Our clients come from all over the world
The Ultimate Iceland & ICEHOTEL Aurora Adventure
Break Available: Dec 2022- March 2023
9 Nights
Price Per Person: From £3,295 .
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!!
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!
Highlights
- 2 Night stay at the original ICEHOTEL with one in an individually designed Art Suite.
- Off-roading SuperJeep Adventure to see stunning Icelandic Volcanic Scenery
- 2 Nights in cabins at Camp Ripan
- Visit Strokkur Geyser, Thingvellir mini rift valley, Gullfoss waterfall, Black volcanic Beaches, Volcano eruption centre
- 3 Nights at Hotel Ranga – considered the best place in Iceland to see the Northern Lights
- Aurora Wake up call at Hotel Ranga
- Drive your own Husky Sled in picturesque river valley
- Relaxing in the Geothermal Blue Lagoon
- Wilderness Snowmobile safari with ice fishing stop
- Sami Culture day with reindeer sled ride and lunch in a Tepee
- 1 Night each in the vibrant capitals of Reykjavik and Stockholm
Transfers and private options
Private Activities
The SuperJeep Tours in Iceland can be upgraded to Private if preferred. Please ask at time of enquiry.
DAY 1:
Fly to Reykjavik. Drive to Blue Lagoon & Hotel Ranga.
DAY 1:
Fly to Reykjavik. Drive to Blue Lagoon & Hotel Ranga.
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.
Meals included: None
DAY 2:
Choice of SuperJeep Tours
DAY 2:
Choice of SuperJeep Tours
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
A la Carte Optional Extras
- Northern Lights Hunt with Campfire
A la Carte Optional Extras
Northern Lights Hunt with Campfire
We want to give you the very best chance possible so tonight you will be picked up for a 3 hour adventure to hunt out the Northern Lights with one of the local mountain guides.
In a specially adapted 4WD super jeep you will be taken inland off-road to the back of the famed Mount Helka to try and see if you can find the Northern Lights. This volcanic area is near Tindfjallajökul Glacier whose cooling effect creates clear skies critical for spotting the Northern Lights. This area also has very few artificial lights to spoil your viewing as many of the farms in the area were abandoned due to a previous volcanic eruption.
The beauty of this tour is that the guide will take you to the best area based on the forecast to see the Northern Lights and so give you the best chance of seeing them.
Stop for a warm up by a campfire and a hot drink in a cave , or on the black volcanic beaches with a campfire and a hot drink whilst your guide tells you about both the Northern Lights Phenomenon and some of the folklore and local superstitions!
Price per person: From £155
DAY 3:
Self Explore South Coast
DAY 3:
Self Explore South Coast
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.
Meals included: Breakfast
A la Carte Optional Extras
- Transfer to Hotel Ranga and Back
- Visit The Secret Ice Cave – South Iceland
- Snowmobiling on the Mýrdalsjökull glacier
- Riding in Icelandic Countryside
- Glacier Hiking on glacial tongue Seimajökull – South Iceland
- The "little bit of everything" Buggy Tour
A la Carte Optional Extras
Transfer to Hotel Ranga and Back
We are conscious that some people do not want to self drive. If this is the case we can organise a transfer for you to and from Reykjavik and the Airport, though you would need to also add an extra tour at £220 per person if you also wanted to see the Golden Circle as part of the transfer up to Reykjavik, and this is not included in this transfer cost below.
Price Per Person: From £525
Visit The Secret Ice Cave – South Iceland
Self drive to Vik in south Iceland (@ 1 1/4hr). From there we will pick up you and drive our heavily modified Super Jeep on a very old track that only Super Jeeps can cross. The drive to the ice cave is about 30 minutes long with a gorgeous view out the window.
The ice cave, known as ‘The Secret Ice Cave’, and the glacier itself, present you with black, white, and blue ice that is over 800 years old! Inside the cave there are high walls of ice that have been sculpted by glacial water throughout the centuries. Water drips all around and the air is cold and fresh. Helmets (and Crampons if conditions require) are supplied. The beauty of this cave it is not visited by hundreds of people unlike some of the others which means they don’t have the magical atmosphere of this secret ice cave.
