The Eurail Pass covers the Arctic Circle Train journey and no reservation is needed. Her mission is to visit every country in the world. We would like to get to Abisko from Rovaniemi. Your article is wonderful! A B-1B Lancer departs Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska on the it way to the Arctic Circle, Sept. 24, 2020. It is the only rail line to cross the Arctic Circle. To book this route, please click Book Your Trip and then enter the train station of your point of origin (Kiruna) and the train station of your destination (Narvik or vice versa). Arctic Circle Signpost — Take a picture with your group or your guide in front on the sign and receive your official Arctic Circle Crossing Certificate! There are three routes you can take to go from Rovaniemi to Kiruna: see them here. Great to hear that Angela! I’ve been trying to plan an upcoming trip to the Lapland area and I really wanted to stop between Finland and Sweden in Helsinki, Rovaniemi, Kiruna and Abisko but have been struggling to find info on trains, buses etc. It travels north and south twice a day, with one day and one night train going each way. Happy to share my itinerary. The Arctic Circle is one of the two polar circles and the most northerly of the five major circles of latitude as shown on maps of Earth.It marks the northernmost point at which the centre of the noon sun is just visible on the December solstice and the southernmost point at which the centre of the midnight sun is just visible on the June solstice. Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2rio's travel planner. A one-way journey from Stockholm to Narvik (which takes 18.30 hours without stops) costs around 99euros per person. But your kids are relatively big so perhaps they won’t like that. Taking the train is just one of the many fun things to do in Lapland though, bundle up and get ready for some icy thrills! Travel the northernmost region of Europe on one of the greatest rail journeys in the world: the Arctic Circle Train and see Lapland by train. we have about total 10 days to spend. Several hikes begin and end here – or you could walk back to Abisko along a section of the Rallarvägen trail. That said, Rovaniemi itself is quite a cute, charming city. Or combine your train trip with an adventurous cruise and visit remote islands in the frozen arctic, such as Baffin Island and Ellesmere Island. Catch the Arctic Circle Train to visit many exciting destinations between Kiruna (Sweden) and Narvik (Norway). There are also many excellent ski slopes in Narvik. We have a light dinner on board the train. In contrast with the other towns in Lapland, Narvik almost feels like a cosmopolitan city despite its humble population of 18,500. This route covers 12 stops, from Kiruna to Narvik or vice versa. In general, I think you can do SO much stuff with them in Lapland, like dogsledding, snowmobiling and ice-fishing. Are you planning to go to the Finnish Lapland? Over two weeks, we experienced three different parts of Lapland and drank in the spectacular landscapes and pristine nature that the area had to offer. plan to start from Stockholm, stop by Kiruna and Abisko for 2-3 days to check our luck with sighting the Northern Light. The Arctic Circle Train follows a unique round-trip route with 13 stops in Sweden and Norway, allowing day and overnight passengers the chance to enjoy this scenic route where, depending on the season you can experience the Northern Lights or Midnight Sun. Besides the array of good hotels, restaurants and bars, there’s also the Artikum Museum which tells stories about Lapland, its history, culture and nature. thanks for great article. Lapland is definitely a special place, you have to see it for yourself. I remember it being very near. I hate the cold, especially since I grew up in the tropics, but I seriously feel the cold at all when we were there. Combine spectacular scenery with skiing and a killer whale safari. We took the train from Rovaniemi to Kemi, then a bus to Lulea, and then a train from there to Abisko. The price is amazing, considering how expensive things usually are in Scandinavia. Rovaniemi is said to be the hometown of Santa Claus, so we actually visited his ‘home’, shook hands with him, and also went to the post office where they receive millions of letters from kids each year. There are not many train routes above the Arctic Circle. It is also the place to go dog sledding and cross-country skiing through forests and alongside lakes, to visit Esrange, Europe’s largest civil space centre, or witness the historical relocation of Kiruna. Can you tell me, is there a specific Route called the Arctic Circle that takes you direct between the 2 towns? Two bombers assigned to the unit completed flights that passed directly over the North Pole enroute to perform interoperability training with the Norwegian