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The original ICEHOTEL is located as far as 200km inside the Arctic Circle, in the little village of Jukkasjärvi, and on the banks of Torne River. This place has been a crossroads and marketplace for the reindeer herders, the Sami, and fur traders from the south for more than 400 years. Historically, few tourists have visited Jukkasjärvi throughout its long, dark, cold and snowy winters. However, in 1989, the ICEHOTEL was created for the first time and it turned the seasons on their head, making the northern winter the peak tourist season. 2021/22 marks the 32nd yearly rebuilding of ICEHOTEL and it has become one of the world’s largest ice structures.
Björkliden and Abisko area, in the middle of the Aurora zone, is considered to be one of best places on earth to see the Aurora Borealis. A visit to the Abisko Aurora Sky Station, accessible only by a chairlift which is high up above the lights of the village, allow you a great chance to experience the Northern Lights.
What is included in the tour
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Accommodation
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Meals
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Additional Services
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Transport
What is NOT included in the tour
- Additional Services
- Arrive Kiruna, transfer to Jukkasjarvi.
- Dogsledding and Aurora Hunt.
- Northern lights.
- Enjoy optional activities such as snowshoeing, ice climbing.
Day 1 Arrive Kiruna, transfer to Jukkasjarvi
On arrival in Kiruna you will be brought to Jukkasjärvi, and your accommodation at the ICEHOTEL. The hotel is located in the heart of the tiny village Jukkasjärvi, with about 900 residents. Besides the actual cold rooms, ice bar and church, Icehotel has a restaurant, cabins, hotel rooms and lounge – all housed in warm buildings within walking distance of each other. There are around fifty cold rooms and around seventy warm rooms. There is also the local homestead restaurant just ten minutes’ walk away. There is a local convenience store in the village, but no cash point.
In the evening you can enjoy a drink in the uber-cool icebar before settling into your snow room at the ICEHOTEL.
Inside ICEHOTEL, the temperature is never colder than -5 °C to -8 °C, regardless of how cold it may be outside. Dress in warm thermal underwear, put on a hat and slip into the cozy sleeping bag. You are awakened in the morning with a cup of hot lingonberry juice at your bedside. Breakfast buffet, guided tour of the hotel, storage locker, WiFi, morning sauna and towels are included in your stay.
Day 2 Dogsledding and Aurora Hunt
What better way to start the day than a dog sled journey across the snowy landscape to a wilderness camp, followed by lunch? You will be a passenger but supplement is avaialble if you want to drive your own. Afterwards ride back to the kennel to learn more about the Arctic dogs and their daily life. You can go for a wander in the afternoon - visiting the local village to see the Museum and pretty church.
In the evening, rug up for a snowmobile excursion in search of the Northern Lights. Dinner included at a wilderness camp.
This evening you will stay in a warm room, i.e. a normal hotel room and enjoy a good long sleep.
Note: The ICEHOTEL loans you, free of charge, snow boots and for those who feel cold, onesie snow suits.
Day 3 In the Middle of the Aurora Zone
After breakfast transfer to Kiruna train station for just over an hour's train ride to Abisko.
In the evening, visit the Aurora Sky Station in Abisko where you will also enjoy dinner.
Abisko, in the middle of the Aurora zone, is considered to be the best place on earth to see the Aurora Borealis. With its fresh, clean air and its practically permanent cloud-free sky the prerequisites in Abisko are optimal. More or less active northern lights can be seen almost every night, however, can never be guaranteed.
Day 4 Free day in Abisko
The morning is free in Abisko to enjoy the winter landscape, or just to laze around in the hotel and enjoy the warmth of the Scandinavian indoors in winter.
In Abisko you can enjoy optional activities such as snowshoeing, ice climbing, dogsledding or snowmobiling (advance bookings recommended).
Day 5 Depart Kiruna
After breakfast depart by train or shuttle bus back to Kiruna for your departure.
