Marvel at stunning scenery and picturesque open roads on this self drive across Finland, Norway and Sweden, bathed in the midnight sun. Experience the best of Lapland under the light nights of the Arctic summer on this comprehensive exploration of lakes, fjords, waterways, national parks and more, and get a true feel for this Sami heartland.
Hike and bike along the forest trails, see reindeer roaming freely and enjoy true summer wilderness. From the lakes and forests of Finland, venture north to the rugged mountains and fjords of Norway. Stand on the North Cape 307m above sea level and look out to where the Atlantic and Arctic Oceans meet, hike in the spectacular Lyngenfjord and explore the beautiful island of Senja, with its outstanding white sand beaches. Venture into Sweden and spend time hiking in the Abisko National Park.
This itinerary may cover what is collectively known as Lapland, but the diversity of these three countries is easily distinguishable, and equally spectacular. Activities offered are varied: hiking; walking; canoeing; fishing; cycling to name a few – with several national parks on the itinerary you’ll enjoy a lot of Lapland’s great outdoors as well as some lovely hotels along the way.
Itinerary
On arrival in Kiruna collect your rental vehicle and drive east to the famous Icehotel. Approximate distance 14 km / driving time 15 minutes. Spend two nights at the Icehotel. The stay is based in hotel style rooms, but you have the option to spend a night in one of the Ice rooms in Icehotel 365.
Icehotel Accommodation
There are many optional activities for you to take part in at the Icehotel. These include white water rafting, tree top challenge park, learn how to survive in the wilderness or create your own ice masterpiece with an ice sculpting class.
Cross the border over to Finland and continue to Inari, the centre for Sami culture. Visit the Sami museum Siida, and other places to check out are Ukko Island, The Wilderness Church of Lake Pielpa and fell areas with hiking opportunities. Stay two nights Wilderness Hotel Inari.
(Approx 473 km / 6 hours)
Inari Wilderness Hotel
Explore the Sami heartland, go canoeing or hiking, take a boat trip in Lemmenjoki National Park, the largest in Finland, famous for its gold rich rivers so give gold panning a try.
Drive North West and leave Finland behind, crossing the border to Norway. On the journey stop off for lunch at Karasjok, the Sami Capital and explore the town before continuing on to Hammerfest.
(Approx 332 km / 4.5 hours)
Hammerfest is one of the oldest towns in Norway. It is a compact town but it a busy town. There are many shops, restaurants and museums to visit including The Royal and Ancient Polar Bear Society and the Museum of Post War Reconstruction. Alternatively you can drive to the northernmost point in Europe, North Cape. With its cliff face jutting into the sea, the plateau rises 307 metres above sea level. The visitor centre holds various exhibitions throughout the year, and the chapel St Johannes Kapell is the world’s northernmost ecumenical chapel. The North Cape island of Magerøya harbours other secrets. Visit the bird cliff of Gjesvaerstappan, home to hundreds of thousands of puffins, gannets and cormorants, or go fishing for giant king crabs and eat the tasty monsters afterwards
(Approx 206 km / 3 hours each way).
Leaving Hammerfest behind, drive south to Alta. Visit the modern and elegant Cathedral of the Northern Lights or the Alta Museum with samples of its famous rock art which dates back to 4200 BC. Alta also makes and ideal lunch stop. Then continue west along the coast with amazing views to the Lyngen alps and Sorkjosen. Spend two nights in the Lyngenfjord area.
(Approx 342 km / 5 hours)
Spend the day enjoying this magnificent area, beautiful Lyngenfjord and the lush green Lyngen Alps which rise to 1800m. Go hiking or perhaps take a boat trip to see the Midnight Sun.
Drive south west on the coastal road enjoying the scenic beauty of mountains and fjords. Follow the signs to Tromso, the main city in Northern Norway and enjoy a two night stay in Tromso.
Tromso city has many attractions to visit and with plenty of cafes and restaurants you will be spoilt for choice. Outside the city there are also plenty of activities to enjoy, with midnight sun cruises, fishing trips and even the Polar zoo an option.
Continue south to Nordkjosbotn and then west to Finnsnes, the gateway to Senja. Continue to the west coast to the small hamlet of Hamn. Alternatively, there is a ferry route from Brensholmen (1 hour drive from Tromso) to Botnhamn on the northern tip of Senja, then drive along the coast to Hamn. Spend two nights at Hamn I Senja
(Approx 210 km / 3 hours)
Hamn i Senja, Senja
Discover the striking scenery along the Senja National Tourist Route, a 90km stretch of road on the island of Senja. The peaked mountain tops, white sand beaches and rolling hills make this island one of the most beautiful along the Norwegian coast. Explore the colourful fishing hamlets, hike along the marked pathways or perhaps be a fisherman for the day!
Drive back towards Finnsnes and continue south to Narvik, then head east on the road to Sweden, over the mountain pass from Bjornfjell to Riksgransen with beautiful mountain and lake views. Cross the border into Sweden and continue to Abisko National Park for a two night stay at SFT Abisko Turistation.
(Approx 260 km / 4 hours)
SFT Abisko Turistation
Time to explore the beautiful Abisko National Park, well known for its excellent hiking and outdoor pursuits – it enjoys one of the sunniest climes in the country due to its rain shadow position. Spend time in the great outdoors whether hiking, mountain biking, canoeing or maybe fishing.
Return to Kiruna for your flight back home. (Approx 110km / 1.5 hours)
Prices & departures
What's Included
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Accommodation in rooms with private bathroom
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All breakfasts, 4 dinners
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Car rental throughout
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24 hour emergency assistance from our team during your holiday
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No surcharge guarantee
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Full financial protection
From £1548 Excluding Flights
14 Nights
Jun-Sep
Prices are per person based upon 2 sharing, subject to availability. Your Travel Specialist will confirm the exact price based upon your tailored requirements, inclusions, and travel dates.
Make this trip yours
Every destination and itinerary you see here can be adapted to suit you – so reach for that bucket list and start imagining your next adventure here.
Eric
4
Shooting stars with northern lights
8
Sea turtles snorkelled with
We create holidays that are as individual as you are. And we’ve been doing it for 40 years, crafting each and every holiday using our in-depth knowledge and enthusiasm for our destinations. Whatever your brief, we’ll create an amazing trip for you to get excited about. That might mean adapting one of our existing itineraries or we’ll build you one from scratch.
Experts with real experience
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Eric
Travel Specialist
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Phoebe
Travel Specialist
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Freya
Travel Specialist
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Jo
Travel Specialist
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Kieran
Travel Specialist
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Doug
Travel Specialist
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Lauren
Travel Specialist
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Jenna
Travel Specialist
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Gary
Travel Specialist
