Winter Sweden: an Arctic wonderland imbued with the charm of ancient Sámi culture; this frozen escape to Lapland’s northern reaches is so much more than just the Northern Lights (don’t worry, you’ll be hunting those too). No, this is four days of total immersion in the Arctic way of life – a mythical existence played out amongst frozen rivers, rolling mountains and silent, sparkling forests. There’ll be cross-country-skiing into remote, snow-robed woodland and magic moments spent breaking bread with true Sámi locals. Swapping civilisation for off-grid wildlife safaris, fireside picnics and (hopefully) some dancing skies; this is a unique opportunity to get a taste of Sweden’s raw fantastical soul, no crowds in sight.
Winter Sweden
Embrace the Sámi way of life high above the Arctic circle, in an off-grid winter paradise of snow dusted forests, frozen lakes and the ethereal Northern Lights
Recommended dates
What's Included
- All activities mentioned on the itinerary
- 3 breakfasts, 2 dinners
- Arrival airport transfer
Remember, flights aren't included and prices are based on sharing a twin room. If you'd like to upgrade to a single room, you can add this during the booking process or by contacting our Customer Experience team.
About your trip
- Land into Sweden’s northernmost airport to meet your private Flash Pack transfer who’ll whisk you away to your charming cabin abode
- Settled in, it’s time to get to know your group over welcome drinks and a traditional Lappish dinner, looking ahead to the snowy adventures that await
- Retreat to your cabin, or seek a dark spot to gaze up to the skies for your first chance of aurora magic
- Strap on your cross-country skis and glide out to discover Kiruna’s quiet winter beauty. Travelling along pristine tracks, look out for shimmering frozen lakes and majestic arctic wildlife
- Here, stop for a warming tea in the wilderness and hear tales of the Arctic from your expert local guide
- Now for an experience exclusive to Flash Pack: meditating with huskies. At an award-winning husky farm, learn what makes these dogs so special with a dog psychologist. Then take a unique moment of mindfulness with these highly attuned creatures
There are some fantastic optional extras available on this day, too. Please see our FAQs below for more information.
- Leave civilisation far behind on an intrepid moose and wild reindeer safari. Journey along an icy river and towards the Caledonian mountains as you scan the rich forests and marshes for a special glimpse
- On a reindeer fur next to a roaring open fire, settle down in the forest for an al-fresco tasting of delicious local fare, only your voices and the crackle of the fire breaking the crisp silence of the forest
- Tonight, enjoy a traditional Sámi family dinner, hearing about the legends and mythology of their enchanting culture, before heading out in search of the Northern Lights
Please see our FAQs for information regarding an optional extra Ice Hotel experience on this day.
- After a last breakfast it’s time to say goodbye to your Flash Pack group as you make your own way back to the airport; your Pack Leader will be on hand to help you arrange a local transfer
- Back home, you’ll feel as though you’ve been let in on a wondrous secret. A secret of a far-flung winter haven that lives on as it has done for centuries, away from the glare of the wider world. The kind of secret that only the most curious travellers get to discover…
Where you'll be staying
We often feature these unique hotels on this trip, with final options confirmed a month before departure. We work with these or similar hotels to ensure a stylish and comfortable stay every time.
Camp Ripan, Kiruna
Surrounded on all sides by breathtakingly wild Arctic landscapes; Camp Ripan will welcome you home with warm and inviting Scandi-style cabins. After days spent out exploring a frozen wilderness, there’s no better feeling than retreating to a toasty haven like this one. Oh, and you need only step out of your door for a chance to see the Northern Lights. Pure Arctic bliss.
Adventure FAQs
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Fly into and out of Kiruna Airport (KRN).
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Please arrive at Kiruna Airport (KRN) no later than 6pm. Check-in time at Camp Ripan is 4pm. If you arrive before this time, you’ll be able to store your luggage and, if it’s not in use, enjoy the spa.
Depart anytime on the last day. Your Pack Leader can help you book departure airport transfers the night before your adventure ends if needed.
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If you arrive on Day 1 of your adventure, or you’ve booked yourself a pre-night at the same hotel the adventure starts from, your airport arrival transfer will be included. Arrival transfers are private to Flash Pack and in groups depending on flight times, so you may have to wait in the airport for a short while.
We highly recommend booking any pre-nights at the Scandic Hotel to make the beginning of your adventure as smooth as possible. However, if you’ve booked alternative pre-trip accommodation or are arriving by another mode of transport, you’ll have to arrange your own arrival transfer.
Please also note: in order to secure your place on the private transfer, you’ll need to provide your flight details to our Customer Experience team no later than 30 days prior to your adventure’s departure date. You’ll get automated email reminders about this, but the team won’t be chasing you. That’s why it’s key to get this information over in good time. If the details are provided later than 30 days pre-departure, you’ll have to arrange your own arrival transfer.
Departure transfers are typically not included due to travellers leaving at varying times. That said, your Pack Leader will happily help arrange departure transfers for you if required.
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Up-to-date visa and entry information can be found using our official partner, Sherpa, who can help you arrange a visa if needed.
