Sweden’s northernmost destination
Swedish Lapland
Swedish Lapland is Sweden’s northernmost destination, spanning from Skellefteå in the south to Kiruna in the north. It shares borders with both Finland and Norway. The free-flowing rivers have been a connector for all the towns and villages within the destination since the beginning of time, serving as travel routes and as a source of food and income.
Sámi culture
Swedish Lapland is a part of the equally called but much bigger Lapland. Which stretches out over the Northern parts of Norway, Finland and the Kola Peninsula of Russia. About a quarter of Sweden is in Lapland. Since prehistoric times the Sámi people of Arctic Europe have lived and worked in this area. They have followed their reindeer to different seasonal grazing areas for thousand of years. In Swedish Lapland their tradition and culture are still very much alive. Reindeer herding is central to Sámi culture, but recent years also new ventures emerge in tourism, music, craft and design and the sale of traditional delicacies. You can learn and discover more of the Sámi culture at the Ájtte museum in Jokkmokk, the Silver museum in Arjeplog or by choosing one of our travel packages or activities where the Sámi culture is in focus.
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How to travel to Swedish Lapland
Flights
The main airports in Swedish Lapland are Luleå and Kiruna Airport. Both SAS and Norwegian offers flights to Luleå and Kiruna, directly from Stockholm. The flight to Luleå takes about 1h 20 minutes and to Kiruna 1h and 40 minutes.
SAS normally has daily flights to Luleå and Kiruna throughout the year. In peak season, Dec – March, the number of flights increases to several flights per day. Book your tickets with SAS here.
Norwegian normally has weekly flights to Luleå and Kiruna throughout the year,. In peak season, Dec – March, the number of flights increases. Book your tickets with Norwegian here.
Direct flights to Swedish Lapland
London Heathrow to Luleå with SAS (dec – march 2022/23)
Dusseldorf (Germany) to Luleå and Kiruna with Eurowings (dec – march 2022/23)
Train
Going by train is easy, eco-friendly and a great opportunity to meet new friends or spend quality time with friends or family.
Most popular train route is between Luleå and Kiruna. With this you get to experience the islands of Swedish Lapland, the bustling city life by the coast and the remote mountain area with Abisko National Park and the Arctic ski resorts.
SJ offers train tickets all the way from Stockholm to Luleå and Riksgränsen and you can even continue to Narvik in Norway. Book your tickets with SJ here.
Swedish Lapland has eight seasons
Dividing the year into eight seasons is a Sámi custom. The Sámi people followed the seasons as they
moved the reindeer between winter and summer grazing.
Dálvi
Winter is the longest season, lasting from December to March. During this period the cold grabs hold of the landscape, freezing it into a winter Wonderland. Temperatures during this period are normally very cold, so you need to dress warm! End of February the weather becomes more gentle and ski resorts as Björkliden and Riskgränsen are opening up for the season, which can last until the end of May.
Giđđadálvi
Spring-Winter, falls in March/April and brings light and warmth after months of winter. This is the peak season for winter activities such as snowmobiling, dog sledding and ice fishing.
Giđđa
Spring, usually comes at the end of May in the mountain regions. This is when the Midnight Sun never sets and we can enjoy the sunlight 24/7. Reindeer calves are born and take their first steps.
Giđđageassi
Spring – Summer, begins in June and we go fishing from land instead of ice fishing. But don’t be surprised it can still be a snowy day in the mountain regions. The reindeers enjoy a calm period.
Geassi
Summer! July is the best time for hiking, enjoying the sandy beaches in the Luleå archipelago or climbing Sweden’s highest mountain Kebnekaise. For the Sámi villages summer is a busy season. The reindeers have continued up the high mountain to escape insects and heat. Sámi must collect the calves for marking, an important and busy event during Sámi year and they get together to socialise as well.
Čakčageassi
Autumn-summer in August, is a fun season for everybody that likes to pick berries and mushrooms to make jam and stews for the winter. The evenings are getting darker again and nature shifts in bright colours. For the reindeers it’s crucial to eat enough to gain weight and build muscles for the long cold winter.
Čakča
Autumn, starts in September-October The sun is still high and it can be nice and warm during daytime, but the first frosty nights are a sign the season slowly changes into winter. The northern lights return in September, dancing in the sky during clear nights. First snow falls in October and the daylight gets shorter and colder. In November-December comes
Čakčadálvi
Fore-Winter, and the landscape turns white and we have the ski premiere. The reindeer hurries to eat whatever grass and food they can find before they are divided into wintergroups and moved to the forest.
And so the Midwinter darkness begins….
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