air force. We also made a day-trip to the original ICEHOTEL where we wandered through its gorgeous art suites and sipped cocktails from ice glasses. Dining Onboard The Arctic Circle Train. Arctic Explorer - Quest for the Northern Lights (New Year) Celebrate New Year and a Russian Christmas in style! You can choose to stop as many times as you want if you have a train pass (more info in the next paragraph). She continues to help readers by sharing her travel experiences to off-grid destinations. To learn more, please look at our private policy here. This half of the journey is the most impressive and offers sweeping views through the mountains and along the stunning side of the fjord. I’ve been trying to find route of Arctic Circle Train but cant get anything. For more Christmas goodness, we also recommend the theme restaurant Santamus for a taste of good Lappish food and dance. For many, this northern extreme is a mystery â€“ where the midnight sun shines endlessly in summer and the stunning Northern Lights dance in the sky during the long, polar winter nights. Then we hopped back onto the Arctic Circle Train and crossed borders into Sweden, where our next stop was Abisko. Travel while you sleep and wake refreshed. A B-1B Lancer assigned to the 345th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron flies over the Arctic Circle, Sept. 25, 2020. It was an excellent launching pad to explore the surrounding wilderness. Arctic Circle Train from Narvik to Abisko Arctic Circle Train. You can also book a seat in a 2nd Class carriage. How to get to the Swedish Arctic Circle. Nellie Huang is the founder of WildJunket. To reach Kiruna, there are 2 night trains daily from Stockholm to Kiruna. While Abisko is a tiny town with a population of just over 85, its tranquility and quiet location also meant that we were truly in the heart of Lapland. The Arctic Circle Train is also a great way to get from one Arctic town to another and you might even have the chance to spot the Aurora Borealis from your train window. It will take you through fertile farmland and great forests in Trøndelag, across the majestic Saltfjellet range, and down to the coast between Rognan and Bodø. best places in the world to see Northern Lights, Switzerland Road Trip: My 2-Week Switzerland Itinerary, Portugal Itinerary: The Perfect 7-Day Portugal Road Trip, Puglia Road Trip: My 1-Week Southern Italy Itinerary, Best Day Trips from Amsterdam According to An Expat, 13 Cool Things to Do in Ilulissat, Greenland, https://rail.cc/en/train/abisko-to-rovaniemi. The first part of our journey is by coach to Fauske, including a scenic ferry crossing. Moving from the towering Abisko National Park set in the Swedish mountains to the breathtaking Norwegian fjords gives you a deeper appreciation of this rugged landscape. This Norwegian coastal town offers exciting killer whale safaris where these giants can be watched in their natural habitat. The highest railway in Europe, the Arctic circle train, connecting Kiruna, Sweden to Narvik, Norway ends here. As we continue our way from the Norwegian town Narvik to Abisko in Sweden with the Arctic Circle Train, more tourists gather around us at the window, holding out their cameras in an attempt to capture the beauty of the landscape in a … The Arctic Circle Train officially starts in Stockholm and there are in total 12 stops along the journey to Narvik. The sortie, part of a Bomber Task Force mission supporting U.S. European Command initiatives, was designed to give aircrews familiarity with operating in the Arctic. Known as one of the greatest train journeys in the world, the Arctic Circle train brings travelers along stunning fjords, near frozen glaciers, under icy waterfalls and whisk you past fairytale towns. This path edges the train line and was originally used by the men who built the railway, but is now a popular route for hikers and cyclists. That way you get to see the three countries thoroughly and also have a higher chance of catching the Northern Lights. The 345th EBS, comprised of Reserve and active-duty Airmen from Dyess AFB, Texas, were in Alaska to support a Bomber Task Force mission. There were so many ways to get out and about â€“ we sledded with husky-dogs, rode on snowmobiles and even glided through the Luosto forest on a reindeer caravan. On the journey from Narvik to Stockholm, the Norwegian dining car converted to a Swedish dining car when it arrived in Kiruna. Please update your favorite link to the new site: https://arcticcircletrail.dk There’s also a night train from Stockholm to Gällivare, which takes around 15 hours. The Arctic Circle Train is truly a phenomenal journey. Fun on Ice: Snowmobiling in Rovaniemi, Lapland, Seeing the Northern Lights in Abisko, Sweden. Alaska’s tundra environment is absolutely beautiful, whether you visit in the summer or the winter. Since