• CLASSIC
  • New trip for 2027

8 days | Independent | Dec-Mar | Luleå to Ranua

Experience the magic of the Arctic on this family-friendly winter journey through Swedish and Finnish Lapland. Travelling by train, road and snowmobile, you'll discover three distinct destinations, each offering a different perspective on life above the Arctic Circle.

Begin in the peaceful Luleå archipelago, where frozen seas, snowy forests and cosy lodges showcase the beauty of coastal Swedish Lapland. Continue to Haparanda, a fascinating border town where Sweden and Finland meet, and where it's possible to cross between two countries and time zones in just a few steps. The adventure then leads to Ranua in Finnish Lapland, home to Arctic wildlife, festive traditions and some of the region's most enchanting winter scenery.

Along the way, immerse yourself in Sami culture, travel across frozen landscapes, seek out the Northern Lights and enjoy authentic Arctic hospitality. From reindeer and huskies to snowmobiles and ice fishing, this itinerary combines all the classic Lapland experiences with the unique opportunity to explore two Nordic countries in a single trip.

This journey is perfect for families seeking a well-rounded winter escape. The tour blends culture, nature and adventure with comfortable accommodation, including a memorable night in a glass igloo beneath the Arctic sky.

Highlights include

  • Explore two Arctic countries in one journey, travelling through both Swedish and Finnish Lapland
  • Stay in three unique destinations: the Luleå Archipelago, the historic border town of Haparanda and the wilderness of Ranua
  • Experience the unique Sweden-Finland border, where you can walk between two countries and two time zones
  • Enjoy an authentic Sami cultural experience and meet local reindeer herders
  • Travel across the frozen Bay of Bothnia, one of the few places in Europe where the sea freezes each winter
  • Try traditional Arctic ice fishing on the frozen sea
  • Set out on a scenic sunrise snowmobile safari across vast snow-covered landscapes
  • Search for the Northern Lights on two included evening excursions
  • Meet Santa Claus in his hidden forest cabin deep in the Lapland wilderness
  • Visit Ranua Wildlife Park, home to iconic Arctic animals including polar bears, lynx and Arctic foxes
  • Enjoy a thrilling husky safari through snowy forests
  • Stay in a magical glass igloo, with the chance to admire the Arctic night sky from your bed
  • Experience comfortable Arctic accommodation, from cosy waterfront cabins to a historic grand hotel and unique glass igloo lodging
Day 1
Welcome to Swedish Lapland
Day 2
Sami Culture, Reindeer & Northern Lights
Day 3
Ice Fishing on the Frozen Sea
Day 4
Journey to Haparanda & Northern Lights Hunt
Day 5
Sunrise Snowmobile Safari & Ranua Wildlife Park
Day 6
Meet Santa Claus & Aurora Adventure
Day 7
Husky Safari & Aurora Igloo Escape
Day 8
Departure day
Start Place
Luleå, Sweden
End Place
Ranua, Lapland, Finland
Destinations Visited
Sweden
Finland
Duration
8 Days
Code
50DN1670

As a Certified B Corporation, 50 Degrees North has designed this itinerary using handpicked local hoteliers and suppliers who share our ethos of delivering services and activities of high social and environmental standards.

Through our Climate Action Plan, we measure our carbon emissions each year and set goals to reduce them. But our responsibility does not end when the journey does. A share of our annual profits goes to our Impact Fund, supporting conservation, restoration and the communities we work in.

Details

Transportation
Included
  • 3 nights in a Cabin at Brändön Lodge, including breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • 1 night in a Standard Room at Haparanda Stadshotell, including breakfast
  • 2 nights in a Superior Apartment at Ranua Resort, including breakfast and dinner
  • 1 night in a Family Igloo at Ranua Resort, including breakfast and dinner
  • Sami Reindeer Experience, including lunch
  • Northern Lights Sled Experience on the Frozen Sea
  • Ice Fishing Experience
  • Searching for the Aurora Borealis by Car
  • Sunrise Snowmobile Safari
  • Visit to Santa's Secret Cabin
  • Aurora Adventure by a Frozen Pond
  • Husky Safari
  • Entrance to Ranua Wildlife Park
  • Train tickets from Luleå to Haparanda
  • Private transfer from Luleå Airport to Brändön Lodge
  • Private transfer from Brändön Lodge to Luleå train station
  • Private transfer from Haparanda to Ranua Resort
  • Shuttle transfer from Ranua Resort to Rovaniemi
Not Included
  • Meals not specified in the itinerary
  • Drinks including alcoholic beverages, juice, soft drinks and hot beverages
  • Luggage handling
  • Gratuities and items of personal nature
  • Travel insurance, visas
  • International and domestic flights
  • Transfer from Haparanda Train Station to Haparanda Stadshotell (900m)

Itinerary

Day 1 - Welcome to Swedish Lapland

Upon arrival at Luleå Airport, enjoy a private transfer to Brändön Lodge, a charming Arctic retreat overlooking the picturesque Luleå archipelago. Spend the next few nights in a cosy cabin featuring two bedrooms, a private bathroom, a comfortable living area and a veranda with peaceful views of the surrounding winter landscape and frozen sea.

