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The Arctic Route
Overview
Introduction
Embark on an extraordinary winter adventure in the Arctic Circle, seamlessly connecting Finnish Lapland's enchanting landscapes with Tromso's vibrant city life using the comfortable and convenient Arctic Route bus.
Your journey begins in Rovaniemi where you'll tick two often sought after experiences: 1) a night on ice, sleeping in a snow room at the Arctic Snowhotel and 2) enjoying a night under the stars in a glass igloo.
From Rovaniemi you will travel to Kilpisjarvi, a remote village nestled amidst the pristine wilderness of Lapland, where adventure awaits and from here, onwards to Tromso in northern Norway, the "Gateway to the Arctic."
At every stage of your journey you are under the Aurora oval, optimising your chances of sighting this celestial spectacle. Be prepared to be awestruck as the aurora borealis swirls and dances across the sky, its ethereal glow illuminating the landscape in a symphony of colours.
But, this trip is more than about the Aurora. It is about discovering the diversity, culture and heritage of this historical land; the land of the Sami where nature dominates. It is about slow travel and enjoying the privilege of time as you explore new lands and spend time with your local hosts.
Itinerary includes:
- Flights to Rovaniemi, returning from Tromso
- Transfers throughout including a journey on the Arctic Route bus from Rovaniemi to Kilpisjarvi and onto Tromso
- 2 nights at the Arctic Snowhotel and Glass Igloos near Rovaniemi (1 night in a Snow room and 1 night in a Glass igloo. Half Board - one meal in the ice restaurant and one in the Kota restaurant)
- 2 nights at the Cahkal Hotel in Kilpisjarvi (Standard room - Full Board)
- 3 nights at the St Elisabeth Suites in Tromso (Standard room - Bed & Breakfast)
- Optional excursions available throughout at a supplement
Agenda
Day 1 - Day of arrival
Your Arctic adventure begins as you arrive at Rovaniemi Airport, the gateway to the Arctic Circle. Transfer to the Arctic Snowhotel and Glass Igloos, a unique and magical property nestled amidst the snow-covered wilderness on the shores of Lake Lehtojarvi.
Your accommodation this evening is in a snow room where your bed frame and accompanying artwork is made solely from ice. But, before bed, enjoy a warming evening meal at the hotel's Kota restaurant which specialises in open fire cooking.
Overnight at the Arctic Snowhotel and Glass Igloos near Rovaniemi.
Arctic Snowhotel and Glass Igloos, Rovaniemi, Lapland, Finland
Day 2 - Day at the Arctic Snowhotel and Glass Igloos
Wake up to the pristine beauty of the Arctic Circle. Indulge in a hearty breakfast before embarking on your chosen activity (pre-bookable with Sunvil). There is much to choose from including a thrilling husky sledding adventure through the snow-covered forests, a visit to Santa Claus village or the city of Rovaniemi and its fascinating museum, Arktikum; snowmobile tours, snowshoeing, ice sculpting and more.
This evening we have included a meal at the hotel's ice restaurant. Each year, the restaurant is uniquely carved out of frozen water and snow offering a memorable dining experience. A delicious 3-course dinner will be served and the star of the show is always the dessert which is served on an ice plate. Alternatively, we can arrange a northern lights tour - we promise that, as the lights illuminate the heavens in a symphony of colours, you'll feel a sense of awe and wonder.
Overnight at the Arctic Snowhotel and Glass Igloos near Rovaniemi.
Glass igloo, Arctic Snowhotel and Glass Igloos, Rovaniemi, Lapland, Finland
Day 3 - Travel by the Arctic Route to Kilpisjarvi
After breakfast, transfer to Rovaniemi centre and then board the Arctic Route bus towards Kilpisjarvi, a remote village nestled amidst the breathtaking wilderness at the borders of Sweden, Finland and Norway.
Check-in at the Cahkal Hotel for your two night stay. A five course evening meal is included.
Overnight at the Cahkal Hotel in Kilpisjarvi.
Cahkal Hotel, Kilpisjarvi, Lapland, Finland
Day 4 - Day at leisure in Kilpisjarvi
Snow covers the ground from November until May in Kilpisjarvi and there are many activities on offer here should you wish to join an organised excursion: snowmobiling, snow-shoeing, cross-country skiing and northern light tours. Alternatively, it is possible to explore at leisure using the hotel's snowshoes.
Our recommendation is the snowmobile tour which crosses the frozen Lake Cahkal and travels through the beautiful snowy birch forest to Koltavuoma where the yellow border cairn of three Nordic countries is located. It is called the most peaceful border in the world.
Overnight and five-course evening meal at the Cahkal Hotel in Kilpisjarvi.
Snowshoeing, Kilpisjarvi, Lapland, Finland
Day 5 - Travel by the Arctic Route to Tromso
After breakfast, your journey continues aboard the Arctic Route bus to Tromso, Norway, the "Gateway to the Arctic."
Check into your hotel in Tromso and enjoy a relaxing afternoon exploring the city's charming streets and waterfront.
Overnight at the St Elisabeth Suites in Tromso.
Aurora Borealis, Tromso, Northern Norway, Norway
Day 6-7 - Days at leisure in Tromso
Days at leisure in Tromso. An opportunity to participate in a whale watching tour, a husky dog safari or to take the scenic cable car ride up to Storsteinen Mountain - as you ascend, admire the breathtaking views of the Tromso archipelago and the surrounding fjords, a panorama of unparalleled beauty.
