Day Six – Trying to get back into Sweden… take 2
Disappointed, but ready to try and get back into Sweden, attempt #2. We briefly thought about taken the northern route through the top of Finland, but opted for the riskier 3 hour shorter version since we had spent so much time in the car yesterday. Thankfully, despite a 30 minute delay at the avalanche site (good opportunity to eat leftover pizza), we finally made it across the border back into Sweden!
Our hotel, the STF Abisko Turiststation was a welcome adventure hub (bummed we didn’t make it as scheduled yesterday). The lobby walls were filled with adventure options, from snowshoeing, cross country skiing, hiking, to of course, aurora hunting. It’s the kind of place that brings an adventurous energy that motivates anyone staying here to explore.
Yup, you guessed it, our last night in Lapland and we are opting for one more hunt.
But first, a nap for Scott (lots of driving past few days) and a chilly -15 degree hike around the property for Katie.
For our aurora hunt this time, we decide to jump on an official tour, the Lights Over Lapland. We are often reluctant to partake in tours, but since we have clear skies tonight and decent KP we decide to go for it. We are only in the area for one night and don’t have time to scope out good spots.
Dinner, some much needed rest (both of us are feeling a bit under the weather), and layer up to battle the cold.
By the way, Sweden is significantly colder than Norway. To our surprise, the effects of the gulf stream reach all the way up to the northern part of Norway, and keeps the winter temperatures ‘reasonable’. Still below freezing, but not the harsh PAINFUL temperatures in the Swedish Lapland.
Well, lucky for us, the lights came early, just as our tour Lights Over Lapland, was beginning. Glad we were able to capture these beauties our last night in the Arctic. We put A LOT of effort in the past few nights with no reward, so this one feels good!
Now, to the down side of being on the tour. Frigid temps, no more significant lights, and we got two more hours before we get back to the hotel.cv
Day Seven – Dogs & Trains
After thawing out, we get a quick night’s sleep, with an early departure back to Kiruna in the morning to enjoy some dog sledding. Love this as our last activity in the Arctic, because after a cold, awesome experience, we are beginning to yearn for some warmer temps. Or some more of Norway 🤣.
With a little time to pass, we decide to head back into Kiruna and check out the famous Ice Hotel. We saw it from the outside our first night in Kiruna, but at -30 degrees Celsius, there wasn’t much exploring happening that night.
Leaving Kiruna could have gone smoother. Our plan, an overnight train from Kiruna to Stockholm was appealing to us at this point. A private sleeper cabin, with a long journey to rest and warm up from the elements.
However, that rest will have to wait, as the train notified us of some unexpected changes. First we must jump on a passenger train to Boden, so hot and stinky that Katie had to change cars on the train. We switch trains there to our overnight train to Stockholm. Not ideal, but traveling isn’t exactly always smooth sailing, so off we go on a crowded, hot, stinky first leg.
So, now that that sweat box of a stretch is over, we finally stop in Lulea, ready to switch to our overnight train with sleeper car. One more hiccup in this journey south, delayed and standing outside the train station, waiting (delayed twice) for our connecting train, in the snow.
Once we finally get in the train, we tightly settle in to our accommodations for the night. It’s not the Four Seasons, but there is something spunky and relaxing about sleeping in a ‘bed’ while traveling on an overnight train.
Day Eight – Stockholm
What has felt like the incredible journey to Stockholm is finally over, and we have arrived.
After being in the rustic, remote Arctic, pulling into the train station in a major world city is eye opening. Luxurious shops, grand entrances, and of course, McDonald’s and Burger King.
Jump in a taxi and can’t wait to get to our hotel. Hotel Reisen is the absolute perfect place for us to relax, warm up, stroll the Old Town of Stockholm, and relax.
Gamla Stan, the Swedish name for the Old Town, dates back to the 13th century! These cobblestone lined streets are surrounded by the Royal Palace. Medieval alleyways and archaic architecture create what feels like an endless stroll through history. There is something special about walking through old streets, with little to no desire to venture out to the modern city just past the palace walls.
Shopping & dinner at Agaton, a quaint italian restaurant just a few blocks from our hotel. An early bedtime for our worn out, half sick bodies.
Day Nine – Our Last Day
Sleep in! A proper hotel and not much to do = slow start to the day. Around noon, we head out for some fika at Cafe Schweizer. In the simplest meaning, fika is Swedish tradition to meet with friends for coffee and a snack, meant for socialization and to destress.
About a 20 minute walk to Drottninggatan, an area of Stockholm not too far from us that is known for its shopping and restaurants. Lots of stores and a pedestrian only walkway lead us back into Old Town to our familiar spot kafe and some more fika. Perfect way to end our nordic adventure!
Without a doubt, these Scandinavian countries always leave you with a desire to come back!
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Ps. Life got the best of us when we return to the States. Busy with work, life, a Spring Break trip to Sedona, and a new puppy put us a little tardy on these last two posts.
We’re back at it again, leaving for Morocco tonight!
Two Wayfaring Wanderers 
ENJOY, HAVE SAFE TRAVELS!!!!