How to get to Lapland? Read up before you go, and spend some time learning about their culture while youre there (the Silver Museum in Arjeplog is a great place to start!). You can also fly to Lapland from Stockholm, but the prices are normally much higher. What is important to keep in mind are the vast distances in Lapland. But while much of the flora and fauna slumber in hibernation, this is when humans enjoy a buzz of activity; skiing, snowshoeing, reindeer and dog sledding, and snowmobiling through the snow, while the frozen lakes become a playground for car enthusiasts who flock to drive race cars on the thick ice. Saving this for reference later. We were welcomed into their homes, greeted everywhere with warm and genuine smiles, taught about the flora and fauna, taken on incredible hikes, kept nourished with coffee, cake, and delicious meals, and treated like friends every single day. Residents only come during religious festivals. Kiruna airport in Swedish Lapland is the most well-known destination to hit for a Swedish Lapland adventure holiday. You can fly from Helsinki to Rovaniemi in less than 2 hours for around 100 USD or take the train. I visited Lapland in October. With the free sauna that was included in the price I felt like a queen. Cant get North? The word Lapland means different things to different people. People in Sweden drive carefully and the biggest hazards come from the wildlife around you. On a clear day from the peak, you can see over 130km in all directions across the surrounding marshland and forest with views extending even into Norway. Check out the Southern Lights in New Zealand! Were talking -42c kind of cold. The Ultimate Guide to Visit the Finnish Lapland in Winter It crosses two lakes and also passes through a bare landscape edged by pine and beech forests. Some of these objects are available to buy, such as decorative bags featuring pewter embroidery and felted wool panels. An almost mandatory stop is the polar circle sign right before Jokkmokk. The northern light season already starts in September and runs into April. Recommended option Fly Stockholm to Lulea, taxi 5h 21m Fly from Stockholm (ARN) to Lulea (LLA) ARN - LLA Swedish Lapland is one of Europes true untouched wildernesses. If you are planning a trip to Russian lapland it is best to start your journey in St Petersburg or Moscow. Small wooden cottages were built around the church that allowed people to stay the night. After Storforsen, I headed straight to Arvidsjaur where I arrived just in time to see Lapstaden before it got dark. It makes for a great day trip from Kiruna and there are lots of great day hikes you can make. But Lule is not all about nature and there are also some cultural things to do here. Remember that the sky needs to be free of cloud for you to see the midnight sun properly. In summer, Arjeplog is a likeable, peaceful little place, where hiking, canoeing and fishing are all popular activities, each offering the chance of blissful isolation, be it by the side of a secluded mountain tarn or in a clearing deep in the pine forest. Its easy to book your train tickets online through the Russian Railways where you can also check the latest time tables and prices. The snow still lies thick and heavy but the sun has returned to ice-blue skies to spread warmth across the plains again. Born in Jkkvik in 1800 and educated in Kvikkjokk, the young Laestadius soon developed a close relationship with the indigenous Smi, many of whom had turned to drink to escape the harsh reality of their daily lives. In late July you can go cloudberry picking in the surrounding marshland, and in the autumn you can hunt for lingonberries, blueberries and wild mushrooms. First of all I was promised a scenic landscape with small villages and fertile meadows. However, reaching Lapland without flying requires some time and planning. Thanks for your support! Swedish Lapland provides endless outdoor activities, from skiing and dogsledding to summer adventures across the water, such as long distance canoeing and white water rafting. There is a direct night train from Stockholm to Kiruna (14 hours) as well that goes on to Abisko and even Narvik in Norway. Basically, if it involves getting outside and into nature, those canny Swedes have come up with a fun way to do it. Drivers will find a well-developed road network the main roads are E4, E10 and E45. Stretching northwest of Arvidsjaur out towards the Norwegian border, the municipality of Arjeplog, roughly the size of Belgium, supports a population of under three thousand two-thirds of whom live in the lakeside town, ARJEPLOG, 85km from Arvidsjaur. Kalix vendace roe is another must-try delicacy. If youre looking to fly direct, flights operate between Heathrow and Kiruna with Discover the