10 Travel Experiences in Swedish Lapland

The Northern Lights are one of nature’s most spectacular phenomena, and Swedish Lapland is among the world’s best places to witness them. Watching the aurora is a unique experience—usually a green light, but sometimes blue, violet, or red, forming curtains, rays, and arches that drift across the dark sky, lasting from a few minutes to several hours. Sitting around a crackling fire in the heart of Lapland’s pristine wilderness, surrounded by snow and darkness, as the aurora dances above is simply unforgettable. For a truly memorable adventure, seek out these magical moments in intimate, remote hideaways away from the usual tourist trails.

Unique Things to Do in Swedish Lapland

1 Aurora Glamping

The Northern Lights, best visible from September to March, mostly appear in the auroral oval between the 65th and 72nd parallels north. This makes all of Swedish Lapland—from Abisko and Kiruna in the west to Haparanda and the Torne River Valley on the Finnish border—an excellent destination for aurora spotting.

Abisko, known for its usually clear skies, has attracted aurora hunters for two decades. If you dream of chasing the lights and experiencing the Arctic winter far from the crowds, choose a stay in small, off-the-beaten-path lodges—perfect for immersing yourself in local traditions and nature. Join locals and experience true Arctic living: try glamping in heated tents deep in the forest, spend the night in designer igloos or an 18th-century manor, stay in cozy cabins on frozen rivers or even the sea, or book a luxury lodge all to yourself—ideal for complete relaxation in untouched wilderness.

2 Snowmobile Excursions

While waiting for the aurora to appear, you can join snowmobile tours or dog sledding in the snowy forests, complete with a fireside lunch. There are also moose safaris, ice fishing on lakes and rivers, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing or fat biking, as well as the chance to meet the Sami people and their reindeer, or cruise on the Polar Explorer icebreaker in the Gulf of Bothnia. After hours outdoors, enjoy a relaxing wood-fired sauna and savor local specialties such as elk and reindeer prepared in various ways, whitefish, salmon, mushrooms, berries, and the sought-after whitefish caviar. After dinner, it’s time to head out and hope for a glimpse of the northern lights.

3 Sami Tents and Eco-Lodges

About an hour northwest of the Gulf of Bothnia, deep in the forests along the Råneälven River—one of Swedish Lapland’s last untouched waterways—you can experience both the aurora and Arctic lifestyle in two truly special retreats. The Aurora Safari Camp is the world’s first glamping site in an Arctic winter climate, inspired by African bush camps. Reaching it requires a snowmobile ride through the forest and across the frozen river. Overnight options include cozy lavvu (heated Sami tents) and two new cone-shaped cabins with glass ceilings. Explore on your own with complementary cross-country skis or snowshoes, or join guided excursions. From late February, try a unique balloon ride for a bird’s-eye view of the Arctic!

Also in the valley, you’ll find the eco-certified Arctic Retreat (Nature’s Best label), offering three beautiful log cabins, each with an outdoor hot tub—perfect for gazing skyward for the aurora. You can join a night photography tour with a professional, or try unique activities like ice sculpting.

4 Lapland Guest House: Red Wooden Houses on the Riverbank

Another ideal aurora-spotting location is the area near the Laino River, in the far north of Swedish Lapland. Just outside the village of Kangos, 150 km north of the Arctic Circle, stands the welcoming Lapland Guest House—a collection of charming red wooden houses on the riverbank. Each room and communal area has its own unique theme, and most buildings were handcrafted by owner Johan Stenevad. Dinner is served in a traditional 18th-century house with plenty of atmosphere. A highlight is the reindeer safari with outdoor lunch among the herd. In the evening, Johan takes guests out river-side in a sled to hunt the lights—seated around the fire under the vast starry sky.

5 Sleep in a Red Cottage

In the Torne Valley, where the mighty river meets the Gulf of Bothnia—and where the border towns Haparanda (Sweden) and Tornio (Finland) sit—you’ll find the ancient village of Kukkola, with its historic fishermen’s huts, fishing museum, and watermills. Here, the Spolander family runs Kukkolaforsen accommodation, with pretty red cottages and new riverside hotel rooms. Popular river activities include ice fishing and snowmobile tours that cross the Sweden-Finland border multiple times. Sauna lovers will find paradise in Kukkola: there are 14 saunas, including a classic smoke sauna typical of the Torne Valley. Don’t miss the chance to try traditionally cooked whitefish grilled over open flames in an old hut. Another curiosity: just like in Haparanda, you can ring in the New Year twice—first on the Finnish side and then an hour later on the Swedish side!

6 Stay in a Charming Country House

Follow the Kalixälven River to discover several authentic places to immerse yourself in the Arctic lifestyle. Just outside Kalix and near the Gulf of Bothnia’s mouth, the historic Filipsborg herrgård overlooks the riverside in a stunning spot. Here, relax in the mansion’s period rooms and taste local culinary traditions. In winter, the family’s reindeer roam nearby woods, and guests can join the owners in feeding them—imagine being surrounded by hundreds of reindeer! Of course, a midnight northern lights tour is also part of the activities.

7 Sleep in an Igloo or Wooden Cabin

Another memorable option is the Ice & Light Village—five modern, igloo-shaped cottages on the river, featuring Scandinavian décor and panoramic views. For a stay right on the frozen sea, choose the cozy houses at Nordic Lapland Resort at the entrance to the Kalix archipelago. Experience a thrilling icebreaker cruise or snowmobile tour across the sea, and then in the evening take a snowshoe walk to chase the northern lights—stop to grill hot dogs in the wild, a simple but tasty experience much loved by locals.

8 Meet the Sami and Their Reindeer

About 1.5 hours further north along the Kalix River, just across the Arctic Circle, lies Jockfall with its beautiful waterfall. Previously known mainly for salmon fishing in summer, the area now offers winter adventures, with new cottages for overnight stays. Activities include meeting Sami families and their reindeer or going on a dog sled ride.

9 Husky Sledding Adventure

About 30 minutes south, in Överkalix, stay at the Grand Arctic Resort and soak up the small-town Lapland atmosphere. The hotel sits on the frozen river, inviting walks and cross-country skiing. Choose from a wide range of activities, including full-day husky safaris or northern lights tours on foot or snowmobile.

10 All-Inclusive Lodge Retreat

If you’re looking for a luxurious, all-inclusive getaway, book the exclusive Logger’s Lodge—a private hideaway for two to six with 24-hour service. The lodge, deep in the forest 17 km from the nearest village Harads (renowned for the Treehotel and the floating Arctic Bath hotel-spa), was originally a late-19th-century loggers’ bunkhouse. A minimum three-night package includes airport transfers from Luleå, winter activities, gourmet dinners, and spa. Unwind in the panoramic sauna or soak in the outdoor hot tub surrounded by snow—and with a bit of luck, watch the aurora appear overhead.

Fun Fact: Swedish Lapland’s Northern Lights

According to the Sami—the indigenous people of northern Scandinavia—the aurora represented ancestors’ souls. They believed it was dangerous to attract the spirits’ attention by waving, whistling, or singing under the lights, as this could reveal human presence, with the risk of being whisked away into the sky.

How to Get There

Most accommodations are easily reached by plane or overnight train from Stockholm to Luleå, then by rental car or arranged transfer. Lapland Guest House is closer to Kiruna airport.