If you have seen the James Bond Film “Die Another Day” you would, like many, be fooled into believing the ICEHOTEL was in Iceland, when in fact it is in Swedish Lapland!!
Back to Exclusive Aurora Breaks in Iceland
The Ultimate Iceland and Icehotel Aurora Adventure
Credit Ice Hotel
Credit Ice Hotel
Never mind because we have created the ultimate Arctic Adventure break that brings you the very best experiences from both Iceland and Swedish Lapland – including a stay at the world famous and original IceHotel.
On this trip you can experience the incredible volcanic landscape of Iceland through exciting Superjeep tours, AND the amazing activities of Swedish Lapland of Husky Sledding and Snowmobile Safari’s.
If you are seeking to do the ultimate arctic break with each day bringing a kaleidoscope of experiences then look no further!
Oh, and we almost forgot to mention, you have an excellent chance of seeing the Northern Lights!
Location
Iceland
Duration
7 Nights
Available dates
Dec - Mar
Price per person (excl. flights)
from £3,350
Overview
Highlights
- 3 Night stay at the original ICEHOTEL with one in an individually designed Art Suite.
- 1 Night each in the vibrant capitals of Reykjavik and Stockholm
- 3 Nights at Hotel Ranga – considered the best place in Iceland to see the Northern Lights
- Drive Your Own Team of Huskies
- Northern Light Snowmobiling
- Experience Ice Sculpting and an evening Wilderness Dinner
- Off-roading SuperJeep Adventure to see stunning Icelandic Volcanic Scenery
- Relaxing in the Geothermal Blue Lagoon
What’s included
- 3 Nights at Hotel Ranga in a Deluxe Room with Half Board
- Car Hire Kia Sportage or similar
- 1 Night at Alda Hotel in a Deluxe Room with Breakfast
- Superjeep Day Trip
- 1 Night at Rival Hotel in a Deluxe Room with Breakfast
- 1 Night at the Ice Hotel in an Art Suite with Breakfast
- 1 Night at the Ice Hotel in a Kaamos Deluxe Room with Breakfast
- Northern Lights Wilderness Dinner
- Northern Lights Snowmobiling
- Dog Sledding as Musher withs Lunch
- Transfers
- Arctic clothing loan in Sweden (not required in Iceland)
A note on flights
While flights are not included in the holiday price, our team will happily provide a quote and arrange them for you. Simply ask one of our Travel Experts for details of the available options.
Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1
On arrival in Reykjavik, pick up your pre-arranged 4WD hire car and self-drive to the Blue Lagoon, one of Iceland’s most famous sites.
Here you can bathe and relax in the warm bright geothermal waters, put Silica mud on your face or try out the Sauna and Steam rooms which are carved into the lava. Relax for a couple of hours and perhaps have a meal in one of the restaurants with lovely views of the Lagoon.
We would also recommend the in-water massage treatments which are just heavenly!
Afterwards self-drive to Hotel Ranga in South Iceland. Hotel Ranga has an excellent reputation for Northern Lights sightings due to its location in a rural area with a higher frequency of clear nights.
The team at the hotel are keen to ensure that if the Aurora are out you don’t miss them, and so they offer an aurora wakeup service in case they should appear in the depths of the night. Overnight at Hotel Ranga.
Day 2
After breakfast adventure out into the unique landscapes of South Iceland – probably the most dramatic Geography field trip you will ever experience!
We work only with local guides who are both passionate about their country and want to share their insights with you but who are also trained as part of the Mountain Rescue Team. They will have fascinating stories to share about the volcanic eruption that occurred in 2010.
We continually receive fabulous feedback on this day from satisfied clients who enjoy this personalised, relaxed guided day experience from enthusiastic local guides who are keen you have an extra special experience.
The SuperJeeps take up to 8 people but the norm is for 4 people for a very personal tour. Note this is in sharp contrast to the coach tours that are available through other companies, who also cannot access many of the areas we take you to.
Choose between the following adventures:
EITHER Eyjafjallajökull’s Volcano Tour
This tour will take you as close as is possible to the new large crater in Eyjafjallajökull Volcano from the 2010 eruption and to places where no hire car can go.
We drive up the slopes of the glacier in a highly equipped SuperJeep and on our way take in the astonishing view over the whole South coast of Iceland with it’s glaciers, and back across the Atlantic including the Westman-Islands.
This tour gives you the perfect glacier experience; an exciting SuperJeep drive in the snow, walk on the glacier and the magnificent view over the south. This is real adventure!
OR Þórsmörk Valley Tour
Your guide will take you up between the three glaciers; Myrdalsjokull, Eyjafjallojokull and Tindfjallojokull.
