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A man is leading a number of reindeer with sleds through a winter landscape of snow and ice.

Sami Lapland

Northern Sweden

The nature and the cities in northern Sweden offer many things to do – from the Northern Lights to the Icehotel. Find out where to go and what to do.

Een close-up van een traditionele boerderij in de provincie Hälsingland met houten ornamenten die de ingangen versieren.

Hälsingegård

Hälsingland – a world of cultural heritage and untouched nature

The Swedish province of Hälsingland is known for its spectacular nature and carefully preserved cultural highlights – UNESCO World Heritage Sites included.

Gamla Gefle in Gävle

Gästrikland – a peaceful county by the Baltic Sea

Gästrikland is a nature-rich destination with much to offer across outdoor adventures, culture and activities for the whole family. Its capital Gävle is a highlight in its own right.

Ein malerischer Blick auf die waldreiche Landschaft der Hohen Küste, die bis ins Meer reicht, mit einer Hütte im Vordergrund.

Wandern entlang der Hohen Küste in Schweden

Hiking in the High Coast of Sweden

Ångermanland

The province of Ångermanland is mostly known for the High Coast area, a mountainous UNESCO World Heritage Site with fjords and deep bays. In this northeast part of Sweden, you’ll find cities like Örnsköldsvik and Härnösand and natural wonderlands like Skuleskogen National Park – a great place for hiking.

Winter view from the sea of the city Sundsvall. The sun shine on houses along the coast and a church rise in the middle.

The city of Sundsvall

Sundsvall

Sundsvall is one of Sweden’s most fascinating cities, offering not only a cool urban setting but also unique natural landscapes.

A woman is standing by a wood fired oven, holding bread, in a garden during summer.

Krakas Krog, Gotland

The regional flavours of Sweden

Swedish cuisine is geared towards sustainability and high-quality local produce. The country&#x27;s varied geography and climate has therefore given rise to a wonderfully diverse food culture. Travelling from south to north, you’ll discover many different types of food, all worth trying for their unique character alone. Here’s an introduction to the Swedish food cultures of Malmö, Gotland, Sundsvall and the High Coast.

The Stone City in Sundsvall

The magnificent Stone City of Sundsvall

A symbol of Sundsvall’s rich industrial heritage, its historic centre – Stone City – is a must-see.

Läckö Castle Garden, West Sweden

The gardens of Sweden – a botanist’s dream

Sweden is home to a multitude of inspiring gardens, each with its own unique identity and compelling history.

Medelpad

Green northern lights shine above the entrance to the Icehotel.

Icehotel, Jukkasjärvi

Kiruna – an arctic city bathed in the Northern Lights

Kiruna – Sweden’s northernmost city – has a lot to offer. This is where to see the Northern Lights and experience the Midnight Sun. It also boasts Kebnekaise, Sweden’s highest mountain.

Aerial view over Luleås northern harbour in sunny weather.

Norra hamn in Luleå during summer

Luleå: Where history meets modernity in Swedish Lapland

Luleå, the heart of Swedish Lapland, is a captivating city where history and modernity blend seamlessly against a backdrop of stunning natural beauty. Renowned as Sweden&#x27;s northern gem, Luleå promises an array of unforgettable experiences, from exploring the historic Gammelstad Church Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, to embarking on thrilling outdoor adventures.

Sámi culture

Discover Sweden's traditional Sámi culture and way of life

Sweden&#x27;s indigenous people – the Sámi people – lead sustainable, culture-rich lives close to nature. Responsible tourism is increasingly part of this lifestyle, and you&#x27;re invited to take it all in via a variety of experiences, some of which involve unforgettable encounters with reindeer.

Sarek national park

True adventure in Laponia

If you’re looking to get away from it all, there’s no better place than Laponia in Swedish Lapland, where you can experience vast expanses of nature, the Northern Lights and the Midnight Sun. Head north to experience Sweden’s Arctic region and a well-preserved way of life in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

A tree house in the forest. Several bird boxes decorates the outside of the house.

Biosphere at Treehotel, Harads

Top design places to visit in northern Sweden

Looking for places to explore Swedish design, arts and crafts on your holiday in Sweden? Svensk Form (the Swedish Society of Crafts and Design) has put together this list of the top design places to visit in northern Sweden.

Top 6 design places to visit in northern Sweden

Norrbotten

Umeå river

Umeå – a cultural hotspot immersed in nature

With world-class museums and universities, Umeå is the cultural capital of northern Sweden – and a European Capital of Culture as well – with magnificent wilderness on its doorstep.

Umeå

Landscape view of mountainous terrain with autumn colours.

Vindelfjällen

The Blue Highway – a riverside road trip through northern Sweden

The Swedish stretch of the Blue Highway makes for an epic road trip. Set off any time of year, and you&#x27;ll be immersed in the majestic nature and cultural heritage of Västerbotten and the southern part of Lapland.

Two people kayaking on a lake by a large white castle in the summer time.

Canoeing on Lake Vänern

Top 8 lake vacations in Sweden

With over 100,000 lakes in Sweden, you're never too far from a beautiful lakeside. And thanks to Sweden’s right of public access, these serenity-inducing waters are free for all to enjoy.

Top 8 lake vacations in Sweden – from wild swimming to kayak adventures

Västerbotten – a hotspot for unforgettable nature experiences

A person standing with its camera on a snowy hill under an epic aurora where the sky is changing colour from blue, yellow, purple, pink and a bright green.

Northern lights

When and where to see the magical Northern Lights in Sweden

To see the beauty of the Northern Lights, head to northern Sweden between early September and late March. This winter, the Aurora Borealis will be mighty as we enter the solar cycle&#x27;s peak.Below are five tips for increasing your chances to see the Northern Lights and some of the best places in Sweden to watch them.

