FAQs
Sweden Multi-activity Adventure
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You are responsible for booking your own travel to Umeå.
Our eco hotel is in a small village in Västerbotten, about an hour's drive from Umeå.
There are no direct flights to Umeå from the UK. You’ll need to fly to Stockholm Arlanda Airport first and then take a flight to Umeå.
Alternatively, you can take a day train from Stockholm Central or Arlanda Central (Airport) to Umeå Central which takes about 6 hours.
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Flights aren’t included in your trip, but we’ve listed some options that align with the group transfer to make planning easier.
These aren’t official recommendations — just helpful examples. You can book any flight that fits the schedule, but transfers run on time and can’t be delayed, even if your flight is listed.
We strongly recommend travel insurance that covers delays, cancellations, and missed connections.
Suggested Flights:
15-20 August
Stockholm to Umeå - Norwegian
Arrival Day: ARN 12:30 ✈ UME 13:30 | D8 4003
Departure Day: UME 16:10✈ ARN 17:15 | D8 4014
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Think of the transfer like a train: it runs on time and can’t be delayed.
You are welcome to get any flight that arrives in time to make the transfer. However, to make planning easier, we’ve listed some flight times that align with the group transfer. These are not official recommendations though, just helpful examples.
Please note, if your flight is late or cancelled, you’ll need to make your own way to the start location, but we’ll support you with local transport information on the day.
We strongly recommend travel insurance that covers delays, cancellations, and missed connections.
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We do not provide specific recommendations for international flights to Stockholm Arlanda Airport, but there are plenty of options to choose from. Ensure your flight gives you enough time to connect with domestic flights.
If you book a through flight with the same airline from wherever you are starting from, you will likely be able to connect in Stockholm to the domestic flights listed above without having to go through immigration.
There are SAS flights from London Heathrow which connect with the recommended SAS domestic flights, and Norwegian flights from London Gatwick which connect with the recommended Norwegian domestic flights. You can book this as a through ticket on the airline's website.
Alternatively book any flight to Stockholm but ensure your flight gives you enough time to catch your flight connection. In this case you will need to do a self-transfer in Stockholm. See "What's a self-transfer?"
Please note that Gutsy Girls cannot book travel and is not responsible for your travel to Umeå and that this information is just provided as a guide to help you!
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If you are flying internationally to Stockholm and then connecting with a flight to Umeå, you will need to check in separately for each connecting flight. Make sure you have enough time.
You will need to collect hold bags and check them in again for the next flight.
You must pass through security and passport control during each connection and you will need a visa if your connection is in a country that requires one.
You should check before you book that you have time to connect through the airport.
Please note that Gutsy Girls cannot book travel and is not responsible for your travel to Umea and that this information is just provided as a guide to help you!
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Booking flights together with a flight consolidator or agent could provide you with some guarantee against cancellations or missed connections. Check the agent's policies before you book.
If you book direct with two different airlines, your transfers will not be guaranteed.
Missed transfers are rare, but we want to be upfront so you can plan with confidence.
If your flight is delayed or cancelled, you’ll need to arrange your own transport to meet the group. We’ll support you as best we can — your host will be your main contact on the day and can help coordinate locally. You can also contact our bookings team, available Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm UK time, though replies may be delayed outside of these hours.
Even if you booked a flight from our Suggested Flights, group transfers run on schedule and cannot wait for late arrivals.
In some locations, arranging a private transfer is straightforward — but in more remote areas, it can be limited and expensive. That’s why comprehensive travel insurance is essential, not only for delays and cancellations, but also in case you need to cancel your trip before departure.
Make sure your insurance covers travel delays and missed connections — it could save you a significant amount if things don’t go to plan.
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You should buy comprehensive travel insurance as soon as you book your trip — not just before you travel. This ensures you’re covered in case you need to cancel before departure, as well as for any unexpected issues while you’re away.
Your policy should include cover for:
Travel delays and missed connections
Trip cancellation
Medical emergencies and evacuation
Baggage and equipment loss
All activities included in your itinerary
Travel insurance is a requirement for joining any Gutsy Girls trip, and it’s your responsibility to check that your policy includes the kind of adventure you've signed up for — especially outdoor or sporting activities.
Booking your insurance early gives you peace of mind and protects your trip from the very start.
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You can book trains at https://www.sj.se/en/. SJ releases the train tickets throughout the year. The below trains are based on the March 2026 schedule. These may change; email us at bookings@gutsygirls.co.uk if you can’t find these trains when tickets are released. Keep an eye on the SJ website for ticket release.
