Swedish Lapland – a culture-rich natural wonderland

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.