This tour takes about 3 hours with a morning and afternoon departure.
There are plenty of things to see on the way and back to Vik to make this a full day. The Black Beaches and dramatic rock formations of Reynisdrangar with its famous archway. The dramatic and thundering Skogar Waterfall – one of the highest in Iceland at 60M and certainly worth a few photos! The Eyjafjallajokull Visitor Centre which has a 20 minute film depicting the personal experience of a farmer of the dramatic 2010 eruption. The brand new Lava Centre. They have an interactive exhibition about the volcanoes, eruptions and earthquakes and this already has very good reviews and is a fascinating hour.
Price Per Person: From £160
Snowmobiling on the Mýrdalsjökull glacier
You will be picked up and taken to the Snowmobile Meeting Point. Here you will transfer to a Super Jeep to go on rough tracks up to the Snowline of the Eyjafjallajökull glacier to take an exhilarating 1 hour’s snowmobile ride with superb views back down to the Atlantic Coast.
While the south is certainly spectacular from “below” nothing beats experiencing it from “above”! Snowmobiling on top of Eyjafjallajökull glacier is an extraordinary experience. This snowmobile tour is the perfect length of time for first-time riders and individuals looking for a scenic, fun ride, exploring and experiencing the wilderness, the glacier and the breathtaking views over South Iceland in good weather.
After a short safety briefing you will be dressed in the warm arctic thermals and helmet that are provided– but please wear very warm socks and hiking boots. You will snowmobile for about an hour on a shared snowmobile, but don’t worry there will be time to swop so you both get the chance to drive (2 people per Snowmobile).
Price Per Person: From £180
Riding in Icelandic Countryside
A purebreed descendant of its Viking ancestors from the 9th century, the Icelandic horse is a product of isolation and a thousand years of breeding for good riding qualities, resulting in a gentle, friendly disposition and calm manner that make them a delight for anyone to ride. Whilst small in size they are hardy animals that have an unusual gait called a tolt. As fast as a trot but it is much smoother- indeed there are competitions where people hold full glasses of unspilt beer as they ride the tolt!
You have a choice of a 1hr or 2 hr ride by Irafoss Waterfall, or a 3hr ride which takes you up steep tracks towards the Eyjafjallajökull Volcano. Here you will be able to enjoy a spectacular panoramic view of the glacier behind you and in front of you the Atlantic Ocean in all its glory.
Price Per Person: From £75 to £165 (Dependent on tour taken)
Glacier Hiking on glacial tongue Seimajökull – South Iceland
Self drive to join the small group visiting the magnificent frozen glacial tongue Seimajokull and hike on the glacier. Explore the crevasse riddled outlet glacier with its amazing ice formations, sinkholes and jagged ridges.
You will be on the ice 1 ½ – 2 hrs and the pace is leisurely with plenty of stops to talk about the formation of Glaciers and Global warming etc. The Glacier is a 20 min walk from the starting point.
We will provide all the tools you need: crampons and safety lines but you must wear Hiking Boots for the Crampons to fit onto.
Price Per Person: From £95
The "little bit of everything" Buggy Tour
On this buggy tour you will drive around the area between Fljótshlíð and Eyjafjallajökull volcano, which erupted in 2010 shutting down Europe’s air-space. Visit waterfalls, drive on a mix of gravel tracks and tundra sand fields, cross small streams and stop at a viewpoint looking over Seljalandsfoss waterfall and the Westman Islands in the Atlantic.
This two-hour buggy tour is a unique way to enjoy Icelandic nature. This is a stunning natural playground, as your test out your buggy surrounded by amazing scenery that only Iceland can offer.
Arctic waterproof overalls and a helmet are provided.
