POLAR EXPRESS
NORWAY, SWEDEN, FINLAND
10 DAYS
18 PEOPLE
- EURO
10 days
December, 5–14 or 12–21,2025
10 days / 9 nights (3 in each country)
We are embarking on a journey where snow crunches underfoot, the northern lights dance on the horizon, and breathtaking landscapes of snow-covered fjords and dormant forests unfold outside the train windows.
Our expedition covers three countries - Norway, Sweden and Finland - and we will travel most of the route by train to feel the atmosphere of a calm winter road.
We will spend nights in icy hotels, enjoy exciting snowmobile rides across the vast Arctic plains, meet wolves and huskies, walk through the polar night by lantern light, have dinners by the fire in the company of Sami reindeer herders, and send polar postcards from Santa's village. Every day this expedition will bring new adventures, unique northern flavor and the magical beauty of a winter fairy tale.
ROUTE PLAN
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accommodation along the route (double accommodation in hotels and apartments + 1 night in ice rooms in Kemi);
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partial breakfasts (in hotels) + 1 dinner on the fire;
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train and bus transfers according to the program;
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all entrance fees according to the program;
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snowmobiling in Kiruna (2 persons);
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antique lanterns for night walks as a souvenir of the trip;
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accompaniment by the author of the program.
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airfare (start - Tromso, finish - Rovaniemi);
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meals, except for the partially included ones;
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optional excursion on the Sampo icebreaker;
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other activities not included in the program;
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insurance for outdoor activities.
PROGRAM
Day 1
-.12.2025
We fly to Tromsø, the gateway to the Arctic and one of the northernmost cities in the world. It is home to about 75,000 people, but in December the city seems especially peaceful thanks to the snow and soft polar light.
We'll check into a cozy villa with panoramic windows and a view of Sandnesunn, the bay that connects the island of Tromsø to the mainland. From the house we can admire the snow-capped mountains, and if the sky is clear, we can see the northern lights right from the terrace. In the evening, relax and enjoy the silence of northern nature.
Day 2
-.12.2025
We start the morning together: we prepare breakfast, discuss plans and share our impressions of the first day.
After breakfast we go to the Arctic Museum. This place is not like ordinary museums: interactive expositions tell about the history of life beyond the Arctic Circle - from Arctic sea exploration to local flora and fauna. Here you can see stuffed polar bears, walruses, and learn how people survive in the harsh conditions of the Arctic.
The next stop is the Polar Cathedral. Built in 1965, it resembles an iceberg or the northern lights thanks to its unusual shape and huge stained glass windows. This cathedral has become a symbol of Tromsø and you'll probably recognize it from the photos.
After an early sunset (as early as 1:30 p.m. in December), we go for a walk through the forest with kerosene lanterns. At the observation deck we will have a view of snow-capped peaks, Arctic Ocean bays and the lights of Tromsø at night.
Back to the villa where we'll have a get-together. We'll tell each other why we chose this trip, get our name badges and t-shirts, and maybe see the northern lights from our windows.
Day 3
-.12.2025
After breakfast we leave for Narvik. On the way we will visit the Polar Park - the northernmost zoo in Europe. Polar wolves, wolverines, lynxes and other northern animals live here in conditions as close to natural as possible. One of the main adventures is the opportunity to get acquainted with polar wolves: they are not only accustomed to people, but are ready to pose for a photo in a hug.
In the evening we will arrive in Narvik and check in to our ski lodge apartment overlooking the Basefjord, one of the most beautiful fjords in the region, surrounded by high mountains. The evening is free: you can go skiing, stroll around the town or just enjoy the view from the window.
Day 4
-.12.2025
Today we are going to ride the famous Polar Express. We will cross the border into Sweden, stopping at Abisko National Park, one of the best places to see the Northern Lights. The park is surrounded by mountains that protect it from clouds, so there is a higher chance of clear skies here than in other places.
We will walk through the winter forest, see frozen waterfalls and canyons. This place surprises with its silence: the snow muffles the sounds and it seems that time has stood still here.
