Sweden - Winter Wonderland

Please Note: The opinions expressed in these reviews are the author's and do not necessarily reflect the views of Unicorn Trails Ltd. These reviews are "directly from the horses mouth" and unedited. Unicorn Trails may make additional comments for clarification clearly identified in red.

Review received from ES of Onchan on 10/02/2024

Day 1
Arrive in Kiruna and meet the transfer to the farm. Please aim to get a morning flight, as this allows time to enjoy a riding lesson (with tölt introduction) and get to know the horses before a delicious three-course dinner. Keep an eye open for wild moose and (of course) the Northern Lights. Overnight on the farm.

Day 2
After breakfast, riders travel by snow mobile to a river in the mountains. Those with a valid driver's licence will be given a lesson on handling this fun mode of transport (two people on each snowmobile). Afterward, enjoy an outdoor lunch prepared over the fire before driving back to the farm. In the evening, embark on a magical ride in the dark to look for the Northern Lights. The evening is spent in a goahti (Sami hut), with dinner eaten around the fire before heading back to bed.

Day 3
Today, the group will experience a short reindeer sledging tour, the traditional mode of transportation in this area. After lunch, the riders will head to the famous Ice hotel. This extraordinary hotel is rebuilt each winter, drawing inspiration from the Torne River. It is a true work of art. Dinner is taken at the hotel. After dinner, riders will return to the farm, though those who wish to spend the night at the Ice hotel can do so for an additional cost.

Day 4
The morning is spent with a riding lesson on the Icelandic horses, followed by lunch. In the afternoon, the group visits the town of Kiruna and the Sami museum. Kiruna is the northernmost and one of the most unusual cities in Sweden. The area has been inhabited for around 6,000 years; the Sami people knew of the area's rich iron deposits long before the city was founded in 1900. For those who prefer, the museum visit can be swapped for a dog sledding tour, which includes coffee and sandwiches. (This is an optional extra and not covered in the cost. Please book dog sledging in advance).
Non-riders: Enjoy a cross country skiing/snowshoeing tour in the morning

Day 5
A morning ride through the snowy forest tracks demonstrates the dexterity and balance of these fantastic little horses. Keep a lookout for moose on the trail. After lunch, riders can enjoy a sauna with fantastic views over the river and mountains. Dinner and overnight at the farm.
Non-riders: While the morning ride discovers the forest tracks, non-riders will experience an exciting moose safari from the back of a snow mobile.

Day 6:
A final ride in the forest on this last day allows riders to practice what they have learned throughout the week while enjoying the smooth gait of the Icelandic horses. After lunch, the group enjoys a final ride before a farewell dinner in the evening.
Non-riders: Travel by car to the small village of Nikkaluokta. The drive offers nice scenery with good photo opportunities. The afternoon is free; perhaps read a book, try kick sledging, or take a walk.

Day 7
Time to say goodbye and transfer back to Kiruna for the flight home.
 

Sweden has strict rules for buying and serving alcohol. Guests can bring alcohol with them here and the hosts will help them to buy alcohol in Kiruna if required. 

Travelling to Kiruna:
SAS and Norwegian flying Stockholm-Kiruna (Norwegian just Fridays and Sundays Nov-March)
There is also a night train Stockholm-Kiruna
Direct Flights Paris - Kiruna: Air France, Saturdays from 21 Dec 24 - 8 Mar 25
Direct Flights Köpenhamn - Kiruna: Thursdays and Sundays from 12 Dec 24 - 30 Mar 25
Direct Flights Dusseldorf - Kiruna: Saturdays 1 Feb 25 - 22 Mar 25

Non-rider and other activities:
You will get to enjoy reindeer sledging and learn how to drive a snowmobile.
You should consider taking a husky dog sledging trip while you are here. You will get to drive your own sledge over frozen rivers and through the snowy forests. Highly recommended.

Please note: All itineraries are given for your guidance only and it may be altered on the ground and in accordance with the prevailing conditions by the organising team.

There are about 30 Icelandic Horses on the farm perfect for both beginners and experienced riders. The Icelandic Horse is quite small, about 130-145 cm high with four or five gaits; walk, trot, canter (including gallop), tölt and pace. The paces are at walk, moderate distances in trot (tölt) and short distances in canter. There is rider weight limit of 90kg.

For this tour it is necessary to have some riding experience in varied terrain. Sometimes we need to lead the horses when the terrain demands it, so you should be able to walk beside your horse for up to 20 minutes over rough terrain.
Minimum age 12 years old.
There is a separate itinerary for non-riders.

The weight limit for this ride is 198 lb/90 kg, please enquire if you are an experienced rider exceeding this weight.

On the farm there are two houses, each with three twin rooms with shared comfortable living area, kitchen and shower rooms. Sheets and towels can be arranged on site.

Meals are served in the main kitchen/dining area, or in the yellow house kitchen. The meals are delicious and all home cooked with attention to detail and presentation. Breads, cakes, pastries and sweets are all homemade, even when out on a picnic.

Breakfast includes a selection of the following: meats and cheese, hard boiled egg, cereals, fresh fruit, yoghurts, juice, tea and coffee.

Lunch and dinner, 2 or 3 courses consisting of local produce, for example; salmon soup, salad with reindeer meat, moose burgers, and homemade cakes.

Please notify us of any special dietary requirements well in advance.

When visiting the Ice hotel the group has dinner in one of the warm restaurants. 2-courses are included in the price, but riders will have to pay extra for a third course and drinks. Traditional meals are cooked over a fire when outdoors.

Vegetarian or other dietary requirements within reason can be accommodated with advance notice. Please contact Unicorn Trails with requests before booking.

