Swedes claim quiet reserve but their landscape is up for eye-catching display – northern forests stalked by wolves, a centre mixing fairy-tale cottages and bears, and Baltic shores dotted with prehistoric standing stones and medieval ruins. Celebrate Sweden's principle of Allemansrätt – the right to roam freely, from Bohuslän's 8000-island archipelago to snowy taiga lit by Northern Lights.
There's plentiful culture too, far beyond the museums and galleries of Stockholm and Gothenburg. In the north, the Sami's ancient Arctic lifestyle has been reinvigorated through distinctive arts. Fans of epic castles can marvel at the Renaissance Gripsholm, medieval Bohus, or austere Ekwtorps amid the UNESCO-celebrated archaeological treasures of Oland. Uppsala and Lund are university towns demanding close study, while Visby on the idyllic island of Gotland is one of the world's finest medieval towns. My own secret place? The glass-making region of Småland and its world-class Glass Museum in Växjö. See you there!
The Grand Arctic from Rail Holidays of the World is an exhilarating holiday in Norway, Sweden. Available from 4 Jul 2023 to 4 Jul 2023 this 15 day trip costs from £3,500, which includes flights.
3 nights at the Arctic Retreat in Swedish Lapland.
Prices from £2,822 per person (based on 2 sharing).
Price includes return flights from the UK, 3 nights Full Board accommodation and transfers.
Our 7 night 'Cities of Sweden' itinerary is an exhilarating holiday visiting the cities of Stockholm, Gothenburg and Malmo.
Prices from £1,356 per person (based on 2 sharing) including return flights, train tickets and accommodation (B&B).
The ICEHOTEL in Jukkasjarvi is beneath the Auroral oval and observations of Mother Nature’s greatest display can be enjoyed from its doorstep. Away from the artificial lights of the ICEHOTEL and her environs, the Arctic wilderness is plunged into darkness and provides the optimum conditions for a sighting of your own.
5 Night itinerary with prices from £1,746 per person based on 2 sharing.
Includes - Return flights to Lulea airport, Shared transfers throughout, Bed & Breakfast accommodation at the Clarion Hotel Sense in Lulea and at the Akerlund Hotel in Jokkmokk, Half Board accommodation at the Treehotel in Harads, Excursions as detailed.
4 Nights - From £1,805 per person based on 2 sharing.
Includes - Flights to Luleå airport, returning from Kiruna airport. Transfers. 2nd class train transfer from Boden to Kiruna. 2 nights at the Treehotel, Harads (Half Board). 2 nights at the ICEHOTEL, Jukkasjärvi (Bed & Breakfast). All excursions as detailed.
Prices from £1,710 per person based on 2 sharing.
Price includes - Return flights to Kiruna airport. Shared transfer on arrival and departure. Bed & Breakfast accommodation at Camp Ripan in Kiruna. Excursions as detailed. Single room supplement on request.
Brandon Lodge has been described as the jewel in the crown of Swedish Lapland. Not only does it prevail authenticity by being locally owned and managed, but it also enjoys a near perfect setting on the shores of Bothnian Bay. This property strikes the perfect balance between relaxation and activity through its wealthy choice of excursions.
The Aurora Borealis – a spectacular natural phenomenon featuring a myriad wave of colours dancing on the cosmic wind high in the sky – has fascinated man for many millennia. In an age where we know the scientific rationale for the Northern Lights, a sighting still delivers an emotional rush and a primaeval response.
As the first snow begins to fall on Swedish Lapland, the unspoiled landscape is transformed into a glorious winter playground. At every turn picturesque scenes of snow-covered mountains, undulating hills, pristine forests and frozen lakes and rivers can be enjoyed. This is the land of the Aurora Borealis and of the Polar Nights.