A Guide to Visiting Swedish Lapland in Winter 2025-26
Discover the magic of Swedish Lapland with thrilling winter activities, unique cultural experiences, and one-of-a-kind accommodations like the Aurora Safari Camp, Arctic Bath, Treehotel, and ICEHOTEL. From dog sledding and snowmobiling to Northern Lights viewing and Sámi traditions, experience the best of this stunning Arctic destination.
Swedish Lapland is a destination like no other, offering a perfect blend of adventure, stunning natural beauty, and unique cultural experiences. Located in the most northern part of Sweden, this vast region, covering nearly a quarter of the country, is known as Europe’s last wilderness. Home to the Sámi people, the only indigenous group in Europe, Swedish Lapland is a land of majestic landscapes, from towering mountains and vast forests to coastal plains and untouched wilderness. Popular towns like Abisko, Luleå, Kiruna, Jokkmokk, and Jukkasjärvi (home of the iconic ICEHOTEL) offer a range of experiences that showcase the region’s unique blend of tradition, adventure, and creativity.
Winter Activities in Swedish Lapland
Swedish Lapland transforms into a winter wonderland each year, with stunning landscapes and a wide variety of activities for all interests. The region is famous for its Northern Lights, with minimal light pollution making it one of the best places on Earth to witness this magical spectacle. Winter offers much more than the dazzling lights — whether you’re gliding across frozen lakes on a husky safari, speeding through snow-covered forests on a snowmobile, or trying your hand at ice sculpting at the ICEHOTEL, there’s no shortage of adventure. Other unique activities include reindeer sledding with Sámi guides, ice fishing, and even heat and ice yoga. For those looking for a more cultural experience, you can immerse yourself in Sámi traditions through wild herb cooking classes or wildlife trekking.
Best Dog Sledding in Swedish Lapland
Husky safaris are one of the most exhilarating ways to experience Swedish Lapland's pristine wilderness. Guided by expert mushers, you'll glide across frozen lakes and through snow-covered forests, feeling the rush of the dogs’ energy and the thrill of the Arctic landscape. Jukkasjärvi and Kiruna are popular spots, offering incredible sledding adventures through some of the region's most scenic terrains.
For the ultimate winter experience, embark on the 5-day Dogsledding through Swedish Lapland adventure. This tour offers an extended dogsledding journey through the stunning Kirjesålandet Nature Reserve, part of the vast Vindelfjällens Nature Reserve – Europe’s largest nature reserve, covering 5,500 square kilometres of pristine wilderness.
Over the course of the tour, you’ll not only learn how to care for and drive your own team of Alaskan huskies, but you'll also spend nights in cosy wilderness cabins, enjoy hearty meals by the fire, and sleep under the stars in the remote, snowy landscapes of Swedish Lapland.
The tour is limited to a maximum of four guests, ensuring an intimate experience where you’ll receive personal attention from your guide. Each day offers more adventure and new landscapes, and you'll bond with your huskies as you explore some of the most untouched and beautiful parts of the Arctic.
For those that prefer a shorter introduction to dog sledding, options vary from a 4-hour husky safari during independent trips such as the Swedish Winter Adventure (5 days) to 1.5 hours during travel packages such as the Aurora Safari in Swedish Lapland (6 days) - and everything in between!
Multi-day dogsledding adventure, credit: Petter Karlsson
Snowmobiling Tours in Swedish Lapland
Snowmobiling in Swedish Lapland offers a completely different way to experience this wild, beautiful place. It’s fast, it’s thrilling, and it gets you deep into the wilderness where few people venture. The snowmobile tour included in the 5-day Ice & Auroras in Swedish Lapland package take you through forests and over frozen lakes, all while keeping an eye on the sky for the Northern Lights. It’s one of those rare moments when speed and serenity come together perfectly — there’s nothing quite like the thrill of zooming across the snow with the possibility of witnessing the Aurora in the distance.
For an extended 4-hour snowmobile safari that allows you to immerse yourself in the daytime Arctic landscape, the Swedish Winter Adventure is an excellent option. It’s a fantastic way to cover a lot of ground while enjoying the beauty of Lapland at your own speed.
Best Places to See Northern Lights in Swedish Lapland
One of the most magical parts of visiting Swedish Lapland is the chance to see the Northern Lights — nature’s greatest light show. If you’re in search of the best viewing spots, Abisko National Park is a top contender, often regarded as the best place on Earth to see the Northern Lights.