After check-in, take time to settle into your accommodation and explore the lodge's tranquil surroundings. Relax by the fireplace in the main lodge, unwind in the sauna, or simply enjoy the serenity of the Arctic wilderness. Overnight at Brändön Lodge.

Meals
1 Dinner

Day 2 - Sami Culture, Reindeer & Northern Lights

Today, enjoy an authentic introduction to Sami culture and traditions by a local Sami host. Visit a reindeer enclosure and learn about the Sami way of life, the unique concept of eight Arctic seasons, and the deep connection between the Sami people, nature and their reindeer. You'll have the opportunity to meet and feed the reindeer before gathering around an open fire in a traditional Sami tent, where lunch is served in a warm and atmospheric setting.

This evening, set out across the frozen waters of the Luleå archipelago on a Northern Lights sled experience. Wrapped in warm blankets and reindeer pelts, relax as you are pulled by snowmobile through the Arctic wilderness, far from artificial light. During the excursion, stop beside a crackling fire on the ice for a hot drink while keeping watch for the magical Aurora Borealis dancing across the night sky.

Meals
1 Breakfast
1 Lunch
1 Dinner

Day 3 - Ice Fishing on the Frozen Sea

This morning, experience one of Swedish Lapland's most cherished winter traditions with a guided ice fishing excursion on the frozen Bay of Bothnia. Travel by snowmobile sled across the ice to a carefully selected fishing spot, where your guide will share insights into the Arctic environment, local culture and life on the frozen sea.

After drilling through the ice, try your luck catching perch or even pike while surrounded by the peaceful beauty of the Arctic wilderness. During the excursion, pause to warm up with a hot drink and traditional Swedish coffee bread as you take in the tranquil surroundings. Any fish you catch can be taken back to the lodge to enjoy later.

The remainder of the day is at leisure to relax at Brändön Lodge, explore the surrounding winter landscapes or make use of the lodge's facilities.

Meals
1 Breakfast
1 Lunch
1 Dinner

Day 4 - Journey to Haparanda & Northern Lights Hunt

After breakfast, enjoy a private transfer to Luleå railway station and board the local train to Haparanda. Upon arrival, take a short 900 m walk or a taxi to the historic Haparanda Stadshotell, one of Northern Sweden's most iconic turn-of-the-century hotels. Rich in character and charm, the hotel combines elegant period features, including crystal chandeliers, stucco detailing and classic interiors, with modern comforts. Your standard room offers a comfortable stay, complete with a private bathroom, Wi-Fi, TV, kettle and hairdryer. The remainder of the day is free to explore the border town at your own pace or relax at the hotel before the evening's excursion.

This evening, set out on a Northern Lights hunt by car, travelling away from the city lights to a scenic viewing location with excellent conditions for spotting the Aurora Borealis. Accompanied by an experienced guide, enjoy a short walk to a campfire site where hot drinks and a light snack are served. As you warm up by the fire, hear fascinating stories and local legends about the northern lights while keeping watch for this spectacular natural phenomenon dancing across the Arctic sky.

Meals
1 Breakfast
Transportation
Please note: Transfer from the Haparanda train station to Haparanda Stadshotell is not included.

Day 5 - Sunrise Snowmobile Safari & Ranua Wildlife Park

Begin the day with an exhilarating snowmobile safari across the frozen expanse of the Bothnian Bay. After being provided with thermal winter clothing and a safety briefing, set off into the Arctic wilderness, travelling across vast ice fields and snow-covered landscapes bathed in the soft light of sunrise. Along the way, pause to admire the spectacular scenery and warm up with a hot drink before returning to base. Snowmobiles are shared between two guests, giving everyone the chance to experience driving through this remarkable Arctic environment.

Later, continue your journey north by privaye transfer to Ranua Wildlife Park, home to Arctic animals including polar bears, lynx, wolverines and Arctic foxes. Check in to your Superior Apartment, a comfortable and spacious retreat offering modern amenities and an ideal base for exploring the region. The remainder of the evening is at leisure.

