Search

Great Rail Journeys · Escorted tour

Huskies & the Northern Lights

Arctic train journey through Norway and Swedish Lapland with huskies and Northern Lights

Illustration of Huskies & the Northern Lights

Great Rail Journeys operates this 6-day escorted adventure into the Arctic, departing London and traveling to Tromsø, Narvik, and Kiruna in Swedish Lapland. The journey combines the Ofoten Railway, Norway's dramatic fjord and valley landscapes, and two organized evenings to pursue the Northern Lights with local experts. Days in Tromsø include a guided city tour and an authentic Sámi experience with reindeer herds and a wilderness dinner in a traditional lavvu tent. The climax on Day 5 features a visit to Kiruna's Ice Hotel, a structure rebuilt from frozen river ice each winter, followed by a husky-pulled sled ride through snow-covered terrain. Accommodation is in solid 4-star hotels; Great Rail Journeys includes daily breakfast, four dinners, all flights from London via Oslo and Stockholm, and a dedicated Tour Manager. The pace is relaxed with two nights in each of Tromsø and Kiruna, allowing time to absorb the Arctic environment. This tour suits couples, repeat rail travellers attracted to the historic Ofoten Railway, and anyone seeking guided comfort through extreme landscapes.

What to know before you look closer

  • Northern Lights viewing is not guaranteed; the itinerary offers two evening opportunities with local experts, but visibility depends on weather and solar activity.
  • The group size can reach 40 people, which may affect the intimacy of some experiences.
  • One dinner is not included on Day 5 (husky safari day); only breakfast is provided that day.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Tromsø

    Arrival in the Arctic city of Tromsø

    Your Arctic holiday begins at London Heathrow, meeting the Tour Manager ahead of the group's flight to Oslo. In the Norwegian capital, transfer to a flight to Tromsø. Situated in the Arctic Circle, Tromsø stands on its own forest-covered island and is known as the 'polar capital of Norway'. At this time of year the city is characterised by polar nights, where the sun only briefly breaks over the horizon. The hotel for the next two nights overlooks the harbour, which remains ice-free year-round due to the warming Gulf Stream. Free time to explore the picturesque old streets or visit one of the city's many museums. Dinner together at the hotel.

    Meals: Dinner

  2. Day 2overnight: Tromsø

    Exploring Tromsø and learning about the Indigenous Sámi

    A guided tour showcases Tromsø's main landmarks, including the Arctic Cathedral (Tromsdalen Church, consecrated 1965), the Polaria aquarium, and the Polar Museum. Free time in the afternoon to explore Tromsø at leisure. In the evening, join an authentic Sámi experience in a nearby village: hear about the rich culture of Scandinavia's indigenous people, meet their reindeer, and enjoy a wilderness dinner in a 'lavvu' tent with local folk tales.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  3. Day 3overnight: Narvik

    To Narvik, in search of the Northern Lights

    Following breakfast, journey through Norway's dramatic scenery, travelling down steep valleys to reach striking fjords. On arrival in Narvik, the afternoon is at leisure – options include the Red Cross War Memorial Museum documenting WWII occupation, or sampling local seafood. In the evening, join a local expert on a coach ride into an area where the Northern Lights may be visible.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  4. Day 4railovernight: Kiruna

    Crossing to Swedish Lapland on the Ofoten Railway

    Board the 'Arctic Train' (Ofoten Railway) after breakfast for an incredible trip across the border into Sweden. Built to transport iron ore to the port at Narvik, this scenic line was the most northern railway in the world at the time of its construction in 1902. The dramatic route passes through isolated, rugged wilderness with views of plunging valleys, tranquil lakes and rolling hills as it traverses steep mountainsides through the vast taiga into Sweden. On arrival in Kiruna, transfer to Camp Ripan on the edge of town. Free time to relax or enjoy the spa facilities before dinner.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  5. Day 5overnight: Kiruna

    Husky safari and the Ice Hotel

    Morning visit to Kiruna's wondrous Ice Hotel – the world's first, most famous and largest hotel constructed of ice and snow, first formed in 1989 and reconstructed each winter season. Time to look around and enjoy a drink in the ice bar. After free time over lunch, head to a nearby husky camp for a tour of the kennels followed by a husky-hauled sled journey through snow-blanketed landscapes, pausing for freshly prepared coffee and a bite to eat ('fika'). An afternoon at leisure, then head out after dark seeking the Northern Lights once more – the countryside around Kiruna is one of the world's best places to spot the Aurora Borealis.

    Meals: Breakfast

  6. Day 6

    Homeward bound

    The Nordic holiday draws to a close. Transfer to the airport after an early breakfast. Fly from Kiruna to Stockholm, then connect to the flight to London Heathrow.

    Meals: Breakfast

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2An authentic Sámi experience in a nearby village: meet reindeer herds and dine in a lavvu tent, a traditional Sámi shelter.
  • Day 4Board the Ofoten Railway, the 'Arctic Train' built in 1902, and cross from Norway into Swedish Lapland through dramatic wilderness with plunging valleys and tranquil lakes.
  • Day 5Visit Kiruna's Ice Hotel, reconstructed each winter from ice blocks carved from a frozen river, then ride a husky-hauled sled through snow-blanketed landscapes.

Included

  • Expertise of a UK Tour Manager from start to finish
  • 5 nights' 4-star hotel accommodation
  • Standard Class rail travel
  • All rail and coach travel throughout the tour
  • Return flights from London Heathrow to Tromsø via Oslo, and Kiruna to London Heathrow via Stockholm
  • Breakfast each day
  • 4 dinners
  • Group luggage transfers between hotels from Narvik to Kiruna
  • All guided tours and excursions

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. Standard Class rail travel is included, with the main rail journey on the Ofoten Railway from Narvik to Kiruna on Day 4. All other transport between cities is by flight or coach.
Is this an escorted tour?
Yes. Great Rail Journeys provides a UK Tour Manager who accompanies the group from London Heathrow through to the return flight on Day 6.
What are the hotels?
The Clarion Edge in Tromsø (2 nights, 4-star), the Quality Hotel Grand Royal in Narvik (1 night, 4-star), and Scandic Kiruna / Camp Ripan in Kiruna (2 nights, 4-star).
How much walking or physical activity is involved?
Days include guided walking tours in Tromsø, a husky sled ride, and exploration of the Ice Hotel. A coach ride into the wilderness for Northern Lights viewing also takes place.
What meals are included?
Breakfast is included daily. Four dinners are provided: Days 1, 2, 3, and 4. Day 5 breakfast only; dinner on Days 5 and 6 are not included.
When do departures run?
The operator has not published specific departure dates in the evidence provided; contact Great Rail Journeys to confirm availability.

Similar journeys