In the Lapland Circle Independent and Ice & Auroras in Swedish Lapland trips, you’ll spend time in Abisko, where the combination of clear skies and the park’s location in the Aurora zone offers you an incredible chance to witness the Northern Lights. And even if the lights aren’t 100% guaranteed, there’s something truly special about being in such an iconic place, surrounded by the stillness of the Arctic landscape.
Auroras at Aurora Sky Station in Abisko
Kiruna and Jukkasjärvi are also excellent locations if chasing the Northern Lights. Tours like the Iconic Northern Lights, Iconic Northern Lights Reverse and Lapland Highlights Escorted take you to some of the best locations for viewing the Aurora, where the lights often dance across the sky in mesmerising colours.
Cultural Experiences in Swedish Lapland
Swedish Lapland isn’t just about the land — it’s about the people who have lived in harmony with it for centuries. The Sámi people have a deep connection to this region, and their culture and traditions offer a fascinating glimpse into a way of life that’s shaped by the very elements we often take for granted.
Sámi Culture in Swedish Lapland
A visit to Swedish Lapland wouldn’t be complete without exploring the Sámi culture, which is deeply rooted in the land and its rhythms. The Sámi people, indigenous to the region, have lived here for centuries, and their traditions, language, and way of life are tightly woven into the fabric of Lapland itself. Their connection to nature and the land’s resources is not only a way of life but a philosophy that continues to shape their culture today.
On trips like the independent 5-day Swedish Aurora Glamping and Arctic Wellness, you’ll learn about their traditional reindeer herding practices and the values that guide their life. In Sámi culture, no part of the reindeer goes to waste. This extends to their craftsmanship, where reindeer horns are used to create beautiful, functional items such as buttons, knives, and jewellery. This sustainable practice is a way of honouring the animal and the land, ensuring that nothing is left unused.
Similarly, on the Aurora Safari in Swedish Lapland (6 days), you’ll have the opportunity to visit a Sámi camp and experience firsthand how their way of life is intertwined with the wilderness. While you learn about their reindeer herding practices, you'll also gain insight into the Sámi's sustainable way of living, where they use every part of the reindeer to create something valuable, reflecting their respect for nature’s resources. (Also see our Experiential travel: Meeting indigenous Sámi people in the Nordics article for more travel related suggestions!)
Reindeer are at the heart of Sámi culture, not just for their meat but for the way they represent the Sámi’s relationship with the land. Joining a reindeer sledding tour with Sámi guides or visiting a reindeer farm offers a unique way to connect with this tradition. You’ll see how the Sámi care for and respect these animals, as well as how they incorporate reindeer into all aspects of their life, including crafts and food. Reindeer meat, often used in stews and smoked meats, also serves as a reminder of their sustainable approach to living.
Local Swedish Life in Lapland
One of the most memorable ways to experience Swedish Lapland is by connecting with the local people who live in this remote, stunning part of the world. Swedish Winter Adventure (5 days) and Festive Swedish Christmas (5 days) both offer a chance to stay with Johan and Eva Stenevad, a local couple who run the Lapland Guesthouse in the quiet village of Kangos, located 150 km above the Arctic Circle. This family-run property is a rare gem, tucked away in the Arctic wilderness, where the beauty of the natural surroundings is matched only by the warmth and hospitality of the Stenevads.
Johan and Eva Stenevad from Lapland Guesthouse
In this intimate setting, you’ll quickly feel at home. The guesthouse is small and cosy, making it a perfect retreat for those looking to escape into the tranquility of Swedish Lapland. The Stenevads offer a personal touch that makes you feel like part of their extended family. Whether you're enjoying a hearty meal in the homely dining room or chatting with Johan and Eva about life in this remote area, their warmth and genuine love for the land are palpable.
For those on the Christmas tour, there’s an added layer of tradition, with the Stenevads creating a festive atmosphere that feels like a true Lapland Christmas. This is a Christmas that seems timeless — a peaceful, magical celebration that feels worlds apart from the more commercialised Christmas experiences. It’s a rare opportunity to connect with the land, the people, and the deep-rooted traditions of Swedish Lapland in a way that will stay with you long after you return home.
Unique Hotels in Swedish Lapland
In Swedish Lapland, where the land is so vast and the wilderness so pristine, accommodation is about more than just a place to sleep — it’s part of the experience. Whether you’re looking for a unique architectural marvel or a cosy wilderness cabin, where you rest at night can shape the way you experience the region.