These two-seaters, 4×4 ATVs are fully automatic, fully inspected and road legal. They are also bursting with excellent safety and design features, such as the roll cage, safety belts, and double A-arm front suspension. You will need to show a drivers license to drive.
Price per person: From £180
Day 4:
Golden Circle including Geyser, Mini-Rift Valley, Waterfalls and Kerio Crater, Self drive to Reykjavik.
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!
Meals included: Breakfast
A la Carte Optional Extras
- See the newest part of the planet at the 2021 eruption site
A la Carte Optional Extras
See the newest part of the planet at the 2021 eruption site
The Reykjanes Peninsula provides a beautiful landscape with volcanic and geothermal wonders and a surf-pounded coast, as well as the opportunity to see the newest part of the planet created by the 2021 Volcanic eruption.
The driver guide will pick you up from your hotel in Reykjavik and take you to the hiking route towards the recent volcanic eruption in Geldingadalur. You will spend about 1 hour at the eruption site and the hike there and back is 45 min-1 hr each way (2k). We focus on spending time at the hardened lava flow itself .
Afterwards you will explore the Reykjanes Peninsula in south-west Iceland. This is a volcanic area, renowned for its mountains, craters, hot springs, and lava fields. The eruption at Geldingadalir, however, is the first in the region for 800 years.
You will spend about 2 hours exploring the highlights of the Reykjanes Peninsula: Seltún, Lake Kleifarvatn, Gunnuhver geyser, Brimketill Lava Pool, Grindavik Fishing Village, Reykjanes, Krysuvík, and the Bridge between the continents.
The Bridge between the continents is a spot where guests can walk from the Eurasian tectonic plate to the North American one, all the while learning about the rift valley that intersects Iceland. Brimketill is a dramatic lava coastal rock pool on the Reykjanes Peninsula, renowned for its photogenic sunset shots and folklore. Krysuvik and Seltùn is like stepping into another dimension. At Seltún you will see both solfataras and fumaroles which are bubbling mud pools and steaming hot springs.
The mud pools all around you are simmering and boiling, hissing through vents in the mud.
The colours in this area range from different nuances of red, grey, brown, silver, blue, and yellow to white – all in one area!
Gunnhuver Geyser is 65 feet across and is constantly spewing dense cloudy steam which is unique in Iceland as it is entirely seawater due to the proximity to the sea. Lake Kleifarvatn is an interesting lake that is entirely fed from a source underground. After a 2000 earthquake the level has dropped by 20%.
Lunch is included at a restaurant and the tour is about 8 hours. Return transfer to overnight in Reykjavik.
Please note this tour is a full day tour to and from Reykjavik .
Price per person: From £285. Please note for many of the trips you will also need to add an extra night in Reykjavik and associated extended car-hire (if using carhire) which would also be extra.
DAY 5:
Fly to Stockholm. Overnight in ABBA Rival Hotel
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.
Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 6:
Fly to Lapland. Overnight in Warm Accommodation at ICEHOTEL.
DAY 6:
Fly to Lapland. Overnight in Warm Accommodation at ICEHOTEL.
Fly to Kiruna in Swedish Lapland where on arrival you will be met by Petri or one of the guides and transferred to the ICEHOTEL for check into your warm accommodation. At the same time you will be kitted out with your arctic clothing.
Evening at leisure. We will make a restaurant reservation for you in one of the Ice Hotel’s 2 restaurants.
Meals included: Breakfast
A la Carte Optional Extras
- Husky Sled Airport Transfer
A la Carte Optional Extras
Husky Sled Airport Transfer
Arrive in Style with this private sled dog transfer to your lodge. Perfect for all those special occasion travelers!
A guide will meet you directly at the airport arrivals hall and escort you to the starting point for this husky adventure! The dogs will be waiting as you change into some warm outer clothing and boots. Moments later your musher guide & barking dogs turns to silence as you head off down the trail on a journey that lasts 60-75 minutes. Arriving at the husky kennels, you now have some time to meet the dogs up close in their home environment and learn more about their life in Lapland before you transfer to your lodge.
