Luleå is an ideal choice for those who want to combine a Nordic city break with classic winter activities in the snow-blanketed wilderness. It's situated on the coast of Swedish Lapland, at the meeting point between the Lule River and the Bothnian Bay. Every winter, the sea freezes over here, and you can hike on the ice road that runs between Luleå's north and south harbours and out to the nearby island of Gråsjälören. Staying in a centrally located hotel with a spa and a rooftop bar, you'll be perfectly placed to make the most of everything the city has to offer – including its flourishing restaurant scene. You'll also have the chance to visit the nearby UNESCO World Heritage site of Gammelstad and go in search of the Northern Lights on a guided snowshoe hike. Meanwhile, you may opt to venture out on further optional excursions, ranging from snowmobile safaris to exhilarating husky sled adventures, gliding between the region's enchanting forests and the frozen sea.
Northern Lights City Break in Luleå
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At a glance…
Old town treasures paired with the Northern Lights and adventures in Swedish Lapland’s winter wonderland
» 4 day city break
» Accommodation: Superior A higher standard of accommodation with a better range and quality of facilities, often in a good location (typically 4 stars)
» Price from: £800 pp incl. flights
Day by day itinerary
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Day 1 » Fly to Luleå
Your trip begins by flying (via Stockholm) to Luleå, the gateway to Swedish Lapland. On arrival, it's just a 10-15 minute transfer to the Clarion Hotel Sense, which offers superb spa facilities, contemporary-chic rooms and spectacular harbour views from its top floor bar. All of the city's sights are within easy reach, including the Culture House (which hosts a visitor's centre, an art gallery and a concert hall), the isbana (ice road), and the neo-Gothic style Luleå Cathedral. You'll also want to delve into the innovative local dining scene; there’s everything from traditional bakeries and seafood bistros to sushi restaurants and craft breweries, all within striking distance.
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Day 2 » Optional activities
Today, you might want to explore the surrounding remotes of Swedish Lapland. If you head inland, delightful trails bring you into a winter wonderland of river valleys and snow-clad forests. Alternatively, head out on a hike on the ice road; you could begin at the northern harbour and loop your way to the southern harbour, crossing beneath the distinctive arches of the Bergnäsbron bridge. Then, continue out to Gråsjälören, a small, forested island that forms part of the Luleå archipelago. On weekends, in winter, a community-run cafe serves hot drinks and waffles, which you can enjoy while sitting beside fire pits.
This evening, perhaps add on a Northern Lights tour. After consulting the forecast, an aurora expert will bring you out to chase the lights and, hopefully, capture the perfect shot. To keep you cosy, you’ll be provided with warm drink and snacks while you wait. Alternatively, relax back at the hotel before another day of adventures tomorrow. If the skies are clear and the auroral activity is strong enough, you might even be able to spot the Northern Lights from the city centre, or down by the northern harbour.
Stay: Clarion Hotel Sense Luleå
Meals: Breakfast
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Day 3 » Optional activities & Northern Lights snowshoe walk
With a last day left free, you might want to book onto a husky sledding, ice fishing or snowmobiling excursion – surely the best way to explore the surrounding wilderness. Whatever you do, don’t miss out on a visit to Gammelstad. Found just outside of Luleå, this UNESCO-listed treasure is the best-preserved example of a 15th-century Scandinavian church village. It’s a warren of winding lanes with over 400 wooden houses, all painted red, with a beautifully preserved stone church at its centre.
Then, returning to the city, it's time to prepare for your included Northern Lights snowshoe walk this evening. Escaping to Brändön Lodge, a secluded collection of log cabins on the edge of the Bothnian Bay, you'll venture out into the nearby forest on a snowshoe hike with an experienced guide in search of the Northern Lights. Along the way, you'll learn about the science behind the Northern Lights and, should they make an appearance, you'll be given photography tips on how to capture spectacular images of them. Enjoy hot drinks by a roaring fire followed by a delicious dinner enjoyed in the outdoors while sitting on warm reindeer furs beneath the starry night sky – a truly magical experience and a wonderful way to round off your trip.
Stay: Clarion Hotel Sense Luleå
Meals: Breakfast
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Day 4 » Depart for UK
After a final breakfast, transfer back to the airport in time for your return flight back to the UK.
Meals: Breakfast
Gallery
To book call us on:
At a glance…
Old town treasures paired with the Northern Lights and adventures in Swedish Lapland’s winter wonderland
» 4 day city break
» Accommodation: Superior A higher standard of accommodation with a better range and quality of facilities, often in a good location (typically 4 stars)
» Price from: £800 pp incl. flights
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