Norrbotten County, Swedish Lapland · Sweden
Arctic wilderness with northern lights, the Midnight Sun, Sami culture and an ice hotel.
Photo: Kristine.li · CC BY-SA 4.0
Far above the Arctic Circle, Swedish Lapland is a land of mountains, lakes, forests and long seasons of light or dark. Abisko National Park, around 200 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle, is one of the best places on Earth to see the northern lights, thanks to a local patch of clear sky known as the blue hole.
In winter, visitors come for aurora viewing, dog sledding, snowmobile safaris and the Icehotel at Jukkasjarvi, rebuilt in ice every year. In summer, the Midnight Sun lights the hiking trails, including the Kungsleden (King's Trail), a 440-kilometre route through the mountains. Sweden's highest peak, Kebnekaise, is within reach of keen hikers.
Kiruna, the northernmost town, sits on the world's largest underground iron ore mine and is being relocated because of ground movement. The Sami people have lived and herded reindeer here for millennia, and cultural visits offer insight into their traditions.
Why visit
Lapland offers dramatic nature and unique Arctic experiences.
Among the best viewing in the world.
24-hour daylight in summer.
Kungsleden and Kebnekaise.
Reindeer herding traditions.
A hotel carved from ice.
Main attractions
Sights range from the mountains to the town.
A mountain park with lakes.
Tip Check weather.
A mountain viewing platform.
Tip Book a night.
A famous long-distance trail.
Tip Hike a section.
Sweden's highest peak.
Tip Needs fitness and weather.
An ice hotel and art installation.
Tip Visit or stay overnight.
One of Sweden's largest wooden buildings.
Tip Visit in town.
Things to do
Activities depend on season.
September to March.
Tip Be patient and dress warmly.
Winter activity.
Tip Book ahead.
Summer trek.
Tip Hire a guide if inexperienced.
Meet Sami herders.
Tip Choose respectful operators.
A special night.
Tip Book far in advance.
June and July.
Tip Bring an eye mask.
Local food
Lapland cuisine is hearty and local.
Stew or smoked.
Where to try it Restaurants.
Fresh fish.
Where to try it Restaurants.
Tart orange berries.
Where to try it Desserts.
Local specialties.
Where to try it Cafes.
Warming.
Where to try it Cafes.
Accommodation
Book ahead in the season.
Transport
Kiruna is reached by air or rail.
Trains and tours.
When to go
Northern lights are best seen from September to March, with winter activities peaking from December to March.
Cold, clear and bright.
Aurora and autumn colours.
Midnight Sun hiking.
Dark and cold.
Worth planning around: Cloudy spells and polar night if you want hiking.
Itinerary
Lights and ice.
Kiruna
Jukkasjarvi
Aurora
Free
Travel tips
Tips.
FAQ
September to March.
Very in winter.
June to July.
Yes.
Four to five days.
Yes with preparation.
Keep exploring
Places that pair well with Abisko and Kiruna, whether you have a few spare days or are building a longer route.
Stockholm County, east coast, Sweden
Sweden's elegant island capital: Gamla Stan, the Royal Palace, the Vasa Museum, Skansen, City Hall, design shops and an archipelago on its doorstep.
Don't miss Wandering the cobbled lanes of Gamla Stan, then a waterside fika in the sun.
Explore Destination — StockholmJamtland County, central Sweden, Sweden
A year-round mountain playground: skiing at Are, Aresjutan, Storsjon lake, Tannforsen waterfall and hikes through the Jamtland mountains.
Don't miss Skiing under the lights with Lake Storsjon below, then a hot sauna.
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A region of lakes and forests with folk traditions, the Dala horse, Falun copper mine, Mora and Vasaloppet ski race, and Leksand midsummer festival.
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