- The Soul of the North
- Duration6 days
- Price from12,940:-
Experience the serenity of Sweden’s inland – a journey through untouched landscapes and into the rich traditions of Sámi culture.
Welcome to the land of the midnight sun and the Sámi people – Sápmi.
During this journey, you’ll learn more about the Indigenous Sámi, the reindeer, and the craftsmanship that has shaped – and continues to shape – Sámi history and culture.
The journey begins in Gällivare, the heart of Lapland, surrounded by mountains and nature reserves. The train takes you south through three UNESCO World Heritage Sites to Jokkmokk, where a visit to Ájtte – the Swedish Mountain and Sámi Museum awaits.
The journey continues along the Inlandsbanan to Båtsuoj Sámi Center outside Slagnäs, followed by a bus transfer to Arjeplog for a guided visit to the church by Lake Hornavan and the Silver Museum, home to the world’s largest collection of Sámi silver.
On day four the journey continues south via Sorsele’s Inlandsbanan Museum to Östersund, where a guided boat tour on Lake Storsjön with M/S Thomée and lunch on Verkön Island await.
The Sámi adventure ends in Mora around lunchtime, where we recommend taking the time to explore the heart of Dalarna on your own.
Our qualified train hosts
You will be accompanied by our committed train guides on your journey on the Inlandsbanan trains. They will help you find your way around, take your food and coffee orders and also deal with any practical requests as far as possible. The train hosts are knowledgeable and can tell you about places, sights and the scenery along the railway. They do not accompany you on other trains/buses in this trip, or to your accommodations or on excursions, but they are always available on board the Inlandsbanan trains.
Please note that this is not a group tour with a dedicated guide. You travel independently, but together with other passengers who have booked the same or another trip.
- Accommodation for 5 nights in mid-range hotels, in double room with shower/WC, including breakfast.
- Travel along Inlandsbanan Gällivare-Mora including seat reservations
- Entry to Ájtte, the Swedish Mountain and Sami Museum, Jokkmokk
- Transfer Slagnäs - Båtsuoj - Arjeplog - Arvidsjaur
- Guided visit to Båtsuoj Sámi Centre
- Guided tour in Arjeplog to the church and the Silver museum including lunch
- Guided boat tour on board M/S Thomée in Östersund including lunch buffet at Verkö Castle
Please observe that this is not a group tour with a travel guide
Optional extras
+ Cancellation insurance SEK 300/ person (valid against medical certificate)
+ Extra hotel nights pre or post tour - contact us before you make your reservation.
+ Connecting trains (may also be bought directly at www.sj.se)
It is easy and convenient to travel to Gällivare. We would be happy to assist you in booking a train in connection with your journey. Gällivare train station is located right next to the hotel included in your trip. We recommend taking the night train so you arrive in the morning and get a full day in Gällivare to explore before your southbound journey begins the day after. If you prefer to book connecting trains on your own, you can do so easily via SJs' website.
Gällivare also has daily flight connections with Stockholm-Arlanda, and the airport is only 10-15 minutes away from central Gällivare.
You arrive at Mora Station on the last day of your journey around lunchtime. If you wish to stay and explore Mora, we can help you book a hotel night here. There are many ways to continue your journey from Mora using public transportation - by train, bus, and even boat or plane. We would be happy to help you book your connecting trains. If you want to book your connecting trains on your own we recommend you to book via SJs' website
During the journey along Inlandsbanan, the train will make stops for meal and coffee breaks. You can also purchase coffee, drinks, snacks and souvenirs on board.
You’ll have plenty of time to place your meal order while on the train, so when you arrive at the meal stop, your food will be ready and waiting. The dishes are freshly prepared on site, and many restaurants along the route take pride in genuine culinary craftsmanship, using locally produced ingredients. It’s a perfect opportunity to discover new flavors and explore the specialties of Sweden’s inland regions.
You usually pay for your meal directly to the restaurant. Unless otherwise communicated by the train host, you decide where you’d like to enjoy your meal – in the restaurant, on board the train, or out in nature. The timetable shows where, when, and for how long we stop.
From our onboard menu, you can purchase coffee, snacks and souvenirs throughout the journey.