World, or from Birmingham to Kiruna via FlyCar. Its since been restored, and the cottages can be rented out via the tourist office. If opting to travel by train it is actually much faster and cheaper to travel from Sweden by taking the direct SJ nighttrain from Malmo or Stockholm to Narvik (19 hours, 70 USD onwards). All together it is a pretty large area that is sparsely populated due to its extreme climate. Top 8 Things to do in Swedish Lapland (Sweden) - Pretty Wild World 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. The Sami people have existed in the Arctic region for thousands of years, and Lapland - called Spmi in their own language - is their heartland. I headed straight to Kiruna. The answer is more complicated though, because Lapland is actusally not a country. There are very good connections from all Northern capitals and there are even international flights heading in the North. There is this one hotel room that looks like a bird's nest, and another resembles a UFO. Scandinavia for first-timers: 7 ideas for short breaks, 16 of the best places to camp around the world, Plan your tailor-made trip with a local expert, Travel stress-free with local assistance and 24/7 support. Annika counts out the changes using her hands; four points for the regular seasons, and taps the webbing between her fingers to show the in-betweens: True Autumn // Sami: tjaktja (September - October), full of vibrant colour and crisp air. You might be excited to see an elk or reindeer for the first time, but you really dont want them in front of your car. Some of the links on this post are affiliate links. However, there is always the chance to be flashed, even in the most remote places. How to get to Lapland: the best way to travel - Backpack Adventures (2023) From Karesuando its a drive of 510km to the North Cape in Norway, routing via Enonteki in Finland and then Kautokeino and Alta in Norway; it will take at least six hours with your own car. But skipping out on travel there during the warmer months is, frankly doing the area (and yourself!) Practical information before your trip to Swedish Lapland. Its home to fascinating collections of over 700 pieces of Smi silver, including several ornate silver collars that were handed down from mother to daughter; if a mother had several daughters she would divide her chain amongst them. A few suggestions to get the holiday planning process started Stockholm,Gothenburg and the West Coast,Swedish Lapland Stockholm and Gothenburg Compare cinnamon buns from the best bakeries in Sweden 5 days, from 1,600 OUR SWEDISH LAPLAND HOLIDAYS Swedish Lapland Family Break in Lapland Accommodation in Rovaniemi (Lapland) What to visit in Lapland Santa Claus Village Snowmobiling Reindeer sleigh ride Sleigh ride with huskies Korundi Museum, Arktikum and Pilke Science Centre Getting to know the centre of Rovaniemi It might be a small town, but it is surrounded by spectacular nature and there are several easy going hiking trails. Also make sure you bring some snacks and water. It reminded me a lot of the Blingeberget as there are fields full of rocks left behind from the ice age that you have to climb through. For centuries, the indigenous Sami population existed in complete harmony with nature to survive, their calendar finely attuned to their surrounding wilderness and its transitions. However, there is much more to Jukkasjrvi than the ice hotel alone. Inari is the northernmost town in Finland and is almost 1200 kilometers north of Helsinki. The trees unfurl fresh leaves, the forest floor is thick with ferns and moss, and its time to trade the snowmobiles for hiking boots and bikes, and take off for mountain adventures. Without the app, just drive carefully and avoid driving at night if you can. Run by the Vinka family, youll learn about Sami cultural heritage and traditions, as well the nature and animals with which the Sami people are so intrinsically connected. As a result the town feels abandoned during the week, but comes alive on special occasions. A great place that is centrally located in between the train station and city center. Swedish Lapland is also a great place to explore if you have your own motorhome. In addition there are some interesting free things to do in Kiruna too. I found Jokkmokk to be a great place to stay a few days. Only 20 minutes away from Lule lies the Blingeberget nature reserve. There are also 3 daytime trains that take between 8 and 9 hours. Swedish Lapland Holidays - Original Travel Except that it is home to one of the largest ikea stores in Sweden. Geunja, the Smi eco lodge, in Vindelfjllen Nature Reserve, in the mountains of Swedish Lapland. If there is a reindeer herd on the road make sure not to disturb them. This includes an average layover time of around 2h 