end of May to mid-August.

For northern lights we recommend October to March.

Prices

Prices from £1425 per person in a double / twin room

Supplements from
£395 single supplement

Price includes
return flights from the UK
overnight trains with private cabins on a room only basis as detailed
day trains between Bodø and Trondheim, Trondheim and Oslo as detailed
hotel accommodation as detailed including breakfast
long distance coach between Narvik and Bodø

Gallery

Information

Overview

New for 2015 we expect this tour of Scandinavia to be extremely popular. This is a magnificent 8 night holiday into the land of the midnight sun visiting Stockholm, Bodø, Trondheim and Oslo along the way.

The Arctic Circle Train - Stockholm to Narvik
This train leaves Stockholm in the early evening, heading north passing through the cities of Uppsala, Sundsvall and Umeå before heading inland and crossing the Arctic Circle into the land of the midnight sun with dense forests, wide rushing rivers and some beautiful coastal scenery, especially around the High Coast. The stretch between Boden and Narvik is the route of the famous Iron Ore train. Kiruna is home to the world's largest underground mine and these mighty trains are regularly seen transporting their heavy cargo to the ports of Narvik or Luleå. Spectacular Arctic scenery and the famous gateway to the mountains, Lapporten, as you cross the international border at Riksgränsen from Sweden to Norway.

The Northern Railway - Bodø to Trondheim
Arguably the most famous train in Scandinavia with truly amazing coastal and mountain scenery as you cross the Arctic Circle. This is geographically the narrowest part of Norway and mountains rise out of the sea in this region. Snow-capped mountains, enclosed bays, 44 stations, 293 bridges and 154 tunnels all feature along the longest rail route (729km) in the Norwegian network. Simply magical!

The Dovre Railway - Trondheim to Oslo
This is a journey through scenic national parks, deep mountain valleys and features Gudbrandsdalen valley and the mighty Dovrefjell mountain range with the track rising to 1000m above sea level and the mountains towering above. You will also pass Mjøsa, Norway's largest lake and many wooden station buildings worthy of a quick photo when the train stops. A diverse journey from the ancient capital to current capital city with a vast expanse of beautiful scenery in the middle.

Itinerary

Day 1
Fly from UK to Stockholm
Check in to your centrally located hotel
Time to explore Stockholm

Day 2
Breakfast at your hotel
A day at leisure to explore Stockholm and the archipelago

Day 3
Breakfast at your hotel
Day at leisure to explore Stockholm and the archipelago
1755 departure on the "Arctic Circle Train" towards Lapland
Private cabin on board
Sit back, relax and enjoy the Swedish countryside

Day 4
Wake up in Swedish Lapland
Crossing the Arctic Circle during the morning
Enjoy the wilderness scenery towards Kiruna
Between Kiruna and Narvik wonderful mountain scenery
Cross the international border between Sweden and Norway at Riksgränsen
1600 arrival in Narvik on the Norwegian coast.
Check in to your hotel in the centre of Narvik
Afternoon at leisure

Day 5
Breakfast at your hotel
0700 long distance bus from Narvik
You won't want to close your eyes! Enjoy the fjord and mountain scenery
1317 arrival in Bodø
Check in to your hotel
Afternoon at leisure

Day 6
Breakfast at your hotel
Morning at leisure in Bodø
1230 departure on the Northern Railway to Trondheim - famous for the scenery
Cross the Arctic Circle
2200 arrival in Trondheim
Check in to your hotel

Day 7
Breakfast at your hotel
Day at leisure to explore the history and culture of Trondheim

Day 8
Breakfast at your hotel
0825 departure on The Dovre Railway for Oslo
Magical mountain scenery
1500 arrival in Oslo
Check in to your hotel

Day 9
Breakfast at your hotel
Day at leisure in Oslo
Afternoon flights back to UK

Times are approximate

Accomodation

Clarion Collection Grand Olav - Trondheim

Trondheim can be traced back to 997AD when it was founded as a trading post. It was the capital of Norway during the Viking Age and there is a long history and rich culture to explore. The Nidaros Cathedral has long been one of the most important religious sites in northern Europe and was built between 1070 and 1300over the burial site of King Olaf.

Clarion Collection Hotel Grand Olav is located in the centre of Trondheim close to the railway and bus station with excellent connections to the airport, Oslo and Bodø. There are 106 en-suite individual hotel rooms and wifi is available throughout the hotel. Afternoon tea is included along with a simple evening meal between 6pm and 9pm.

Please click on the image for more photos.

Clarion Collection Hotel Grand - Bodø

Clarion Collection Hotel Grand was a victim of WWII. On 27th May 1940 Bodø was heavily bombed and the building was extensively damaged. In the dining room there is a mirror, which is one of the few items not to be damaged during the bombing raid.

This hotel, which dates from the 1850's, is now a modern hotel in the centre of Bodø reflecting the rich culture and long history of this northern city. You will find a relax area, warm atmospheric restaurant and 97 rooms just a 5 min walk from the railway station and the Hurtigruten Coastal Steamer quay.

Please click on the image for more photos.

Quality Hotel Grand Royal - Narvik

Narvik is the end destination for the Arctic Circle Train from Stockholm and from where most of the iron ore mined in Kiruna is shipped around the world. It is also the scene of strategic battles during WWII as the allies as Nazis fought for control of the iron ore shipping routes in 1940 as Narvik provided an ice free port during the harsh winter months.

Quality Hotel Narvik is located in the centre of Narvik just a short distance from the railway station and with good bus connections to Bodø, Tromsø and the main airport at Evenes. There are 162 en-suite hotel rooms and wifi is available throughout the hotel.

Please click on the image for more photos.

Rex Hotel - Stockholm

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.

Royal Christiania - Oslo

Royal Christiania is situated less than 100m from the Central Station in Oslo and is close to the major shopping and entertainment districts and all the major tourist attractions are within easy reach. The water front is less than 10mins walk away. The history of Oslo dates back to 1000AD and can be found in Gamlebyen (Old Town). As a Scandinavian city it will come as no surprise that architecture and design feature heavily.

Click on the image for more photos.

 

Train - Arctic Circle Train

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.

 

Excursions

Great Scandinavian Rail Journey

The joy of visiting these cities is the vast amount of attractions that appeal to so many different people, regardless of age, ability and interests. You can enjoy the energy, vitality and diversity of each of these breathtaking cities, but also luxuriate in the tranquillity and beauty of the surroundings. We don't have any set activities but can recommend our favourites in each city. Here are some links to the local tourism websites which we hope you will find useful:

Stockholm Tourism

Bodø Tourism

Trondheim Tourism

Oslo Tourism 

Dates

Almost daily departures throughout the year.

For the midnight sun we recommend the end of May to mid-August.

For northern lights we recommend October to March.

Prices

Prices from £1425 per person in a double / twin room

Supplements from
£395 single supplement

Price includes
return flights from the UK
overnight trains with private cabins on a room only basis as detailed
day trains between Bodø and Trondheim, Trondheim and Oslo as detailed
hotel accommodation as detailed including breakfast
long distance coach between Narvik and Bodø

Gallery More Info