Stockholm, Helsinki & the Northern Lights by Rail
- Travel to Stockholm by train with nights en route in Münster and Copenhagen
- Spend 2 nights in the Swedish capital and Finnish capitals with time to explore
- Take a train north of the Arctic Circle, to the town of Rovaniemi
- Enjoy time at leisure for winter pursuits and the chance to see the Northern Lights!
- Decide when you would like to travel
- Adapt the route to suit your plans
- Upgrade your trains and hotels
- Add extra nights and destinations
- Consider winter activities like husky sledding and Northern Lights safaris
- All rail journeys, in standard class
- Seat reservations where required
- 10 nights’ handpicked hotel accommodation with breakfast
- Overnight ferry from Stockholm to Helsinki in a Seaside Premium cabin
- Flight from Rovaniemi to London in Economy Class
- Easy-to-follow travel documentation
- Despatch of tickets by email
- Proactive rerouting in case of strikes or disruptions
Though this holiday is available year-round, we recommend travelling between November and the end of March for the best winter experience. Unless you want to visit Father Christmas at his official home, we’d suggest avoiding December visits.
Suggested Itinerary
Depart London St Pancras this morning on a Eurostar service to Brussels Midi station. Connect here onto a German high-speed train to Cologne. The main station here is right next to the city’s famous cathedral, which you’ll see en route to your hotel for the night, the Mondial am Dom MGallery (or similar).
Spend your first evening exploring the historic centre of Cologne, perhaps taking a stroll along the banks of the Rhine or enjoying a meal in one of many tempting restaurants.
After breakfast this morning, continue your journey eastwards with a direct train service to the historic port city of Hamburg. Here, check in to the conveniently located Reichshof Hotel (or similar) for an overnight stay.
This morning, it’s time to board a direct train to Copenhagen via Jutland. The train traverses the flat landscapes of the Danish countryside before pulling into Copenhagen’s historic station in time for dinner. Your accommodation here will be the Absalon Hotel (or similar).
Cross the Oresund Bridge and head through Sweden to capital Stockholm. Your home for the next 2 nights is the Nordic Light Hotel (or similar).
Stockholm is a fascinating city in a stunning location. Spend your free time here discovering a wealth of museums, wandering through the historic Gamla Stan district, island hopping on foot or by ferry and experiencing a veritable smorgasbord of dining options.
Enjoy another day at leisure in Stockholm before making your way to the port for your overnight ferry crossing to Finland. This evening you’ll board a Viking Line ferry for a voyage across the Baltic Sea. Take advantage of the onboard facilities and panoramic sea views before settling into your Seaside Premium Cabin for the night.
Arriving in Helsinki the following morning, check in at the Solo Sokos Torni Hotel (or similar) for an overnight stay. The rest of the day is yours to explore Finland’s elegant capital at leisure. Situated on the shores of the Gulf of Finland, Helsinki is known for its striking architecture, vibrant waterfront and excellent museums. We would recommend a visit to Senate Square, the impressive Helsinki Cathedral or the bustling Market Square, where you can sample local Finnish delicacies.
Spend a full day discovering Helsinki, a compact and easy-going capital where striking architecture, waterfront neighbourhoods and green spaces are never far apart. Explore the grand Senate Square and Helsinki Cathedral before browsing the stalls of Market Square beside the harbour, or head to the impressive Oodi Central Library and the contemporary galleries of the Design District. You could also take the short ferry across to Suomenlinna, the UNESCO-listed sea fortress spread across a cluster of islands just offshore. Back in the city, round off the day with a stroll along the waterfront or, for a thoroughly Finnish experience, make time for a traditional sauna.
After breakfast this morning, head to the station and board your InterCity service for your final rail journey north through the beautiful, open landscapes of Finland. The route covers just under 550 miles and features forest, lakes and open tundra. On arrival in Rovaniemi, you’ll check in for a 3-night stay at the Original Sokos Hotel Vaakuna (or similar). Widely regarded as the gateway to Finnish Lapland, Rovaniemi offers a wonderful introduction to the Arctic north
Rovaniemi is a great base for activities in the summer and winter, whether you would like to join a husky sled safari, take a midnight cruise to experience the midnight sun, search for moose and reindeer in the surrounding forests, enjoy a snowmobile adventure or venture out beneath the dark Arctic skies in search of the Northern Lights. For an even more memorable Arctic experience, why not spend a night or two outside of the city in one of Rovaniemi’s winter resorts? Sleep in cosy cabins with panoramic windows so that you can enjoy the snow-covered scenery and hopefully spot the Northern Lights! Ask us for details and prices.
It’s time to leave Finnish Lapland today and make your way to the airport for your flight back to the UK, usually via Helsinki. If you’d like to continue your journey into Scandinavia, please let us know your plans and we can put together a bespoke itinerary.
Typical hotels on this itinerary
Cologne
Hotel Mondial am Dom Cologne MGallery by Sofitel is located right in the centre of Cologne, close to the famous cathedral and the main station. All of the modern bedrooms feature air-conditioning, complimentary Wi-Fi, minibar and satellite TV. The hotel also boasts a restaurant overlooking the cathedral, a sauna, a steam room and a fitness room.
Hamburg
Less than 200 metres from the Hauptbahnhof (main railway station), this Art Deco style hotel has everything you need for an overnight stay. A bar and restaurant is available on site and there are extensive leisure facilities, including a spa, sauna and fitness centre. The Binnenalster and city centre are a short stroll from the hotel.
Copenhagen
This family-run hotel is positioned in the heart of Copenhagen, a short stroll from the railway station, the Tivoli Gardens and Nyhavn harbour. The colourful interiors and bedrooms are designed by Designers Guild and there is a also a bar and terrace. Bicycle hire is available from reception.
Stockholm
The Nordic Light is a modern design hotel, located within easy walking distance of Stockholm Central Station and the main shopping street of the city. Bedrooms are equipped with a laptop-sized safe and satellite TV. The luxury beds are by Swedish brand, Hästens. The hotel also offers a restaurant, bar and fitness centre.
Helsinki
The Solo Sokos Hotel is located in the centre of Helsinki, within walking distance of the main train station. Air-conditioned bedrooms feature a flat-screen TV, a minibar and tea & coffee making facilities. The hotel boasts wooden floors, a summer terrace where you can enjoy drinks and hot drinks, a choice of two restaurants, a gym and a sauna. Many of the city’s attractions are within easy reach.
Rovaniemi
Situated in the centre of Rovaniemi, the Original Sokos Hotel Vaakuna also offers easy access to the Santa Claus Village. Bedrooms are decorated in a modern style with free Wi-Fi, cable TV, a minibar and tea & coffee maker. The hotel also has two on-site restaurants (one French and one Mexican). Other leisure facilities include a bar, a sauna and a bike hire service.
Upgrade your accommodation
Cologne
Occupying a great location opposite the famous cathedral in the centre of Cologne, the Excelsior Ernst is one of the ‘Leading Hotels of the World’, with a history dating back to 1863. The Michelin starred Taku restaurant has an Asian-inspired menu and innovative French cuisine is served in the Hanse Stube restaurant. Wi-Fi internet access is available throughout the property.
Copenhagen
The 71 Nyhavn Hotel is situated right on the old harbour front of Copenhagen and occupies two converted warehouses from the 19th century. All bedrooms are furnished in a classic Scandinavian style and come with free Wi-Fi internet access, flat-screen TVs and tea & coffee making facilities. There is also an Italian restaurant at the hotel as well as a bar and 24-hour reception.
