The Swedish Lapland is a year-round destination for adventure-seeking travellers. During the winter, it’s one of the world’s best places to experience the Northern Lights and winter wildlife. But, summer in this Scandinavian region are just as exciting.
If sub-arctic activities aren’t your thing, we have good news. Summer in Swedish Lapland is more than idyllic, with beautiful skies, endless sun, unparalleled scenery and an abundance of ways to enjoy the great outdoors. Plus, weather during the summer months is mild, breezy and delightful, averaging daytime temperatures of around 18°C – 21°C.
Time to start planning your trip, here are a handful of our favourite things to do during summer in Swedish Lapland.
1. Get outdoors and enjoy nature
June to September in Swedish Lapland is the perfect time for outdoor pursuits such as kayaking, hiking and wildlife spotting. Summer offers an opportunity to step out from Lapland’s dark, wintery weather and surround yourself with soaring trees, lush green fields, bright skies and crystal clear bodies of water. Plus, there are also over 2000 mountains and caves waiting to be explored.
The “King’s Trail” or Kungsleden, is Sweden’s longest and most iconic summer hiking trail. Journey through the Scandinavian Mountains and discover over 400 kilometres of stunning scenery. If you’re lucky, you’ll stumble upon Purple Mountain Saxifrage, Saxifraga Oppositifolia, a vibrant species of edible plant commonly found in gorges. It’s a long hike, so we recommend staying either a night or two in a cabin along the trail to explore the area.
Kärkevagge, also known as the secret stone valley, is an easily accessible magical landscape. It’s perhaps most famous for the Giant Boulder Deposit, featuring thousands of huge rocks scattered throughout. The clearest lake in Sweden, Rissajaure, is located at the head of the valley—making for incredible photos.
2. Soak in the midnight sun
Summer in Swedish Lapland means more than just bright skies—it means non-stop sun. From April until August, around the time of summer solstice, the spellbinding midnight sun brightly shines for 24-hours a day inside the Arctic Circle. The further north you go, the more days you’ll have to experience it.
There are plenty of adventurous activities you can enjoy under
3. Unwind in the Luleå archipelago
There are over 1312 different islands in the Luleå archipelago, making it a magical, must-see destination in Swedish Lapland. Located just 100 kilometres south of the Arctic Circle, the archipelago is accessible by boat—though facilities are limited. Some of the larger, more popular islands include Junkön, Hindersön, BrändöSKär and Småskär, where you can enjoy hiking trails, tourist attractions such as fascinating museums and churches, restaurants and local entertainment.
Many of the smaller islands are uninhabited and remain in a completely natural state, rich in vegetation and wildlife. Explore during a day trip or stay overnight in a cottage to enjoy one of the many islands all to yourself. Slow down time and enjoy endless sun to the sounds of Mother Nature.
4. Escape to unforgettable accommodation
Treehotel
Surround yourself with unspoiled nature and stunning views at the Treehotel. Live among Luleå’s pine forests while enjoying contemporary, eco-friendly accommodation in one of seven treehouses: the UFO, the Bird’s Nest, the Mirror Cube, the Blue Cone, the Cabin, the Dragonfly and the 7th Room. These uniquely designed structures are suspended about four to six metres above ground, embodying the best of Swedish style and design.
Icehotel
Despite its name, the world’s first and largest ice hotel is available for summer bookings. During warmer months, solar power is used to maintain the unique, domed roof at sub-zero temperatures. And while you may be looking to escape from the cold, staying at Icehotel during the summer offers the unique experience of sleeping on ice while continuing to enjoy the midnight sun.
5. Stroll through Stockholm
Along with nature, you can explore Stockholm, Sweden’s vibrant and modern and beautifully designed capital city. Alongside palaces and cobbled streets and museums that are home to Viking artefacts, you’ll find stylish cafes and shops filled with impeccably made Swedish goods.
Swedish Lapland may be a fairly remote destination, but it’s just one quick flight or overnight train trip away from Stockholm, making the capital a perfect pitstop. Flying is, of course, faster, but Sweden is known for having an excellent rail network, high-speed trains and high standards of comfort. Plus, travelling by train is one of the best ways to see a country.
There are so many reasons to love Swedish Lapland during the summer. What activities are you most excited to try out?