Duration: 2 hours.
Price: £640 per sled (maximum of 4 people)
Excludes Christmas/New Year and mid-February school holidays.
DAY 7:
Husky Wilderness Safari. Overnight in Art Suite at Original ICEHOTEL
DAY 7:
Husky Wilderness Safari. Overnight in Art Suite at Original ICEHOTEL
After breakfast you will be picked up from the ICEHOTEL for what is for many the favourite day of a trip to Lapland – driving your own sled dog team.
Transfer to the kennel located in a remote river valley where moose congregate in winter. Ylva Sievertsson is an accomplished musher, whose kennel is in a remote valley from where she runs very personal sled dog trips.
As you will discover she has a very special relationship with her dogs and it is a thrill to visit her kennel. Once you arrive at the kennels get acquainted with the dogs and receive detailed instructions about how to drive them.
Head out into the frozen river valley where you will have opportunities to take turns in driving the team whilst making stops to take photos. The location is outside the major tourist areas and we can almost promise that you will enjoy pristine arctic nature alone.
You will be out for around 2 hours before heading back to base for a warming lunch in the traditional ‘Kota’ adjacent to the family home. To make it more exclusive we only take a maximum of 4 sled dog teams at a time.
Late afternoon take the residents tour of the ICEHOTEL, where you will be advised on how to make the most of your stay in one of the amazing art suites.
Tonight stay in an Art Suite designed and built by an international ice artist. Sleep in a thermal sleeping bag on a special bed of snow and ice, on reindeer skins.
All of our Northern Lights holidays are in the Aurora belt so always scan the skies for flickers of the mystical green lights!
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
A la Carte Optional Extras
- Upgrade to a Deluxe Art Suite at the ICEHOTEL
A la Carte Optional Extras
Upgrade to a Deluxe Art Suite at the ICEHOTEL
The Deluxe Suites are individually designed and sculpted thematic suites. The artists, perhaps from Sweden, Germany, UK or the US have been picked from over two-hundred applicants and invited to make the suite you’ll be sleeping in. Each suite is unique and has never been created before.
The Big Benefit is that you have your own private heated bathroom and relaxation space directly connected to the bedroom. The relaxation area also provides storage for your belongings while the suite has a door with lock so you have total privacy.
You also have a glass of champagne awaiting you so as to get your unique experience off to a special start.
Upgrade Cost: From £85 – £180 per person per night depending on season of travel and deluxe art suite chosen.
DAY 8:
Day Snowmobile Tour with IceFishing. Overnight in cabin at Camp Ripan
DAY 8:
Day Snowmobile Tour with IceFishing. Overnight in cabin at Camp Ripan
After breakfast check out and be picked up by Mikko who will take you out for a very special day in the wilderness.
The Lodge is situated near trails that take you into pristine wilderness and your adventure begins with taking snowmobiles out along these trails. Follow frozen river valleys and ride up the Fells to the guide’s secret lake where Arctic Char abound.
Put your Reindeer skins on the ice, drill a hole and see what you can catch. We have been known to catch 3-4 kg Char up here! Part of the beauty is purely being away from everything and feeling like you own this wilderness for a moment in time.
The guide will also have snow shoes with him so that you can try your hand. Lunch is taken in the wild and will be cooked on a fire in the great outdoors.
Transfer to Camp Ripan and settle into your cabin before enjoying the northern lights themed dinner in their excellent restaurant. As you enjoy a slide show on the northern lights the chef will produce a 4 course dinner inspired by local traditions.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
DAY 9:
Sami Introduction day with Nils Håkan Enoksson. Aurora Spa & Dinner
DAY 9:
Sami Introduction day with Nils Håkan Enoksson. Aurora Spa & Dinner
After breakfast at the lodge transfer to the Sámi village of Rávttas, 20 minutes west of the Lodge to meet with Nils Håkan Enoksson.
