Sweden and Norway: Polar dreams in the Arctic Circle

You can hardly wait! Your dream of travelling to the far north is finally coming true! The prospect of dancing northern lights, untouched nature and colourful cities oozing with 'hygge' vibes on every corner has you tingling with excitement. Before you know it, you're in Stockholm, making your way to the centre of the capital, where you check into your hotel. You take the time you need to get good and settled in, and shortly thereafter, you head out and start exploring the city.
Excited to see what Stockholm has to offer, you set off on your adventure. Your first stop: the historic Old Town. First, you take the metro (optional, payable on site) and find that the station alone is a giant work of art, with walls shining in the brightest of colours! A short ride later, and you're strolling through the narrow, winding streets of Gamla Stan, Stockholm's original city centre. The colourful houses and The Royal Palace are simply enchanting. And from Skinnarviksberget, a small hill by the river that you climb in almost no time, you have a fantastic view over the city – breathtaking sunset included!

Did you know that Stockholm stretches over 14 islands connected by countless bridges? No wonder it's nicknamed Venice of the North – all the more for you to explore! Pay a visit to the Avicii Arena (optional, payable on site), where two glass gondolas ride 280 feet upwards along the dome's curved exterior and offer an amazing view of the city. If you want some exercise, SoFo (South of Folkungagatan) is the perfect place to get it. This alternative chill spot for students and artists is filled with retro boutiques, vintage shops, record stores and local second-hand treasures and effortlessly charms everyone who visits. And when you get hungry from all the sightseeing, make yourself comfortable in a café with a pastry and a hot drink and treat yourself to a well-earned fika.

Want to tick more to-dos off your Stockholm bucket list today? Then follow the trail of the Vikings to the museum island of Djurgården. Travel back in time to the 17th century and soak up the Viking vibes radiating from the Vasa, a salvaged Viking shipwreck in the museum of the same name (optional, admission payable on site). Afterwards, visit Sweden's pop icons at the nearby interactive Abba Museum, where fans of the world-famous quartet can find it all, from costumes to karaoke – true to the museum's slogan 'Walk in – Dance out'! And if you don't have enough energy left to stroll about the city after performing your favourite song, why not visit Skansen, the world’s first open-air museum? You can visit the whole of Sweden in miniature at record speed! How practical!
You surely can't wait to finally cross the Arctic Circle and see the Arctic with your own eyes. So as evening sets in, hop on the train and settle in – off to Lapland and into a wild winter wonderland! Then all that's left to do is close your eyes and let the gentle rocking of the train lull you to sleep.

As you glance out the window, it's clear that yesterday's cityscape has disappeared. Now all you see is the endless expanse of Lappish winter. 'Is this a dream?' You rub the sleep out of your eyes – 'Nope, it's all real!' Having crossed the Arctic Circle overnight, you've finally made it to Kiruna. Now it's onto the bus and off on the final leg of your journaway to Jukkasjärvi.
The famous ICEHOTEL 365 is a mad place where, all year round, rooms are transformed into works of art made of snow and ice. Totally floored, you examine the wonderfully decorated ice rooms, the ICEBAR and the lounge – all of which have been created by artists from all over the world – and you just can't stop snapping pics! Unlike the ICEHOTEL 365, the traditional ICEHOTEL is made entirely of snow and ice and, depending on the snowfall, is set to be built right next door as of mid-December. Tonight, however, you're staying in one of the warm, cosy hotel rooms, totally hyped about the days to come.