Of course, being synonymous with the Aurora Borealis, northern light tours are on offer and the experiences can be as relaxed or exhilarating as desired.
Overnight at the St Elisabeth Suites in Tromso.
Arctic Cathedral, Tromso, Northern Norway, Norway
Day 8 - Day of departure
After breakfast, transfer to Tromso airport for your return flight to the UK.
Accommodation
Arctic SnowHotel and Glass Igloos - Night 1 to 2
On the shores of Lake Lehtojarvi near Rovaniemi, the Arctic Snowhotel and Glass Igloos offers a winter break that will excite all your senses.
On the shores of Lake Lehtojarvi near Rovaniemi, the Arctic Snowhotel and Glass Igloos offers a winter break that will excite all your senses. From your eyes which you will struggle to tear away from the starry night sky; your ears that will welcome the sound of silence, disturbed only by the crunching of snow beneath your feet, and the invigorating smell of fresh, pure air that will awaken your being and help you to connect with the natural surroundings, to the stimulation of your palate as you devour delicious Nordic cuisine at the Ice Restaurant and the tingles of sensation you will feel as you hold an intricately carved ice glass in your hand.
Encircled by pine trees this resort is one of the largest in the region, yet continues to offer a personal and intimate experience. Accommodation is offered in series of glass igloos with heated roofs and views of the surrounding forest and sky. An aurora service is offered to guests to ensure that you do not miss the Lady Aurora waving from above. Close-by stands the Snowhotel, a temporary structure made wholly from ice and snow, and offering you the chance to spend a night on a bed of ice*.
There is much to do and experience at the Arctic Snowhotel including sauna, snowshoe hiking, ice sculpting, ice fishing and snowmobile safaris.
An exciting property that combines two of Scandinavia's renown hotel innovations.
Accommodation:
- Glass igloos and Snow rooms
Amenities / Leisure:
- Buffet breakfast
- Restaurant
- Sauna
Cahkal Hotel - Night 3 to 4
Located in Kilpisjarvi, Cahkal Hotel is a family-owned boutique hotel that offers a high quality and authentic experience to experiential travellers who seek unforgettable moments in a pure, arctic wilderness setting. The hotel is situated 400 kilometres above the Arctic Circle at the northwesternmost point of Finland, with awe-inspiring views of the great mountains of Finland, Norway and Sweden.
Located in Kilpisjarvi, Cahkal Hotel is a family-owned boutique hotel that offers a high quality and authentic experience to experiential travellers who seek unforgettable moments in a pure, arctic wilderness setting. The hotel is situated 400 kilometres above the Arctic Circle at the northwesternmost point of Finland, with awe-inspiring views of the great mountains of Finland, Norway and Sweden.
Unwind in one of the stylish rooms or suite, each offering sweeping views of the magnificent mountains. Enjoy local cuisine at the Aika Kitchen restaurant, where you can savour the catch of the day and traditional Arctic dishes that use only the finest locally sourced and seasonal ingredients.
Experience a traditional Finnish steam bath in the sauna while admiring the stunning views of the Saana mountain. The hotel also provides a variety of activities that will create cherished memories, including private tours of the wilderness summits and Northern lights sightseeing.
Explore the culture and traditions of Kilpisjarvi and immerse yourself in an authentic, exclusive, and unforgettable experience. We guarantee that you will be captivated by the unique and emotional experience of Cahkal Hotel.
Accommodation:
- 23 rooms including - Cahkal room, Cahkal view, Superior room and a Suite
Amenities / Leisure:
- Aika Kitchen & Bar
- Cafe and Lounge
- Traditional Finnish sauna
- A range of winter activities are available to book including Northern lights tours and ski tours
St Elisabeth Suites - Night 5 to 7
St. Elisabeth Suites is a sustainable aparthotel situated in quiet and tranquil surroundings, just a 10 minute walk from Tromsø's vibrant city life.
St. Elisabeth Suites is a sustainable aparthotel situated in quiet and tranquil surroundings, just a 10 minute walk from Tromsø's vibrant city life.
The units come with parquet floors and feature a fully equipped kitchen with a dishwasher, a dining area, a flat-screen TV with cable channels, and a private bathroom with walk-in shower and a hair dryer. An oven, a fridge and stovetop are also offered, as well as a coffee machine and a kettle. At the aparthotel, all units are fitted with bed linen and towels.
There is a snack bar and lounge, spa, swimming pool and fitness centre.
Free WiFi is provided throughout the property and private parking is available on site.
Popular points of interest near the accommodation include The Fram Centre, Tromsø City Hall and The Art Museum of Northern Norway.
Accommodation
- 24 one and two bedroom superior suites, standard and superior double & twin rooms
Amenities/Leisure
- Snack bar
- Lounge
- Swimming pool
- Spa
- Fitness centre
- Lift
- Free WiFi
- Parking (payable locally)
- Staff can assist with recommendations for experiences, dining and other activities in Tromsø
Route Map
Best time to go
- JAN
- FEB
- MAR
- APR
- MAY
- JUN
- JUL
- AUG
- SEP
- OCT
- NOV
- DEC
Time Difference
GMT + 3 hours
Currency
Euro
Language
Finnish
Average flight times
5 hours (via Helsinki)
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Average temperature
Average rainfall
- JAN
- FEB
- MAR
- APR
- MAY
- JUN
- JUL
- AUG
- SEP
- OCT
- NOV
- DEC