Whether visiting in the summer or winter, the Arctic region of Sweden offers a wonderful experience of nature's extremes. Here's how to spend your time in this Scandinavian wilderness.
Arctic Sweden is an ideal destination for those seeking adventure off the beaten path. From the rugged mountains to the tranquil shores, the region known as Swedish Lapland offers rich experiences that change dramatically with the seasons.
Many people living in Norway travel across the Swedish border regularly, but far fewer head to the northern region. That's unfortunate, for Arctic Sweden promises an array of activities that capture the essence of the far north.
In the summer, the midnight sun bathes the landscape in endless daylight, offering a unique opportunity to explore the wilderness at any hour. In winter, temperatures plummet as the region transforms into a snow-covered paradise with the northern lights making the occasional appearance.
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But Swedish Lapland is more than just stunning landscapes. It’s a place where rich cultural traditions, particularly those of the indigenous Sámi people, are deeply woven into the fabric of everyday life.
Whatever your travel preferences, here are five must-do activities when exploring the northern region of Sweden.
1. Enjoy Arctic Wilderness in the Midnight Sun
Swedish Lapland’s vast wilderness is one of its most defining features. In the summer, this remote region transforms into a land of endless daylight, thanks to the midnight sun.
For several weeks, the sun doesn’t set, creating a unique atmosphere where time seems to stand still. This is the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Arctic wilderness.
Hiking is one of the most popular activities during the summer months. Trails range from gentle walks through ancient forests to challenging routes in the mountainous areas, such as those found in Sarek and Abisko National Parks.
Kungsleden, or the King’s Trail, is particularly famous, offering trekkers a chance to experience some of the most scenic, untouched landscapes in Sweden. The full trail stretches over 400km, but even short sections provide a taste of the region’s beauty.
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Canoeing and kayaking are also popular, with countless lakes and rivers providing tranquil settings for paddling. Torne River, one of the last wild rivers in Europe, is a favourite for those looking to combine adventure with breathtaking views.
2. Hunt for the Northern Lights
While summer in Northern Sweden is all about the endless daylight, winter brings with it the long, dark nights that are perfect for witnessing one of nature’s most spectacular phenomena: the northern lights, or aurora borealis.
Sure, Norway is a great place to go aurora hunting. But Swedish Lapland is also one of the best places in the world to see the lights.
In fact, Northern Sweden can arguably be even better. Why? Its location away from the coastline and lack of big cities means clearer skies more often and the minimal light pollution required for optimal viewing conditions.
The northern lights can be seen from late September to early April, with the peak viewing period being between December and February. To increase your chances of seeing the lights, consider staying in remote areas away from city lights.
Abisko National Park is particularly renowned for its aurora sightings, thanks to a unique microclimate that creates clear skies more often than not. If seeing the lights is a lifelong dream for you, this is the place to come.
Specifically, Abisko Sky Station atop Mount Nuolja has a stellar reputation among aurora hunters. A chairlift whisks you up to the station, 900 metres above sea level, from where a lookout tower and terrace provide you with a wonderful perspective on the (hopefully) starry sky.
Many local guides offer northern lights excursions, which can include everything from snowmobile tours to husky sled rides. These tours not only enhance your chances of seeing the aurora but also provide an opportunity to explore the winter wilderness.
For those who prefer a more relaxed approach, simply stepping outside your accommodation and gazing up at the sky might be all you need to witness a display.
3. Stay in an Ice Hotel
A visit to Swedish Lapland wouldn’t be complete without experiencing one of its most iconic attractions: the Icehotel in Jukkasjärvi.
This unique hotel is rebuilt every winter from blocks of ice taken from the nearby Torne River. Each year, artists come together to create intricate ice sculptures, themed rooms, and even an ice bar, making every visit different.
Staying at the Icehotel is an unforgettable experience. Guests can choose between cold rooms, where the temperature hovers around -5°C, and warm rooms, for those who prefer a more traditional stay.
Cold rooms are furnished with ice beds covered in reindeer hides. Guests are loaned thermal sleeping bags to keep warm throughout the night. For those staying in cold rooms, a cup of hot lingonberry juice is a morning ritual that adds to the experience.
Even if you choose not to stay overnight, the Icehotel is worth a visit. Day tours allow you to explore the art suites and learn about the process of building the hotel. The on-site ice bar, where drinks are served in glasses made of ice, offers a unique way to enjoy a cocktail.
The Icehotel is open from December to April, with each season bringing new designs and ideas to life.
4. Discover Sámi Culture
The Sámi people are the indigenous inhabitants of Lapland, and their culture is deeply intertwined with the landscape of the region.
As with a visit to Northern Norway, a trip to Swedish Lapland offers a unique opportunity to learn about the culture.
The Sámi's traditional way of life has evolved in close harmony with the Arctic environment, and they have maintained many of their customs, despite modern challenges.
Jokkmokk is one of the best-known Sámi cultural centres in Sweden. It’s home to the annual Jokkmokk Winter Market, which has been held for over 400 years and is a major event in the Sámi calendar.
Additionally, Jokkmokk houses the Ájtte Museum, a cultural institution dedicated to Sámi history and ethnography. The museum offers fascinating exhibits on Sámi customs, crafts, and their close relationship with nature.
Northern Sweden is home to hundreds of Sámi-owned businesses, including guides, craftsmen, and chefs, each eager to share their unique stories and traditions. This road trip through the region should provide some inspiration for your own trip.
5. Fascinating Kiruna, a Town on the Move
Kiruna, the northernmost town in Sweden, is a place unlike any other.
Located 145km above the Arctic Circle, Kiruna is known for its large iron ore mine, one of the largest in the world. But what makes Kiruna truly fascinating is that the entire town is in the process of being relocated.
The mine, which has been in operation for over a century, has caused the ground beneath Kiruna to become unstable. As a result, a massive relocation project is underway, moving the entire town several kilometres to the east.
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This includes moving buildings, infrastructure, and even landmarks like the Kiruna Church, a striking wooden structure that has been voted Sweden’s most beautiful building.
Visiting Kiruna offers a unique perspective on urban planning and the challenges of living in an Arctic environment. The relocation process is ongoing, and visitors can learn about the project at the local visitor centre or by taking a guided tour of the mine, which delves deep into the history and future of the town.
Beyond its relocation, Kiruna serves as a gateway to many of the region’s natural attractions. From here, you can easily access Abisko National Park, climb Kebnekaise (Sweden’s highest mountain), or embark on a northern lights tour in the winter.
Have you ever taken a trip to Swedish Lapland? I'd love to hear your experiences and recommendations down in the comments.