creating this website in 2008, she has fulfilled her dream of becoming a full-time traveler and writer. Read my review of the ICEHOTEL. Learn how your comment data is processed. Right after conquering our fears, we headed up to the peak for a panoramic view of the surrounding fjords and it made the task well worth it. The route takes us through the beautiful and varied landscapes of northern Norway. The price is amazing, considering how expensive things usually are in Scandinavia. Our final stop was Narvik in Northern Norway, where the Arctic Circle Train journey ends. Catch the Arctic Circle Train to visit many exciting destinations between Kiruna (Sweden) and Narvik (Norway). There are 9 ways to get from Bergen to Arctic Circle by plane, bus, train, ferry, night bus or car. You can see all the stops here. ScandinavianRail Passes and Train Tickets. The trail stretches up to 200 kilometers (124 miles) from the edge of the ice cap to the fishing town of Sisimiut on the West coast. hi Adeline! Close to Kiruna is Jukkasjärvi, where you can visit the world-renowned Ice Hotel and find out how it feels to sleep in a bed made of ice. The travel time is around 3 hours. A very picturesque route that passes through Abisko National Park and the Bjorkliden Ski resort, and is perhaps the most scenic train journeys of the world. This train is running between Narvik in Norway, via Kiruna and Boden in Swedish Lapland, to Luleå on the Swedish Coast. En route, these attractions are of special interest: Abisko National Park, Björkliden ski resort and Riksgränsen mountain range, popularly explored by snowmobile, dog sled or helicopter. All you need is jump on the train and show your Eurail Pass when the conductor comes. I'm an adventure travel blogger, book author, and new mum on a quest to visit every country in the world! Cross the Arctic Circle! Travel the northernmost region of Europe on one of the greatest rail journeys in the world: the Arctic Circle Train and see Lapland by train. We packed our schedule with fun winter activities, such as snowmobiling through the national park (where we almost fell into the frozen lake), a safari on dog sleighs, and a chairlift ride up to the Aurora Sky Station. Water, magazines and linen was provided. We took the train from Rovaniemi to Kemi (Finland) and then changed to a bus to Lulea (Sweden). Ice-fishing on a frozen lake was exceptionally fun as was snow-shoeing in the darkness. It is the Norwegian Railway System’s longest line, and the only train to cross the Arctic Circle in Norway. Artic Circle (Sic) in Alaska is currently under threat of oil exploitation by the administration of the United States Government. We ventured up to the slopes of Narvikfjollet and challenged ourselves to an obstacle course that got us swinging, jumping and hanging like monkeys. The entire journey takes approx. As our train worked its way around the edges of the mountains, we admired narrow fjords, steep mountain slopes, and random clusters of Nordic villages. Unfortunately, there’s no direct train between Rovaniemi and Kiruna. In Fauske we board the train for a journey that delivers almost continuous panoramic views of beautiful, untouched wilderness, crossing the Arctic Circle along the way. The train line was initially opened to carry iron ore from Kiruna to Narvik. Daily flights run from Stockholm’s Arlanda airport to Kiruna and Gällivare within the Arctic Circle, and to Luleå, Arvidsjaur and Skellefteå, south of the circle. 2-3 a.m. arrival back at your accommodation in Fairbanks. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Master Sgt. In Rovaniemi, we also had the opportunity to cross the Arctic Circle, which lies 8km north of town. Days 10-11 - Across the Arctic Circle to Bodø and the Midnight Sun Departing Trondheim, we travel north on the Nordland Railway for our 452- mile journey to Bodø†. hey Sebastian, where did you end up studying? Kiruna and Abisko are both awesome, don’t forget to check out the Ice Hotel near there. Hope that helps! READ MORE: 10 Great Rail Journeys Around the World. The Arctic Circle train goes from Kiruna to Narvik in Norway, stopping in Abisko enroute. hi Lynn, yes I think January is a great time! I would like to ask how do I get from Rovaniemi onto the arctic circle train? hi Kristen, thanks for stopping by! Take a train from Winnipeg to Churchill to see polar bears lumbering through the snow (from the safe vantage point of a specially designed vehicle). But one of them is the Arctic-Circle-Train that connects the Norwegian Coast with the Swedish Coast. Scenic flights, fly / drive tours, overnight excursions to the Arctic Ocean from Fairbanks Alaska. Thank you for all of this information and a great article. Extending for hundreds of miles above the Arctic Circle, Lapland is one of the last remaining wildernesses in Europe. If you don’t