I've put together this amazing trip based on a similar one I've done myself, except I was en-route to China via Sweden/Lapland and flew into Lapland Airport then overnight train back to Stockholm. I was lucky enough to see Northern Lights on 3 out of 4 nights including Valentines day of this year and it was probably the most memorable (and cold) Valentines Day I've experienced.
I've opted for overnight trains because I've done this identical trip on the train (but from Gallivare as oppose to Abisko) and Swedish overnight trains rank with the best ones I've done so far (on a par with Vienna). The price includes a private cabin for 2 and you may get a private toilet and shower or there will be one in the carriage exclusively for use by cabin passengers (depending on the train and availability). I have to say the shower and bathroom facilities were amazing on board with towels and toiletries provided. The cabins were clean and the trains were prompt and efficient. My reason for pricing the trains is that it saves on accommodation costs, I also think there is something quite romantic on overnight trains (unless you are using them in China - or the Italian ones which are equally as dire). You can also do some Aurora spotting from the train window whilst drinking some wine! You can reduce the price further if you are willing to share a cabin or if there are more of you, you can bunk together. Although the trains seem expensive, given that Abisko does not have an airport, and you'd need to fly to Kiruna from the UK, or get to Kiruna from Stockholm, then get a taxi to Abisko there and back, balance this out with the fact you are getting your overnight accommodation for two, it actually then doesn't seem that bad value or fun (in my opinion) - but that's coming from someone who sleeps very well on trains and enjoys them. The make up of this trip means you also have ample time to enjoy Stockholm too. I've tried to keep this trip on a budget in what is a very expensive place, but feel free to adjust this itinerary to suit.
Abisko is highly rated as a 'go to' place for Northern Lights viewing, although I stayed in a lesser well known place called Porjus near Gallivare. Kiruna is popular, but more expensive and touristy, popular for the ice hotel and santa trips, but unless you can remortgage your house, I'd forget the ice hotel and if you want a good ice hotel recommendation check out Transylvania (epic)!
4th February 2016
Fly from London to Stockholm Skavsta. The bus will take you into the city and I haven't included the cost here as people may want to catch the tourist bus or the local one, pre-book or not pre-book. As it was so popular on here last time, I couldn't resist putting in a night on the Maladrottingen Yacht in Stockholm, rooms include breakfast. The original post with detals of the yacht is http://www.hotukdeals.com/deals/weekend-stockholm-a-yacht-with-sauna-breakfast-inc-flights-transfers-102-50pp-onhotels-2303410
5th February 2016
You will take the overnight trail direct from Stockholm Central station to Abisko in Lapland which leaves at 3:59pm so you have a good half day to explore. You will arrive into Abisko train station the morning of 6th February 2016 at 10:52am.
6th February 2016
After arriving into Abisko station, the hostel is a short 10 minute walk. You will stay for 2 Nights in the Hostel Haverskog. The hostel has plenty of activities you can book with your room including dog sledding if this is something you want to do.
8th February 2016
The overnight train back to Stockholm does not leave until 4:43pm so again, plenty of time to make your most of your time in Abisko.
9th February 2016
Arrive back into Stockholm at 10:23am and full day to explore before catching the Ryanair flight home.
HOLIDAY BREAKDOWN
- Return flights for 2 with Ryanair £39.98
- 1 Night on Yacht in Stockholm £54.74 book at www.venere.com using 12% code. Don't forget TCB.
- 2 Nights in the Hostel Haverskog (with towels and linen) 1780 SEK/£135.37 book at www.abisko.net
- Overnight trains return from Stockholm to Abisko in private cabin for 2 (no sharing with other passengers) - 4454 SEK/£337.81 book at www.sj.se
Total price £567.90/£283.95pp
Top comments
djbenny1
2 Nov 1513#5
Awesome share!
It's more deals like this we need on here and less cheap toilet paper!
All comments (36)
rachelandgromit
2 Nov 151#1
Flights
Yacht
Overnight Train
Hotel in Abisko
rachelandgromit
2 Nov 151#2
Here is some of my pictures, I like the one with the orange where it is still a little bit light, but it is so hard to get your camera settings right. The place we stayed had web cams set up so you could sit in the warm and run outside when you saw them.
magicjay1986
2 Nov 15#3
Love the look of this - thanks for sharing :smiley:
rachelandgromit to magicjay1986
2 Nov 15#4
It is amazing, it's just hoping you see them. We met a couple who were on their 4th trip who left as we arrived and hadn't seen them, so we were very lucky to see them on our first trip, but it's something once you have done once, you just want to go back and do again!
djbenny1
2 Nov 1513#5
Awesome share!
