Swedish Lapland Guide
Swedish Lapland is a less populated destination in Sweden and offers the most magnificent nature eldorado for adventure lovers.
The northern part of Sweden is named Swedish Lapland, here, everything you do, feel, smell and eat is associated with the local natural scenery. Forget about the busy life, annoying noise and agreements.
The Northern Lights
Seasonally, you can explore the fantastic phenomenon called the Northern Lights between September and March.
Fluttering coloured lights observed in the sky are great to discover from the Abisko Mountain Station.
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Where to see the Northern Lights in Sweden
About the Midnight Sun
Swedish Lapland also creates special light scenery through the summer, including the famous Midnight Sun between May 27 and July 18. Above the Arctic Circle, the Midnight Sun is visible 24 hours a day.
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About Swedish Lapland
The northernmost town is Kiruna, the capital of Swedish Lapland. It is highly recommended and the key destination for visitors who are beginning their Swedish Lapland adventures.
Kiruna is surrounded by fantastic nature and the world-famous Jukkasjärvi Icehotel, but it offers a lot of other adventures throughout the year.
Enjoying and visiting the Sami people is a way to learn about the local community, history, culture, and traditions. They are the only indigenous people of Nordic countries recognised and protected under the international conventions on indigenous peoples.
It can be a very interesting experience to see how they live and keep up their traditions. A good tip is to take a reindeer ride in Jokkmokk with the local Sammies or enjoy a prepared Sami meal by the fire.
National Parks in Swedish Lapland
Swedish Lapland is surrounded by nature's wilderness beauty, which can be experienced through national parks. If you are looking for a perfect hiking adventure, take a guided tour through the Kungsleden Trail in the beautiful National Park of Abisko.
Sarek National Park is Sweden`s biggest park, with 2,000 square kilometres of high alpine peaks, valleys, and foaming rivers. It is also known as a place far away from everything, united with natural wilderness.
Adventures
All over Swedish Lapland, the destinations offer many adventures in which you can discover unique nature. Of course, the season decides what kind of adventures are relevant.
Some of the highlight adventures are skiing, snowmobiling, reindeer trekking, and husky tours in the Winter. In the summer, adventures like fishing, canoeing, hiking, and biking are popular.
See more about the summer adventures
Even a stay can be an adventure, just like The Icehotel in Jukkasjärvi, which is close to Kiruna, or The Tree Hotel in Harads.
(see more in this article)
Inlandsbanan
The Inland Line (Inlandsbanan) is a scenic Swedish railway line running from Kristinehamn in the south to Gällivare in the north, spanning about 1,288 kilometres.
It is primarily known for its picturesque journey through Sweden's rural landscapes and forests and near its northern reaches, the Arctic Circle. It offers passengers stunning views of natural landmarks, including lakes, rivers, and dense woodlands.
While it was initially built for freight and military purposes, the Inland Line now serves primarily as a tourist and regional passenger railway during the summer months. Along the route, travellers can stop at several points of interest, such as Östersund, Arvidsjaur, and Jokkmokk.
The journey also provides unique experiences, including the chance to spot local wildlife, enjoy stops for outdoor activities, and sample local Swedish cuisine.
The line has become especially popular among travellers interested in slow travel, nature, and cultural experiences.
Unique accommodation
Swedish Lapland offers unique accommodations that highlight the beauty and serenity of the Arctic wilderness. Here are some standout places to stay:
Treehotel (Harads): A renowned option, Treehotel features individually designed treehouses suspended in the forest canopy. Each cabin has a unique architectural style, from the UFO to the Mirrorcube, offering panoramic views and a secluded, immersive experience in nature.
Icehotel (Jukkasjärvi): This iconic hotel is rebuilt annually from snow and ice, featuring intricate, artist-designed rooms that melt away each spring. Guests can sleep on ice beds in thermal sleeping bags, enjoy ice sculptures, and witness the aurora borealis in winter.
Arctic Bath (Harads): A floating hotel on the Lule River, Arctic Bath offers a circular design inspired by logs gathered on water. With rooms both on land and water, it’s known for its wellness facilities, including cold baths, saunas, and spa treatments, allowing for an unparalleled relaxation experience.
Aurora Safari Camp (Råne River Valley): A luxurious glamping experience in the wilderness, Aurora Safari Camp features heated Lavvu tents, traditional Sami-style accommodations, and open-air views perfect for spotting the northern lights. Activities include dog sledging, snowmobiling, and aurora-watching.
Máttaráhkká Northern Lights Lodge (Kiruna): This intimate lodge offers private, comfortable accommodations with a focus on aurora viewing. Located just outside Kiruna, it’s ideal for those wanting a smaller, cosy lodge with local excursions such as snowshoeing, ice fishing, and guided aurora tours.
See unique Swedish Lapland accommodation
How to get to Swedish Lapland
Flights from Stockholm
To reach Swedish Lapland by flight, you have several options depending on your starting location and destination within Lapland. Here some flights from Stockholm:
Kiruna Airport (KRN): Located in the northern part of Swedish Lapland, Kiruna Airport is the primary gateway for exploring nearby attractions like the ICEHOTEL and Abisko National Park.
Direct flights are available from Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN), with a flight time of about 1.5 hours.
Luleå Airport (LLA): This airport serves the coastal area of Lapland and is near Luleå, the region’s largest city. From Luleå, you can reach other parts of Swedish Lapland by train or bus. Direct flights from Stockholm make this a convenient entry point.
Arvidsjaur Airport (AJR): Arvidsjaur is a smaller airport mainly used for access to inland destinations in Lapland. Flights operate from Stockholm, and this airport is ideal for travellers heading to wilderness areas and northern villages.
Gällivare Airport (GEV): Located in the heart of Lapland, Gällivare Airport connects with Stockholm Arlanda. From here, you’re well-positioned to explore Sarek and Stora Sjöfallet National Parks or to travel further north by rail or car.
By bus from Stockholm
Getting to Swedish Lapland by bus is possible, although it may involve some transfers depending on where you’re coming from. Here’s a general guide on how to reach this remote region by bus:
From Stockholm: There are long-distance buses from Stockholm to several key cities in Swedish Lapland, such as Kiruna, Luleå, and Gällivare.
Operators like FlixBus and Vy Bus4You offer routes, though these journeys are lengthy and may take over 15 hours. The bus journey, however, allows travellers to experience scenic Swedish countryside views.
