Best Places to Visit in Northern Sweden | Travel Guide (2024) | Things to Do, See & Eat
Northern Sweden Travel Guide
Quick overview of Northern Sweden with our expert tips and insights. Jump to any section.
- Northern Sweden Travel Videos
- Plan Northern Sweden Trip
- Best Places To Visit In Northern Sweden
- Hotels Map Of Northern Sweden
- Tours And Activities In Northern Sweden
- Food And Drinks To Try In Northern Sweden
- Best Time To Visit Northern Sweden
- Flight Calendar For Northern Sweden
- Transportation To Northern Sweden
Welcome to Northern Sweden, a breathtaking region located in the northernmost part of Sweden. Known for its stunning natural landscapes, Northern Sweden offers a truly unique and unforgettable travel experience. From the mesmerizing Northern Lights that dance across the sky during winter nights to the picturesque Arctic Circle and its surrounding wilderness, this region is a paradise for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers. Immerse yourself in the Sami culture, the indigenous people of the area, and learn about their fascinating traditions and way of life. Explore the vast national parks, such as Abisko National Park, where you can hike through pristine forests, spot wildlife, and marvel at the majestic mountains. Whether you're seeking tranquility, outdoor adventures, or cultural immersion, Northern Sweden has it all.
Northern Sweden Travel Videos
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Best Places To Visit in Northern Sweden
1. Stockholm: The capital city of Sweden, Stockholm is a vibrant and cosmopolitan destination that seamlessly blends modernity with history. With its stunning architecture, picturesque waterfront, and numerous cultural attractions, Stockholm offers something for everyone. Explore the historic Gamla Stan (Old Town), visit the royal palace, and immerse yourself in the city's rich museum scene. Don't miss the chance to take a boat tour through the archipelago and enjoy the breathtaking views.
2. Gothenburg: Located on the west coast of Sweden, Gothenburg is a charming city known for its laid-back atmosphere and friendly locals. Stroll along the picturesque canals of the Liseberg amusement park, visit the Gothenburg Museum of Art, and indulge in some retail therapy at the Avenyn shopping street. For nature enthusiasts, a visit to the Botanical Garden or a boat trip to the nearby islands of the Gothenburg archipelago is a must.
3. Uppsala: Just a short train ride from Stockholm, Uppsala is a historic city with a rich cultural heritage. Explore the Uppsala Cathedral, one of Sweden's most iconic landmarks, and visit the Gustavianum museum to learn about the city's Viking past. Take a leisurely walk through the Botanical Garden or enjoy a picnic by the Fyris River. Uppsala is also home to the prestigious Uppsala University, making it a vibrant and youthful city.
4. Kiruna: Located in the far north of Sweden, Kiruna is a unique destination known for its stunning natural beauty and the opportunity to witness the mesmerizing Northern Lights. Visit the Icehotel, a world-famous hotel made entirely of ice and snow, and embark on a thrilling dog sledding or snowmobile adventure. In the summer, explore the abundance of hiking trails and enjoy the midnight sun.
5. Lulea: Situated on the coast of the Gulf of Bothnia, Lulea is a picturesque city with a rich cultural scene. Explore the Gammelstad Church Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and visit the Norrbotten Museum to learn about the region's history. Take a boat trip to the nearby Lulea archipelago and enjoy the tranquility of the pristine nature. Lulea is also known for its vibrant winter sports opportunities, including ice skating and ice fishing.
6. Ostersund: Nestled in the heart of Sweden, Ostersund is a charming town surrounded by stunning natural landscapes. Visit the Jamtli Museum to learn about the region's history and culture, and explore the picturesque Storsjon lake. In the winter, enjoy skiing and snowboarding at the nearby Are ski resort, or indulge in some traditional Swedish cuisine at one of the town's many cozy restaurants.
7. Pitea: Located on the coast of the Gulf of Bothnia, Pitea is a hidden gem known for its beautiful beaches and outdoor activities. Relax on the sandy shores of Pite Havsbad, visit the Pitea Museum to learn about the town's history, and explore the picturesque archipelago by boat. Pitea is also famous for its music festivals and lively summer events.
8. Sundsvall: Situated on the east coast of Sweden, Sundsvall is a vibrant city with a rich industrial heritage. Explore the picturesque Stenstan district, known for its well-preserved wooden buildings, and visit the Kulturmagasinet museum to learn about the city's history. Enjoy a hike in the nearby Sundsvall Mountains or take a boat trip to the beautiful island of Alno.
9. Haparanda: Located on the border between Sweden and Finland, Haparanda is a unique town that offers a blend of Swedish and Finnish culture. Visit the Haparanda Church, a stunning example of Finnish architecture, and explore the Tornio-Haparanda twin city. Enjoy shopping at the Haparanda-Tornio Shopping Center, which straddles the border between the two countries, and indulge in some delicious Nordic cuisine.