Arrival day recommended train:
SJ High-speed train, SJ 3000, train 564
Depart 08:22 from Stockholm Central
Arrive Umeå Central at 14:35
Depart 08:41 from Arlanda Central
Arrive Umeå Central at 14:35
Departure day recommended train:
SJ High-speed train, SJ 3000, train 585
Depart 14:20 from Umeå Central
Arrive 20:19 at Stockholm Arlanda Central (Airport)
Arrive 20:38 at Stockholm Central (same train)
Stockholm Central is the city of Stockholm’s main train station.
Arlanda Central Station is located directly beneath SkyCity, the airport's central area, between Terminals 4 and 5. It’s a 20 minute train ride from Stockholm central station.
You will have some time to spare in Umeå before and after the transfers; see “Should I spend extra time in Umeå?” for things to do.
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Yes, the best option is to take the overnight train to Vindeln (NOT Umeå), which is only a 20 minute taxi journey to our base.
If you take this option, you will not be able to avail of our single timed transfers (which are from Umeå and not timed to match overnight train arrivals and departures).
We can arrange for a taxi to collect you (at an extra cost, see below).
Train Times:
Arrival day recommended train (departing the night before start date):
SJ Night train, train 92 | Västerbotten County Public Transport, bus 16 Depart 21:52 from Stockholm Central
Depart 22:20 from Arlanda Central (Airport) (same train)
Arrive Vindeln Resecentrum at 08:35 (on arrival day)
Departure day recommended train:
Northern Railway, train 7495 | SJ Night train, train 93
Depart 22:53 from Vindeln Resecentrum
Arrive 09:49 at Arlanda Central (Airport) (the following day)
Arrive 10:13 at Stockholm Central (same train)
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Yes a group transfer is included on both the arrival and departure days. This is a shared transfer, running at fixed times to and from a designated location (usually an airport or train station).
There is one transfer each way, and your flight must match the timing. If it doesn’t, you’ll need to make your own arrangements.
15-20 August
Arrival:
14:30 at Umeå Airport
14:45 at Umeå Central Station
Departure:
14:10 at Umeå Airport
14:25 at Umeå Central Station
The group transfer is included in your trip package. There is no discount if you choose not to use it.
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The transfer takes approximately 1 hour.
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Yes, private transfers can be arranged at an additional cost. Please contact us in advance to arrange this.
To / From Umea: 1632 SEK per car (one way)
To / From Vindeln 600 SEK per person (one way)
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If you have extra time, Umeå is worth exploring. It’s known for its contemporary art at Bildmuseet, rich local history at Västerbottens Museum, and Sami cultural presence. The city's dining scene offers a mix of traditional Swedish and international cuisine, complemented by a lively nightlife with bars and live music. You can find more information here: https://visitumea.se/en
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We will connect you with others on the trip via WhatsApp, so you may be able to arrange to travel together.
Travel Information
Accommodation & Food
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The eco hotel is nestled in nature, surrounded by forests and the Umeälven river. It’s sustainably heated by geothermal energy, with views of the surrounding wilderness out of every window. The rooms provide a cosy retreat, and include plush beds, en-suite bathrooms with showers and fresh towels, Wifi and a selection of tea and coffee.
You also spend one night in an off-grid wilderness cabin on an island, and one night at a cabin with basic facilities (you can charge your phone), hot tub and sauna.
All rooms are shared, from twin and triple rooms in the hotel, to group dormitories in the wilderness cabins.
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Yes, towels and hairdryers are provided in the rooms at the eco hotel and towels are provided at the second wilderness lodge too. You will want to pack a quick dry towel though too.
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You can bring your laundry to the eco hotel reception and our housekeeping will clean them for an extra cost. However due to the turn around time you would only be able to put laundry in on the first day and collect it on the last.
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You’ll have a buffet breakfast and three-course dinners whilst staying at the hotel. Out on the expedition lunches and some dinners are prepared over open fires or served in the wilderness cabins. Breakfasts are simple but filling.
The hotel restaurant partners with local hunters, farmers, and bakers, ensuring that each meal is sustainable and rooted in the traditions of the region. The restaurant is KRAV-certified, meaning they prioritise organic and eco-friendly practices, their menus reflect the changing seasons, offering the freshest ingredients available.
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Yes, we can cater for all dietary requirements. We have to know about any allergies or dietary preferences in advance however as it’s more tricky to make last minute additions to the menus once out in the wilderness.