When and where to see the magical Northern Lights

Sami handcraft leather and pewter bracelets on a reindeer pelt.

Sami handcraft

Sámi handicraft

If you didn’t already know it the Sámi people who live in Lapland in the very far north of Sweden, are the original Swedes. They can trace their roots here back to the Ice Age, some 10,000 years ago.

Kayaking

Kayaking and canoe adventures in Sweden

Experience Sweden from the waterside in a kayak or canoe, gliding along mighty lakes, clean rivers and through Swedish archipelagos that spread across the idyllic coastlines and into the sea.

Two women are sitting on a hill in the mountains and enjoying the midnight sun.

Midnight Sun in Rikgränsen, Swedish Lapland

When and where to see the spectacular Midnight Sun in Sweden

Midnight Sun is when the sun never sets in the summer. The Midnight Sun is a 24-hour period of sunlight that can be experienced above the Arctic Circle in Swedish Lapland.

When and where to see the spectacular Midnight Sun

Hiking the King's Trail, Swedish Lapland

The King's Trail has something for everyone

Hiking the King’s Trail, Kungsleden, takes you to the far north of Sweden through scenic mountains and the beauty of the four national parks of World Heritage Site Laponia. Multiple entry and exit points mean you can easily tailor your hike.

Year-round Icehotel

Icehotel – the coolest hotel in the world

Two hundred kilometres north of the Arctic Circle, you’ll find the world-famous Icehotel. Each icy room is an art installation showcasing the designs of some of the world’s most talented artists. For more than 30 years, the hotel – located in the village of Jukkasjärvi – has expanded to become a year-round hub for outdoor activities and inspired dining experiences.

Mountain biking in Swedish Lapland

Sweden – a paradise for cycling

Whether you’re a thrill seeker or prefer a gentle sightseeing, the varied landscape as well as the cycle-friendly cities in Sweden make it ideal for exploring on two wheels. Explore this beautiful country in a wholesome manner while getting out into the nature like a local.

Gammelstad Church Town in northern Sweden

The Gammelstad Church Village in Luleå

Gammelstad Church Village charms with its 15th-century stone church, medieval streets, and its UNESCO World Heritage Site status. You&#x27;ll find it in the town of Luleå, in Swedish Lapland.

Swedish Lapland – a culture-rich natural wonderland

Cross-country skiing in Östersund

Åre and Östersund – a mountainous twin destination ideal for outdoor enthusiasts

Östersund and the nearby mountain resort Åre, offer an array of year-round outdoor activities across their spectacular landscapes, in addition to fascinating cultural attractions.

Jämtland Härjedalen – a twin province with majestic scenery

Northern Sweden – and the famed Swedish Lapland

Want to plan your holiday based on your interests? Select activities of choice or explore Sweden geographically.

Northern Sweden

General

RegionHälsingland – a world of cultural heritage and untouched nature

RegionGästrikland – a peaceful county by the Baltic Sea

MedelpadMedelpad

CitySundsvall

The regional flavours of Sweden

The magnificent Stone City of Sundsvall

The gardens of Sweden – a botanist’s dream

NorrbottenNorrbottenView all

CityKiruna – an arctic city bathed in the Northern Lights

CityLuleå: Where history meets modernity in Swedish Lapland

Discover Sweden's traditional Sámi culture and way of life

True adventure in Laponia

Top 6 design places to visit in northern Sweden

Västerbotten – a hotspot for unforgettable nature experiencesVästerbotten – a hotspot for unforgettable nature experiencesView all

CityUmeå

The Blue Highway – a riverside road trip through northern Sweden

The gardens of Sweden – a botanist’s dream

Discover Sweden's traditional Sámi culture and way of life

Top 6 design places to visit in northern Sweden

Top 8 lake vacations in Sweden – from wild swimming to kayak adventures

Swedish Lapland – a culture-rich natural wonderlandSwedish Lapland – a culture-rich natural wonderlandView all

The regional flavours of Sweden

When and where to see the magical Northern Lights

Sámi handicraft

Kayaking and canoe adventures in Sweden

When and where to see the spectacular Midnight Sun

The King's Trail has something for everyone

Discover Sweden's traditional Sámi culture and way of life

Top 6 design places to visit in northern Sweden

True adventure in Laponia

Icehotel – the coolest hotel in the world

The Blue Highway – a riverside road trip through northern Sweden

Sweden – a paradise for cycling

The Gammelstad Church Village in Luleå

Top 8 lake vacations in Sweden – from wild swimming to kayak adventures

Jämtland Härjedalen – a twin province with majestic sceneryJämtland Härjedalen – a twin province with majestic sceneryView all

CityÅre and Östersund – a mountainous twin destination ideal for outdoor enthusiasts

Top 6 design places to visit in northern Sweden

Sweden – a paradise for cycling

Discover Sweden's traditional Sámi culture and way of life

Top 8 lake vacations in Sweden – from wild swimming to kayak adventures

More in Northern Sweden

RegionÅngermanland

Hälsingland – a world of cultural heritage and untouched nature

Gästrikland – a peaceful county by the Baltic Sea

Sundsvall

NorrbottenNorrbotten

Kiruna – an arctic city bathed in the Northern Lights

Luleå: Where history meets modernity in Swedish Lapland

Västerbotten – a hotspot for unforgettable nature experiencesVästerbotten – a hotspot for unforgettable nature experiences

Umeå

Swedish Lapland – a culture-rich natural wonderlandSwedish Lapland – a culture-rich natural wonderland

Jämtland Härjedalen – a twin province with majestic sceneryJämtland Härjedalen – a twin province with majestic scenery

Åre and Östersund – a mountainous twin destination ideal for outdoor enthusiasts

Ångermanland