10. Lulea: Situated on the coast of the Gulf of Bothnia, Lulea is a picturesque city with a rich cultural scene. Explore the Gammelstad Church Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and visit the Norrbotten Museum to learn about the region's history. Take a boat trip to the nearby Lulea archipelago and enjoy the tranquility of the pristine nature. Lulea is also known for its vibrant winter sports opportunities, including ice skating and ice fishing.
Hotels Map Of Northern Sweden
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Tours And Activities In Northern Sweden
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Food & Drinks To Try In Northern Sweden
1. Surstromming: This traditional Swedish dish is a fermented Baltic herring that is known for its strong smell. It is typically served with potatoes, onions, and sour cream. Surstromming is a must-try for adventurous food lovers.
2. Reindeer Meat: Northern Sweden is home to a large population of reindeer, and their meat is a popular delicacy in the region. Reindeer meat is often served as steaks, sausages, or in stews. It has a rich and gamey flavor that is unique to the Arctic region.
3. Cloudberries: These golden berries are a popular ingredient in Northern Swedish cuisine. They are often used to make jams, sauces, and desserts. Cloudberries have a sweet and tart flavor that pairs well with dairy products like ice cream or yogurt.
4. Lingonberries: Another berry commonly found in Northern Sweden is the lingonberry. These small red berries are often used to make lingonberry jam, which is a staple accompaniment to many Swedish dishes. Lingonberries have a slightly tart taste that adds a burst of flavor to both sweet and savory dishes.
5. Swedish Meatballs: While Swedish meatballs are popular throughout Sweden, they are a must-try when visiting Northern Sweden. These small, flavorful meatballs are typically made from a mixture of ground beef and pork, seasoned with spices like allspice and nutmeg. They are often served with lingonberry sauce and mashed potatoes.
6. Kalix Lojrom: This delicacy is a type of caviar made from the roe of the vendace fish, which is found in the Kalix River in Northern Sweden. Kalix Lojrom has a delicate and slightly salty taste, and it is often served on toast or blinis with sour cream or creme fraiche.
7. Arctic Char: Northern Sweden is known for its pristine lakes and rivers, which are home to Arctic char. This fish has a mild and delicate flavor, similar to salmon. It is often prepared by grilling or pan-frying and served with dill sauce or lemon butter.
8. Birch Sap: In the spring, birch sap is collected from birch trees in Northern Sweden. This clear and slightly sweet liquid is rich in vitamins and minerals. Birch sap is often enjoyed as a refreshing drink or used as an ingredient in traditional Swedish beverages.
9. Cloudberry Liqueur: Cloudberry liqueur is a popular alcoholic beverage in Northern Sweden. It is made by infusing cloudberries with vodka or other spirits. The liqueur has a sweet and fruity flavor, with hints of tartness from the cloudberries.
10. Swedish Mulled Wine: Known as glogg in Swedish, mulled wine is a popular drink during the winter months in Northern Sweden. It is made by heating red wine with spices like cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom. The warm and aromatic beverage is often enjoyed during Christmas celebrations.
Best Time To Visit Northern Sweden
The best time to visit Northern Sweden, Sweden is during the summer months of June, July, and August. This is when the region experiences its warmest temperatures and longest days, with the midnight sun phenomenon occurring in the far north. Outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and wildlife spotting are popular during this time, and visitors can also enjoy festivals and events that take place throughout the region. However, it's important to note that tourist crowds can be larger during the summer, so if you prefer a quieter experience, consider visiting in the shoulder seasons of spring or autumn.
Flight Calendar For Northern Sweden
Use our flight calendar to discover the Cheapest Days and Months to Book Flight to Northern Sweden.
Transportation To Northern Sweden
There are several transportation options to Northern Sweden, Sweden.
1. By Air: The most convenient way to reach Northern Sweden is by flying into one of the major airports in the region, such as Lulea Airport or Kiruna Airport. There are regular domestic and international flights to these airports from various cities in Sweden and other countries.
2. By Train: Another option is to take a train to Northern Sweden. The Swedish national railway, SJ, operates trains to cities like Lulea, Kiruna, and Umea. There are also overnight sleeper trains available from Stockholm to destinations in Northern Sweden.
3. By Bus: Buses are a cost-effective way to travel to Northern Sweden. Several bus companies operate routes to cities in the region, including Lulea, Kiruna, and Umea. The journey may take longer compared to other modes of transportation, but it can be a scenic and budget-friendly option.
4. By Car: If you prefer driving, you can rent a car and take the E4 highway, which runs along the eastern coast of Sweden, to reach Northern Sweden. The road conditions are generally good, but it's important to be prepared for winter driving conditions, especially during the colder months.
5. By Ferry: If you are coming from Finland, you can also consider taking a ferry to Northern Sweden. There are ferry services available from cities like Helsinki and Turku to ports in Northern Sweden, such as Lulea and Umea.
It's recommended to check the schedules and availability of transportation options based on your specific travel dates and destinations in Northern Sweden.