You can also find essential travel advice – including security and local laws, as well as passport and visa information – on the government website of your home country:
- UK residents: review the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Travel Advice before your adventure.
- US residents: consult the US Department of State Travel Advice for important travel information.
- Australian residents: check the Smart Traveler website for up-to-date travel advice.
- Residents of other countries: refer to the travel advice provided by your own government or local consulate.
Please be aware that passport and visa requirements can change before departure, so it’s important to stay updated with the latest information.
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Please note that tips are not included in the cost of this adventure. Suggested amounts per person are:
- Pack Leader: 114 SEK per day
- Drivers: 34 SEK per day
However, all tips are at your discretion depending on what you feel comfortable with.
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Camp Ripan is an idyllic winter hideaway offering chalet style accommodation. Twin rooms are named Giron rooms, which are family chalets made up of one double room and two singles. Meanwhile, single rooms will be Reikko rooms, which are two rooms with two single beds.
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While plenty of meals and all activities are included, we’d say its worth budgeting around 340-570 SEK for extra food and drink.
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On day 2, during the husky mediation, you’ll have the option to go dog sledding for 178 EUR (paid locally). Then, once back at the hotel, you’ll also have an optional sauna experience made available to you.
On day 3, you have the chance to experience the Ice Hotel. Unfortunately we’re unable to pre book the Ice Hotel for our groups and it is only possible to book a day or so before. However, your Pack Leader will be on hand to assist you with booking this optional activity closer to the time, and transport will be provided for your visit.
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No specific level of fitness is required, we just want to ensure you are happy partaking in the activities like cross-country skiing. We recommend having a read-through of the itinerary above, and getting in touch if you have specific questions on fitness.
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Food allergies and special diets can of course be catered for on this trip.
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While we are not medical professionals and cannot offer personalised medical advice, we want to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable adventure. Here are some tips to help you prepare.
1. Consult with a healthcare professional
We recommend scheduling an appointment with your travel nurse or doctor at least eight weeks before your adventure. This will give you ample time to receive any necessary vaccines or medications.
2. Up-to-date medical advice
- UK residents: visit the NHS Fit For Travel website for the latest medical advice.
- US residents: check the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for specialised health information.
- Australian residents: refer to the Smart Traveler Health website for current medical advice.
3. Government travel advice
- UK residents: review the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Travel Advice before your adventure.
- US residents: consult the US Department of State Travel Advice for important travel information.
- Australian residents: check the Smart Traveler website for up-to-date travel advice.
4. Medication tips
If you take prescription medication, ensure you bring enough to last the entire adventure, plus a few extra days in case of travel delays. Carry a copy of your prescription with you in case you need to visit a clinic while abroad.
We hope this information will help you prepare for a safe and healthy adventure.
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The Northern Lights are best viewed on clear nights between late August and early April.
Please be aware that the Northern Lights are weather-dependent and not guaranteed to appear on every trip.
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Please prepare for extreme weather and bring warm and waterproof clothes for day-to-day wear. You might also consider bringing handwarmers and footwarmers, as well as a hot water bottle. Temperatures can reach -20C in this region.
What you pack is personal to you and our list is certainly not exhaustive. If you have any questions about what to pack for your trip to Sweden, please get in touch with one of our friendly Trip Experts.
Baggage
- A large backpack or suitcase – it’s up to you whether you bring a backpack or a suitcase
Clothing
- Activewear – breathable and light materials are best as a base layer for most activities. Hiking tops are best as they have wicking properties that remove sweat, keeping you dry and warm
- Outdoor trousers that are warm and waterproof
- You will need a warm and waterproof jacket for general wear in Sweden
- Fleeces/jumpers/down jacket – substantial, warm layers will be required
- Thermal vests/base layers – if the weather gets cold, you may want to wear a thermal vest during the day and at night
- Scarf/hat/gloves/buff
- Swimwear
- What you wear in the evenings is up to you, but you may want some nicer clothes for the evenings
Shoes
- Waterproof shoes and socks – you’ll be provided with snow boots during outdoor activities, but warm and waterproof shoes will be useful for everyday wear
Accessories
- Driving license for snowmobile driving
- Electricals and chargers, such as your phone, camera, chargers, etc
- Plug socket adaptors – the standard plug socket is type C which has 2 round prongs. This is the same as most of Europe.
- Refillable water bottle – refilling a bottle instead of buying single-use bottles will help to reduce our plastic footprint
- Eye mask and earplugs – if you’re a light sleeper, you may feel more comfortable bringing an eye mask and earplugs
- Any personal medication you require
- Personal toiletries, including a toothbrush, deodorant, razors, hairbrush, etc
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Painkillers
- Anti-bacterial gel
- Lip balm with SPF
- Moisturiser
- High SPF factor sun cream – this helps to protect your skin from the cold
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Please be aware that the itinerary, activities and hotels are subject to change. These changes can happen with little notice due to availability, poor weather, seasonal changes, or other circumstances beyond our control – but we’ll always do our best to ensure it has little impact on your experience. From time to time, we may also make changes to your itinerary to try out new ideas and keep things fresh and exciting.
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