In your specially adapted SuperJeeps you will have the thrilling drive of fjording glacial rivers and driving across the flood plain to see the lasting effects and landscape changes following Eyjafjallajökull’s 2010 eruption. You will be surrounded by an imposing mountain ridge and see spectacular landscapes.
Stop at the stunning Seljalandsfoss Waterfall, which you can walk behind and be mesmerised looking back through the falling water. If you wanted to see the “Raw Iceland” this is hard to beat!
Tonight be sure to use one of the outdoor hot tubs if the Northern Lights are out. Lying back in the warm waters, taking in South Iceland’s unique ambience whilst having the Aurora flash above you is one of life’s great experiences!
Alternatively Hotel Ranga has built their own first observatory a short stroll from the hotel in order to minimize light pollution, and they have an expert in there every cloud-free night with two high quality 11 inch computerized telescopes who can teach you about the stars and the Northern Lights if they are out.
View amazing detail on Jupiter, see the rings of Saturn and details on Mars. During the day you can observe the Sun, including sunspots in great detail and activity such as prominences and filaments. Overnight at Hotel Ranga.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 3
Today you have at leisure to explore the south coast.
Head off in your car along the South coast with the dramatic Glaciers and Volcanoes of Hekla and Eyjafjallajökull to your left and the Atlantic Ocean on your right.
Continue to the charming small village of Vik to visit the Black Beaches and dramatic rock formations of Reynisdrangar with its famous archway.
Visit Seljalandsfoss one of the most famous waterfalls in Iceland, where you will be mesmerised as you walk behind it and stare out through the falling water across the flat landscape towards the South Beaches.
Also visit the dramatic and thundering Skogar Waterfall – one of the highest in Iceland at 60M and certainly worth a few photos!
Time allowing stop at the new Lava Centre with it’s interactive explanation of the volcanoes in the area. This is an engaging and interesting exhibition which we would highly recommend.
Return to Hotel Ranga to overnight and for one last look for the Northern Lights.
Day 4
Golden Circle including Geyser, Mini-Rift Valley, Waterfalls and Kerio Crater, Self drive to Reykjavik.
Today explore the “must see” Golden Circle at your own pace using your own 4WD vehicle. The day is packed full of surprising landscapes and Geological marvels.
You will walk in a dramatic mini rift valley created by Tectonic plate movement, gaze at the thundering Gullfoss Waterfall which can totally freeze in winter, and marvel at the Strokkur Geyser which erupts every 5 minutes.
We would also recommend you visit the spot where the first democratic parliament was established in 930 AD overlooking the stunning plains of Pingvellir.
Continue to Reykjavik to overnight and perhaps sample one of the best seafood meals you have ever had!
Day 5
Fly to Stockholm. Overnight in ABBA Rival Hotel
Self-drive to the airport for your flight to Stockholm (this takes @ 1 hr).
Stockholm has a wealth of attractions such as the extraordinary Vassa Museum, The Nobel Museum and a lovely old city based around the harbour.
There is plenty to enjoy whilst staying at the Rival Hotel. This is a boutique hotel with its own movie theatre and bakery shop, owned in part by composer Benny Andersson, the second “B” in Abba! Overnight in Stockholm.
Day 6
Fly to Kiruna in Swedish Lapland where on arrival you will met your shared transfer to the ICEHOTEL.
Tonight you will spend in one of the famous Art Suites here, upon arrival you will get kitted out with your arctic winter clothing and get to explore the area before then ehading out on an evening excursions to have dinner out in the wilderness. This is the perfect opportunity to enjoy an evening of food and the potential of seeing the Northern Lights, which your guide will keep an eye out for as they prepare your dinner. After the excursion you can grab a warm drink and make your way into your Art Suite.
Day 7
Having survived the night in the cold you will get up and enjoy a hearty breakfast – we recommend a hot shower and sauna too! Then at 11 you will be meeting your guide to head out on a new adventure – mushing! You’ll get the opporunity to learn about the art of dog sledding and once you have enjoyed that a lovely lunch will await afterwards. When you get back to the Ice Hotel you will be able to check into your warm accommodation, a Kaamos Deluxe room, take the afternoon to relax its been a busy few days! Though we wouldn’t want you to relax too much, there is aurora to try and see so tonight you’ll head out on a Northern Lights Snowmobile adventure, which will also include dinner! Another opportunity out in the wild to see the aurora and enjoy an Arctic adventure!
Day 8
After breakfast relax at leisure before checking out of the Lodge and transferring to the airport at the end of your epic Northern Lights holiday to Iceland and the ICEHOTEL.
If this is not exactly what you are looking for please contact us so we can tailor-make a break for you. Alternatively take a look at our other Northern Lights multi-destination breaks which may fit the bill better for you.