ICEHOTEL
The ICEHOTEL in Jukkasjärvi is a world-renowned masterpiece made entirely of ice and snow, rebuilt every winter to showcase intricately carved sculptures, ice bars, and rooms crafted with stunning attention to detail. Staying here is a truly unique experience — sleeping in a room made entirely of ice, surrounded by frozen artistry, you’ll curl up in a sleeping bag on an ice bed in an environment that feels both surreal and strangely comforting in its quiet elegance. This one-of-a-kind hotel attracts visitors from around the globe, making early bookings essential. Whether as part of the Iconic Northern Lights tour or one of many other 50 Degrees North trips, a night at the ICEHOTEL combines beauty, adventure, and the magic of the Arctic in an experience you’ll never forget.
ICEHOTEL by Asaf Kliger
Treehotel
For something completely different, spend the night at the Treehotel in Harads, where a quirky collection of architecturally designed treehouses offers a truly unique experience. From a mirrored cube that reflects the surrounding forest to a UFO-shaped room and a giant bird’s nest, these imaginative spaces allow you to connect with nature in a way like no other. Staying here is not just about sleeping in a tree; it’s about experiencing the forest in a playful, awe-inspiring way. Aurora Safari in Swedish Lapland (6 days), you’ll have the chance to stay in this remarkable accommodation, where the design and the natural surroundings become an integral part of the experience, blending comfort with creativity.
Arctic Bath
The Arctic Bath Hotel is a truly unique floating hotel located on the Lule River, designed to blend seamlessly with its natural surroundings. This extraordinary hotel offers an oasis of wellness, with an outdoor spa that includes cold baths, saunas, and rejuvenating spa treatments. Perfect for those looking to combine luxury and nature, the Arctic Bath emphasises wellness and relaxation in the heart of the wilderness. On the Swedish Aurora Glamping and Arctic Wellness (5 days) trip, you'll have the opportunity to stay at this remarkable retreat, where you can unwind after a day of adventure, fully immersed in the Arctic environment and its calming, nature-inspired design.
Arctic Bath by Anders Blomqvist
Aurora Safari Camp
The Aurora Safari Camp — the other standout feature of the 5-day Swedish Aurora Glamping and Arctic Wellness package — offers a truly unique experience in the wilds of Swedish Lapland. Set high above the Arctic Circle in the Råne River Valley, this camp provides an exceptional opportunity to witness the elusive Aurora Borealis in an environment free from artificial light. Stay in comfortable, warm glamping tents complete with fireplaces, offering the perfect base for adventuring in the snowy wilderness. The camp provides an array of activities, including fatbiking, snowshoeing, tobogganing, and kicksleighs, all designed to help you make the most of the stunning Arctic surroundings. In the evenings, relax in the sauna floating on the frozen lake or gather around the campfire to gaze out over the river, where you may even spot moose or deer along the forest edge. For a truly unforgettable experience, you can opt for hot air ballooning, where you may even hover under the Northern Lights (available between late February and March).
Aurora Safari Camp Cone Room with Glass Roof by Fredrik Broman
Travel Logistics in Swedish Lapland
How to Get Around Swedish Lapland Without a Car
Getting around Swedish Lapland is made easy with a mix of transport options that allow you to explore its vast wilderness at a comfortable pace. Trains, such as the scenic Inlandsbanan Railway, offer a charming way to travel between towns and enjoy the landscape. In winter, guided tours, private taxis, and snowmobiles are the best ways to navigate icy roads and access remote areas. For longer distances, flights between key hubs like Luleå and Kiruna make travel between towns quick and convenient, though we recommend the scenic train journeys or private transfers for a more relaxed and sustainable experience. Swedish Lapland moves at its own pace, and whether you choose to explore on a guided tour or independently, there’s no shortage of ways to experience the region’s highlights.
Best Itinerary for Swedish Lapland Trip
To truly immerse yourself in the magic of Swedish Lapland, a well-crafted itinerary ensures you experience the best of its stunning landscapes, culture, and unique accommodations. Start your adventure in Kiruna, where you’ll embrace the thrill of dog sledding and experience the legendary ICEHOTEL — spending a night in both an ice room and a warm room for a complete, unforgettable experience. After Kiruna, head to Abisko, a prime spot for Northern Lights viewing, and spend a couple of days soaking in the beauty of this remote destination.
