Highlights of Swedish Lapland

Northern Sweden is widely considered one of the last remaining wilderness' on earth, and the further north you travel the more isolated the towns become. Here are some highlights of Swedish Lapland.

The ICEHOTEL
A visit to the world famous ICEHOTEL in Jukkasjärvi (20km from Kiruna) is a must for any visitor to Northern Sweden. It is only with first-hand experience that you can truly appreciate the artistry and magical atmosphere of this sculpted snow and ice structure.

The Treehotel
Surrounded by natural forests and immersed in calm and tranquillity, the Treehotel is a special property (90km from Luleå) that offers the opportunity to relax in harmony with the surrounding nature year-round. Each of the 7 cabins are individually designed and hidden amongst the trees.

Polar nights
From December to January, the Arctic landscape experiences the polar nights; the period of year when the sun does not rise above the horizon. Around Kiruna this is from 12 December to 04 January. With no sun visible you maybe think that it is dark all of the time but, you could not be further from the truth.

Dog sled tours
What better way to take in the stunning scenery than by gliding over the rolling terrain, through forests and across frozen lakes behind a team of huskies? You can decide whether you want to drive your own sled or enjoy the ride from the comfort of a sled seat.

Pack ice experiences
Head out onto the frozen Bothnian sea on board a snowmobile or a hovercraft. For miles around you will witness a white landscape broken up by small islands and bordered by a seemingly endless field of pack ice. This is a wonderful experience, tranquil, breathtaking and unique.

The Aurora Borealis
The aurora borealis is the scientific name given by Galileo to the Northern Lights. Aurora was the Roman goddess of dawn while borealis is the Greek word for northern wind.

Midnight sun
At 200km north of the Arctic Circle, Kiruna and its environs is in the land of the ‘Midnight Sun’, a time of year when the sun never drops below the horizon. As many as 100 days of the magical light can be experienced from late May to mid July.

Great rail journeys
Travelling north from Luleå by train, passing the imaginary Arctic Circle drawn around the earth at 66°N, you will reach the town of Kiruna. As you travel north you will notice the tree line decreasing in stature and the communities becoming more remote. This is a scenic and relaxing 3 ½ hour journey.

Luleå
The town of Luleå is a wonderful year-round destination. During the summer months, the waters and archipelago attract sailors and bathers to their shores, whilst the surrounding wilderness entices walkers and nature lovers. In the winter, snow envelops the landscape.

Abisko National Park
The Abisko National Park is famous for its natural beauty, Nordic wildlife and is a hot spot for winter adventures as well as summer hiking. The park enjoys a microclimate and is renowned for its virtually clear skies and low levels of light pollution - two requisites for sightings of the Aurora.

Hiking
There are thousands of kilometres of marked walking trails across the region. One popular trail runs from the Sámi village of Nikkaluokta to the Kebnekaise mountain station, 19 km away. Alternatively, you can choose a shorter 14km option if you take a boat trip over Lake Ladjojaure.

Archipelago
Visits to the islands of the archipelago in the northern Bothnian Sea are very popular in the summer months. Using Luleå as a base it’s possible to take day trips to the islands, most of which are small enough to cover extensively in a few hours’ walking. The bird life and wildflowers on the islands are impressive.

Sami handicrafts and traditions
Sami handicrafts can cover anything from silversmith work and knife making, to sewing, embroidery and woodwork. If purchasing an item as a souvenir, please ensure that it is a genuine Sami product, thus ensuring that your money reaches these indigenous peoples.