Swedish Lapland

Wild Adventures beyond the Arctic Circle

Overview

Wild Adventures beyond the Arctic Circle

Have you ever met one of those people who’s always going on about just how well travelled they are? Well bring them the perfect gift from Sweden’s rural north – reindeer cheese. This traditional tasty treat, also known as renost, is a staple of the Sami, the area’s indigenous people, whose precious reindeer herds have been used efficiently for food, clothing and other resources for centuries.

This culturally significant, most northerly part of Sweden, cradled between the arms Norway and Finland, lies hundreds of miles from the bustling cosmopolitan capital of Stockholm. It’s a land of snow and ice, a rustic idyll of woodlands, beautiful lakes, majestic mountains and tumbling rivers, with the rugged coastline of the Bay of Bothnia framing the south eastern shore. The chance to experience a more remote way of life might be calling you, but it’s not all hiking boots and wild swimming. The region is also home to a number of sizable towns filled with fascinating museums, colourful markets, top restaurants and of course a plethora of cafes where you can partake in your daily Swedish fika coffee and cake.

The busiest times of year for visitors arriving into Swedish Lapland are the summer months for long days under the midnight sun, or the depths of winter for husky sledding and other snowy activities.  Low season aficionados however will find the fewest crowds and best prices during spring April to May or autumn September to November. At these times the weather can be unpredictable but never extreme. Like all good low season travellers, you’ll be prepared for seasonal changes expecting the weather may be sunny, overcast, rainy, snowy, cool or warm. These months offer a unique insight into arctic lifestyle at some of the most beautiful times of year. In the spring snow starts to melt but if you really want to join in snow shoeing, ice fishing and skiing this is still possible with snow falling as late as June in the very north. Elsewhere though, the thaw means easier access to stunning hiking and biking trails, waterfalls are in full flow and rivers and lakes rich in a bounty for anglers. With longer days and clearer routes, road trips around this spectacular area return to the agenda. Come autumn we are back into the season for Northern Lights coverage with the eerie green glow appearing from early September.  With no snow on the ground, the region feels darker even than it does during winter making the aurora colours extra vibrant. In addition, the tranquil lakes haven’t yet frozen and so the reflect the night sky, giving the gift of a truly unforgettable evening.

The Beautiful Outdoors

Enjoying nature is a way of life for the Swedes. Spring and autumn hiking is popular with locals, whether a romantic stroll with your other half, a fun day out with the family or a longer trek over a week or more. The areas around Arjeplog, Jokkmokk and Årrenjarka are especially good choices. Fat biking is increasingly popular with tyres to suit all seasons. Snowsports at Riksgränsën, the legendary ski resort 200km within the Arctic Circle, remain accessible until June and sees skiers descend pistes that cross the Swedish/Norwegian border under the midnight sun. Kayak the still waters of magnificent lakes and dine on the trout, salmon or grayling caught locally that very same day.

Wellbeing

Science has confirmed what intuition has long known. Getting out into nature, unplugging from wi-fi, and a bit of pampering does us the world of good, lowering heart rate, reducing anxiety, and promoting a sense of wellbeing. Forest bathing, the practice of spending time wandering the woods is increasingly popular, with a number of eco-lodges and glamp-sites hosting a perfect escape without compromising on quality. The sauna of course is away of life with just about every accommodation provider offering this traditional hotspot as standard. Or indulge in a full spa experience with massage treatments and infinity pools looking out over the slopes of endless Lapland vistas. Now that is enough to make even your most well-travelled friends as green with envy as the Northern Lights above you.

Low Season Months

Jan Feb Mar Apr
-3°C
20mm
6hrs
May
4°C
40mm
10hrs
Jun Jul Aug Sep
5°C
20mm
8hrs
Oct
-2°C
20mm
5hrs
Nov
-8°C
40mm
3hrs
Dec

Featured Hotels

Top Experiences

Take a Train from Kiruna to Luleå

From the northern town of Kiruna, head south by rail. The route to the wonderful city of Luleå takes around four hours and passes through breath-taking natural views. Stop at picturesque Jokkmokk, the heart of Sami Lapland, on the way.

Wildlife Photography Tour

Snap your best ever pic with experts in nature photography. Low season is a great time for wildlife spotting with chances to see moose, reindeer and elk as well as families of brown bear, foxes, wolverine and the magnificent golden eagle.

Hike the Kungsleden Trail

At 270 miles, it’s Sweden’s longest route, taking in four national parks, incredible waterfalls, valleys and views of towering mountains. It takes 12 days to complete, but with multiple entry points, you can choose a preferred short section.

Insider Tips

  • Try Västerbotten, a hard cow’s cheese, a bit like parmesan, and served with pickled herring and bread. It was apparently invented by accident when a milkmaid in the northern village of Burträsk let the cheese spoil when she was…er…distracted by the milkman.
  • The renowned IceHotel 365 near Kiruna, as the name suggests, is open year round offering exciting ice experiences even in summer. It houses deluxe art suites, an ice bar and an ice art gallery with different facilities opening during different seasons.
  • Meet Sami families, try local foods and learn about this fascinating indigenous people with their own language, culture and customs. Laponia was added to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1996 to protect its unique nature and cultural values, one of the best-preserved nomadic areas in Northern Scandinavia.

Good To Know

  • Give yourself permission to be lazy and acknowledge the joy of being alive. Sometimes you just need to take the time to gaze at the night stars in a wilderness far from anywhere. Or stare into the flames of fire whether camping outdoors or safe in a cozy bolthole.
  • Swedish Lapland businesses are small and focus on quality rather than quantity. Peak season cabins, guides and sami experiences are booked out way in advance. In low season it’s much easier to meet people and have the experiences you want in a more relaxed way.
  • Low season is the perfect time for a fly-drive in a hybrid car around the Skellefteå region in the south of Swedish Lapland. Please be careful when driving though. 20% of road accidents are caused by elks, which weigh up to a ton and are 2 metres tall.

Food & Drink

Hemmagastronomi, Luleå

Top end white guide restaurant with a beautiful interior and plenty of outdoor seating with stunning views over Luleå harbour. Seasonal ingredients combine to produce delicious local dishes including seafood and reindeer specialties.

Tage at Hotel Kust, Piteå

Restaurant Tage is known as one of Sweden’s best eateries. Located on the 13th floor of this beautifully designed top hotel, it enjoys stunning views of the sea and Norrbotten region. Take an aperitif in the bar one floor up.

Local Breweries

If Eurovision did beer, the results table would show Sweden coming a firm second only to Belgium. So take in some favourite Lapland brewing sites for tours and tastings. Try Piteå Bryggeri or This Is How homed in an old bus garage. Skål!

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