intend to get a Eurail Pass, the Swedish National Railways offer the Arctic Circle Pass, which is a flexible three-day ticket that allows you to hop on and off as much as you like (364 SEK or US$44). Next, head inland by train to Östersund and view the beautiful scenery at every turn, before you cross the Arctic Circle into the 'Land of the Midnight Sun.' One of the main goals of this trip was to see the Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis. There are two daily train services between Kiruna and Narvik. If you don’t intend to get a Eurail Pass, the Swedish National Railways offer the. The Arctic Circle Pass is priced at 364 SEK (~36€ / $40.25 /£30.70 ) and enables unlimited hop on hop off traveling in on the Kiruna – Narvik train route for 3 days by getting on or off at any of this next twelve stops. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Greenland’s Arctic Circle Trail is often listed as one of the best long-distance hikes in the world. Thanks! That’s the more affordable region. The Arctic Circle outlined on the map in yellow is the region surrounding the North Pole. Ted Daigle) Armed with some ultra-thick winter gear, we hopped on board the Arctic Circle Train and weaved our way through the sugar-coated wonderland. Note: This Tour begins at 7AM ONLY during our Summer Season (15 … We use functional and performance cookies to optimize your user experience. Cross the mighty Yukon River as you continue south on the Dalton Highway, which at times parallels the trans-Alaska pipeline. Extending for hundreds of miles above the Arctic Circle, Lapland is one of the last remaining wildernesses in Europe. Kiruna is also the place to go dog sledding and cross-country skiing through forests and alongside lakes, to visit Esrange, Europe’s largest civil space centre, or witness the historical relocation of Kiruna. Tall buildings rise from the city center, while the port extends all the way to the water’s edge and countless alpine houses stand on the hill slopes overlooking the city. Arctic Circle, parallel, or line of latitude around the Earth, at approximately 66°30′ N.Because of the Earth’s inclination of about 23 1 / 2 ° to the vertical, it marks the southern limit of the area within which, for one day or more each year, the Sun does not set (about June 21) or rise (about December 21). then continue to Narvik. Kiruna is the place to experience the midnight sun, polar night and the fantastical Northern Lights as they illuminate the skies with cascades of colour. Vast and rugged, Lapland is a large region that stretches across four countries and bounded by three different seas in the northernmost part of Europe. I think 10 days is a good duration. I recommend getting a pass as it’s much more affordable and worthwhile. Anyhow, I\’m sure you\’ll get to Norway soon but give Finland a chance too! It offers stunning scenery of Lapland and lets you see many of the rural parts of Scandinavia that are not accessible by cars. Recommended option. Here the best views begin and you can’t help but want to keep travelling west towards the wild Lofoten Islands. Berlin? All you need is jump on the train and show your Eurail Pass when the conductor comes. ARCTIC CIRCLE TRAIN TO NARVIK Re-board the Arctic Circle Train and continue the scenic journey, passing through the little ski village of the area and across the border to the Norwegian town of Narvik. We really liked Rovaniemi, it\’s such a cute and pretty town with so much nature around it. With our base at Abisko Mountain Lodge, the 75-square-kilometre Abisko National Park was just steps away and the stunning Lake Torneträsk in the near distance. If you choose to take Airlink Alaska’s Arctic Circle Tour, you’ll get to see a variety of wildlife during the day while on the road, including bears and moose. Fall Northern Lights tours. Hope this helps! We did this trip in December all through to January, spending Christmas in Oslo. Then travel through Sweden's breathtaking mountains and into Norway, arriving in Narvik with a day at leisure. (U.S. … WATCH NOW: Amazing CrossCountry HST train trip in England! There are a few other options here: https://rail.cc/en/train/abisko-to-rovaniemi. Hop on the Arctic Circle Express Train for an 11-day itinerary that takes guests through breathtaking mountain landscapes, gorgeous fjords, and stunning waterfalls that … We were lucky enough to watch the sky dance and dazzle, and the aurora lighting it up with beams of light yellow and green. This particular sortie included flying across the Arctic Circle to train with the Norwegian air force. Depart on the Arctic Circle Aurora Adventure with Northern Alaska Tour Company. The Arctic Circle Trail. You can easily book tickets directly on the Scandinavia Rail website. Our night trains travel from Narvik in the north to Malmö in the south. covers the Arctic Circle Train journey and no reservation is needed. This was by far the best part of the journey. Travel to Coldfoot Camp and see the vast arctic tundra landscape firsthand. We stayed overnight there then continued by train to Abisko. Plus, it\’s always warm and nice indoors (not like in Spain where we\’re based). Choose between a berth in a couchette, sleeping car or treat yourself to a 1st Class compartment. The journey presents huge variety in landscape, culture, and climate. