This winter journey through Sweden and Norway combines vibrant city life, dramatic fjord landscapes and restorative wilderness experiences. Beginning in Stockholm, you enjoy time to explore the Swedish capital at leisure, discovering its design, culture and culinary scene before travelling onward independently.
This itinerary focuses on immersive winter experiences paired with time to relax. You explore Stockholm independently before transitioning to Norway’s fjords, where food, nature and wellness take centre stage.
Highlights include a private food walk in Ålesund, ski touring in the Sunnmøre Alps, winter kayaking beneath snow covered peaks and extensive time to enjoy Storfjord Hotel’s spa and wellness facilities.
You arrive at Stockholm Arlanda Airport where you are met and transferred privately into the heart of the Swedish capital. Your hotel, At Six, is perfectly positioned for exploring the city, sitting between historic quarters, waterfront promenades and modern shopping streets. After check in, the afternoon is left open, allowing you to settle in and begin discovering Stockholm at your own pace.
This first day is intentionally light, giving you time to adjust to the rhythm of the city. You might wander through nearby streets, explore Brunkebergstorg, or stroll along the water as the city’s islands and bridges reveal themselves. Stockholm’s blend of historic charm and contemporary design is immediately apparent, with grand architecture sitting alongside sleek Scandinavian style.
As evening approaches, the city comes alive with restaurants and bars offering everything from traditional Nordic flavours to modern gastronomy. Dinner reservations can be arranged after booking to suit your preferences, whether you prefer something relaxed or refined. Returning to At Six, you can enjoy the hotel’s atmosphere, perhaps with a drink in the wine bar before retiring for the night. The relaxing wine bar has a curated selection of rare wines paired with a seasonal menu of small dishes, this first evening sets an elegant tone for the journey ahead.
After breakfast at the hotel, you have a full day to explore Stockholm independently. With recommendations tailored to your interests, you can choose how deeply to immerse yourself in the city. Wander the cobbled streets of Gamla Stan, where medieval buildings house cafés, boutiques and galleries, or visit one of the city’s many museums showcasing art, history and design.
Stockholm’s unique geography makes it ideal for walking, with water never far away. You may choose to stroll along the quays, take a ferry between islands, or relax in one of the city’s parks. Shopping opportunities range from independent Swedish designers to well known Scandinavian brands, all easily accessible from your hotel.
Lunch and dinner are taken at leisure, allowing flexibility throughout the day. Whether you prefer a spontaneous café stop or a carefully chosen restaurant, the day unfolds naturally, free from scheduled activities. Returning to At Six in the evening, you can reflect on the day’s discoveries or head out again to enjoy Stockholm after dark, when the city takes on a quieter, atmospheric feel.
Today offers another opportunity to experience Stockholm at your own pace. After breakfast, you may choose to revisit favourite neighbourhoods or explore new areas of the city. Perhaps you spend time on Djurgården, known for its museums and green spaces, or explore Södermalm, where creative culture, viewpoints and independent cafés dominate.
This slower pace allows you to experience Stockholm as locals do, balancing sightseeing with moments of rest. You might pause for coffee overlooking the water, browse bookshops or simply enjoy the city’s calm, even in its central districts. Winter adds a particular charm, with crisp air and a quieter atmosphere that invites reflection.
Meals remain flexible today, allowing you to follow your instincts rather than a set plan. This freedom is part of the experience, creating a gentle contrast to the more structured fjord adventures later in the journey. Returning to At Six in the evening, you may choose a final nightcap or prepare for the transition to Norway the following day.
This morning you will travel from your hotel to the airport, for your flights from Stockholm to Ålesund (fights are not included)
As you arrive in Ålesund, you will be met at the airport and transferred into the town. Known for its Art Nouveau architecture and coastal setting, Ålesund offers a striking first impression. You begin with a private food walk, exploring the town on foot while tasting local specialities and learning about the region’s culinary traditions.
The experience combines flavours, history and architecture, giving insight into how the sea has shaped life here. After the food tour, you are transferred privately into the fjords to Storfjord Hotel. Perched on a wooded hillside overlooking the fjord, the hotel feels immediately secluded and calm.
After check in, the remainder of the afternoon is spent settling into your surroundings, enjoying the view and the quiet atmosphere. In the evening, a three course dinner is served at the hotel, showcasing seasonal ingredients and regional flavours.
After breakfast, you meet your private guide and transfer to the starting point for a ski touring adventure in the Sunnmøre Alps. The landscape here is dramatic, with steep peaks rising directly from the fjord. The route is adapted to snow conditions and ability, focusing on creating a rewarding and enjoyable experience rather than pushing limits.
You spend the day moving through mountainous winter terrain, with a packed lunch enjoyed outdoors, surrounded by silence and sweeping views. The experience offers both physical engagement and a deep sense of connection to the landscape.
