If it’s the first time, you have ever met a pack of enthusiastic huskies, no wonder you would be a bit reserved. However, there’s absolutely nothing to be afraid of. Join the British couple, Sabina and Pete, for their first encounter with some of Skellefteå’s furry residents.
Ted Logart
Dog sledding through vast expanses of white is in many ways synonymous with a winter adventure in Swedish Lapland. Håkan Stenlund took a tour in the Vindelfjällen Nature Reserve. Following the footsteps of Jack London, in a way.
Håkan Stenlund
In Junosuando, a village located on the Arctic Circle in Swedish Lapland, there's a statue of Leonhard Seppala. He's one of the world's most famous mushers. This is the story about Leonhard himself, his dog Togo, and what became known as the "Great Race of Mercy".
Håkan Stenlund
On lake Uddjaur in Arjeplog, is where you'll find one of the coolest driving schools in the world: Lapland Ice Driving. How it came to be is a cold and actually quite a long story.
Håkan Stenlund
In the village of Jukkasjärvi, outside Kiruna, lies the original ICEHOTEL. Every year, since 1989, it has been reincarnated in a new rendition and there’s always more to come. From the beginning this was kind of a crazy idea in the winter, nowadays it’s as crazy all year round.
Emma Forsberg
To go on a boat trip and take a swim while you’re at it is a pretty common activity around the world, in Swedish Lapland as well. But in Piteå, just a hundred kilometres south of the polar circle, the considerably less common twist is that the boat trip happens in minus 20 degrees Celsius with an icebreaker that weighs in at 400 metric tons.
Anders Westergren
Abisko National Park, in Swedish Lapland, offers some of the best conditions in the world for northern lights watching. The unique climate of the area keep the skies almost clear, and the light pollution is next to nothing. And here, you also find the Aurora Sky Station.
Håkan Stenlund
You might think that in the Arctic, we have darkness or daylight. In the winter, the sun never rises above the horizon, and in the summer, the sun never sets. But in fact, we have light all year round. Just different kinds of light. Some darker, some brighter, and some very colourful.
Håkan Stenlund
Shimmery and magical. The dance of the northern lights is a spectacular sight that we frequently enjoy in Swedish Lapland. Viewing the Aurora Borealis is both a jaw-dropping and mystical experience. But when is the best time to see the northern lights in Swedish Lapland?
Emma Forsberg
Ice Ultra is a trial of strength for the hardy. 230 kilometres on foot in February, through one of Europe's perhaps most mythical mountain landscapes.
Iréne Lundström
February means time for the Scandinavian Winter Swimming Championship in Skellefteå. The championship is also part of the Winter Swimming World Cup as well as an appreciated festival for the entire city – all founded on a declaration of love for the cold and dark.
Ted Logart
The world’s longest cross-country ski race, 220 km, take place in Jokkmokk and has a history that traces back as far back as 1884. How did it all begin? And why?
Håkan Stenlund
Are you travelling to Swedish Lapland this winter, and wonder how to dress for the cold climate? Check out this guide for dressing for winter in Swedish Lapland.
The temperatures in Swedish Lapland can vary quite a bit, depending on whether you’re visiting the coastal, forest or mountain area, that is if you’re in the far north or the far south of Swedish Lapland. But either way, you’re still within a sub-arctic climate zone so thinking through your wardrobe before leaving is a good thing, especially during the winter.
The first snow usually falls in October, sometimes as early September in the most northern parts of Swedish Lapland. And it usually stays put from November to April/May. For instance, at the Riksgränsen Ski Resort, it’s usually possible to ski until mid-June. While the coastal area has shorter winters and by mid-June, many have already launched their sailboats. So, here’s a pro tip: Check the weather report before packing your bag.
Now, here’s how to dress for the Swedish Lapland winter and the freezing temperatures.
The key to dressing for a cold climate is layering. You don’t want to have so many layers that you can’t move, so balance is essential. We recommend at least three layers for staying warm, yet maintaining functionality.
The base layer: Controls warmth and moisture
The base layer should be soft, comfortable – and breathable. It should wick away any perspiration, so your skin stays dry. If you ask anyone in Swedish Lapland, they’d probably say that (merino) wool is the way to go while cotton is a poor choice. A long sleeve top and long-johns along with a pair of thermal socks should do the trick. Add layers of socks to your liking and an extra pair is always good to have within reach in case your feet get wet.
The mid layer: To keep the heat in
The mid-layer is the insulating layer and should be designed to keep you warm, it’s optional and mostly for very cold conditions. A fleece jacket or a thick wool sweater are both good insulating layers. Thick warm pants of polyester or fleece will keep your lower body warm. The key is flexibility: adding or removing mid-layers quickly, pulling up or down a zipper or unbuttoning a collar without a hassle will make your life easier.
The outer layer: Protects you from the elements
To stay dry in a snowy climate, your outer layer should be water- and windproof. In Swedish Lapland, we often refer to our outer layers as ”täckisar” which refers to clothes stuffed with down feathers, or just plain warm and puffy. Even though nowadays they are made by other insulating, synthetic materials, warm and durable winter clothing is what you want.
We recommend at least two pairs of mittens in very cold conditions. Go by the same layering principle: first, an insulating layer and then a warm, waterproof layer. A decent winter hat that covers your ears and keeps your head warm and when you’ve adjusted your the number of layers of thermal socks, a pair of waterproof and well-insulated winter boots is the final piece of the puzzle.
Many organisers of winter activities in Swedish Lapland provide outer clothing to their guests, check out their web page or send a quick e-mail and ask. Usually, you can borrow a winter overall, winter boots and thick mittens.
It is December and the landscape is covered in a white blanket; trees are heavy with snow and the roads are white. The dense mid-winter darkness creates a blue light during a few hours, and windows are lit up by advent stars and candlesticks. Christmas is here.
Emma Ebermark
In the village of Jukkasjärvi, outside Kiruna, lies the original ICEHOTEL. Every year, since 1989, it has been reincarnated in a new rendition and there’s always more to come. From the beginning this was kind of a crazy idea in the winter, nowadays it’s as crazy all year round.
Emma Forsberg
On the first weekend in February, every year since 1606, Jokkmokk's market is held. Apart from world-class Sámi art, culture and handicraft, visitors are usually greeted by proper, cold winter weather.
Håkan Stenlund