Day 1: Arrival Gällivare
Welcome to Gällivare and the land of the midnight sun! This is a self-guided trip, allowing you the flexibility to arrive at any time, as the journey begins with a night at a hotel. We recommend spending a full day here to explore the Gällivare area. Make the most of it by visiting Dundret where, on a clear day, you can see 1/11th of Sweden’s land area. From here, you can also view the Kebnekaise massif to the northwest. Another popular activity is taking the bus for a day trip to Stora Sjöfallet National Park.
Be sure to visit the tourist center, located in the Norrskensgallerian, where friendly staff will provide you with plenty of tips on activities and sights in Gällivare. If you want guided experiences, make sure to book them in advance. For inspiration, check out Visit Gallivare. The hotel you’ll be staying at features a lovely rooftop terrace with a pool and jacuzzi, where you can relax and enjoy the bright summer evening.
Day 2: Gällivare-Jokkmokk and Ájtte museum
On the train ride (approxmately 2 hrs) between Gällivare and Jokkmokk you pass the nature reserves Stubbá and Sjávnja and the national park Muddus. All these are part of the UNESCO world heritage Laponia. It's a 800 meters walk from the station to the hotel see map.
Jokkmokk is located just norh of the Arctic Circle and is known as the cultural heart of Lapland. You have free entrance to Ájtte – the principal museum of Sami culture. It's a 800 meters walk there from the hotel see map. During your day in Jokkmokk we recommend a visit to Jokkmokks' Alpine garden by the shore of Talvatis lake. In the centre of Jokkmokk you find cafés and craft shops. Jokkmokks tenn make jewellery with inspiration of the local nature and Sami culture. For more tips and information: Visit Jokkmokk Tourist information
Day 3: Jokkmokk-Slagnäs-Båtsuoj Sami centre-Arjeplog
On the train journey south (about 4.5 hours), you’ll pass the Arctic Circle and Moskosel's Railway Museum, where the train makes a stop. You can order lunch on board the train. You will arrive in Slagnäs shortly after lunch.
In Slagnäs, a transfer will take you to the Båtsuoj Sami Center, where you have a guided visit. The transfer will afterwards take you to Arjeplog, a small town with an unique setting with its mountain archipelago. You’ll be dropped off at the hotel in central Arjeplog around dinnertime. For restaurant tips and inspiration: Visit Arjeplog
Day 4: Guided tours in Arjeplog and Arjeplog-Slagnäs-Östersund
In the morning, your guide will meet you at the hotel and walk with you to the church right by lake Hornavan and also the Silver Museum. You’ll also be served lunch in central Arjeplog (please inform us of any allergies when booking). After lunch, a transfer will take you from the hotel back to Slagnäs where you board the southbound train to Östersund (about 7 hours). During the train journey, there will be a stop at Sorsele's Inland Railway Museum and a dinner stop at the award-winning Bergmans Fisk & Vilt in Vilhelmina. In the evening, you will arrive in Östersund – the capital of the Republic of Jämtland. It is a 600-meter walk from Östersund Central Station to Hotel Östersund see map.
Day 5: Full day in Östersund
Östersund, beautifully located by Lake Storsjön with the blue-tinted mountains as a backdrop, is a fantastic summer city. Included in the trip is a guided morning cruise on the M/S Thomée out to Verkön, with an included archipelago lunch. It’s a 700-meter walk to the harbor see map.
We highly recommend a visit to Jamtli and its Historical Land in the afternoon when you’re back on land. Every day, cultural and historical settings are brought to life with role-playing, shows, and fun activities. For more tips and inspiration Visit Östersund
Day 6: Östersund-Mora
After an early breakfast at the hotel the train takes you to Mora Staion(approxmately 6 hours). On the train ride there is a stop at Fågelsjö where you can buy a sandwitch or cinnamon buns. If you have the possibillity we highly recommend you to have a few nights here. Explore the Lake Siljan area, visit Nusnäs - the home of the Dala horse. We recommend a guided tour of Zorngården - one of Swedens' most famous artists' home. Booking is needed in advance. For tips and inspiration Visit Dalarna