Activites
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This trip is aimed at beginners, so no previous experience with canoeing, white water rafting or hiking is needed. However, to get the most out of your adventure, you will need good fitness to ensure you’ve got the energy and drive to tackle each daily activity, as well as a willingness to get stuck in with the group.
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Each day we’ll canoe approx 6km, stopping along the way for fika breaks and lunch.
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The hike is only about 4km, however it isn’t about notching up kilometres - it's a discovery walk where you’ll learn how to forage, as well as the different properties of the flora that can be found in the forest.
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Capsizing is fairly uncommon, the canoes used for expeditions are designed to be very stable.
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You need to be able to swim 100 metres in open water.
You will be asked to complete and sign a waiver stating that you can swim when you attend the trip.
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The grade of these rapids is roughly a three, with sections lasting approx. 1200m on otherwise smooth calmer waters.
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Boosting your cardiovascular fitness is a brilliant way to build up endurance and stamina. We recommend trying running, cycling, or any other high-intensity activity that gets your heart pumping.
Lifting weights is also a great way to strengthen your body and increase your fitness. However if it’s your first time please take it steady!
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This trip is rated moderate.
It’s suitable for beginners, however to get the most out of your adventure, you will need good fitness to ensure you’ve got the energy and drive to tackle each daily activity. You will also need to be prepared for two nights sleeping in dormitory style spaces in the wilderness cabins with basic, to no, electricity. For one night you’ll also have no running water and on both nights the toilet facilities are away from the cabins.
Gear & Packing
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We will provide you with the following:
Buoyancy aid
Dry bags
Underneath the buoyancy aid, we recommend wearing sportswear and thin layers over your swimwear, as well as a thin water/windproof jacket and trousers if it is raining. You may also want to wear base layers of thermals / merino wool in colder weather.
We also recommend bringing watershoes, sandals or old trainers that you don’t mind getting wet to help get in and out of the canoe.
We do not recommend wearing anything of cotton, as this cools you down when wet. Make sure you have enough layers and changes of clothes to keep you warm and dry. It can be cold even in the summer.
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We will provide you with the following:
Wetsuit
Waterproof jacket or splash jacket
Helmet
Buoyancy aid
Water shoes
Underneath the wetsuit, we recommend wearing a swimsuit and possibly a rash vest to prevent rubbing, unless it’s really cold when you may also want a base layer.
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Yes! You can find a detailed packing list here.
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Absolutely, you’ll want to bring a daypack with plenty of room for any extra layers, drinks and snacks. A backpack around 10-20 litres should do the trick. Small dry bags are also useful in your day bag to keep important items dry.
When on the water and on the expedition your main gear will be stored in dry bags in your canoe.
We provide dry bags for you to use on this adventure!
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June to Sept can be comparable to British summer, with daytime temperatures ranging from 10 – 25 degrees Celsius. There can also be some rain.
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Whilst at the camps you’ll have access to either longdrop or regular toilets, however whilst out in the canoes there’s only nature to answer the call!
Other
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Most places in Sweden accept credit or debit cards, so there’s no need to carry large amounts of cash. If you'd like, you can bring a small amount of local currency for personal expenses.
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There is no upper age limit for our adventures - we have women up to 70 years old join us.
The Gutsy Girls community is filled with fun, friendly and supportive women from 18-70+. We never ask your age, just that you are up for an adventure!
As a rough guide, most Gutsy Girls guests are 24-60 years old, with around 60% in their 30s-40s. After a day learning to ride, mountain biking over the hills, hiking to peaks for incredible views or exploring remote locations by paddleboard and kayak, everyone’s ages become irrelevant as we bond over our experiences.
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Absolutely! Many of our participants join solo, and it’s a great way to meet new, like-minded friends. We’ll connect you with other participants via a WhatsApp group before the trip.
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Whenever possible we use female instructors and guides, however we cannot always guarantee this, simply because there are fewer female instructors available unfortunately!
Our first priority is to work with the most highly experienced and considerate instructors and guides, who are patient, friendly and as passionate as we are about building women’s confidence in the outdoors.
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Our hosts are volunteers who are passionate about our mission and want to help more women get outdoors. They're not professionals in the sports or from the countries the trips are based in. Instead, they are there for you. Our guides on the other hand are employed by our local partners in-country and are there to teach you epic activities, lead your sessions and answer all your questions.
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Tipping is not compulsory on our adventures, but if you've had a great trip and brilliant service, a tip for your guide or host is always appreciated. We recommend giving €20-€30, or whatever you can or feel is the right amount.