Free Lapland Travel Guide & Mobile App

Explore Lapland with free travel guides. Discover regional history, expert tips, proposed trips, and audio guides on web or mobile app.

Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play Download the Free PDF guide
Lapland
Lapland photo 2
Lapland photo 3
All photos

Explore Swedish Lapland for northern lights, Sámi culture, mountain wilderness, reindeer traditions and Arctic adventures across Sweden’s far north.

Swedish Lapland occupies the far north of Sweden, a vast region of forests, wetlands, broad rivers and mountains extending towards the Norwegian border and the Arctic Ocean. Much of the destination lies in Norrbotten County, where settlements are separated by long distances and the landscape changes markedly from the coniferous lowlands around the Gulf of Bothnia to the high fells of the Scandinavian Mountains. In winter, snow reshapes the terrain and the short days bring opportunities to see the northern lights; in summer, the midnight sun allows hiking, fishing and wildlife watching late into the evening.
Read more about Lapland
Kiruna is the region's principal northern centre and a base for the Icehotel at Jukkasjärvi, the Abisko area and excursions into the mountains. Further south, Jokkmokk is an important meeting place for Sámi culture, while smaller communities such as Arjeplog, Arvidsjaur and Gällivare provide access to lakes, forests and upland landscapes. The coastal city of Luleå, south of the Arctic Circle, is frequently used as a gateway to the wider Swedish Lapland travel region; its historic church town at Gammelstad offers a different perspective on northern Swedish settlement.
The mountains contain some of Europe's least developed large wilderness areas, including Abisko, Sarek and Padjelanta national parks. Marked trails range from accessible walks to demanding multi-day routes requiring careful planning, and the Kungsleden long-distance trail passes through several celebrated mountain landscapes. In the forests and river valleys, visitors can canoe, fish, cycle, look for moose and learn about the seasonal movement of reindeer herding. Conditions are serious even in summer, while winter travel depends on snow, daylight and local weather.
Lapland's cultural identity is closely connected with the Indigenous Sámi people, whose languages, handicrafts, reindeer herding and land-based traditions remain part of contemporary life. Sámi culture is diverse rather than uniform, and respectful visitors should choose experiences led by Sámi hosts rather than treating traditions as staged curiosities. Northern Swedish food draws on reindeer, Arctic char, berries, mushrooms, game and carefully preserved ingredients, alongside modern cooking in hotels, cafés and restaurants. The region is not a single compact resort: distances are substantial, transport requires planning, and choosing one or two bases usually produces a more rewarding journey than attempting to cover the whole of northern Sweden.

When is the best time to visit Lapland?

Best: June–August · 15–20°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January-540
February-430
March030
April530
May1030
June (best)1540
July (best)2050
August (best)2050
September1540
October1040
November540
December040

Getting to and around Lapland

How to get there

Kiruna Airport is the principal air gateway for the northern part of Swedish Lapland, with onward connections to Stockholm and seasonal variations in service. Gällivare Lapland Airport provides another route into the inland north, while Arvidsjaur Airport serves southern parts of the wider Swedish Lapland tourism region. Luleå Airport, outside the strict Arctic interior but in coastal Norrbotten, has the broadest range of domestic connections and is useful for destinations such as Jokkmokk, Boden and the coast. Long-distance trains connect Stockholm and other Swedish cities with Kiruna, Gällivare and towns along the northern railway; check current services before travelling. Roads are the main practical link between dispersed communities.

Transportation

Distances are considerable, so a car is useful for reaching national-park trailheads, lakeside communities and attractions away from the railway. Main roads are generally well maintained, but winter snow, ice, darkness and reindeer on the carriageway require slower driving and careful preparation. Trains serve the principal north-south corridor, while buses connect some towns and villages, though rural services may be infrequent. Local taxis and guided transfers are useful for mountain access and winter activities. Hiking is central in the mountain districts, but trails can be remote and should not be treated as urban walks. Cycling is feasible in summer on selected roads and trails, with careful attention to distance and weather.

Top city travel guides in Lapland

The cities of Lapland, and the easiest places to base yourself.