31m. Beyond Tromso there is not much, but some small towns and spectacular arctic landscapes. With a unique location amongst the Pite Archipelago, this city has something for everyone and is quite popular with Swedish travelers, especially in the summertime. This far up north the weather changes quickly and the Sami people actually follow no less than 8 seasons. The contemporary, Kust Hotell & Spa in Pite, meanwhile, has more than 90 rooms and suites, a spa and skytop bar. You can rest sure that the towns of Swedish Lapland are modern and vibrant, offering great services and beautiful city vibes. Map Travel Advice Accommodation Swedish Lapland, the heartland of the indigenous Smi people, is Europe's last wilderness, characterized by seemingly endless forests of pine and spruce, thundering rivers that drain the snow-covered fells and peaceful lakeside villages high amongst the hills. Eskelisen Lapin Linjat Oy, Lnstrafiken Norrbotten, Haparanda Tornio and others, the Lapland to Sweden service departs from 7 and arrives in Stockholm Centralstation. With the vast distances in Swedish Lapland that is not a lot. Sweden to Lapland by bus. And we couldnt agree more. a disservice. If youre a chronic snacker (like Mim! The unique flavours of Swedish Lapland can be sampled at restaurants across the region. The last stop before Gallivare was Dundret Nature reserve. Kiruna is easy to reach by flight for around 200 USD (1.5 hours). Just a bit south of Lule is the small town of Pite. For the original inhabitants of the north, the Smi, the area they call Spmi (the indigenous name for Lapland) extends from Norway through Sweden and Finland to the Russian Kola peninsula, an area where theyve traditionally lived a semi-nomadic life, following their reindeer from valley bottom to fell top. There are 30 national parks in Sweden, one of them is Sarek with magnificent mountain ranges, glaciers and wild rapids. This cute little town is considered to be the cultural capital of Swedish Lapland. Mountains bursting with colour, beautiful hiking and cycle trails, lake fishing, gorgeous towns, and stunning nature (ripe for berry and mushroom picking!) From Gllivare to Kiruna it is a short 1,5 hour drive which gave me enough time to have lunch in Kiruna and explore the city. How to get to Lapland: the best way to travel. One more reason to include Lule in your Lapland itinerary is because it is an upcoming foodie destination. ", - Anna Bromes and Johanna Kindvall,Fika: The Art of the Swedish Coffee Break. With few international connections you will likely fly through Stockholm. These earnings help me to keep Backpack Adventures alive! Abisko National Park is one of the most popular national parks in Sweden and for good reason. The air is clear and crisp, the rivers clean and deep and the winters mighty cold in 1989 a temperature of -52C was recorded here. Your email address will not be published. . However, at the same time it is still in use, despite being more than 300 years old. Alternatively, you can shorten the hike to just 3km by taking a boat ride from Kilpisjrvi across the lake on M/S Malla (late Juneearly Aug 10am, 2pm & 6pm Finnish time; 45min; 25 return); note that the boat requires at least four passengers to sail. The best way to explore this part of the world is on a road trip. This young student town is the largest city in Swedish Lapland and has a very friendly and relaxed atmosphere. Self-drive adventure to Swedish Lapland. You can do it at home, in a park or at work. What are the transports from/to Rovaniemi airport/train station? The Common Wanderer is a responsible travel and adventure blog by Mark & Mim. The Sami people have been reindeer-herders for thousands of years, and each year, those who still herd them migrate with their animals through Lapland and to the coast. Thanks for your support! From here theres a choice of routes: 34km direct to Ammarns, or 24km to Rvfallet and then another 20km into Ammarns. How to get to Lapland: the best way to travel - Backpack Adventures (2023) This section of the trail finishes at Kebnekaisefjllstation, from where its possible to leave the main trail and head to Nikkaluokta, 19km away (served by buses to Kiruna). Why Riding the Inlandsbanan is the Best Way to Get to Swedish Lapland There are also day time trains if you would like to see the scenery. Lapstaden is an example of a typical Sami town with the traditional wooden huts that they used to live in. You can check the latest train schedules and prices on the website of the Finnish railway where you can also book your tickets. Its 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. Most famous is the whitefish from the Torne river. Luckily there were only a few stops from here on. The local vsterbotten cheese that you can buy