Meals
1 Breakfast
1 Dinner

Day 6 - Meet Santa Claus & Aurora Adventure

Today, step into a true Arctic winter fairytale with a visit to Santa's Secret Cabin. After collecting your winter clothing, travel by snowmobile-drawn sleigh through snow-covered forests to a hidden cabin deep in the wilderness. There, enjoy a private meeting with Santa Claus himself, creating magical memories as you chat, take photos and receive a small gift. This intimate experience captures the enchantment of Lapland and is sure to delight visitors of all ages.

As evening falls, head to a frozen pond for an unforgettable Arctic adventure beneath the starry sky. Try a variety of traditional winter activities, including ice skating, kick-sledding, snowshoeing and e-fat biking across the snowy landscape. You'll also have the opportunity to meet and feed reindeer, including their young calves, for an authentic Lapland experience. Later, gather around a crackling fire to enjoy a hot drink and snack while watching the northern sky. If conditions are favourable, you may even witness the spectacular Northern Lights dancing overhead.

Meals
1 Breakfast
1 Dinner

Day 7 - Husky Safari & Aurora Igloo Escape

Today, enjoy a thrilling husky safari through the snowy wilderness around Ranua. After a briefing from your guide, take turns driving your own sled through the peaceful Arctic landscape, covering approximately 14-20 km. Midway through the journey, stop to swap drivers, take photos and enjoy the surroundings before continuing your adventure. Following the safari, spend some time with the dogs and learn more about these incredible Arctic animals.

In the evening, check in to your lakeside glass igloo at Ranua Resort. Set on the shores of Lake Ranuanjärvi, far from city lights, the igloos offer panoramic views of the Arctic sky and a chance to spot the Northern Lights from the comfort of your bed. Each igloo features a private sauna, kitchenette and comfortable sleeping area beneath heated glass panels designed for year-round viewing.

Meals
1 Breakfast
1 Dinner

Day 8 - Departure day

After breakfast, bid farewell to the Arctic and transfer to Rovaniemi Airport for your onward journey. As your adventure comes to an end, take with you unforgettable memories of frozen seas, snowy forests, Sami culture, Arctic wildlife and magical Northern Lights experiences across both Swedish and Finnish Lapland.

Meals
1 Breakfast
Dates & Prices

Pricing note: Standard prices are quoted per person, based on 2 adults sharing.

Family prices are quoted per room and based on the following occupancies:

Standard (per person) – 2 adults sharing
Family Triple (total price) – 2 adults and 1 child (age 4-12) sharing
Family Quad (total price) – 2 adults and 2 children (age 4-12) sharing

Dates
Start Date
End Date
From Price
Status
Accommodation
10 Dec 2026
10 Jan 2027
10 Dec 2026
10 Jan 2027
CAD 8,725
On request
Standard
10 Dec 2026
10 Jan 2027
10 Dec 2026
10 Jan 2027
CAD 21,726
On request
Family Triple Total
10 Dec 2026
10 Jan 2027
10 Dec 2026
10 Jan 2027
CAD 25,802
On request
Family Quad Total
11 Jan 2027
10 Mar 2027
11 Jan 2027
10 Mar 2027
CAD 8,227
On request
Standard
11 Jan 2027
10 Mar 2027
11 Jan 2027
10 Mar 2027
CAD 20,504
On request
Family Triple Total
11 Jan 2027
10 Mar 2027
11 Jan 2027
10 Mar 2027
CAD 24,378
On request
Family Quad Total

Important Information

Please note this tour is not suitable for children under the age of 4.

This tour can be adapted to start in Stockholm, with an overnight train journey to Luleå, and conclude with a train from Rovaniemi to Helsinki.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Weather conditions may occasionally affect certain activities, and as a result, the schedule may be adjusted to ensure the best possible experience for all guests. For multi-activity stays, often the order of the activities will be confirmed locally on arrival. Activities might vary slightly in their duration or location due to the weather and local conditions. Any activities that are unable to be re-scheduled due to weather conditions, will be refunded as a general practice, as determined by the activity provider.

ANIMAL WELFARE POLICY:

At 50 Degrees North, animal welfare is a top priority during all our tours and packages. We carefully select suppliers who adhere to strict animal welfare standards, ensuring that wildlife interactions are respectful and comply with local, national, and international regulations. We avoid offering excursions that involve captive wildlife, except where they are properly regulated, and all activities are designed to minimise disturbance to natural ecosystems. Our travellers are educated on responsible, including responsible animal interactions, through our 'Responsible Travel Tips' for travellers, and our guides are trained to lead by example, promoting ethical conduct towards both wild and domesticated animals. By prioritising animal welfare in every aspect of our tours, we ensure that your travel experience is both enjoyable and ethically sound. Read our article on Animal Welfare to learn more.

Interactive Tour Map

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