Inland Railway & Fjords Cruise 

** Availability is limited to just 3 departure dates over the winter of 2009 so don't delay! This 7 night journey starts in Östersund on Saturday 28th February, Sunday 15th March and Saturday 28th March only. **

For our Summer tours click here!

The construction of the Inland Railway commenced in 1907 and runs through the very heart of the Swedish countryside. It is now 100 years old and the 1300km (800 miles) of track runs along side glorious lakes, through dense forest and provides unspoiled views.  The line is still of great importance to Sweden's infrastructure, as nature provides a rich supply of raw materials and trains are much more environmentally friendly than road transport.

Meet the Sámi culture in Jokkmokk, visit ICEHOTEL in Kiruna and enjoy the most scenic train journey in Lapland with mountain peaks and national parks between Kiruna and Narvik. There may even be time for a snowmobile or husky excursion.

From Narvik the journey continues with a short coach journey to Harstad where you are greeted by the breathtaking and very beautiful Lofoten, with snowy mountains surrounded by the deep blue waters of the famous fjords. The Hurtigruten cruise starts in Harstad, navigating narrow straits and deep fjords along Norway’s majestic and fascinating coastline, arriving in Trondheim two days later.

During your journey you will have the services of a train host, who is constantly on hand to offer advice about local activities and offer more information about the spectacular views.

Inland Railway map 

Itinerary varies slightly on the different dates
Day 1 - UK to Östersund
Fly from the UK to Östersund, stay at the centrally located Hotel Älgen and take this opportunity to explore this winter city with historical walks, little churches and winter activities. You may decide to travel a day or two earlier to see Stockholm.

Day 2 - Östersund to Storuman
As you leave Östersund you can see the mountain Åreskutan standing majestically in the west. The train heads due north through one of the areas with the highest concentration of bears in Sweden. You should catch a quick glimpse of Ångermanland before entering Sweden’s largest province – Lapland. You are now surrounded by a vast area of forests, mountains and rushing water. This is also reindeer country so don’t be surprised if you see reindeer and elks along the tracks. You will be accommodated at Hotel Toppen Storuman just 250m from the station. Train departs 1000 and arrives 1600.

Day 3 - Storuman to Jokkmokk
During today’s journey you are going to cross the Arctic Circle (photo opportunity) and travel through one of the many national parks in Sweden. What is unique here is that Laponia is a World Heritage Site with its mountains, lakes, delta landscape, ancient forests and around one hundred glaciers. You are looking at a landscape imbued with Sami heritage; inhabited since the Ice Age with a rich variety of flora and fauna including many endangered species. Laponia also includes well-known areas such as Sarek, the largest marshlands in Western Europe, Stora Sjöfallet, Muddus, Padjelanta and Rapadalen. A unique environment for you to appreciate with a lunch stop in Arvidsjaur. Your hotel in Jokkmokk is Hotel Jokkmokk. Train departs 0930 and arrives 1800.

Day 4 - Jokkmokk to Kiruna
Plenty of time to enjoy Jokkmokk and the surrounding area with many artists and skilled craftsmen plying their trade in this perfect environment. After breakfast a guided tour of the Ajtte Sami museum is included. Perhaps a little time to enjoy a winter activity by husky or snowmobile? Your hotel in Kiruna is Hotel Kebne. Train departs 1600 and arrives 1900.

Day 5 - Kiruna to Narvik and Harstad
After breakfast you will visit the world famous and original ICEHOTEL. Admire the magnificent architecture, art and sculptures that have been carved in ICE, complemented by superb lighting, creating a mind blowing experience. Your accommodation this evening is F2 by Nordic Hotels. Train departs 1600 and arrival in Harstad at 2000.

Day 6 - Norwegian fjords - Harstad to Stamsund
Check in and early departure on the Hurtigruten Coastal Express. This is one of the most beautiful parts of these stunning fjords and it is difficult to put into words just how impressive this scenery is. As you sail out of Harstad, Trondenes church dating back to Viking times is on the port side and after some precise manouervering the ship navigates the narrow and shallow Risøyrenna channel. After a short stop in Risøyhamn you sail through the Sortlandssund sound with the 1,262-metre high Møysalen mountain on the port side and the jagged peaks of Lofoten ahead. More spectacular views of note include the towering Svolværgeita mountain on Svolvær and the fishing town of Stamsund, defying nature with comfortable rustic fishermen's huts.

Day 7 - Norwegian fjords - Bodö to Rörvik
Arrival in Ørnes at breakfast time and a whole day exploring the scenic coast of Helgeland. Crossing the Arctic Circle, see the Hestemannen mountain on the island of Hestmanna and catch sight of the unique archipelago of Træna out to sea. People first settled out here 5,000 years ago! Protected by the large island of Tomma is Nesna, an idyllic, peaceful old trading post. Head into the archipelago to the larger island of Dønna and the town of Sandnessjøen. You couldn't wish for a better location. To the west the Dønnamannen mountain which rises 858 metres above sea level. To the east the elegant Helgelandsbrua bridge with a main span of almost 400 metres. We ‘park’ right in the centre – why not take a wander around the streets or a short shopping trip? Numerous legends and stories are associated with these islands and the mainland. One such story is about the Seven Sisters and Torghatten mountain and how they came to be such unusual shapes. After a brief stop at Brønnøysund’s narrow harbour, we head south again toward the 500 million year old red mountains of the large island of Leka. After a day enjoying the sights, we arrive in Rørvik in the evening where we also meet the northbound Hurtigruten cruise.

Day 8 - Trondheim to the UK
Early morning arrival in Trondheim and a chance to explore the city's architecture, history and culture. Nidaros Cathedral, the Archbishop’s Residence, Stiftsgården, the old quays, the city bridge, the traditional buildings…! Perhaps it’s a good idea to go on a sightseeing tour. There is a regular shuttle service to the airport for your afternoon flight back to the UK.

Price from £1230 per adult

More detailed itineraries
Departure from UK - 27th February 2009 (pdf)
Departure from UK - 15th March 2009 (pdf)
Departure from UK - 27th March 2009 (pdf)

Trip notes
All train times are approximate. The cabin on the Hurtigruten cruise is a private unspecified twin cabin. All hotel accommodation includes breakfast. Breakfast and other meals are not included on the cruise. Airport transfers are not included but these can easily be arranged locally. We can offer more advice at the time of booking. Excursions, activities and the cruise schedule may be subject to alterations.