Nils Håkan can trace his family roots back several hundred years and has interesting insights into how life has changed in this period. This experience will give you a glimpse of the traditional lifestyle of the Sámi people and affords the opportunity to get up close with Lapland’s most iconic creature – the reindeer.
During the visit you will have an opportunity to feed the reindeer and absorb the magical relationship between the Sámi and their most prized resource. Your visit includes a ride on a traditional Reindeer powered sled, the means by which the Sami people traversed the arctic for centuries.
To end the encounter Hakan will invite you into his traditional Sámi lavvu (teepee) where you will be served a fresh and delicious meal around an open fire.
After the experience return to Camp Ripan in time to get ready for the Aurora Spa. After a full day out exploring the Arctic Wilderness it is bliss to enjoy the Spa at your own pace. You will receive a ‘Spa Bucket’ packed with different scrubs and oils themed around ancient Swedish Medicinal ingredients. Enjoy the sauna, indoor and outdoor heated pools and with a bit of luck the aurora will light the skies above you. Aferwards enjoy an excellent 3 course dinner.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
DAY 10:
Fly Home
DAY 10:
Fly Home
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.
Meals Included: Breakfast
If this is not exactly what you are looking for please call us on 01722 744695 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
Hotel Ranga
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
Hotel Reykjavik Centrum
Hotel Reykjavik Centrum
Hotel Reykjavik Centrum is a relatively new hotel in the heart of the city, opened on April 1st 2005. It is located on one of Reykjavik’s oldest streets, Adalstraeti, right in the heart of Reykjavik in a newly renovated building, the oldest part of which was built in 1764.
The hotel has 89 rooms, each fitted with modern amenities, such as satellite TV, telephone, Internet access, mini-bar, radio, iron and board, hair dryer, safe and tea & coffee set. All rooms have ensuite bathroom with either a shower or a bath.
During its construction, the remains of a Viking longhouse from the Settlement Period were found. Among the finds excavated at the site were Iceland’s oldest human remains, dating from approximately 870 AD.
Hotel Rival Stockholm
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!
ICEHOTEL warm accommodation - Cabins and Kaamos Rooms
ICEHOTEL warm accommodation - Cabins and Kaamos Rooms
Situated within the ICEHOTEL complex are three accommodation options that offer both comfort and warmth!
Kaamos Rooms - Perfect for couples these rooms are spacious and comfortable with a calm feel. Natural materials are complemented by organic shades of white, grey and brown that tone into the colours of Lapland. Kaamos have 2 beds side by side, desk and a seating area with two armchairs and a small coffee table. The hallway and en-suite tiled bathroom have heated stone floors. Each room has two floor-to-ceiling corner windows that let in plenty of light and overlook spruce and birch growing wild
Nordic Chalets - These apartments have two bedrooms, a kitchenette and a simple lounge area, ideal for family or friends sharing. The décor is calm and classic Scandinavian, with white-washed wooden panel walls, birch wood details, heated tiled floors and shades of natural shades of grey, white and brown.
The apartment is spacious with two bedrooms, one with a double bed and one with a bunk bed, and sleeps four. There is also a small lounge and kitchenette and heated tiled flooring in the hallway, lounge and bedrooms.
Arctic Chalets - have a rustic character, with pine wood paneled walls, tiled floors and birchwood details complemented by shades of dark blue, grey and white. The master bedroom is furnished with a comfortable Carpe Diem Bed (160 x 200 cm). There is also one single bedroom, a small lounge, kitchenette and a bathroom with shower.
The Original ICEHOTEL - Art Suites
The Original ICEHOTEL - Art Suites
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.
Camp Ripan Cabins Kiruna
Camp Ripan Cabins Kiruna
Camp Ripan is situated on the outskirts of Kiruna in a secluded and quiet location. It combines traditional Scandinavian cabins with and excellent restaurant and spa, perfect after a day exploring the arctic tundra, and is the perfect base from which our clients can venture out and enjoy the unique experiences we offer.
