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Arctic Scandinavia by Rail : Across Fjords, Mountains & Northern Lights

Highlights

Travel across Arctic Scandinavia by rail, from Stockholm’s elegant streets to the dramatic fjords of Lofoten, experiencing unforgettable northern lights, mountain railways and spectacular Nordic landscapes along the way.

At a Glance

18 days exploring Arctic Scandinavia by rail, from Stockholm to the Lofoten Islands, across dramatic mountains, frozen coastlines and unforgettable northern lights.

Price

From £ 12,795 per person

Every journey is tailor-made and can be personalised to your travel style, preferred accommodation and budget.

All highlights

Journey across the heart of Arctic Scandinavia by rail, following an unforgettable route from Sweden’s elegant capital to the dramatic fjords and fishing villages of northern Norway. Travel through snow-covered forests, along frozen coastlines and across spectacular mountain landscapes, experiencing the changing character of the Nordic north at every stage of the journey.

Discover Stockholm’s historic streets and world-class museums before heading into Swedish Lapland, where frozen seas, dark Arctic skies and the possibility of witnessing the northern lights await. Continue to Abisko, one of Scandinavia’s premier aurora destinations, then cross into Norway aboard an iconic mountain railway before exploring the breathtaking Lofoten Islands, renowned for their towering peaks, colourful harbours and extraordinary natural beauty.

Created for curious travellers who value meaningful experiences over rushed sightseeing, this tailor-made itinerary combines scenic rail travel, Arctic adventures, carefully selected accommodation and authentic local encounters. Every journey is individually crafted by our travel specialists, allowing you to experience Scandinavia’s most spectacular landscapes at your own pace.

Dog sledding through the snowy landscapes of Swedish Lapland on an Arctic Scandinavia journey

Snowshoeing in the untouched winter landscapes of Abisko National Park, Swedish Lapland

Sea eagle safari in the Lofoten Islands Norway with spectacular coastal views

Gammelstad Church Town UNESCO World Heritage Site near Luleå Sweden

Abisko National Park in Swedish Lapland, one of Scandinavia’s best places to see the Northern Lights

Itinerary

Colourful traditional shop in Stockholm, Sweden, on a tailor-made Arctic Scandinavia rail journey with High Point Holidays

Day 1: Welcome to Stockholm!

Arrive in Sweden's elegant capital and transfer to your hotel. Spend your first evening exploring the cobbled streets of Gamla Stan, Stockholm's atmospheric old town, where colourful merchant houses, hidden courtyards and waterside views set the tone for your Nordic adventure.

Gamla Stan Stockholm Sweden old town colourful historic buildings during an Arctic Scandinavia rail journey

Day 2: Discover Historic Stockholm

Explore Stockholm's rich history and culture, beginning in Gamla Stan and the impressive Royal Palace. Later, visit the celebrated Vasa Museum, home to the seventeenth-century warship raised almost entirely intact from Stockholm harbour after more than 300 years beneath the sea.

Vasa Museum in Stockholm Sweden during an Arctic Scandinavia rail journey

Day 3: Stockholm & the Archipelago

Experience another side of Stockholm with a journey into the city's beautiful archipelago, where thousands of islands dot the Baltic Sea. Alternatively, enjoy a slower day discovering Fotografiska, one of Scandinavia's leading photography museums, and the green island of Djurgården.

Green island of Djurgården in Stockholm Sweden during an Arctic Scandinavia rail journey

Day 4: Journey Towards the Arctic

Enjoy a final morning in Stockholm before heading north. Travel by overnight sleeper train through Sweden's vast forests and snow-covered landscapes, or opt for a flight to maximise your time in the Arctic.

Luleå coastal town in Swedish Lapland on the Gulf of Bothnia Sweden

Day 5: Welcome to Luleå

Arrive in Luleå, a charming coastal town on the Gulf of Bothnia and gateway to Swedish Lapland. In winter, the frozen sea becomes part of daily life, with unique ice roads stretching across the Arctic coastline. Spend the afternoon exploring or embark on a snowmobile adventure.

Day 6: Frozen Coastlines & Northern Lights

Visit Gammelstad Church Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring more than 400 historic wooden cottages surrounding a medieval stone church. Later, head onto the frozen sea or enjoy your first opportunity to search for the northern lights beneath the dark Arctic sky.

Day 7: Into Swedish Lapland

Travel deeper into the Arctic by rail as the forests thin and the landscapes become increasingly remote. Arrive in Abisko National Park, renowned as one of the best places in Scandinavia to witness the northern lights thanks to its uniquely clear skies.

Day 8: Dog Sledding & Aurora Sky Station

Experience the Arctic wilderness on a memorable dog sledding adventure through snowy valleys and frozen lakes. After dark, ride the chairlift to the famous Aurora Sky Station, perched high above the treeline and widely regarded as one of the best northern lights viewing locations in Europe.

Day 9: Exploring Abisko National Park

Spend the day discovering the untouched beauty of Abisko through snowshoeing or winter hiking. Surrounded by mountains and vast frozen landscapes, the national park offers an authentic Arctic experience. Another evening is reserved for aurora viewing should conditions require a second chance.

Day 10: One of Europe's Great Rail Journeys

Board the spectacular Ofoten Railway, crossing from Sweden into Norway through dramatic mountain scenery. As the train descends towards the coast, snowy plateaus give way to fjords and rugged peaks before arriving in Narvik, beautifully positioned at the head of a deep Arctic fjord.

Panoramic views of Narvik Norway across snow-covered mountains and surrounding fjords

Day 11: Fjords & Mountains of Narvik

Take the cable car high above Narvik for breathtaking panoramic views across the surrounding fjords and snow-covered mountains. Explore the town's fascinating wartime history or simply enjoy the striking landscapes that make this corner of northern Norway so unique.

Lofoten Islands Norway with dramatic mountains, fjords and colourful fishing villages

Day 12: Journey to the Lofoten Islands

Travel west towards the world-famous Lofoten Islands, an archipelago celebrated for its dramatic granite peaks, sheltered fjords and colourful fishing villages. Spend the next three nights in a traditional rorbu, a converted fishermen's cabin set beside the water.

Day 13 : Southern Lofoten

Explore the southern reaches of Lofoten, including postcard-perfect Reine and neighbouring fishing villages nestled beneath towering mountains. Scenic roads connect some of Norway's most celebrated landscapes, while the evening offers another opportunity to witness the northern lights reflected in the surrounding waters.

Day 14 : Coastal Life & Arctic Landscapes

Continue exploring Lofoten with visits to charming Henningsvær, a picturesque harbour village spread across a collection of tiny islands. Choose between a sea eagle safari, spectacular coastal viewpoints or a visit to the renowned Lofotr Viking Museum, bringing Norway's Viking heritage vividly to life.

Bodø Norway coastal town and gateway to the Arctic on a scenic Scandinavia rail journey

Day 15 : Return to the Mainland

Say farewell to the islands and return to mainland Norway by ferry or short flight. Arrive in Bodø, the northern terminus of Norway's railway network and an important gateway between the Arctic and southern Norway.

Day 16 : Fly to Oslo

Travel south to Oslo, Norway's vibrant capital, where contemporary architecture, Nordic culture and waterfront living create a striking contrast to the remote wilderness of the Arctic north.

Day 17 : Exploring Norway's Capital

Discover the highlights of Oslo, including the striking Munch Museum, home to Edvard Munch's iconic works, and Akershus Fortress, which has guarded the city's harbour for centuries. Later, visit the famous Holmenkollen Ski Jump for panoramic views across the Oslo Fjord.