After 5 weeks spent criss-crossing Sweden, from the south to the farthest reaches of Lapland, we thought we’d put together a list of our top 3 winter experiences. The ones that made the biggest impression on us, that made us fall in love with this cold, luminous season, and that we hope will inspire you to discover Sweden in a different way.
And if you’re planning your next trip to the North, this article should give you some ideas for things to do, with all our tips.
Admire the northern lights at Abisko: a sky unlike any other in the world
The aurora borealis was the number one reason we went to Sweden in winter. Abisko is one of the best places in the world to observe the Northern Lights, thanks to its unique microclimate and almost total absence of light pollution.
Located just forty kilometers from the Norwegian border, this small village in Swedish Lapland benefits from a fascinating natural phenomenon: the ” blue hole “, an area of sky that is surprisingly clear even when the surrounding area is covered in clouds.
That said, it’s not a guarantee: each phenomenon remains random, depending on winds, solar activity and clear skies.
Practical tips for maximizing your chances of seeing the Northern Lights in Abisko:
- Aurora Sky Station is one of the best spots in the national park.
- Get away from cities and light sources. A few minutes’ walk can often make a huge difference.
- We recommend that you download the My Aurora Forecast application, which is very useful for tracking solar activity and finding out your chances of seeing auroras depending on your location.
- The aurora season extends from late September to spring.
- The best periods are generally from February to April, when the nights remain long but the sky is often clearer.
➡️ And if you want to share your photos or access your French apps at night in your home, a VPN for iOS will keep you securely connected, especially with networks in public places.
Sleeping in Jukkasjärvi’s ICEHOTEL: a night like no other
We follow this up with a second experience, and not the least. Twenty kilometers from Kiruna, on the banks of the River Torne, lies one of the most surprising places in all of Scandinavia: the ICEHOTEL, built entirely… of ice.
And when we say everything, we really mean everything: the walls, the beds, the bar, the sculptures, even some of the chairs. Every winter, artists from all over the world come to Jukkasjärvi to imagine new “Art Suites“. The result: each room becomes an ephemeral work of art, destined to disappear in the spring when the ice slowly melts and returns to the river.
We highly recommend a night’s stay, even for the coldest among you. Everything is designed to keep you warm: an ultra-insulating thermal sleeping bag on reindeer hides.
And if the idea of sleeping on ice doesn’t appeal to you, don’t worry: the hotel also has a section with classic rooms. So you can enjoy the location, the activities and the unique atmosphere of the site, even if you choose simply to visit the sculpted suites.
➡️ Icehotel practical info : rooms sculpted from ice are open from early December to late April (approx. €300 per night), and on average €150 for a “warm” room.
Meet the Sami people in Jokkmokk
Here’s an idea for an activity that’s more family-friendly, and above all deeply rooted in the history of Lapland. Whether you’re in Jokkmokk or Kiruna, it’s impossible to miss the Sami culture, the indigenous people of the North, whose traditions still set the pace for local life.
In this region, you can :
- See reindeer on a farm
- Understanding the daily lives of breeders
- Discover traditional crafts, from leatherwork to reindeer antlers and tin-thread embroidery
- Taste typical dishes such as suovas, smoked reindeer meat served hot on bread.
If you’re in Jokkmokk in early February, you can attend the Winter Market, an event that goes back over 400 years. For a few days, the town is transformed into a major cultural event: craftsmen, musicians, reindeer herders and travelers from all over the North gather here. It’s one of the most important moments of the Lappon winter, and a must-see at least once.
And Kiruna is no exception. One of the most family-friendly activities, and clearly one of the most fun, is themorning dog sledding excursion. The principle is simple: you drive your own team, glide through snow-covered forests, and enjoy the incredible peace and quiet of Arctic nature to the rhythm of the huskies.
➡️ Information and booking for the dog sled ride with all equipment provided (cold-weather suit, boots, gloves).
Bonus Stockholm
Winter in Sweden doesn’t stop at Lapland. Stockholm is also an incredible destination at this time of year, with a very special atmosphere: saunas by the water, an ice rink in the heart of the city, Christmas markets that light up the alleyways of Gamla Stan, cosy cafés for a fika break when night falls early…
If you’re planning a trip there, we’ll share all our best addresses in our dedicated article
to discover Stockholm in winter.
We wish you an excellent stay in Sweden, filled with light, snow and beautiful Nordic discoveries.