We utilise two cabin types which are matched to our client requirements.
Kiruna cabins are perfect for two people and is popular with couples looking for that little extra comfort during their stay as the room has a comfy king-size bed.
The Complete layouts including a sofa and table, desk, bathroom and a king-size bed . The cabin has a closet, small refrigerator, electric kettle, cups, glasses and a cork screw.
All cabins have cable TV, telephone, internet access and modern bathrooms with shower, WC and hair dryer.
Giron Cabins - are the largest cabins and are named after Sami name for the mountain ptarmigan – Giron from which Kiruna also derives its name. This is a comfortable family cabin, with 2 rooms and a total of 4 beds. The smaller bedroom has two beds, one of which is a so-called wall bed that can be turned up against the wall. The other room has a twin beds, lounge area and fully stocked kitchenette with kettle and microwave.
It includes en suite bathroom, cable TV, internet access and hairdryer.
Northern Lights Hunt with Campfire
We want to give you the very best chance possible so tonight you will be picked up for a 3 hour adventure to hunt out the Northern Lights with one of the local mountain guides.
In a specially adapted 4WD super jeep you will be taken inland off-road to the back of the famed Mount Helka to try and see if you can find the Northern Lights. This volcanic area is near Tindfjallajökul Glacier whose cooling effect creates clear skies critical for spotting the Northern Lights. This area also has very few artificial lights to spoil your viewing as many of the farms in the area were abandoned due to a previous volcanic eruption.
The beauty of this tour is that the guide will take you to the best area based on the forecast to see the Northern Lights and so give you the best chance of seeing them.
Stop for a warm up by a campfire and a hot drink in a cave , or on the black volcanic beaches with a campfire and a hot drink whilst your guide tells you about both the Northern Lights Phenomenon and some of the folklore and local superstitions!
Price per person: From £155
Transfer to Hotel Ranga and Back
We are conscious that some people do not want to self drive. If this is the case we can organise a transfer for you to and from Reykjavik and the Airport, though you would need to also add an extra tour at £220 per person if you also wanted to see the Golden Circle as part of the transfer up to Reykjavik, and this is not included in this transfer cost below.
Price Per Person: From £525
Visit The Secret Ice Cave – South Iceland
Self drive to Vik in south Iceland (@ 1 1/4hr). From there we will pick up you and drive our heavily modified Super Jeep on a very old track that only Super Jeeps can cross. The drive to the ice cave is about 30 minutes long with a gorgeous view out the window.
The ice cave, known as ‘The Secret Ice Cave’, and the glacier itself, present you with black, white, and blue ice that is over 800 years old! Inside the cave there are high walls of ice that have been sculpted by glacial water throughout the centuries. Water drips all around and the air is cold and fresh. Helmets (and Crampons if conditions require) are supplied. The beauty of this cave it is not visited by hundreds of people unlike some of the others which means they don’t have the magical atmosphere of this secret ice cave.
This tour takes about 3 hours with a morning and afternoon departure.
There are plenty of things to see on the way and back to Vik to make this a full day. The Black Beaches and dramatic rock formations of Reynisdrangar with its famous archway. The dramatic and thundering Skogar Waterfall – one of the highest in Iceland at 60M and certainly worth a few photos! The Eyjafjallajokull Visitor Centre which has a 20 minute film depicting the personal experience of a farmer of the dramatic 2010 eruption. The brand new Lava Centre. They have an interactive exhibition about the volcanoes, eruptions and earthquakes and this already has very good reviews and is a fascinating hour.
Price Per Person: From £160
Snowmobiling on the Mýrdalsjökull glacier
You will be picked up and taken to the Snowmobile Meeting Point. Here you will transfer to a Super Jeep to go on rough tracks up to the Snowline of the Eyjafjallajökull glacier to take an exhilarating 1 hour’s snowmobile ride with superb views back down to the Atlantic Coast.