Next, make your way to Harads for an enchanting stay in the Treehotel, where you can spend the night in one of its whimsical treehouses, like the mirrored cube or the UFO, suspended high above the forest floor. Explore the area on a thrilling snowmobile adventure, connecting with the vast wilderness.
End your journey with a peaceful retreat at the Arctic Bath, where you can unwind in its floating spa, surrounded by the serene beauty of the Lule River. The combination of unique design and wellness offers the perfect conclusion to your Lapland adventure.
In addition to these unforgettable stays, make sure to visit the Nutti Sámi Siida while staying at the ICEHOTEL to learn about the Sámi way of life, their traditions, and reindeer herding. If you're visiting in February, don't miss the Jokkmokk Market, a centuries-old event where you can explore local handicrafts, food, and experience Sámi culture firsthand.
A well-planned itinerary by Scandinavian experts is the perfect way to experience all of these highlights without worrying about the details. With expert guides offering insider knowledge, you'll make the most of every moment in this extraordinary part of the world, enjoying its beauty, culture, and adventure at a relaxed pace.
What Makes Swedish Lapland Unique?
Swedish, Finnish, and Norwegian Lapland may share the same Arctic latitude, Sámi heritage, and a love for the outdoors, but they each have their own personality. Swedish Lapland is vast and incredibly diverse, with mountains, forests, and even coastal plains adding to its character. It’s home to Laponia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and feels quieter and less commercialised compared to its neighbours. Finnish Lapland is all about fells, forests, reindeer farms, and glass igloos – not to mention Santa Claus! Norwegian Lapland, or Finnmark, offers a striking Arctic coastline, milder winters thanks to the Gulf Stream, and dramatic fjords</a where the Northern Lights often dance over the sea.
Swedish Lapland is also unique in its seamless fusion of tradition and modernity. The region is home to world-class architectural marvels like the ICEHOTEL and Treehotel, where creativity and nature coexist in perfect harmony. These striking designs set Swedish Lapland apart, offering a truly distinctive experience that blends the beauty of the wild with cutting-edge architecture.
Abisko Mountain, Northern Lights in Sweden, credit: Lola Akinmade Åkerström/imagebank.sweden.se
Dreamy additions for your Swedish Lapland holiday
Food & Wellness
Swedish Lapland isn’t just a feast for the eyes — it’s also a haven for food lovers and wellness enthusiasts. The region’s cuisine is both wholesome and fulfilling, offering a taste of the wild, with an abundance of seasonal ingredients like lingonberries and assorted forest mushrooms, available fresh or dried. Local dishes, including Arctic Char (similar to salmon and trout) and reindeer, reflect the region’s deep connection to the land and its sustainable approach to using natural resources. Whether you’re enjoying a hearty stew or sampling smoked meats, the flavours of Swedish Lapland are as rich as its landscapes.
For those seeking relaxation and rejuvenation, wellness is an integral part of Swedish culture. Unwind in the many private saunas, spas, and hot tubs scattered throughout the region. Whether at the Arctic Bath, where you can enjoy a floating spa experience, or at one of the region’s boutique lodges, the focus on well-being provides the perfect balance to your adventurous days. The calming influence of nature, combined with luxurious wellness treatments, ensures that you’ll return home feeling both revitalised and inspired. From the moment you arrive in this tranquil setting, you'll discover that relaxation is just as important as adventure in Swedish Lapland.
Smoked Bear and Restaurants in the Far North, credit: Tuukka Ervasti and Magnus Skoglöf/imagebank.sweden.se
Romance of Swedish Lapland
Sweden’s majestic beauty and tranquillity are the very definition of romance, making it the perfect place for couples to unwind in a real-life winter wonderland. Whether you’re looking to celebrate a special occasion or simply enjoy a quiet getaway, Swedish Lapland offers an idyllic setting for romance. The region's charm and sophistication provide the perfect backdrop for a memorable trip.
For a truly unforgettable romantic experience, consider staying at the ICEHOTEL in Jukkasjärvi. The unique location, the ice, the snow, and the almost surreal surroundings at the ICEHOTEL are sure to leave a lasting impression. Whether you’re staying in one of the beautiful ice suites or celebrating a special occasion, the atmosphere here is undeniably magical. With the 365 ICEHOTEL, you can now stay anytime of the year, enjoying the beauty and serenity of this extraordinary hotel. The ICEHOTEL is a clear standout for couples seeking a one-of-a-kind experience in the heart of the Arctic.
ICEHOTEL, credit: Hans-Olof Utsi/imagebank.sweden.se