It's more deals like this we need on here and less cheap toilet paper!
kidrock123
2 Nov 151#6
heat for the effort
nkr
2 Nov 15#7
I would love to go got a 2year old not sure if it's ideal for him
mel456
2 Nov 15#8
sounds amazing :smile:
Macdory
3 Nov 15#9
Great idea, although I'm not a fan of hostels .. is there a hotel you would recommend in its place?
rachelandgromit to Macdory
3 Nov 15#10
Most of the places I saw were hostels or small places with shared bathrooms. You could try Tripadvisor to see what other options there are but expect to increase your budget alot!
![Fresh Breakfast Meat Box (Using code) @ Campbells Meat [Haggis / Lorne Sausage / Bacon / Black Pudding & More]](/images/topics/208684_1.jpg)
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Opening post
I've opted for overnight trains because I've done this identical trip on the train (but from Gallivare as oppose to Abisko) and Swedish overnight trains rank with the best ones I've done so far (on a par with Vienna). The price includes a private cabin for 2 and you may get a private toilet and shower or there will be one in the carriage exclusively for use by cabin passengers (depending on the train and availability). I have to say the shower and bathroom facilities were amazing on board with towels and toiletries provided. The cabins were clean and the trains were prompt and efficient. My reason for pricing the trains is that it saves on accommodation costs, I also think there is something quite romantic on overnight trains (unless you are using them in China - or the Italian ones which are equally as dire). You can also do some Aurora spotting from the train window whilst drinking some wine! You can reduce the price further if you are willing to share a cabin or if there are more of you, you can bunk together. Although the trains seem expensive, given that Abisko does not have an airport, and you'd need to fly to Kiruna from the UK, or get to Kiruna from Stockholm, then get a taxi to Abisko there and back, balance this out with the fact you are getting your overnight accommodation for two, it actually then doesn't seem that bad value or fun (in my opinion) - but that's coming from someone who sleeps very well on trains and enjoys them. The make up of this trip means you also have ample time to enjoy Stockholm too. I've tried to keep this trip on a budget in what is a very expensive place, but feel free to adjust this itinerary to suit.
Abisko is highly rated as a 'go to' place for Northern Lights viewing, although I stayed in a lesser well known place called Porjus near Gallivare. Kiruna is popular, but more expensive and touristy, popular for the ice hotel and santa trips, but unless you can remortgage your house, I'd forget the ice hotel and if you want a good ice hotel recommendation check out Transylvania (epic)!
4th February 2016
Fly from London to Stockholm Skavsta. The bus will take you into the city and I haven't included the cost here as people may want to catch the tourist bus or the local one, pre-book or not pre-book. As it was so popular on here last time, I couldn't resist putting in a night on the Maladrottingen Yacht in Stockholm, rooms include breakfast. The original post with detals of the yacht is http://www.hotukdeals.com/deals/weekend-stockholm-a-yacht-with-sauna-breakfast-inc-flights-transfers-102-50pp-onhotels-2303410
5th February 2016
You will take the overnight trail direct from Stockholm Central station to Abisko in Lapland which leaves at 3:59pm so you have a good half day to explore. You will arrive into Abisko train station the morning of 6th February 2016 at 10:52am.
6th February 2016
After arriving into Abisko station, the hostel is a short 10 minute walk. You will stay for 2 Nights in the Hostel Haverskog. The hostel has plenty of activities you can book with your room including dog sledding if this is something you want to do.
8th February 2016
The overnight train back to Stockholm does not leave until 4:43pm so again, plenty of time to make your most of your time in Abisko.
9th February 2016
Arrive back into Stockholm at 10:23am and full day to explore before catching the Ryanair flight home.
HOLIDAY BREAKDOWN
- Return flights for 2 with Ryanair £39.98
- 1 Night on Yacht in Stockholm £54.74 book at www.venere.com using 12% code. Don't forget TCB.
- 2 Nights in the Hostel Haverskog (with towels and linen) 1780 SEK/£135.37 book at www.abisko.net
- Overnight trains return from Stockholm to Abisko in private cabin for 2 (no sharing with other passengers) - 4454 SEK/£337.81 book at www.sj.se
Total price £567.90/£283.95pp
Top comments
It's more deals like this we need on here and less cheap toilet paper!
All comments (36)
Yacht
Overnight Train
Hotel in Abisko
It's more deals like this we need on here and less cheap toilet paper!