Home › Journeys › The Arctic Circle by Rail

The Arctic Circle by Rail: the Day-by-Day Itinerary

The aurora curling green over Abisko's frozen lake
Photo: Pavel · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

This train runs from Stockholm's islands to above the Arctic Circle. In winter you sleep at the Icehotel and chase the aurora from Abisko, the best northern-lights sky in Europe; in summer the same line delivers midnight-sun hiking on the Kungsleden.

The Arctic Circle by Rail is a 1500 km one-way journey (by rail). It works best as 6–8 days; the plan below is the 7-day version for February, built from 237 verified places, with timetable-estimated transit times, opening hours and daylight checked.

Customize this plan → 6-day plan · 7-day plan · 8-day plan · best time to go

7
days
2019 km
distance
25.2 h
on trains
38
curated stops

💡 Good to know for this plan

Day 1 Stockholm → Umeå

8h00 transit · wraps up ~20:45
🌡 -31.6–2.5°C · 🌧 ~7 rain days · ☀ 8.1h light
09:00
Stockholm Tourist Centermuseums & heritagelocal & traditional
Helpful staff offer multi-language info and local transport tickets.
50 min · Stockholm
open: Open M–F 09:00–19:00, Sa 09:00–16:00, Su 10:00–16:00
09:50
BikeSweden ABmuseums & heritagehiking
Choose from high-quality bikes, including mountain and city styles.
50 min · Stockholm · 3 hours from 150 kr. Full day from 190 k
open: Open 10:00-18:00 April–October. Call to rent bikes off season
10:40
Switzerlandmuseums & heritagelocal & traditional
Experience consular services for Nordic and Baltic countries in Stockholm.
50 min · Stockholm
open: M-F 09:00-12:00
19:30
O'Learys Umeå Event Centermuseums & heritagecraft beer & pubslocal & traditional
Watch NHL games and savor burgers on large screens in a vibrant sports bar.
75 min · Umeå · 100 kr entry fee, 50 kr for students
Overnight: Umeå
e.g. First Camp Umeå · Hotell Gamla Fängelset (Old Prison Hotel)

Day 2 Around Umeå

no transit — linger day · wraps up ~15:40
🌡 -31.6–2.5°C · 🌧 ~7 rain days · ☀ 8.1h light
09:00
Megazonemuseums & heritageswimming & baths
Test your skills in laser tag, arcades, and puzzle challenges.
90 min · Umeå
10:30
Bildmuseetmuseums & heritage
Admire art in a modernist larch building on the university campus.
50 min · Umeå
11:20
Gammliamuseums & heritage
Enjoy open-air exhibits, art, and music in the heart of Umeå.
50 min · Umeå · Free
open: Tu–F 10:00–16:00, Sa 12:00–16:00, Su 12:00–17:00
12:10
Guitars – The Museummuseums & heritage
Discover one of the world's largest guitar collections.
50 min · Umeå
open: M-Sa 12:00-18:00. Guided tours at 12:00, 15:00 & 17:00
13:00
Nydalasjönswimming & baths
Relax by the lake, bathe in summer, or try the camping pool.
50 min · Umeå
13:50
Vänortsparkenmuseums & heritage
Stroll through a park featuring art from Umeå's sister cities.
50 min · Umeå
14:40
Rådhusgrillenlocal & traditional
Indulge in local specialty "rull"-kebab and pizza.
60 min · Umeå · About 35 kr
Overnight: Umeå
e.g. First Camp Umeå · Hotell Gamla Fängelset (Old Prison Hotel)

Day 3 Luleå

3h15 transit · wraps up ~19:45
🌡 -29.3–2.3°C · 🌧 ~6 rain days · ☀ 7.7h light
12:15
Gammelstadmuseums & heritagechurches & landmarks
Explore centuries-old stone church and charming cottages.
50 min · Luleå
13:05
Norrbottens museummuseums & heritage
Discover archaeological treasures of the region.
50 min · Luleå
13:55
Norrbottens järnvägsmuseummuseums & heritage
Learn about Luleå's railroad and iron ore history.
50 min · Luleå
14:45
Gammelstad Visitor Centermuseums & heritage
50 min · Luleå
15:35
Luleå Archipelago
Explore serene islands and enjoy a peaceful beach at Klubbviken on Sandön.
50 min · Luleå
16:25
Luleå tekniska universitet
See modern facilities in engineering and other fields.
50 min · Luleå
18:30
Iraj Kyrkbynchurches & landmarks
Enjoy delightful local cuisine in the church town.
75 min · Luleå · SEK100
open: 10:30 - 20:00
Overnight: Luleå
e.g. First Camp Luleå · City Sleep

See the remaining 4 days of the 7-day plan →

Route map

Similar journeys

Build your own version →