While the south is certainly spectacular from “below” nothing beats experiencing it from “above”! Snowmobiling on top of Eyjafjallajökull glacier is an extraordinary experience. This snowmobile tour is the perfect length of time for first-time riders and individuals looking for a scenic, fun ride, exploring and experiencing the wilderness, the glacier and the breathtaking views over South Iceland in good weather.
After a short safety briefing you will be dressed in the warm arctic thermals and helmet that are provided– but please wear very warm socks and hiking boots. You will snowmobile for about an hour on a shared snowmobile, but don’t worry there will be time to swop so you both get the chance to drive (2 people per Snowmobile).
Price Per Person: From £180
Riding in Icelandic Countryside
A purebreed descendant of its Viking ancestors from the 9th century, the Icelandic horse is a product of isolation and a thousand years of breeding for good riding qualities, resulting in a gentle, friendly disposition and calm manner that make them a delight for anyone to ride. Whilst small in size they are hardy animals that have an unusual gait called a tolt. As fast as a trot but it is much smoother- indeed there are competitions where people hold full glasses of unspilt beer as they ride the tolt!
You have a choice of a 1hr or 2 hr ride by Irafoss Waterfall, or a 3hr ride which takes you up steep tracks towards the Eyjafjallajökull Volcano. Here you will be able to enjoy a spectacular panoramic view of the glacier behind you and in front of you the Atlantic Ocean in all its glory.
Price Per Person: From £75 to £165 (Dependent on tour taken)
Glacier Hiking on glacial tongue Seimajökull – South Iceland
Self drive to join the small group visiting the magnificent frozen glacial tongue Seimajokull and hike on the glacier. Explore the crevasse riddled outlet glacier with its amazing ice formations, sinkholes and jagged ridges.
You will be on the ice 1 ½ – 2 hrs and the pace is leisurely with plenty of stops to talk about the formation of Glaciers and Global warming etc. The Glacier is a 20 min walk from the starting point.
We will provide all the tools you need: crampons and safety lines but you must wear Hiking Boots for the Crampons to fit onto.
Price Per Person: From £95
The "little bit of everything" Buggy Tour
On this buggy tour you will drive around the area between Fljótshlíð and Eyjafjallajökull volcano, which erupted in 2010 shutting down Europe’s air-space. Visit waterfalls, drive on a mix of gravel tracks and tundra sand fields, cross small streams and stop at a viewpoint looking over Seljalandsfoss waterfall and the Westman Islands in the Atlantic.
This two-hour buggy tour is a unique way to enjoy Icelandic nature. This is a stunning natural playground, as your test out your buggy surrounded by amazing scenery that only Iceland can offer.
Arctic waterproof overalls and a helmet are provided.
These two-seaters, 4×4 ATVs are fully automatic, fully inspected and road legal. They are also bursting with excellent safety and design features, such as the roll cage, safety belts, and double A-arm front suspension. You will need to show a drivers license to drive.
Price per person: From £180
See the newest part of the planet at the 2021 eruption site
The Reykjanes Peninsula provides a beautiful landscape with volcanic and geothermal wonders and a surf-pounded coast, as well as the opportunity to see the newest part of the planet created by the 2021 Volcanic eruption.
The driver guide will pick you up from your hotel in Reykjavik and take you to the hiking route towards the recent volcanic eruption in Geldingadalur. You will spend about 1 hour at the eruption site and the hike there and back is 45 min-1 hr each way (2k). We focus on spending time at the hardened lava flow itself .
Afterwards you will explore the Reykjanes Peninsula in south-west Iceland. This is a volcanic area, renowned for its mountains, craters, hot springs, and lava fields. The eruption at Geldingadalir, however, is the first in the region for 800 years.
You will spend about 2 hours exploring the highlights of the Reykjanes Peninsula: Seltún, Lake Kleifarvatn, Gunnuhver geyser, Brimketill Lava Pool, Grindavik Fishing Village, Reykjanes, Krysuvík, and the Bridge between the continents.
