- Where to go
- Northern Sweden
- Swedish Lapland
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.
Sarek national park in Swedish Lapland
There are 30 national parks in Sweden, one of them is Sarek with magnificent mountain ranges, glaciers and wild rapids. Sarek national park is a part of the Laponian area, that was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996.
Photo: Anders Ekholm/Folio/imagebank.sweden.se
Cabins at Geunja in Vindelfjällen
Geunja, the Sámi eco lodge, in Vindelfjällen Nature Reserve, in the mountains of Swedish Lapland.
Photo: Swedish Lapland
Cabins at Geunja in Vindelfjällen
Photo: Swedish Lapland
Sami culture
Photo: Anna Öhlund/imagebank.sweden.se
Feeding reindeer
Photo: Tina Stafrén/imagebank.sweden.se
Sami
Photo: Lola Akinmade Åkerström/imagebank.sweden.se
Reindeer meat
Photo: Pernilla Ahlsén/imagebank.sweden.se
Sámi bracelet
Photo: Pernilla Ahlsén/imagebank.sweden.se
Northern lights in Swedish Lapland
The Northern Lights is a natural light display that is frequent during the winter months in northern Sweden.
Photo: Michael Törnkvist
Northern lights in Swedish Lapland
Photo: Michael Törnkvist
Midnight sun in Swedish Lapland.
Photo: Markus Alatalo
Torne River
Photo: Asaf Kliger/imagebank.sweden.se
Dog sledding
Photo: Tina Stafrén/imagebank.sweden.se
Team of huskies
Photo: Asaf Kliger/imagebank.sweden.se
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.
Caviar of Kalix
Kalix löjrom (Caviar of Kalix) fished by Junköfiskarna served with SAV sparkling. Kalix löjrom is is a vendace roe harvested in Northern Sweden.
Photo: Tina Stafrén/imagebank.sweden.se
Caviar of Kalix
Photo: Tina Stafrén/imagebank.sweden.se
Caviar of Kalix
Photo: Tina Stafrén/imagebank.sweden.se
ICEHOTEL Restaurant
Photo: Tina Stafrén/imagebank.sweden.se
ICEHOTEL 365
Photo: Tina Stafrén/imagebank.sweden.se