Discover the Magic of Norrbotten and Swedish Lapland
Evelina Hjortskog
05.11.2024
∼ 10 min. read
Credits: Wangkun/Fjällräven/imagebank.sweden.se
Norrbotten is a county in the far northeast of Sweden, bordering Finland. It’s a part of Swedish Lapland, with cities like Kiruna, Piteå, Luleå and Haparanda. Swedish Lapland covers 25% of Sweden’s total area and is as large as Austria. Swedish Lapland is one of the most stunning destinations in Sweden, if not the world. Home to Sweden’s highest mountains, deepest lakes and some incredibly vast and lush green forests, Swedish Lapland is the ultimate destination for nature lovers. Due to its size and lack of inhabitants, the landscape is also far from crowded. Norrbotten and Swedish Lapland are best enjoyed from a campervan, and in this article, we will break down all the reasons why this part of Sweden is so magical.
Table of contents
Discover the Magic of Norrbotten and Swedish Lapland
What makes Norrbotten and Lapland Unique
There are very few places in the world where you can drink water straight from the streams, breathe in the purest air and enjoy the sun at 4 am. There are also very few places in the world where you can be surrounded by as much uninterrupted, wild and vast forest. This area offers everything that many places in the world lack: space, tranquillity, silence, clean air, and water. The unspoiled landscapes in Norrbotten/Swedish Lapland are shaped by the Arctic climate, with towering mountains, icy rivers and pristine lakes that come together to create one of the most breathtaking destinations. It’s a region that dramatically changes with the seasons, where the entire area transforms into a snowy winter wonderland. At the same time, the summer brings endless daylight, lush greenery, and sparkling, flowing waters.
Credits: Wangkun/Fjällräven/imagebank.sweden.se
Explore the Area with a Camper Van
Due to its vast distances and lack of public transportation outside of the towns, the best way to experience this beautiful part of Sweden is with a campervan. The towns are few and far between, which makes finding accommodation difficult at times, so what better way to drive your home around with you? Travelling by camper van allows you to go more off the beaten path and provides a freedom and flexibility that makes it the trip of a lifetime.
Due to Sweden’s “Allemansrätten” (Right of Public Access), campers have the freedom to camp in most of this region’s natural areas. This lets you discover hidden lakes, secluded spots in the forest, and vast landscapes under the open sky without being bound by hotels or tourist hubs.
Norrbotten and Lapland’s diverse landscape and geography means there’s always something to do in every season, and a camper van makes it easy to carry all the necessary gear. You can enjoy cross-country skiing, ice fishing, sledging, or snowshoeing in winter. In contrast, in summer, activities like hiking, fishing, and kayaking are just a short drive away from any parking spot.
There’s a specific thrill to van life in Swedish Lapland, where each day offers a new destination, a new landscape, and the opportunity to fully immerse yourself in the wild spirit of northern Sweden. With endless road options, you can take detours or stay longer in places that capture your heart.
Credits: Mattias Fredriksson/imagebank.sweden.se
When to Visit: Seasons and Weather Considerations
Although this part of Sweden does experience all four seasons, two dominate this landscape: summer and winter. The summer is full of light, quite literally. Up in these latitudes, the sun never sets in the summer – a phenomenon called midnight sun. It makes for a perfect time to visit; the days are so long that your exploration has no end apart from the sleep you need. Sleeping might prove difficult during this period, so bring a sleeping mask and try to make the van as dark as possible.
Although short-lived, autumn brings a colorful burst of a wide variety of colors covering the foliage of trees. Considering the massive number of trees in these parts of Sweden, this display will leave you in awe of nature and all that it has to offer.
Soon, you will notice that autumn turns into a long and dark winter, but the winter months up in these parts are nothing less but super exciting. In contrast to what one might think when the cold and darkness set in, this is when Northern Sweden booms. The thick and powdery snow starts falling and covers the entirety of this landscape – creating some light in the darkness and, with it, many fun activities to enjoy. As the nights turn darker, another natural phenomenon sets in – Aurora Borealis (the Northern Lights), lighting up the sky in a stunning display of green and purple.
Credits: Gösta Reiland/imagebank.sweden.se
Lapland’s Natural Wonders
As you may have gathered by now, this region has a magic known to very few other places worldwide. The best part? It’s right there at your feet. With a campervan adventure in these Northern parts of Sweden, you can experience both these magical phenomena, the Aurora Borealis and The midnight sun, depending on the time of the year you choose to visit. Or why not come back and see them both?
Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights)
Aurora Borealis is one of nature’s most breathtaking displays, and Norrbotten/Swedish Lapland offers some of the best places in the world to experience it.
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When to Go: The best time to see the Northern Lights in this area is from September to March, with the darkest and clearest night skies providing the best chances to witness this phenomenon.
You can read more about the best locations for watching the northern lights here (link to article), where we also provide the best tips and tricks for capturing them on camera.
If you are travelling to this area to witness this miracle, make sure you dress for the cold, stay patient, and enjoy the privilege of experiencing it firsthand.
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Credits: Hjalmar Andersson/imagebank.sweden.se
The Midnight Sun and Endless Summer Days
The Midnight Sun is a phenomenon in which the sun doesn’t set, offering never-ending daylight for several weeks in Swedish Lapland. It’s most intense above the Arctic Circle, and this area provides some incredible places to experience it.
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When to Go: The Midnight Sun can be seen in Norrbotten/Swedish Lapland from late May to mid-July. The further north you go, the longer the period of constant daylight lasts.
Top Locations for Experiencing Midnight Sun:
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Abisko and the Surrounding National Parks: These parks offer vast areas of stunning nature and expansive landscapes, allowing you to explore round-the-clock under the Midnight Sun.
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Luleå Archipelago: The islands offer a beautiful, reflective landscape with the sun hovering over the water throughout the night. Kayaking around the islands during the Midnight Sun is an unforgettable experience.
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Kebnekaise Mountain Area: Kebnekaise is the mountain with Sweden’s highest peak. The mountain provides panoramic views of the Midnight Sun, and hiking under the 24-hour sun is a truly unique adventure.
Ideal Activities for the Midnight Sun:
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Hiking and Trekking: This phenomenon allows for flexible, time-free exploration. The never-setting sun lets you explore at your own pace, anytime during the day or night.
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Fishing and Boating: The Midnight Sun’s effect on water landscapes in Norrbotten is stunning. Fishing or boating in the Torne River or around the Luleå Archipelago under the sun's glow is a serene and time-stopping experience.
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Photography: Have you ever fallen in love with the stunning “Golden Hour” that occurs right before the sun sets? During the Arctic summer, this lasts for hours, creating a warm, golden glow perfect for photographers. Capture the surreal light over lakes, mountains, and forests.
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Wildlife Watching: Many animals in Norrbotten/Swedish Lapland are more active during the Arctic summer, taking advantage of the extra daylight hours. Go birdwatching or take a nature walk to spot local wildlife like reindeer and moose.
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Cultural and Local Events: Many communities in Norrbotten/Lapland celebrate the Midnight Sun with festivals, Sami cultural events, and summer markets.
Credits: Tomas Utsi/imagebank.sweden.se
Exploring Lapland’s National Parks
Although Lapland is filled with vast forests and stunning landscapes, some areas must be visited due to their sheer beauty. A few breathtaking National Parks cover Lapland, and below, we have provided you with some suggestions on national parks to visit on your road trip in Northern Sweden.
Credits: Wangkun/Fjällräven/imagebank.sweden.se
Abisko National Park
Abisko National Park is one of Sweden’s most iconic natural parks. It is renowned for its accessibility, diverse landscapes, and ideal conditions for experiencing the Northern Lights.
It is located in the heart of Swedish Lapland and covers 77 square kilometres. It offers a mix of mountains, deep valleys, alpine flora, and crystal-clear lakes. The park is surrounded by the Abisko Alps, with peaks that provide stunning views of Lapland’s vast wilderness. Abisko Lake (Torneträsk) is one of the largest lakes in Sweden.
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Hiking and Trekking Routes: Abisko is famous for being the northern starting (or ending) point of Kungsleden, also known as “The King’s Trail”; one of Sweden’s most popular and well-maintained hiking routes. The first section of the trail, from Abisko to Nikkaluokta, offers incredible views and is suitable for hikers of varying levels. During 7 days of hiking, you can stop at huts and campsites. The Abisko Canyon is a must-see for day hikes, where the Abiskojåkka River carves through rock formations, creating a dramatic and scenic gorge.
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Northern Lights: Abisko is considered one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights, thanks to its unique location within a rain shadow. The relatively low rainfall and clear skies make it an excellent destination for aurora viewing. The Aurora Sky Station on Mount Nuolja is perfect for witnessing the Aurora.
Sarek National Park
Sarek National Park is one of Europe’s last truly wild areas, covering about 2,000 square kilometers of untouched wilderness. It’s known for its remote landscapes, challenging terrain, and status as Sweden’s most rugged national park.