Destinations in Lapland

Resorts, valleys and scenic spots worth a trip of their own.

Best attractions in Lapland

Swedish Lapland's attractions range from high mountain wilderness to working northern communities. In the Kiruna area, the Icehotel at Jukkasjärvi is a seasonal architectural project rebuilt from river ice, while nearby routes lead towards Abisko National Park and the trails of the Scandinavian Mountains. The Abisko region is known for accessible valley walks, mountain scenery and the Kungsleden long-distance trail. Farther south and west, Sarek and Padjelanta national parks offer demanding, roadless trekking, while Muddus National Park protects old-growth forest, marshes and waterfalls. Around Jokkmokk, museums, cultural institutions and seasonal markets provide context for Sámi life and the landscape of Sápmi. The rivers and forests support canoeing, fishing, wildlife watching and winter activities such as dog sledding and snowmobiling, usually with local guides. Inland towns including Gällivare, Arjeplog and Arvidsjaur provide access to lakes, fell country and outdoor excursions, while coastal Norrbotten and Luleå can be added for historic settlement and archipelago experiences. The strongest appeal lies in the contrast between remote nature, Indigenous culture, mining communities and carefully planned outdoor travel rather than in a concentration of conventional sightseeing venues.

Show more attractions

Best landmarks in Lapland

The Icehotel at Jukkasjärvi is one of Swedish Lapland's most recognisable contemporary landmarks, rebuilt from Torne River ice and redesigned through changing artistic collaborations. Kiruna's church, completed in the early twentieth century in a distinctive national-romantic style, reflects the town's mining-era development, while the relocation of parts of Kiruna has become a visible example of how resource extraction continues to shape the built environment. In the mountains, the sharp profile of Kebnekaise, Sweden's highest mountain, is a powerful natural symbol, although reaching its summit requires serious preparation. The Abisko valley and the surrounding fells form another defining landscape, viewed from trails and mountain facilities. Jokkmokk's historic church environment and its winter market are associated with centuries of northern trade and Sámi gatherings. In the wider Norrbotten region, the rapids at Storforsen provide a dramatic river landmark, while Gammelstad church town near Luleå, outside the interior Lapland area but a relevant coastal gateway, preserves a remarkable pattern of church cottages used by rural churchgoers.

Show more landmarks

Explore Lapland on the map

Plan your trip on one map. See where the top cities, national parks and sights are, and book hotels and experiences in a few clicks.

Best restaurants in Lapland

Food in Swedish Lapland reflects forest, mountain and river environments as well as contemporary Swedish cooking. Reindeer is a prominent regional ingredient, often served with potatoes, berries or sauces, while elk and other game appear seasonally where available. Arctic char, whitefish and other freshwater fish are common in restaurants and local food businesses, and cloudberries, lingonberries, bilberries, mushrooms and herbs add distinctly northern flavours. In Jokkmokk and other communities, visitors may encounter Sámi food traditions, but these should be experienced through businesses that present them respectfully and accurately. Hotels, cafés, bakeries and rural restaurants provide much of the region's dining infrastructure, with more elaborate menus concentrated in larger towns and established mountain resorts. Local produce markets and seasonal events are useful places to find smoked fish, dried meat, berry products and artisan foods. Restaurant opening patterns can be seasonal in small communities, so advance booking and checking service dates is sensible, especially outside the main winter and summer periods.

Show more restaurants

Best bars in Lapland

Nightlife in Swedish Lapland is generally low-key and seasonal rather than centred on a large club scene. Kiruna and Gällivare have the broadest choice of pubs, hotel bars, restaurants and occasional live entertainment, while Jokkmokk's evening culture often revolves around cafés, community events and traditional meeting places. Mountain resorts and activity lodges may offer informal bars where visitors and guides gather after skiing, hiking or northern-lights excursions. In smaller settlements, a local pub or restaurant may be the main evening option, and distances make drinking and driving particularly inappropriate. Summer festivals and cultural programmes can bring temporary evening activity, while winter visitors often spend evenings on organised excursions or around accommodation fireplaces. Menus may include Swedish beer, spirits and warming non-alcoholic drinks, and responsible drinking is expected. Current opening arrangements vary considerably by town and season, so visitors should check locally rather than assume late-night service.

