A land of Viking history, postcard-perfect views and fascinating cities filled with heritage, Scandinavia is a place chock-full of inspiring destinations, including Norway and Swedish Lapland. Their far-north locations make seasonal differentiations dramatic - especially those of winter.
As you consider your travel bucket list, set your sights on some of the world's most remote expanses of wilderness and deep fjords coated with snow. Watch as the Northern Lights paint the skies with shades of red, green and purple against the dark winter skies, and find warmth in unexpected locations, soaking up regional culture and traditions while surrounded by pure wonderland scenery.
Now booking for 2026 adventures, see how our Northern Lights & Lapland vacation can open your eyes to the beauty of Scandinavia in the wintertime.
Day 1: Independent Exploration in Trondheim, the Former Viking Capital
As you arrive in Norway today, you can look to the past or admire the present in the nation's former Viking capital, Trondheim. This is a charming harbor city separated from eastern Norway by Dovrefjell Mountains, which frame the backdrop. Head to the waterfront to enjoy the scenery, or maybe venture into the city center to warm up at a pub, getting your first taste of Trondheim with a locally brewed beer.
Day 2: A Guided Tour of Trondheim
Enjoy an expert immersion into Trondheim's history on a morning guided tour of the Old Quarter, locally called Bakklandet. Your guide tells fascinating stories as you weave through the cobbled streets to see the iconic colorful houses that line the waterfront and the impressive Baroque Stiftsgården, the largest wooden building in Europe. With the rest of the day to continue at your own pace, the possibilities in this historical city are endless.
Day 3: Norland Railway, Known as "Polar Express"
Watch the sunrise from your warm and comfortable seat aboard the Norland Railway, a rail line that weaves through winter scenery so surreal that it has been nicknamed the Polar Express. Today's journey follows a 453-mile route to Bodø, crossing the Arctic Circle en route. Sit back in wonder as you witness a route of stunning natural beauty - all enhanced by winter white. Look upon frozen lakes and snow-dusted mountain peaks, and enjoy a front-row seat to views of Skjerstad Fjord before arriving on what is called the world's most beautiful coastline in Bodø.
Day 4: Northern Light Hunting on the Incredible Lofoten Isles
A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to spot the elusive Northern Lights in Europe's most dramatic and spectacular archipelago lies ahead as we transfer by coach and ferry to the Lofoten Isles. This wild landscape is our home for two nights, and because the islands are set under the Auroral Oval, they are one of the best places in the world to hunt for the awe-inspiring spectacle. We get our first chance tonight as we venture out on Northern Lights hunts before and after dinner.
Day 5: Gain a Local's Perspective on the Lofoten Archipelago
Immerse yourself in the history of the Lofoten Isles as you set out on a tour with a local guide. Discover one of Norway's oldest and best-preserved fishing villages, Nusfjord, with its multi-hued wooden cabins and rich seafaring heritage, and Vestvågøy, which is renowned for its breathtaking natural scenery. After a day spent exploring the archipelago's charms and views, this evening brings another chance to set out in search of the Northern Lights.
Day 6: Following One of Europe's Most Scenic Drives to Mainland Narvik
Views of breathtaking fjords and remarkable natural expanses guide the way back to mainland Norway as we embark on a scenic drive to Narvik. Our route here takes us along one of Europe's most scenic byways, and upon arrival, you are free to get to know Narvik at your own pace - perhaps while watching boats in the harbor. Despite its location north of the Arctic Circle, this city provides an ice-free seaport year-round.
Day 7: Ofoten Railway to Sweden
Follow one of the world's most northerly rail lines into Swedish Lapland on a true highlight of our Scandinavian adventure. Today, we board the Ofoten Railway and traverse an untouched winter wonderland of tundra and wilderness, passing through miles of mountain passes meticulously carved by hand. Our destination is the mining town of Kiruna deep in Lapland, and our accommodations here are rugged yet luxurious private cabins at Camp Ripan at the edge of town.
Day 8: Exploring Lapland's Culture: Sámi Experience & Ice Hotel
Get a different perspective of this part of the world by delving into the way of life of Swedish Lapland's indigenous people, the Sámi. Find yourself wrapped in their stories and traditions while meeting - and feeding! - their reindeer and enjoying traditional Sámi cuisine over lunch in a warm tent called a "lavvu." Afterward, the adventure continues to Kiruna's world-famous annual Ice Hotel, where you can have a drink at the ice bar in a cup made of ice.
Day 9: An Adventure Through the Wilderness by Dogsled
An epic conclusion to an already unforgettable expedition, today you are connected with countless generations of Laplanders as you set out on a dogsledding safari. Endless snow-clad vistas surround at every angle as you board a large sled with an expert musher at the helm. A pack of energetic huskies leads the way, taking you through the atmospheric scenery only found in remote Sweden. Enjoy a traditional Swedish fika break, with coffee and treats around a campfire, before returning to Camp Ripan for a relaxing final day.
Day 10: A Final Look at Sweden
Marvel at the beautiful vistas once more as your wintertime journey comes to a close with a transfer to Kiruna's airport. Filled with moments of connection and memories to treasure, this tour has been a looking glass into winter wonders in Scandinavia.