Returning to Storfjord Hotel in the afternoon, the focus shifts to rest and recovery. You enjoy complimentary access to the wellness area, including outdoor hot tub, sauna and cosy lounges overlooking the forest. In the evening, a four course dinner is served, creating a satisfying end to a day spent in the mountains.
This day is dedicated entirely to rest and reflection. After breakfast, you have no scheduled activities, allowing you to fully embrace the pace of fjord life. Spend the morning in the wellness area, enjoy a quiet walk nearby, or simply relax with a book by the fire.
Optional spa treatments can be arranged, adding another layer of indulgence if desired. Lunch is taken at leisure, allowing you to follow your own rhythm throughout the day. The absence of structure encourages you to slow down, listen to the sounds of the forest and appreciate the stillness that defines this region.
In the evening, a three course dinner is served at the hotel, rounding off a day focused on comfort, calm and restoration.
After breakfast, you prepare for a private winter kayaking experience. Entering the fjord by kayak offers a unique perspective, gliding across calm, protected waters beneath snow covered peaks. The experience is guided and unrushed, with time to pause, observe wildlife and absorb the scale of the landscape.
Winter kayaking brings a sense of quiet intensity, with minimal disturbance and crisp air enhancing every sound and movement. Returning to the hotel, the afternoon is free to relax once more in the wellness facilities or enjoy the views from the lounge.
A final three course dinner is served in the evening, allowing time to reflect on the experiences of the past days and the balance between adventure and rest that has defined this journey.
After breakfast, your journey concludes with a private scenic helicopter transfer to Ålesund Vigra Airport. Lifting off from the grounds of Storfjord Hotel, you soar above fjords, forests and mountain peaks, gaining a final panoramic view of western Norway’s dramatic landscape. This unforgettable flight provides a fitting end to a winter journey shaped by nature, comfort and quiet luxury.
This itinerary is just a starting point—a flavour of what’s possible. Whether you want to tweak the pace, upgrade your hotel, or deepen the culinary immersion, we’ll design your perfect trip from scratch.
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We originally hired Off the Map Travel in 2020 to set up a trip to see the Northern Lights. That didn’t happen, thanks to COVID. But, we persisted and in March of 2023, we took a 16-day trip that included both Iceland and Norway. IT WAS MAGICAL! Off the Map took care of everything! We were pampered at every stage of our trip. The people they hired and the activities they planned added up to a trip that will set the standard for any we’ll ever take in the future. Alex and his team were fabulous! We recommend them without restraint!
My family and I traveled to Sweden to see The Northern Lights in March of 2023. From the planning process to every detail of the trip, I could not have been more pleased with our experience. Alex was exceptional to work with. His guidance on the time of year, where to stay, activities to do and how to get to and from everything was spot on. I have never used a tour company before but thought a trip of this kind would be easier with some help. I am so glad that I did. The entire week was seamless and completely stress-free, allowing us to truly enjoy Sweden and our time together as a family. I will be recommending Off The Map travel to friends and family and will certainly be using them myself again in the future.
I used OTMT to organise a holiday to see the Northern Lights for my partner’s 50th birthday. They took the time to understand my priorities, the kinds of places we like to stay and the things we like to do. They recommended a fabulous itinerary in Norway centred around the Lyngen Experience Lodge. The holiday itself lived up to expectations and I have no hesitation in recommending OTMT. They listened carefully during the planning and delivered the perfect present for my partner.
Amy was a great help with planning this trip. Our trip turned out amazing. I also was very grateful for Off the Map’s Front Desk service, which promptly handled an on the spot issue we had.
Off the Map Travel was great! Alex helped us plan the most amazing 10 day honeymoon to Iceland. He gave us great recommendations and was so patient with us during the planning process!
Amy planned a fantastic trip! Everything was very well-thought out. All transfers went smoothly, accommodations were amazing, great restaurant recommendations and the tours were once-in-a-lifetime, can’t book it yourself off the internet experiences. The guides were all fantastic. Communications were prompt and everything worked exactly the way it was supposed to. What a pleasure! Already working on our next trip.
Fantastic trip to Svalbard which delivered the true Arctic experience we were hoping for. The hotels were excellent and the activities – dog sledding and snowmobile expedition were lead by first class guides.
Top tip! The champagne tasting in the world’s most northerly wine cellar in the exceptional Funken Lodge is not to be missed!
I would thoroughly recommend this company. Their planning and advice was spot on. Alex responded to my calls and emails very promptly. I will definitely use them again for future trips.
Exceptional service throughout the entire planning and booking process – travel agencies don’t get any better than this. A brilliant, seamless experience matched by the holiday experience itself. Would recommend ‘Off the Map Travel’ to anyone considering booking for a Nordic experience ‘par excellence’.
The best travel experience ever on every level you can think of during a Lapland expedition (food, activities, timings, accommodation, transport, service, equipment…). I highly recommend Off The Map Travel for their outstanding level of professionalism and detail oriented mindset!
Well-organized trip to Norway and Svalbard with great accommodations and activities. Gwen was communicative and responsive to requests. Highly recommend!