Show more bars

Best nightclubs in Lapland

Nightlife in Swedish Lapland is generally low-key and seasonal rather than centred on a large club scene. Kiruna and Gällivare have the broadest choice of pubs, hotel bars, restaurants and occasional live entertainment, while Jokkmokk's evening culture often revolves around cafés, community events and traditional meeting places. Mountain resorts and activity lodges may offer informal bars where visitors and guides gather after skiing, hiking or northern-lights excursions. In smaller settlements, a local pub or restaurant may be the main evening option, and distances make drinking and driving particularly inappropriate. Summer festivals and cultural programmes can bring temporary evening activity, while winter visitors often spend evenings on organised excursions or around accommodation fireplaces. Menus may include Swedish beer, spirits and warming non-alcoholic drinks, and responsible drinking is expected. Current opening arrangements vary considerably by town and season, so visitors should check locally rather than assume late-night service.

Show more nightclubs

Best shops in Lapland

Shopping in Swedish Lapland is focused on useful outdoor goods, food, handicrafts and locally associated products rather than extensive fashion retail. Kiruna, Jokkmokk and Gällivare have the most practical selection of shops, while smaller communities provide basic services and specialist outdoor suppliers. Jokkmokk is particularly important for Sámi handicrafts, known as duodji, including jewellery, textiles, leatherwork, woodwork and reindeer-related materials; buyers should look for makers and businesses that clearly identify the origin of their products rather than assuming that an item is Sámi-made. Winter and summer markets offer smoked fish, dried meat, berry preserves, breads and other northern foods, with the Jokkmokk Winter Market being the best-known large gathering. Art galleries and craft studios sell contemporary work inspired by forests, mountains and local culture. In towns and at airports, visitors may also find outdoor clothing, design goods and packaged regional foods, but remote shops can have limited hours and stock, particularly outside the main tourist seasons.

Show more shops

Get your free copy of our complete guide to Lapland, delivered straight to you.

Everything on this page, from attractions and restaurants to essentials and local phrases, in one PDF you can read offline, print or share.

Already have an account? Sign in

By clicking Create account, you accept the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Lapland essentials