We have an extensive Northern Lights Information Hub if you need further information on anything from What are the Northern Lights? to Where can I see the Northern Lights? and when is the best time to see the Northern Lights?
Where You'll Stay
Alda Hotel, Reykjavik
Discover the Alda Hotel Reykjavik, a lifestyle hotel nestled on Laugavegur, Reykjavik’s main shopping street. This boutique-style accommodation is designed to offer a peaceful haven amid the bustling city, allowing guests to absorb and reflect on their Icelandic adventures. Situated on the quieter upper stretch of Laugavegur, we are approximately a 15-minute stroll from the city center.
While our location places us in proximity to shops, cafes, and restaurants, we are strategically positioned away from the central nightlife hub, ensuring a tranquil stay. Experience the perfect blend of a fantastic location and a harmonious atmosphere at Alda Hotel Reykjavik.
Hotel Ranga
Hotel Ranga offers luxury and relaxation in Iceland’s countryside. There are 51 luxurious and cosy rooms in this serene setting without external lighting interference to spoil the Northern Lights. It is Iceland’s only member of the “Special Hotels of the World”, and is also a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World.
Its gourmet restaurant has an excellent reputation offering typical Icelandic dishes, as well as a few unusual surprises. We would highly recommend you take a drink and sit in the outdoor hot tubs and watch the skies for the Northern Lights. A splendid way to pass the time.
Although there is never any guarantee, this is one of the best places in Iceland to see the Aurora Borealis. They have also recently built an observatory so you can view the stars and Northern Lights up close. An expert is in there to guide you through the use of the computerised telescope on clear nights.
Hotel Ranga also has the most incredible range of themed suites. Take your choice from 2 levels with the themes being Africa, Asia, North America, South America, Australia, Antarctica, Royal Suite.
The Original ICEHOTEL - Swedish Lapland
The Original ICEHOTEL is situated in Jukassjarvi Swedish Lapland and is a feat of engineering and artistic creation. We recommend staying in an Art Suite to appreciate the full ICEHOTEL experience and our itineraries feature these rooms as standard. They cost a little more but add hugely to your appreciation of this Once in a Lifetime experience.
The ICEHOTEL consists of 2 structures – the temporary hotel is rebuilt each year from blocks of ice harvested from the Torne river which runs adjacent to the IceHotel. These blocks are stored for the summer in a huge warehouse and as the late Autumn temperature in Jukkasjärvi drops below zero ice artists arrive from all over the world to build this magnificent creation. They build the 4 levels of rooms, the ice chapel and the ice bar. Their art is created with imagination and hard work, only to melt away under the unforgiving rays of the spring sun.
The new ICEHOTEL 365 is a permanent ICEHOTEL and a feat of engineering which offers visitors the chance of staying the whole year round. It houses both Art suites and the Deluxe Art Suites (which we offer as an upgrade) with their luxury en suite bathrooms. It is also home to the celebrated ICEBAR.
You have your own private locker room where you can change and leave your bags whilst having access to the adjacent service block where there are saunas, toilets and showers.
Wake up to a hot Lingonberry juice served in your room prior to the very substantial ICEHOTEL breakfast served in the main restaurant.
For Dinner the ICEHOTEL has 2 restaurants, one serving gourmet food, whilst the more informal Homestead restaurant serves hearty traditional food.
Hotel Rival Stockholm
For those clients wishing to stay in Stockholm overnight we recommend the Rival Hotel. The Rival has its own cinema built 1937 where film previews, concerts and other events are held.
Located at the Mariatorget park on the South Island within short walking distance from the Old Town and 3 stops on the subway from the Central Railway Station.
When opening a decade ago the Rival was widely hailed as Stockholm’s first boutique hotel. Some things have changed since but Rival continues to exude charm and often takes the top spot on Tripadvisor.
The hotel has 7 floors of comfortable rooms. Birch panelling keeps decoration light although in contrast to many other Scandinavian boutique hotels the Rival uses colours and heavy fabrics in a stylish Art Deco-way. The furniture consists mostly of design classics from well-known names such as Claesson and Erik Gunnar Asplund. Portraits of movie stars adorn the comfortable guestrooms. All rooms have 32-inch plasma TV, DVD, iPod dock and Wi-Fi. The front desk has a large collection of DVDs available free to guests.
Little touches are evident throughout the decor and with its cafe and restaurant we think its the best hotel to offer our guests!
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Reviews
See what our clients say
My daughter and I had an amazing time on our trip, we didn’t want it to end! Everything went according to plan, each excursion was well organized and everyone involved with each activity, as well as everyone at the lodge was kind, friendly, positive and happy, which makes such a difference to your whole experience. The food at The Abisko Mountain Lodge was also incredibly good. Our room was large, comfortable and well-furnished. The bathroom too was also spacious and well-equipped. The outdoor clothing provided was of very good quality which kept us warm, and the staff members are happy to change items if they are not quite the right size for you. This is my second trip with Weekend a la carte and I’m sure there will be more as I have complete trust in them. I highly recommend Aurora Nights, it was fabulous.