The Bridge between the continents is a spot where guests can walk from the Eurasian tectonic plate to the North American one, all the while learning about the rift valley that intersects Iceland. Brimketill is a dramatic lava coastal rock pool on the Reykjanes Peninsula, renowned for its photogenic sunset shots and folklore. Krysuvik and Seltùn is like stepping into another dimension. At Seltún you will see both solfataras and fumaroles which are bubbling mud pools and steaming hot springs.
The mud pools all around you are simmering and boiling, hissing through vents in the mud.
The colours in this area range from different nuances of red, grey, brown, silver, blue, and yellow to white – all in one area!
Gunnhuver Geyser is 65 feet across and is constantly spewing dense cloudy steam which is unique in Iceland as it is entirely seawater due to the proximity to the sea. Lake Kleifarvatn is an interesting lake that is entirely fed from a source underground. After a 2000 earthquake the level has dropped by 20%.
Lunch is included at a restaurant and the tour is about 8 hours. Return transfer to overnight in Reykjavik.
Please note this tour is a full day tour to and from Reykjavik .
Price per person: From £285. Please note for many of the trips you will also need to add an extra night in Reykjavik and associated extended car-hire (if using carhire) which would also be extra.
Husky Sled Airport Transfer
Arrive in Style with this private sled dog transfer to your lodge. Perfect for all those special occasion travelers!
A guide will meet you directly at the airport arrivals hall and escort you to the starting point for this husky adventure! The dogs will be waiting as you change into some warm outer clothing and boots. Moments later your musher guide & barking dogs turns to silence as you head off down the trail on a journey that lasts 60-75 minutes. Arriving at the husky kennels, you now have some time to meet the dogs up close in their home environment and learn more about their life in Lapland before you transfer to your lodge.
Duration: 2 hours.
Price: £640 per sled (maximum of 4 people)
Excludes Christmas/New Year and mid-February school holidays.
Upgrade to a Deluxe Art Suite at the ICEHOTEL
The Deluxe Suites are individually designed and sculpted thematic suites. The artists, perhaps from Sweden, Germany, UK or the US have been picked from over two-hundred applicants and invited to make the suite you’ll be sleeping in. Each suite is unique and has never been created before.
The Big Benefit is that you have your own private heated bathroom and relaxation space directly connected to the bedroom. The relaxation area also provides storage for your belongings while the suite has a door with lock so you have total privacy.
You also have a glass of champagne awaiting you so as to get your unique experience off to a special start.
Upgrade Cost: From £85 – £180 per person per night depending on season of travel and deluxe art suite chosen.
Testimonials
What's Included?
- All Flights (London Heathrow From the UK) with one hold bag per person
- 9 nights Accommodation as detailed with breakfast
- Drive your own husky Experience in pristine river valley
- 1 SuperJeep Adventure with guide
- Car Hire in Iceland with one named driver
- Snowmobile safari with Ice Fishing on secret lake
- Authentic Sami Culture Introduction day
- Aurora Spa at Camp Ripan
- 2 dinners and 3 lunches
- Transfers & guides
- Arctic clothing loan in Sweden (not required in Iceland)
Departure Airport is London Heathrow only from the UK.
- Chicago (Direct)
- New York (Direct)
- Washington (Fly back via connection in Reykjavik)
- Boston (Fly back via connection in Reykjavik)
- Orlando (Fly back via connection in Reykjavik)
- Minneapolis (Fly back via connection in Reykjavik)
- Seattle (Fly back via connection in Reykjavik)
- Denver (Fly back via connection in Reykjavik)
- San Francisco (Fly back via connection in Reykjavik). Thurs-Fri, Sat-Sun, Mon-Tues (9 nights & overnight flight)
For our American Clients we can link into your International flights, and we will book all of the ground arrangements and the internal flights in Sweden. We would recommend you use IcelandAir as when booking to Stockholm they include a stopover in Iceland as part of your international flights