A Route Through The Incredible Swedish Lapland

Traveling to Swedish Lapland can be a real adventure. It is surprising to discover these adventurous sensations in a European country, and more so in one as modern as Sweden. However, its landscapes, its peculiar environmental conditions both in summer and winter and local traditions make touring this area of ​​the planet a difficult experience to forget.

Swedish Lapland and the Sami people

When we talk about Lapland we are referring to a territory spread over several countries. There is Swedish Lapland, but there are also sister lands in neighboring countries: Norway and Finland.

And in all these lands there is a wooded and hard natural environment that for centuries has been the space where the Sami people have lived, which we will also meet on our journey. So let’s start the Swedish Lapland itinerary.

Swedish Lapland from south to north or vice versa

We are going to propose a tour of Swedish Lapland between the cities of Skelleftea to the south and Kiruna to the north. Both populations are connected by plane with the capital of the country, the interesting city of Stockholm.

We recommend you fly to those airports and once there, rent a vehicle to explore the territory. And if possible, if it is a motorhome, it is more expensive, but it will save you on accommodation and meals, something always very interesting in Scandinavian countries.

1. Skelleftea

The city of Skelleftea, on the shores of the Gulf of Bothnia, is considered the gateway to Swedish Lapland. It is a relatively large city, taking into account that almost all of our route will be through natural and rural areas. So it is a good place to start the trip, an experience that begins by following the coast until it reaches the city of Gammelstad.

2. Gammelsatd

The first tour is an excellent appetizer for this peculiar road trip . A marine landscape, of rocks and forests, as well as numerous islands is discovered. And so we come to Gammelstad, dominated by its graceful 15th century church, its hundreds of wooden houses and its medieval streets. It is a wonder from another time that, of course, reminds us of the Viking age.

3. Vuollerin

We are going to leave the coast and head towards the interior of Swedish Lapland. Our destination is Vuollerin. This is where the quintessential Sami way of life is kept. And the best way to discover them is through their gastronomy, since the typical reindeer stews, grilled salmon and fermented herring can be eaten at home.

4. Jokkmokk

Another town in Swedish Lapland with a good sample of Sami culture is Jokkmokk. It is a small town, but one of the most pleasant, where several ethnographic museums await you. And there, in addition, you can buy the best traditional garments in the Sami textile cooperative.

5. Gallivaré

We continue north and arrive at Gallivaré. In its surroundings , truly dreamy lake landscapes await us and where it is possible to practice kayaking. It is a most pleasant place, and in the middle of these imposing forests there is an old Sami village. The best way to define the whole is with the word endearing.

6. Abisko

The environment of the town of Abisko is also spectacular. There are several areas for hiking, as it is essential to relax in their traditional saunas. Likewise, there is a cable car that goes up to an ideal place to have excellent views of Swedish Lapland and in winter to contemplate incredible northern lights.

7. Kiruna, end of the route through Swedish Lapland

And we come to the end of our journey through Swedish Lapland. This is a place where many of the topics of tourism in this area of ​​the world occur, from the icy hotels and ice bars to the wooden churches that seem like a miracle that they have withstood the passage of centuries.

In addition, there is a wide offer of sleigh rides, snowmobiles or simple excursions to the lakes where you can watch the sunset. It is one of the best sensations that a trip to Swedish Lapland leaves behind.