Discover Swedish Lapland on a wintry round-trip starting from Luleå

To start, follow the coast to Haparanda, Sweden’s easternmost town. From here, it’s just a few metres across the River Torneälven to Tornio in Finland. The neighbouring towns have a friendly relationship. You can find out more about the culture and language of Tornedalen, the Swedish name for the area, in the novel "Pop Music from Vittula" by best-selling author Mikael Niemi or in the Tornedalens Museum.

Tornedalens Museum (English)

Continue on to Jockfall near Överkalix, and experience the perfect combination of comfort and adventure in the snow: enjoy dog sledding and snowshoe hikes along the frozen River Kalix, ice fishing, horse riding or snowmobile rides to the Northern Lights. If you like, you can even stay in a tepee made with reindeer skins. Or would you prefer to stay in a cosy lodge with a fireplace?

Jockfall

Near Jokkmokk, there’s an opportunity for a special experience: want to sit by the fire in a lávvu tent, sample Sámi dishes, listen to joik (traditional Sámi singing) or feed reindeer? That’s possible with Anna and Erik of “Silba Siida”, a family of reindeer herders. They introduce visitors to their culture and openly display how they master the balancing act between tradition and everyday life. With a bit of luck, the Northern Lights will also be dancing across the sky at the same time.

Sámi culture (English)

From Kvikkjokk, continue to Vidsel, passing the imposing rapids of the Storforsen waterfall. With a length of five kilometres and a drop of 80 metres, they are the highest in Scandinavia. If you like, you can slip on your snowshoes, hike up Bredselsberget, and enjoy the view out over the natural phenomenon. The Alaskan Malamute Ranch offers animal-friendly dog-sled tours, “Adventure Weeks” and overnight accommodation.

Alaskan Malamute Ranch

After a short drive southeast, you'll reach Arvidsjaur. Every year, Sámi families gather here in the historic church village of Lappstaden, the equivalent to Gammelstaden in Luleå. Eighty-five of the wooden buildings are well-preserved, and guided tours are available. Arvidsjaur also offers a high-adrenaline experience: fans of high-performance cars can test them on frozen lakes in extreme winter conditions.

View on Google Maps

The last stage of the round-trip follows the “Riviera of the North”: between Skellefteå and Piteå, the coast is lined with long sandy beaches and quiet bays. These sweeping views over the ice are best enjoyed on a walk with a flask of hot coffee. Pite Havsbad, one of the largest holiday resorts in Scandinavia, is the perfect place for a relaxing spa session. You can also take a trip to charming Piteå before continuing on to Luleå.

Piteå