From Luleå on the Baltic Sea, the journey continues beyond the Arctic Circle to the mining town of Kiruna and on to Abisko, which offers some of the best conditions in the world for watching the northern lights. We covered more than 600 kilometres of snow-covered Swedish Lapland in 11 days.
Day 1: Landing at Luleå airport in Swedish Lapland
You will start your trip with the arrival at Luleå airport in Swedish Lapland, after a stopover in Stockholm.
Day 2: An icebreaker cruise and the Luleå isbanan
Climb aboard an icebreaker for a “crunching” cruise of about 3 hours on the frozen waters of the Gulf of Bothnia. You can wander freely around the icebreaker Arctic Explorer, from the engine room to the captain’s bridge! And for the bravest, dare a swim in the icy waters. After this thoroughly frosty dip, enjoy the town of Luleå and its famous “isbanan”, an ice track of more than 10 kilometres on the Gulf of Bothnia. Who has never dreamt of walking on water?
Day 3: The church town of Gammelstad, a UNESCO World Heritage site
Discover the church town of Gammelstad, with its 15th-century stone church, its medieval streets and its UNESCO World Heritage status! The 424 red wooden buildings of this church town, huddled around the stone church, were only used on Sundays and for religious festivals… Back in Luleå, put on skates or borrow a “spark” (kick-sled) for free to reach the island of Gråsjälören in the middle of the sea.
Day 4: Snowmobile safari on the frozen Gulf of Bothnia
Devote the day to a winter snowmobile expedition on the Gulf of Bothnia, where you can ride from island to island. On the frozen sea, through snow-covered forests and along narrow trails, you discover the wild nature of Swedish Lapland as well as charming fishing villages.
Day 5: Due north to the mining town of Kiruna
Take the road or the train to the mining town of Kiruna, home to the largest iron mine in the world. The mine’s impact on the area is such that a large part of the town of Kiruna has to be moved so that mining can continue…
Day 6: Dog-sled safari
The town of Kiruna is an ideal base to discover the immense snow-covered forests and frozen lakes on a dog-sled safari. As soon as the sled brake is released, the dogs leap forward and you quickly pick up speed. The feeling of freedom is exhilarating!
Day 7: The magical ICEHOTEL in Jukkasjärvi
Visiting the ICEHOTEL in Jukkasjärvi is a unique experience in Swedish Lapland! Discover the chapel, the Ice Bar and the many rooms… In total the hotel covers a vast 5,500 m²! Every winter, artists from all over the world take turns creating the original decorations of the Art Suites. On your way out of this true ice palace, make a small detour via the church of Jukkasjärvi and the Nutti Sámi Siida museum.
Day 8: Meeting the elk of Swedish Lapland
From Kiruna, take the road towards Sweden’s highest summit, the Kebnekaise (Giebmegáisi in Sámi), which rises to about 2,100 metres. It is on this small road towards Nikkaluokta that you can spot many elk in winter. After a few hours watching this emblematic forest animal, head for a little end of the world further north called Abisko.
Day 9: The Abisko national park and the northern lights
The Abisko national park covers 77 km² of Swedish Lapland, 250 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle, and is known for its natural beauty and its wildlife. Walking through it in winter is a unique experience: at times you feel you are on a frozen alien planet, light-years from Earth! Exploring and photographing the extraordinary landscape of the park is not to be missed under any circumstances, and climbing enthusiasts can try their hand at ice climbing on a frozen waterfall. The Aurora Sky Station in Abisko is also one of the best places in the world to watch the northern lights!
Day 10: A tour of the Norwegian fjords
From Abisko, cross the Norwegian border and devote the day to the majestic Norwegian fjords on a photo safari: Bjerkvik, Gratangen and then Grovfjord. If you feel like it, set off again on a northern-lights hunt in the evening from Abisko.
Day 11: Departure from Kiruna airport
Time for the return flight already! Fly back from Kiruna airport, with a short stopover in Stockholm.
Discover our other itinerary ideas for Lapland
There is no shortage of travel itinerary ideas for a memorable stay in Lapland: see our 10-day itinerary from Finland to Norway.