Swedish Lapland – a culture-rich natural wonderland

Swedish Lapland is a region unlike any other. The land of the Midnight Sun and Northern Lights is home to mountains, forests, marshes, wild rivers and archipelagos. Stretching from Sorsele and Skellefteå in the province of Västerbotten, to the northernmost tip of Sweden, this arctic territory covers a quarter of the country. The sheer size and variety of terrain presents the outdoor enthusiast with endless options, from hiking and fishing to dog sledding and skiing. There are also plenty of cultural experiences to be had, as well as world-class accommodation that harness its natural surroundings – the most famous examples being Icehotel and the multi-award-winning Treehotel.

The northernmost parts of Sweden, Norway, Finland and Russia, also known as Sápmi, is the land of the indigenous population – the Sami people, who have lived here for thousands of years. The magnificent nature of Swedish Lapland may seem untouched, but for generations it’s been lovingly used by Samis, who divide the year into eight seasons. As a mark of respect for nature, they’ve named every valley and mountain peak.

Experience genuine Sami culture

Immerse yourself in Sami culture courtesy of authentic experiences such as Geunja Sami Eco Lodge, peacefully located by a lake in Ammarnäs. Run by the Vinka family, you’ll learn about Sami cultural heritage and traditions, as well the nature and animals with which the Sami people are so intrinsically connected. This off-grid adventure will have you enjoying guided boat trips, hikes in the nearby mountains and perhaps a spot of fishing. Traditional dishes such as reindeer stew and chanterelle soup are cooked over an open fire and you’ll sleep in either a Sami-designed, grass-roofed log cabin or a traditional goathie hut.

The Sami community could teach the rest of the world a thing or two about sustainability. When it comes to their reindeer very little goes to waste. The meat is a key source of food, and the hide is used for rugs. The leather is fashioned by hand into footwear and accessories, while horn is used for buttons and various objects. Some of these objects are available to buy, such as decorative bags featuring pewter embroidery and felted wool panels. Carl Wennberg in Kiruna is a reputable Sami craft shop, and there’s plenty on offer at Jokkmokk’s Winter Market, held during the first week of every February.

Natural lightshows and outdoor adventures

The Northern Lights are a draw for locals and international visitors alike. Aurora Sky Station in Abisko is considered one of the best places in the world to experience this natural lightshow. The electro-magnetic interplay between sun and earth that creates the northern lights happens all year round, but you’ll only be able to see it during the darker months – August through to April. Come May, the Northern Lights give way to the Midnight Sun, defined as the consecutive 24 hours of sunlight you get north of the Arctic Circle between May and mid-July.

Take advantage of the endless days to explore the varied landscape by setting off on a hike or foraging excursion. Essense of Lapland – headed by food creator and culture guide Eva Gunnare, offers educational guided tours across the marshes, forest and mountains near her beautiful hometown Jokkmokk.

The region is a dream for fly fishing enthusiasts, who take full advantage of its thousands of streams and lakes, as well as a 1,500 km coastline. Add to that four national rivers and you have endless scope to find your ideal fishing spot. The Torne river is one of the most productive salmon rivers in the world – up to 100,000 fish ascend the water every summer on their way to their spawning grounds. Other fish you’re likely to catch are pike, trout and whitefish.

Swedish Lapland is a winter paradise with a long skiing season. At the famous Riksgränsen ski resort you can hit the slopes as late as midsummer. For something a little different, Aurora Safari Camp, Sweden’s first ever wintertime glamping site, offers hot air balloon rides by night or day, allowing you to admire snow-covered treetops and the Råne River Valley from high above. Aurora Safari Camp also offers many other arctic activities, including snowmobile tours, Nordic skiing and dogsledding. Svedjekojan Husky Farm, a 25 minute drive from Piteå, is another company offering excellent dog sledding excursions.

Swedish Lapland’s culinary culture and top restaurants

Swedish Lapland’s food culture is greatly influenced by the Sami culinary tradition. Local produce takes centre stage, whether it’s cultivated or foraged in the wild. Reindeer is an important part of the diet and is sometimes smoked in the traditional way of preserving meat. Elk meat is another staple source of protein, while fish lovers can tuck into locally caught Arctic char and whitefish. Kalix vendace roe is another must-try delicacy. It’s the first Swedish food product to have received Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status by the EU, joining the ranks of Champagne, Parma Ham and Stilton Cheese. Swedish Lapland has plenty of cheese, too, much of which is produced at small-scale dairy farms, such as Svedjan Ost.

The unique flavours of Swedish Lapland can be sampled at restaurants across the region. The Veranda at Icehotel serves up a 12-course tasting menu. Luleå’s Restaurant CG has plenty of meat dishes to choose from, as well as some fish-based ones, such as Kalix vendace roe served with butter-fried toast. Meanwhile, Huuva Hideaway, a retreat located in the small village of Liehittäjä, offers a range of experience-driven dining experiences, all in keeping with Sami tradition, and always with an educational twist.

Swedish Lapland is a generous chunk of Sweden with a distinctive, multifaceted identity – one that’s likely to linger long after you’ve left.