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Combine spectacular scenery with skiing and a killer whale safari. If you are looking to make a few stops, you’ll need to buy separate tickets for each leg of the trip. However, we allow you to accept or refuse cookies. As compared to the other two parts of Lapland, this was our favorite spot. The next worthwhile stop along the Arctic Circle line is Björkliden. Our voyage started in Rovaniemi, the capital of the Finnish Lapland, and a major gateway to the northern extreme. Maybe because it\’s a dry kind of cold, without the wet wind that chills your bones. Sleeping onboard the Arctic Circle Train. :). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aA6MoteaJwUThis video is sponsored by the … , which is a flexible three-day ticket that allows you to hop on and off as much as you like (364 SEK or US$44). This area is also the official residence of Santa Claus, and his post office. Hello! It is the longest rail line in Norway, with 44 stations, 293 bridges and 154 tunnels. By night, we headed to Tinja Mountain Farm, where we met a native Sámi senior, listened to his childhood stories, dined on gourmet Nordic cuisine, and went hunting for the Northern Lights – it was a perfect way to end our Lapland journey. Cross the Arctic Circle At 452 miles, the Nordland Railway is Norway’s longest. Besides the places I mentioned above, here are a few other stops that might be worth visiting: Kiruna is one of the most popular places in the Swedish Lapland to see the Northern Lights. The views were the most impressive: narrow fjords ran alongside us, mammoth mountains loomed in the far distance, and frozen lakes stretched for miles beneath our feet. If you can only choose one section of the train route to take, this should be it. It seems like everything required multiple connections between Rovaniemi to Kiruna. any particular places would you recommend to go with kids? So where can I cross the Arctic Circle in Sweden? Days 5-8 - Crossing the Arctic Circle and the Ofoten Railway to Narvik Today, we travel by coach to Jokkmokk, crossing the Arctic Circle on our way. The Nordland Line is a 452-mile train connection between Trondheim and Bodø in Northern Norway. 10 hours. Kiruna is the place to experience the midnight sun, polar night and the fantastical Northern Lights as they illuminate the skies with cascades of colour. While the characteristically Lappish huskies and sleighs are missing in Narvik, there’s still a slew of activities available to the dare devils. The part from Narvik to Kiruna is called the "Arctic-Circle-Train". The trip is just as beautiful in winter as in summer, and truly a memory for life. Arctic Circle train tickets are available to everyone. That would probably be really cool for your kids. We’d heard that Abisko is the driest place in Sweden and is sheltered by the surrounding mountains from winds, which makes it one of the best places in the world to see Northern Lights. The Arctic Circle train journey was easily the most beautiful scenic route on our entire trip in Lapland. If you’re not interested in navigating your own way around Lapland or in taking a train, I recommend booking an Arctic tour that will bring you across the whole of Finland, Sweden and Norway. There are seven countries in the Arctic Circle: Canada, Finland, Greenland, Norway, Sweden, Russia and Alaska (USA). Take in the beautiful cities of Moscow and St Petersburg, graced by festive decorations and nature's own wintry adornments, before exploring deep into the Russian and Norwegian Arctic Circle in pursuit of the magnificent Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights). After Riksgränsen, the northernmost ski resort in Sweden, the train continues through a fairytale landscape of steep mountains, past the greenish waters of Ofotfjorden, one of Norway’s many fjords. Located at the edge of the Ofoton fjord, Narvik is enveloped within a beautiful bay, surrounded by the sea, mountain slopes and ski pistes. Planning Winter break vacation. Fly to Arvidsjaur, bus • 11h 27m. The best way to explore this massive wilderness area is by train, specifically the Arctic Circle Train. The lodge provided transport for us. Our compartments were comfortable and clean and the facilities included a shower and towels. Do you recommend taking Artic Circle train in January with two boys (6 &10)?