Northern Lights City Break in Luleå

After a short hop and transfer to Luleå town brings you to your chosen hotel. While the red brick grandeur of the Elite Stadshotellet impresses, the upgraded Clarion Hotel Sense offers bold Scandinavian design features and a luxe spa, along with stunning harbour views from the top-floor bar. Both are centrally located, making it easy to venture out among Luleå's landmarks – don't miss the imposing Gothic cathedral, the central Norrbottens Museum and the many art galleries dotted around the city. Choosing where to eat might be a challenge – there’s everything from elegant seafood bistros to hip craft breweries serving quirky dishes like moose tacos.

Stay: Elite Stadshotellet, Lulea (Standard), Clarion Hotel Sense, Luleå (Superior)

Today is at leisure, leaving you free to lose yourself in the Lappish wilderness. A network of inland trails reveal a winter wonderland of snowy forests and frozen river valleys. Or, venture out into the archipelago –  there are over 1,000 islands off shore to discover. Explore by open sea or by snowmobile – you can even drive a car out to sea, on metre-thick ice road maintained by the city. This evening, perhaps add on a Northern Lights photography tour, guided by an expert aurora photographer – chasing the lights in search of the perfect shot.

Stay: Elite Stadshotellet, Lulea (Standard), Clarion Hotel Sense, Luleå (Superior)

On your final free day, you can choose to take it easy with a relaxing day in town, perhaps with a visit to Gammelstad Church Town, a UNESCO-listed landmark comprising over 400 bright red wooden houses. Within its winding laneways, you'll step back in time to the 15th century – it's an incredible well-preserved example of a traditional church village. Alternatively, if you're feeling more adventurous, head out of the city once more to experience the likes of husky sledding, ice fishing and snowmobiling through snow-laden Swedish forests. This evening, you'll enjoy an included Northern Lights dinner at Brändön Lodge, a cosy log cabin on the edge of the sea. Alongside a hearty two-course dinner, you’ll join your guide in the wilderness as you search for the lights – a magical end to your holiday.

Stay: Elite Stadshotellet, Lulea (Standard), Clarion Hotel Sense, Luleå (Superior)

After a final breakfast in your hotel, it's time to return to the airport for your flight home.