In the evening we arrive in Kiruna and check into the Ice Hotel. This is a true work of art: each room is decorated with unique ice sculptures created by the best artists in the world. We will stay in warm rooms, but in the morning we can explore the ice halls.
Day 5
-.12.2025
After breakfast, we will go on a tour of the ice rooms. Each of them is a small masterpiece, from the ice furniture to the lighting that makes you feel like you are inside an iceberg.
We're waiting for a trip on the snow drifts. We will ride through the snowy expanses of Swedish Lapland, enjoying the speed and endless landscapes.
Then we will visit a Sami camp, where we will learn about the life and traditions of the indigenous peoples of the North. We will be treated to lunch by the fire, and the guides will tell us about their reindeer and ancient customs.
In the evening we return to the hotel - you can relax in the sauna and share the emotions of a busy day.
Day 6
-.12.2025
Today we have a long drive through the Swedish winter countryside. The drive promises to be mesmerizing: snowy forests, frozen rivers and small villages look like Christmas cards.
In the evening we will arrive in Luleå, a city on the coast of the Gulf of Bothnia. Luleå is famous for its combination of Arctic nature and cozy atmosphere. Here we will have a walk through the ancient neighborhood of Gamelstad, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a unique complex of wooden churches and houses of the XVIII century.
If you're lucky, you'll find a unique local treat. Luleå is known for its local crafts, so you can find unique souvenirs or try traditional treats like glögg and gingerbread cookies.
Day 7
-.12.2025
In the morning we go to the husky farm, where we get acquainted with these amazing dogs. They have been man's reliable companions in the Arctic for centuries, and their kind eyes and playful character will not leave anyone indifferent. We will be able to feed them, talk to them and learn how they become masters of sledding sport.
After lunch, a train to Finland awaits us, where we will check into the famous snow castle in Kemi. This time in real ice rooms to feel like participants of a winter fairy tale. Every year the castle is built anew, and its design is always unique. Inside there is an ice restaurant, a bar, sculptures and even an ice chapel.
Day 8
-.12.2025
In the morning, you can take an optional excursion on the icebreaker Sampo, which plies the frozen Gulf of Bothnia. You will be able to see how a huge ship splits the thick ice and even take a walk on the ice field. For the bravest of the brave there is an opportunity to swim in the ice-hole in a special suit.
Those staying in Kemi can spend time exploring the snow castle and the surrounding area.
After lunch we will take a train to Rovaniemi, the capital of Finnish Lapland. We will check into cozy apartments and spend the evening with hot cocoa or leisurely walks along the frozen river.
Day 9
-.12.2025
We'll start the day with breakfast preparations and then head out to explore Rovaniemi. This city is famous for its winter wonderland atmosphere and the legend of Santa Claus.
We will visit Santa's village where you can walk through his workshop, meet Santa himself, send letters with a unique Lapland stamp and pet the reindeer. The place is perfect to feel the spirit of Christmas and believe in the fairy tale, even if you have grown up a long time ago.
Day 10
-.12.2025
After breakfast we pack our bags and leave for the airport.
The journey is over, but the memories of the northern lights, ice castles, snowy expanses and the warmth of new acquaintances will stay with us for a long time.
WHY WITH PAGANEL?
We are unique
For many years, we have been traveling the world to our small planet's most remote and unusual places. We do not use the services of domestic travel agencies. The trips we invent and carry out are always unique and have their unique zest, charm, and adventurous spirit.
Creation
The first thing that interests us is creativity in everything. During the expeditions, we shoot a lot of videos, take pictures, write stories, draw pictures. If you are interested in a creative approach to life and travel, then WELCOME... we are very happy to meet you!
Interest
By joining our team, you join a kind of club family, which already consists of several hundred people who are interested in discovering the world with us.
Since most of the expenses for organizing a trip – air tickets and travel documents for other modes of transportation, accommodation, excursions, services of local companies and guides, etc. – are made by us in advance, long before the trip, the prepayment or payment for the trip is non-refundable in the event of cancellation.
Since most of the expenses for the organization of the trip are air tickets and travel documents for other types of transport, accommodation, excursions, services of local companies and guides, etc. are not refundable in case of your cancellation of the trip. We simply have no way to return it.
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