Please note that it is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct documentation in place for your trip. NB: Be sure to check the COVID status of the country you plan to visit including entry procedures Passport and Visa requirements can change from year to year depending on diplomatic relations. Please request information from the appropriate Consulate in your home country. Unicorn Trails will assist with any questions you have or supply any necessary supporting documents as required by the consulate should you need a visa. In the UK the British Foreign Office gives advice: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/sweden In the US: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Sweden.html In Canada: https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/sweden

Another useful resource is Sherpa - this summarises any travel and vaccination requirements based on when you are travelling simply by entering your home country followed by your destination country: https://apply.joinsherpa.com/travel-restrictions

For sunshine visit Sweden between late May and late July, leaving before the August rains. The average temperature in the northernmost mountains in July is about 11°C (52°F), but you should be prepared for occasional sub-zero temperatures and snowfalls, even in summer. In the winter months in the Arctic Circle, you can expect temperatures of -10 to -30 and it can be very chilly in the wind. The northwest and far north: This is mostly a plateau of moderate to high elevation. Temperatures are largely controlled by altitude and at the higher levels snow cover persists throughout the year. In sheltered valleys precipitation may be much less than on the surrounding hills. Here, during fine weather, winter temperatures sink very low while summer temperatures may rise surprisingly high. The greater part of the area, however, has a severe winter climate with short, changeable summers. Sweden's northern latitude means that it never gets really dark from mid-May to late July, with the trade-off being a pervasive December dimness.

COVID: Be sure to check the latest COVID regulations for travelling in any country you visit. You should always bring any regular prescription drugs you may need with you. If you need to contact the emergency services in Sweden call 112. Please refer to your country’s latest health guideline for travel in Sweden and contact your own GP for up to date advice on vaccinations and prophylaxis prior to travel.

Some nights will be spent sleeping on sleeping mattresses and reindeer skins so if you have an allergy to animal fur please let us know beforehand. Riders should be fit enough to be able to walk alongside their horse up hills and where it is difficult to ride.

In Sweden the supply voltage is 230V. If the appliance or its power supply are not dual voltage rated, the single voltage appliance will have to be used alongside a voltage transformer or converter to allow the appliance to work safely and properly (unless the appliance operates at 230V).

Please take along plenty of batteries and note that cameras and phones may stop working in these freezing temperatures. You may wish to consider buying a freezeproof camera, although the battery on these will also run out quickly in cold temperatures.
There is wifi on the farm. If using a GoPro ensure you have the permission from the group to be filmed.

***We strongly suggest that guests do not to check their luggage in directly through to Kiruna even if they say at the airport that it is going to work. A lot of luggage gets stuck in Stockholm - please ask at check-in to be able to pick up and re-check your luggage.***

***Ofelas ask that guests do not to check in directly through to Kiruna even if they say at the airport that it is going to work. A lot of luggage gets stuck in Stockholm - please ask at check-in to be able to pick up and re-check your luggage.***

Raincoat/long raincoat and rain trousers - but these are also provided by the ride if you prefer
Rubber boots/waterproof boots (long legs, comfortable to walk in) with thick socks (Can be borrowed)
Riding Hat (can be borrowed)
Robust, comfortable, windproof jacket and trousers.
Riding trousers are best, but not necessary
Warm sweater/sweaters. It can be cold and windy (wool is best)
Cap, gloves, scarf, socks
Long underpants - wool is the warmest
Extra t-shirt, underwear, socks
Sandals /other light shoes
Toiletries
Anti-mosquito preparation
Knife
Plastic bags to pack into/waterproof bags
Bumbag
Small water bottle
Sunglasses and sun cream
Camera
Swimming costume
Binoculars
Snacks
Torch - in August
Travel sheet

All personal equipment for the day will be packed on your own horse in saddlebags. It can be windy and cold up in the mountains, so take warm clothes with you. There is not much room in the saddlebags so you will have to think about what you really need to take with you - your hosts will help you pack before you leave for the trail. If you have woolen sweaters, underwear, hat, gloves, scarf, socks we recommend you to take them instead of synthetic materials because it is warmer with wool. Cotton is not to recommend as it is a cold material. In the winter you will need many layers of clothing and it is important that they are not too tight as the air between the layers is warming.

Example what to wear under your overalls on a cold day:
one layer of thinner underwear wool/(synthetic)
one layer of wool/fleece sweater
one layer of wool/fleece/jogging trousers/riding breeches
2-3 pair of woolen socks
quilted trousers
quilted jacket
On a warmer day you may not need a quilted jacket and trousers under the overalls. Instead, an extra layer would be sufficient.

Provided by hosts
While winter clothing is available to borrow, it is recommended you take as much as you can of your own. Available to borrow; overalls, (riding) boots, hats, gloves, snoods, mittens/riding mittens, socks, jumpers, balaclava, woolen trousers...
Sleeping bags, reindeer skins/sleeping mattresses are provided so you just need to take a travel sheet to put into the sleeping bag

This is a 7 day/6 night programme with 5 days riding available on set dates through the winter months. Non rider programmes are also available.

2024: 15, 29 (Full) Dec
2024: Non-Riders 15 Dec
2025: 12 (Full), 26 Jan; 9, 23 Feb; 9 (Full), 23 Mar
2025 Non-riders: 12 (Full) Jan; 23 Feb; 9 (Full), 23 Mar

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To learn more about the Sami people have a look at www.samer.se and about Kiruna www.kommun.kiruna.se/Om-kommunen/English/

Despite the climate there is plenty of wildlife around, moose, reindeer, snow hares and wolverines, for example.

Sweden has strict rules for buying and serving alcohol. Guests can bring alcohol with them here and the hosts will help them to buy alcohol in Kiruna if required. In Sweden there is little need for cash, as visitors can use card everywhere, but can´t use cash everywhere!