The untouched landscape of Sarek provides you with scenery of high mountain ranges, deep valleys, and powerful rivers. The park contains over 200 peaks, six of which are over 2,000 meters high, making it a popular destination for mountaineers and seasoned hikers. Sarek’s network of valleys, like the Ráhpavuobme Valley, is both scenic and remote in a way rarely experienced elsewhere.
Unlike other parks, Sarek has no marked trails, facilities, or huts, which means it’s best suited for experienced wilderness trekkers who are good at navigating the terrain. The rewards for the brave traveller taking on this national park are many; Sarek is home to some of Sweden’s most iconic wildlife, including moose, lynx, wolverines, and, occasionally, brown bears.
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Camping in Sarek: For those who brave the trek, camping in Sarek provides an unparalleled experience of isolation and immersion in nature. Campers must be entirely self-sufficient, carrying all supplies and shelter, as no cabins or shelters exist within the park.
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Best Times to Visit: The best time to visit is between June and September, as snow makes the terrain difficult to navigate in winter. However, even in summer, weather can be unpredictable, with sudden shifts from sun to snow. Adequate preparation is essential for a safe experience in Sarek’s landscape
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Credits: Anders Ekholm/Folio/imagebank.sweden.se
Padjelanta and Stora Sjöfallet National Parks
Padjelanta and Stora Sjöfallet are two beautiful national parks that form part of the Laponia World Heritage Area. Both parks offer jaw-dropping scenery and more accessible camping and hiking opportunities than Sarek.
Padjelanta National Park is Sweden’s largest national park, covering over 2,000 square kilometers of wide landscapes, open valleys, and meadows with pristine lakes and rivers.
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Hiking and Trekking Routes: The Padjelanta Trail is a long-distance hiking route that runs through the park and passes by beautiful mountain lakes like Virihaure and Vastenjaure. This trail offers Sami-run huts that you can stay in during the night.
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Sami Culture: Padjelanta is deeply connected to the Sami people, and while visiting, you are likely to encounter Sami culture, particularly during the summer months when reindeer herders are active.
Stora Sjöfallet National Park is famous for its stunning water features, particularly the majestic waterfall, which was once one of Europe’s largest. The park also offers impressive lakes, like Akkajaure, and activities such as fishing and kayaking are common and accessible.
Stora Sjöfallet is relatively more accessible than Sarek and Padjelanta. It has well-maintained trails and cabins operated by the Swedish Tourist Association (STF). There are also designated camping spots, particularly around Lake Akkajaure.
Sami Culture and Heritage
Norrbotten/Swedish Lapland is home to the Arctic Region’s indigenous people, the Sami. The Sami have lived in Swedish Lapland for thousands of years, developing a unique culture and way of life adapted to the Arctic environment.
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Cultural Significance: The Sami people have a deep connection to nature, with traditions centered around reindeer herding, fishing, hunting, and living in harmony with the environment. For the Sami, nature is sacred, and they view themselves as stewards of the land—a philosophy evident in their culture, arts, and beliefs.
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Language: The Sami speak several dialects of the Sami language, which belongs to the Finno-Ugric language family.
Experiencing the Sami culture
There are several places in Lapland where you can experience the Sami culture firsthand; we have listed them below:
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Jokkmokk: The cultural heart of the Sami Community, Jokkmokk is known for its annual winter market. Visitors can explore Sami handicraft shops, art galleries, and cafes featuring traditional Sami food.
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The Annual Winter Market: Jokkmokk hosts the market each February. It is one of the oldest markets in the world, with over 400 years of history. At the market, you can experience Sami music, dance, and storytelling, purchase authentic Sami handicrafts (duodji), and taste traditional foods like smoked reindeer and flatbread. The market also showcases Sami’s close relationship with nature, with outdoor activities like dog sledging and reindeer races.
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Ajtte Museum: A Museum Dedicated to Sami Culture and Arctic Lifestyles.
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Reindeer Herding Practices: Reindeer herding is a semi-nomadic tradition in Sami culture, with herders following their herds as they move between winter and summer grazing grounds. These can be experienced through guided tours offered by Sami families. In winter, some tours offer reindeer sledging—an ancient Sami form of transport.
Credits: Anna Öhlund/imagebank.sweden.se
Norrbotten and Lapland offer a magical experience of natural phenomena and out-of-this-world beauty. It is a place where time stands still, and nature takes the front seat. Exploring this beautiful part of Sweden is best done with a camper van. Now, what are you waiting for? Embrace the wild with a road trip up north!
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