Blog

Autumn in the Scandinavian Arctic – surrounded by majestic fjords, mossy forests, crystal-clear lakes, and snow-covered mountains – invites travelers to reconnect with both nature and themselves. Before the depths of winter set in, the region and its singular experiences make for a special kind of wellness retreat, from sweating it out in a Swedish sauna to forest bathing in Finnish Lapland.

“There was an incredible sense of stillness and space,” says Virtuoso travel advisor Jodi Zoph, who recently returned from Swedish Lapland. “And a profound beauty and calm that’s hard to describe.”

Tour operator 50 Degrees North specializes exclusively in the Nordic region and Scandinavian Arctic, connecting travelers to local experts and guides with deep roots in each. The company can work with your Virtuoso travel advisor to personalize any of its itineraries, but this immersive nine-day jaunt from Tromsø, Norway, to Luleå, Sweden, sets travelers up for a proper Scandinavian reboot.

Days One and Two: Arctic Fjords and Autumnal Gold

Arrive in Tromsø, Norway, a lively coastal town situated about 200 miles north of the Arctic Circle. Tromsø’s historic center is packed with small boutiques, stylish cafés, and contemporary art galleries, housed in charming gabled wooden houses. Head to the suburb of Tromsdalen to ride the Fjellheisen cable car nearly 1,400 feet up a steep mountainside to the Fjellheisen viewpoint for an impressive panorama of the town and its surrounding fjords and snowcapped mountains. Back in Tromsø, dinner is at Bardus, a cozy, bistro-style spot specializing in Norwegian seafood favorites, including aquavit- and dill-cured halibut, fresh-caught turbot, herring, and sweet Nordic shrimp. 

The following day, cross the border into Finnish Lapland, home to Kilpisjärvi, a remote village surrounded by rugged mountain peaks and pristine rivers, lakes, and waterfalls. In autumn, Finnish Lapland’s birch, maple, and aspen trees turn bright gold, crimson, and orange; it’s so beautiful, the Finnish have a word for their autumnal splendor: ruska. During your visit, you’ll likely run into several Finns, who flock to this well-kept secret wonderland every fall.

Days Three and Four: Reindeer Hikes and E-Bike Adventures

Sápmi, the cultural region of the indigenous Sámi people, stretches across much of northern Scandinavia, where the nomadic reindeer herders historically grazed their animals. In Kilpisjärvi, join a local Sámi herder and their reindeer on a hike through the Finnish Lapland wilderness, listening to stories about Sámi culture and life in the north.

“It’s a deeply enriching cultural experience that offers perspective on the traditions and resilience of Arctic Scandinavia’s Indigenous communities,” Zoph says. “It was special to meet someone whose way of life has remained deeply connected to the land for generations, hearing firsthand about the traditions, challenges, and daily rhythms.”

The next day, explore Finnish Lapland’s explosion of color on an e-bike tour, pedaling along forest paths beneath the spectacular fall foliage. Summit the 3,376-foot Saana fell for the best views across the Arctic tundra, then retire to the sauna to recover before dinner. On clear nights, travelers can embark on a guided trek in search of the northern lights – an unforgettable Arctic experience.

Days Five and Six: Swedish Saunas and the Northern Lights 

It’s over to Swedish Lapland to take advantage of the season – considered one of the best for spotting intense auroras – during a private northern lights dinner in the wilderness, far from any artificial light sources that would interfere with the dazzling show in the night sky.

“Even if you don’t see the northern lights, there’s still a shimmering sky at night,” says Virtuoso travel advisor Steve Jermanok. “You can see the moon and all the stars – it’s stunning.”

If you’re up a little late, it’s OK, because a serious dose of Scandinavian wellness awaits in the morning. For centuries, practitioners of the cold plunge/sauna circuit have lauded its benefits: It boosts circulation, flushes out toxins, and alleviates stress and anxiety. Experience the healing benefits of this contrast therapy for yourself during a two-and-a-half-hour session at the Jukkasjärvi Culture Sauna, located in the small village of Jukkasjärvi. A sauna guide introduces bathers to the region’s traditional sauna culture, then leads a ten-step ritual that includes washing with tar soap, steaming in a wood-fired sauna, plunging into the icy Torne River, and relaxing in heated outdoor bathtubs.

Next you’ll head to Abisko, an outdoorsy retreat popular among Swedes for its year-round activities, from hiking and camping to snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. In autumn, head out on a private fishing tour on the Torne, known for its run of Baltic salmon and migratory whitefish as well as perch, pike, arctic char, and rainbow trout.

Days Seven, Eight, and Nine: Stylish Stays and Local Delicacies

One of the highlights of 50 Degrees North’s Arctic reset is the accommodations – overnights showcase the best of Scandinavian design, from a cozy lodge to a collection of suites made from ice and snow. Today, travelers arrive in Harads, Sweden, for the trip’s final leg, checking into a sustainable, wellness-focused hotel that floats atop the Lule River.

On the agenda for your two days in Harads: spa time at the hotel and a hike into the surrounding forest, led by a legendary local guide (and self-described moose whisperer) who shares stories about traditional Sámi culture, endemic animals, and the Arctic way of life. Warm up back inside during a three-hour meal served beside a roaring fire, featuring traditional local cuisine – including reindeer, pickled herring, chanterelle soup, and plump cloudberries foraged from the forest.