Jane Ashworth
Fantastic trip with great hosts & made even more special by seeing the Northern Lights twice!!
Wendy Naphine
We had a fantastic 4 nights that included glaciers, waterfalls, geysers, the aurora borealis and more! Lovely hotels, especially Hotel Ranga. We filled every moment and felt thoroughly invigorated on our return.
Frances Harrington
This vacation has without without doubt, has been the best experience we have ever had. The organisation from the minute we landed in Kiruna until we departed at the close of our trip was second to none. The transition between hotels was always seamless and punctual. Everywhere we stayed was beautifully clean and the meals were top quality. Every driver was polite, entertaining and very knowledgeable, furnishing us with invaluable information about Sweden and the activities in which we were to participate. The snowmobiling was wonderful giving access via our guide, to stunning panoramic views of the mountain whilst viewing reindeer in their natural habitat.
Our guide demonstrated how to use the snowmobile safely he was pleasant and informative. When visiting the reindeer on the Sami reservation; we found the brother and sister team who hosted lovely. Again they were so hospitable and helpful and feeding the reindeer up close was a wonderful experience.
They provided additional activities for us to try and we were treated to a traditional Sami lunch in their hut. They provided us with invaluable information appertaining to their culture and caring for their reindeer. The reindeer were in superb condition and happy in their environment. Similarly, when out with the dog sleds the experience was magical. Two hours of beautiful scenery, and frozen lakes, finishing with a one-on-one experience massaging the dogs. Magic! We were so impressed with the care that was placed upon ensuring the dogs were comfortable, well-nourished and so loved by their owners/handlers.
Now to the photographic experience. A large group of us were treated to a demonstration of how to operate some serious camera equipment with tripod. Each of us was loaned the camera and given assistance setting up the camera on a frozen lake in preparation for the appearance of the Northern Lights. We were taken to this lake on large wooden sleighs pulled by a snowmobile. We cannot speak too highly of the two young men who accompanied us on this experience. They could not do enough for us. They were there to offer assistance with our cameras throughout the two-plus hours we were on this beautiful lake.
They advised where to position the camera and when the Lights appeared, what a performance. We had a two-hour display of this most breathtaking phenomenon. We were so fortunate to be able to experience this once-in-a-lifetime occurrence for which we are so grateful. We will never forget this memorable holiday and cannot thank you and everyone who assisted in making a lifetime dream come true. Karen & Andrew Adamson
Andy Adamson
A well organised trip which was tailored to our specific requests. The arrangements all ran perfectly and any queries prior to the holiday were handled very quickly and professionally. The standard of accommodation and organised tours was very high. I would use this company again and recommend them.
Iain Baxter
Thoroughly enjoyed the trip. The Abisko Mountain Lodge was fantastic, every member of staff was friendly welcoming and charming. Accommodation, upgraded room was excellent. The food in the lodge definitely deserves the high reviews. Good breakfast, great hime made lunch soups and extremely tasty evening dinners.
The included trips were great. The only let down was the camera night, couldn’t see the lights no one fault, but we were walked through thigh high snow to be left on a frozen lake for the duration of the trip. There was no warning of the difficult walk and we had a 91 year old with us and I have hip problems! That said the guide was great, as were the ones on the skimobile and husky rides. We went up to the sky station in a snow storm with high winds, added to the experience!
Would go back in a heart beat.
We had little communication with Weekend a la carte, no need as all communications were clear and contained all the information we needed. Very informative emails
Would use again if going back
June Day
Hotel Ranga was perfect, with amazing food. It is in the middle of nowhere, very quiet and with the weather being bad there wasn’t the possibility of leaving the hotel in the evening so mightn’t suit all for that reason. Super Jeep tour we thoroughly enjoyed with 2 lovely guides.
Hotel Borg was in the perfect location. For us, one night in Reykjavik would be ample.
Blue Lagoon was a wonderful experience only heightened by the appearance of the northern lights on our walk home from dinner. All in all we had the best holiday and we plan to return to Iceland hopefully sooner rather than later.
Lisa McAleer
We had the most fabulous time and everything worked like clockwork. The guides were extremely knowledgeable and extremely competent. The food was excellent and the experiences, especially Husky Homes, were brilliant. We saw the aurora lights at the mountain top in Abisko where the photography tour will be an enduring memory of a wonderful time. I would very much recommend Weekend a la Carte as a proficient tour operator.
Mark Nicholson