Nestled in Northern Sweden on the border with Finland, Haparanda is a tale of two cities entwined as one – Haparanda and Tornio. Physically divided by the Torne river, though with with no visible man-made borders, Haparanda sits in Swedish Lapland and Tornio in Finnish Lapland. There’s a time difference; two different currencies; two different nationalities and yet an intrinsic connection linking the two.
Once a wartime a hangout for spies, robbers and war profiteers, Haparanda is a fascinating place to visit and this short break offers a showcase of this meeting point of two cultures. Staying at the historic Haparanda Stadhotell, you’re be sure to be immersed in this intriguing slice of life in the Arctic.
Where You Stay
With Haparanda Stadhotell dating back to 1900, the hotel plays a large part in the towns history and has its own story to tell. The property’s owner and manager; Susanne Wallin had a vision and desires to ensure all guests have an immersive holiday experience. The rooms have been decorated using regency colours, plush textiles and are adorned with handpicked antique pieces and artefacts. Everything has its place and attention to detail is impeccable.
Things to Do
Spend your time as you choose, exploring the towns of Haparanda and Tornio or take part in optional activities, such as husky sledding, snowmobiling, snowshoeing or visit a reindeer farm. Or experience the frozen sea on the Icebreaker Sampo.
Itinerary
Fly to Lulea and transfer to the town of Haparanda. Check into Haparanda Stadshotell where you will spend the next 4 nights and where you will celebrate Christmas/New Year
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, then the day is free to explore your scenic surrounds or book one of the many available optional excursions.
If staying on the 24 Dec* join the Christmas celebrations at Haparanda Stadhotell. Enjoy a wonderful evening with candlelight, Christmas songs, glogg and smogasbord. After dinner Santa arrives to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and hand out a small present. On Christmas day it is possible to join an early morning church service Jullotta at Harpanda Church. *Christmas is traditionally celebrated on the 24 Dec in Sweden and Finland.
If staying on the 31st Dec join the unique New Year’s celebration with local people at the border between Finland and Sweden. Enjoy a 4-course New Year’s Dinner at Haparanda Stadhotell before heading to the square at the border where there will be live music; entertainment and fireworks… twice! Once at the first midnight Finnish time and then again one hour later at midnight Swedish time. Afterwards live music will continue at the hotel bar.
Transfer back to Lulea for your flight home
Prices
What's Included
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Accommodation in rooms with private bathroom
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Daily breakfast
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Christmas Celebration (24 Dec)
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New Year's Eve Celebration (31 Dec)
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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 £958 Excluding Flights
4 Nights
Dec
Make this trip yours
Every trip you see here can be adapted to suit you using inside-out knowledge to create one-off experiences created just for you.
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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.