Australians heading to Europe this December and January are looking beyond the ski fields and embracing a new kind of winter adventure — one that combines Arctic wilderness, Northern Lights, and the chance to sleep inside a hotel made entirely of ice.
UTracks’ six-day Sweden Northern Lights and Ice Hotel journey offers travellers a snow-dusted escape into Swedish Lapland, blending adventure, culture, and unforgettable stays in one of the world’s most unique environments.
A different kind of winter holiday
The trip begins aboard an overnight train from Stockholm, travelling north into the heart of Lapland. Travellers wake to scenes of frozen lakes and silent birch forests before setting out on snowshoes through the pristine Arctic wilderness. The experience continues with dogsledding across rolling snowfields, hiking part of the legendary Kungsleden trail, and meeting Sámi people to learn about their culture and connection to the land.
Two nights are spent at the world-famous Ice Hotel in Jukkasjärvi, rebuilt every winter and individually designed by international artists. Each suite is a work of art carved from snow and ice, offering an overnight stay unlike any other in Europe.
Chasing the Northern Lights in Abisko
A highlight of the journey is time in Abisko National Park, one of the planet’s best places to view the Aurora Borealis. Thanks to its clear skies and unique microclimate, travellers can enjoy vivid light displays while riding a chairlift to the Aurora Sky Station or snowmobiling across the tundra for a rustic cabin dinner beneath the dancing sky.
Trip at a glance
- Duration: 6 days
- Best time for Australians: December–January (European winter)
- Starts/Ends: Stockholm to Kiruna, Sweden
- Inclusions: Accommodation (including two nights at the Ice Hotel), overnight train, guided snowshoeing and dogsledding, daily breakfasts, selected dinners, and expert local guides.
Regenerative travel with UTracks
UTracks’ active European itineraries focus on meaningful, low-impact travel that supports local communities and preserves the cultural and natural heritage of each destination. The company’s regenerative travel philosophy goes beyond sustainability — aiming to leave places better than they were found.
With limited Ice Hotel availability and peak aurora season, early bookings are essential for December–January departures.