in the supermarket is delicious. Its also home to three rivers and 8,727 lakes (including Swedens deepest), which means there are more than two lakes for every person living in the area. Locals shrug off their winter coats to bathe in the lakes, enjoy barbeques outside, and lap up the warm summer air. There is a direct night train from Stockholm to Kiruna (14 hours) as well that goes on to Abisko and even Narvik in Norway. Disclaimer: This post with a travel guide about a Lapland itinerary for a 2 week Lapland road trip contains affiliate links. Heading north for Treriksrset the three-nation marker post where Sweden, Norway and Finland meet walk over the bridge to Kaaresuvanto in Finland, from where a daily bus leaves at 2.35pm (Finland is an hour ahead of Sweden) for Kilpisjrvi (journey time 1hr 40min). Well, it turns out that the region is far more than just dogsleds and skiing (though these do feature heavily). If you buy any service through any of my links, I will get a small commission at no extra cost to you. How to Spend 7 Perfect Days in Swedish Lapland - InsideHook Ask at the tourist offices for details. Another thing to keep in mind is the speed control. However, even as a daytrip from Jokkmokk, Kvikkjokk is a great destination. This is a very green time when nature awakens. It is a multiple day trip by car and there are no direct trains either. But planning your trip solely around the potential of seeing this nocturnal rainbow in a region whose weather is as unpredictable as the lights themselves well, its just kind of silly and setting yourself up for disappointment. Lulea lies on the Bothnian coast, 900 kilometers north of Stockholm. It makes a great gateway to the spectacular nature around it, but in the city itself there isnt that much to see. Once an important forestry centre, now a quiet, unassuming little place with just one main street, it is named after the wife of King Gustav IV Adolf, Fredrika Dorotea Vilhelmina (as is its southerly neighbour, Dorotea). Warm gear is still an essential packing item, so at the very least make sure you have a pair of thermals, a thick jacket (or down jacket for the cooler Spring and Autumn months), and wind/waterproof gear. Theres an easy hike (40km) from the cabins to Keinovuopio, where you cross the river to the village of Peera, on the main E8 road in Finland; from here you can catch the bus back to Karesuando (daily at approximately 1.45pm, also June to mid-Sept daily at 11.25am; check Finnish bus times at wmatkahuolto.fi). In this post I will share with you my Swedish Lapland itinerary. Some consider this to be the worst time to visit Lapland, but I absolutely loved it. Besides the autumn colours, other advantages to visit Swedish Lapland off season is the fact that you have nature all for yourself and the lower prices. The next major stop on the Inlandsbanan and bus route north of Storuman is SORSELE, 76km away a pint-sized, quiet little town on the Vindellven River. They now also offer a bed and breakfast option in case you like a bit more of comfort. Temperatures can reach -40c now, so its not for the faint-hearted (or cold-blooded)! You can check the latest train time tables and prices on the website of the Swedish railways where you can also book your tickets. Besides the tourist hotspot Kiruna, it is a very off the beaten path destination. Even hitchhiking is a possibility. Swedish Lapland focuses on only two seasons with vastly different activities. Jokkmokk doesnt have a train station, but you can take the night train from Stockholm to Murjek where a bus to Jokkmokk connects with the train. Add to that four national rivers and you have endless scope to find your ideal fishing spot. Photography and written content may not be reproduced without our permission. There are some direct flights to Lapland, but travelling by train is more sustainable. But the essential thing is that you do it, that you make time to take a break: that's what fika is all about. Recommended option Bus Take the bus from Kiruna busstation to Pello Pellohallen Take the bus from Pello (Linjatie) to Roimunrotko E 6h 21m 47 - 69 The meat is a key source of food, and the hide is used for rugs. Aurora Safari Camp also offers many other arctic activities, including snowmobile tours, Nordic skiing and dogsledding. How to get to Lapland: the best way to travel - Backpack Adventures (2023) Table of Contents Where to go in Lapland How to get to Lapland in Finland Helsinki to Rovaniemi Helsinki to Ivalo and Inari How to get to Lapland in Sweden Stockholm to Lulea Stockholm to Jokkmokk Stockholm to Kiruna and Abisko. Lappland Sweden. Where to stay: I stayed in the Grand Hotel Lapland. There are some 300 words in Sami dialects to describe different types of snow. The lack of dense population