Sports on snow and ice – winter fun in Luleå

When the long winter sets in in Luleå, the boundary between land and sea becomes blurred. Where boats and ferries normally take visitors to the islands of the archipelago, cars now drive across the ice on specially prepared tracks, some of which are also suitable for fat bikes. An extensive network of winter trails has also been created in the region for these off-road bikes with their wide tyres.

ice roads around Luleå

Snowshoes make it possible to explore the winter landscape around Luleå off the beaten track. The wide attachments carry you across frozen lakes and snow-covered forests that would otherwise remain inaccessible. Around 30 kilometres outside the city, in the village of Mörön, guided tours set off into the tranquil countryside. If you are lucky, you may encounter moose, hares or other wild animals in their natural habitat.

snowshoeing

Just a few steps across the frozen harbour of Luleå, and you reach a hole cut in the ice. The brave take the plunge into the cold water – but only briefly, for between ten and sixty seconds. The dip is often followed by a hot sauna session: the ‘hot-cold-hot’ cycle relieves stress and stimulates blood circulation – for many locals, it's an essential part of winter.

ice bathing in Luleå

Those seeking a cold thrill can jump into the icy water and float along – wearing a brightly coloured survival suit, of course. During the long subarctic winter, a layer of ice up to one metre thick forms on the sea. Icebreakers keep the routes clear. Tourists can come aboard in Piteå, which is about 67 kilometres from Luleå.

icebreaker-tour

When the local ice hockey club Luleå HF plays a home game in Sweden's top league, more than 5,000 fans regularly flock to the Coop Norrbotten Arena. The team in black, red and yellow has already won two national championships. Even those who have never been to an ice hockey game before will have a great time at this fast-paced, approximately two-hour sporting event.