Five Epic Winter Wonderland Activities In Swedish Lapland

From December to March, Swedish Lapland transforms into the perfect destination for Arctic exploration and epic outdoor adventures. Vast tundras stretch beneath the aurora-filled sky, while frozen lakes and snow-covered forests create a pristine playground for memorable seasonal activities.

From dog sledding to ice fishing, Swedish Lapland offers a winter experience like no other. Here, we share the five best winter wonderland activities to include in any luxury itinerary.

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Nordic Skiing

Nordic skiing, sometimes referred to as cross-country skiing, involves gliding across snow-covered terrain using your own movement.

For generations, people in Lapland have relied on Nordic skiing to navigate the vast, snow-covered terrain during the long winter months. This makes it one of the most authentic ways to explore Swedish Lapland’s winter landscapes.

Lulea, located on the edge of the frozen Bothnian Bay, offers exceptional trails. Peaceful, yet invigorating, with traditional skis and free-heel bindings, you’ll travel across frozen lakes and weave through silent forests.

Your private, expert guide will tailor the route and difficulty to match your skill level, to ensure a rewarding adventure no matter your experience.

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Snowmobiling

Snowmobiling involves riding a motorized sled across winter terrain. Designed to travel over snow and ice, snowmobiling allows you to explore Arctic landscapes with speed and ease.

Snowmobiles have long been essential for transportation, hunting, and survival in the remote reaches of Swedish Lapland. Today, they offer practical access to the snowbound landscapes and open the door to epic outdoor adventures.

In Lulea, you can embark on an otherworldly snowmobiling adventure through the Lappish countryside, passing vast icy rivers and riding through a spellbinding forest. Stop and savor an exclusive lunch prepared with locally sourced ingredients before continuing with your adventure.

The experience combines raw power with immaculate surroundings. As you navigate the trails, take in the breathtaking vistas unfolding around you, like the winter sun reflecting off endless snowfields, creating dazzling light effects unique to the Polar regions.

In Kiruna, you can explore even deeper into the region’s wild north. Located above the Arctic Circle, Kiruna offers access to vast, untouched wilderness and the dramatic silhouettes of the Scandinavian Mountains.

You can follow trails once used by Sámi herders and trappers, venturing across frozen marshlands and through dense birch forests. On clear days, the views stretch for miles across sparkling valleys and snow-covered fells that glow pink and gold in the low winter light.

What truly sets this adventure apart is the profound sense of remoteness. Accompanied by an expert guide, you’ll discover landscapes untouched by others, where the only tracks in the snow are your own.

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Snowshoeing

Snowshoeing allows you to walk over snow-covered terrain using specially designed footwear that distributes weight evenly, allowing you to explore deep snow without sinking.

Another tradition dating back centuries, snowshoeing was once an essential mode of winter travel for indigenous and Arctic communities and was used for hunting, foraging, and navigating remote landscapes. With the advances in modern transportation for such difficult terrain, snowshoeing has now developed into a recreational activity for locals.

In Lulea, it’s possible to journey deep into the Lappish wilderness on a privately guided snowshoeing excursion.

Trek uphill from the stunning Lake Långtjärn, through undisturbed snow to reach a mystical frozen lake. Learn about local flora and fauna along the way, and savor Swedish delights such as warm lingonberry juice, Swedish coffee and homemade pastries.

You can also snowshoe alongside a partially frozen river trail, watching for wildlife tracks and learning about the boreal forests. You might even spot moose while you learn how to make an outdoor campfire.

The combination of gentle exercise, nature immersion, and local flavors is what makes snowshoeing in Swedish Lapland one of the best winter wonderland activities.

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Dog Sledding

Dog sledding is one of the most iconic Arctic experiences and one of the best outdoor adventures to try in Swedish Lapland. It involves a team of trained huskies pulling a sled across frozen lakes and snow-covered trails, guided by a musher.

Dog sledding was once a crucial means of transportation and survival in the far north, and was used by indigenous peoples and early explorers to cover long distances in harsh winter conditions. Today, it offers a thrilling and deeply personal way to connect with the landscape, the silence of the wilderness broken only by the soft sound of paws on snow.

The sleds are typically pulled by a team of powerful and well-trained Alaskan Huskies which are hardy, intelligent dogs bred for endurance and speed.

In Kiruna, you can experience night dog sledding to arrive at your luxury Arctic lodge. Exploring at night offers an entirely different perspective on the landscapes that surround you as the snow reflects the moonlight and the stars – or even the Northern Lights – illuminate your path through the silent wilderness.

We can organise a guided dog sledding experience with one of Sweden’s most illustrious mushers; you’ll have the opportunity to actively mush the team yourself or relax on the sled while taking in the spectacular winter scenery.

As your team of dogs follows ancient trails through snow-laden forests and open tundra, you’ll gain a true appreciation for this traditional form of winter transportation that remains vital in northern communities.

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Ice Fishing

Ice fishing is a traditional Nordic activity that involves drilling a hole through a frozen lake and dropping a line to catch fish beneath the ice. In Swedish Lapland, it was essential for survival during the long, frozen winters and today, offers a peaceful, meditative way to connect with nature.

In Kiruna, you can join an expert guide for an Arctic fishing excursion and take the opportunity to learn more the traditions and techniques of this activity firsthand. Sit in the stillness beneath the vast northern sky, before savoring your catch in a specially prepared dinner at your lodge.

As evening falls, the darkening sky may reveal the northern lights – nature’s spectacular finale to this immersive winter day.

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Winter Adventures In Swedish Lapland

Swedish Lapland offers both pristine Arctic beauty and unforgettable adventure. Whether you’re gliding through silent forests on Nordic skis, racing across frozen lakes by snowmobile, or learning ancient ice fishing techniques from Sami guides, our bespoke itineraries craft each moment to your preferences.

Discover this snow-covered wilderness in unparalleled comfort. For more information on our bespoke Swedish Lapland winter tours, contact one of our travel experts today.

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