sprawl means that when travelling between communities you wont find much other than forest berries or wild mushrooms to snack on. However you can also go by train, hop on busses or bring your own vehicle to the North. It is easy to speed up as you drive through the forests with no one in sight. If you have the time, there are self catering cabins in the park where you can stay the night. The cheapest way to get to Swedish Lapland from Stockholm is usually by train to Lulea or Kiruna ( you can see the train times and buy tickets here ). With the right preparations, you can ensure a comfortable journey. This unsullied corner of the country is a very long way away for many Swedes; in terms of distance, Gothenburg, for example, is closer to Venice than it is to Kiruna. I am heading to lapland in February. Day 1: Arrival. Moving further north, the iron-ore mining centres of Gllivare (where the Inlandsbanan ends) and Kiruna share a rugged charm, though its undoubtedly the world-famous Icehotel in nearby Jukkasjrvi that is the real winter draw. The next place where we stopped was in Juoksengi for another sign of the arctic circle. In addition, we have gathered some information for Swedish Lapland travellers here. Flights run from Stockholm Arlanda Airport to the Swedish Lapland airports of Arvidsjaur, Gllivare, Kiruna, Lule and Skellefte. If you fly into Kiruna there are day trains and buses to Abisko (1.5 hours). Share your stories and tips in the comments below! How to get the best out of four nights in Lapland - Bridges and Balloons While it's now viewed as a sign of former religious and social life, Gammelstad church town's origins were actually based far more in practicality. The only steep climb is 8km long between Ammarns and Aigert, where theres an imposing waterfall and a traditional steam sauna in the cabin. Nowadays borders have defined them to be citizens of a certain country. It is only 193 meters high, but you can see far and wide around you. The reindeer-calving season also means cute little reindeer calves with wobbly-knees are a common sight. The principal attraction is the church town, nestling between Storgatan and Ljusminnesgatan, whose thirty-odd wooden cottages date back to 1792 when the first church was consecrated. Located just north of the 67th parallel, Gllivare has a pretty severe climate: as you stroll around the open centre, have a look at the double-glazed windows here, all heavily insulated to protect against the biting Arctic cold. Tromso is also an international airport so there might be direct flights from your home country. Russias remote Kola Peninsula has few tourist facilities, but it is one of the cheapest places to explore Lapland. Take advantage of the endless days to explore the varied landscape by setting off on a hike or foraging excursion. To be honest, it was a bit of a sad moment for me, because it meant that my Swedish Lapland road trip would almost be over and that from now on I would only go further south. It crashed in neutral Sweden on 22 October 1944 after being hit by Germans. Northern Lights Sweden Trip in Swedish Lapland Guide What we discovered during our time there, is that fika is actually not a type of coffee at all, but a wonderful social construct: the art of enjoying a proper coffee break. Lappland is Europe's last true wilderness. Traditional dishes such as reindeer stew and chanterelle soup are cooked over an open fire and youll sleep in either a Sami-designed, grass-roofed log cabin or a traditional goathie hut. The Best Things to Do in Swedish Lapland - Travel + Leisure Take them on a birdwatching adventure you might catch a hoard of reindeer in the distance, too. Norwegian Lapland has lots to offer, but it is also the most expensive place to see Lapland. The small town has a scenic location on the Torne river and is dotted with the typical swedish wooden homes. Finnish bus timetables are at w eskelisen.fi, Norwegian ones at w snelandia.no. Jokkmokk is also the only place in Sweden with a college teaching reindeer husbandry and craft making in the native language. During the last years, salmon runs in the wild Swedish Baltic rivers have been heading in the right direction. Swinging my backpack over my shoulder, I spotted my rain jackethanging by the door and, ever the over-cautious one, made a last minute decision to stuff it into my pack before we headed out. THE HISTORY OF GAMMELSTAD CHURCH TOWN . document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hello, I am Ellis. Some so far that they couldnt travel back the same day. To put this into some kind of perspective for you: the community of Arjeplog is roughly the size of Montenegro and is only inhabited by 3,000 people. If you fly into Kiruna there are day trains and buses to Abisko (1.5 hours).