Currency and Payment
Swedish Lapland uses Sweden's national currency, the Swedish krona, or SEK. Cards and contactless payments are widely accepted in hotels, shops, restaurants and transport services, and Sweden is highly accustomed to cashless transactions. Nevertheless, a small reserve of cash can be useful in remote areas or at temporary stalls and markets, including some craft and food sellers. Inform your bank before travelling if necessary and check whether your card issuer adds foreign-transaction fees. Prices for accommodation, guided activities and transport can be higher in remote destinations because of their logistics and seasonal demand.
Safety
Swedish Lapland is generally well organised for visitors, but its scale and climate create practical hazards. In winter, icy roads, cold exposure and rapidly changing weather require suitable clothing, charged phones and realistic itineraries. In the mountains, weather can deteriorate quickly and marked trails may still demand navigation skills; leave a route plan with someone and follow local advice. Rivers and rapids can be dangerous, while mosquitoes and other insects are common in warmer months. Watch for reindeer and moose when driving, especially at dawn and dusk, and do not approach wild animals.
Emergency Situations
Call 112 for police, fire and ambulance emergencies in Swedish Lapland, as elsewhere in Sweden. The number also connects callers to relevant rescue coordination, including mountain or maritime assistance when appropriate. For non-urgent healthcare advice, call Sweden's national medical advice service on 1177; it can help identify suitable care, although language support and local arrangements may vary. In remote terrain, give precise information about your location, trail, road, landmark or GPS position, and follow the instructions of the emergency operator. Outdoor activity providers can explain local rescue procedures before an excursion.
Do's and Don'ts
Respect the countryside access principles that apply in Sweden by avoiding damage to vegetation, closing gates, taking rubbish away and keeping dogs controlled where required. Do not enter private buildings, disturb reindeer or cross clearly marked restricted areas without permission. Ask before photographing Sámi people, cultural activities or privately owned animals, and buy handicrafts from identifiable makers when seeking authentic Sámi products. At nature reserves and national parks, follow fire, camping and fishing rules rather than assuming that every part of the landscape has the same access conditions. Normal Swedish etiquette also means queuing, speaking quietly on public transport and paying restaurant bills promptly.
Local Tips
Plan around daylight as well as distance: winter offers snow activities and northern lights but limited daylight, while summer supports hiking and the midnight sun. The Abisko area is a practical base for mountain walks, whereas Jokkmokk is particularly useful for learning about Sámi culture and inland traditions. Check whether a trailhead, mountain station or activity provider can be reached without a private car before confirming accommodation. Local weather forecasts and road information are more valuable than relying on conditions in the nearest town. For longer hikes, arrange accommodation and baggage transport early and keep a day of flexibility for weather.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloBujdu[boo-ydoo]
GoodbyeBaj lo[bye loh]
YesJah[yah]
NoEi[ay]
Please/You're welcomeJah, viellja[yah, vee-ell-yah]
Thank youGiitu[gee-too]
Excuse me/SorryMii daj[mee dahy]
How are you?Mii leat?[mee laat]
Fine. And you?Buorre. Ja du?[boo-rr-eh. yah doo]
Do you speak English?Leat du inglisk?[laat doo ing-lisk]
I don't understandMii inndeaht[mee in-deh-aht]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMii gávdnet menu, viellja[mee gahv-net meh-nu, vee-ell-yah]
I don't eat meatMii in eat meat[mee in eet meet]
Cheers!Skál![skawl]
I would like to pay, pleaseMii gávdnet maksa, viellja[mee gahv-net mahk-sah, vee-ell-yah]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Bujdu![boo-ydoo]
Go away!Gå åv![gaw awv]
Call the Police!Váldde poliisi![vahl-deh poh-lees-ee]
Call a doctor!Váldde lákare![vahl-deh lah-kah-reh]
I'm lostMii lea njuohta[mee lay-ah nyo-h-tah]
I'm illMii lea bisse[mee lay-ah bee-sseh]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...Mii gávdnet oahpá...[mee gahv-net oh-pah]
I'm just lookingMii in álgga[mee in ahl-gah]
How much is it?Mii gávdnet mii?[mee gahv-net mee]
That's too expensiveDát lea muhto dearvva[daht lay-ah moo-toh dear-vah]
Can you lower the price?Leat du gávdnet dearru?[lay-at doo gahv-net dear-roo]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?Mii lea mii?[mee lay-ah mee]
It's one o'clockDát lea okta mii[daht lay-ah ok-tah mee]
Half past (10)Vuoigga (10)[voo-ig-gah]
MorningBájján[baj-yan]
AfternoonEadnán[ead-nan]
EveningEadni[ead-nee]
YesterdayBáhka[bah-kah]
TodayDán[dahn]
TomorrowDánš[dahn-sh]
1Okta[ok-tah]
2Kaksi[kahk-see]
3Kolme[kol-meh]
4Njehka[nyeh-kah]
5Vihtta[viht-tah]
6Gávccu[gahv-tsu]
7Čieđi[chee-dee]
8Gávcci[gahv-tsi]
9Čieđi[chee-dee]
10Kymmenen[kyum-meh-nen]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Gåhkku...?[gaw-kku]
What's the address?Mii lea adresá?[mee lay-ah ah-dres-ah]
Can you show me (on the map)?Leat du gávdnet muohta?[lay-at doo gahv-net moo-tah]
When's the next (bus)?Mii lea next (bussi)?[mee lay-ah next bus-ee]
A ticket (to ....)Ticket (du ...)[tick-et doo]

History of Lapland

Ancient Northern Settlement and Sámi Lifeways

People have lived in northern Fennoscandia since the retreat of the last ice sheet, adapting to river valleys, forests, lakes and mountain environments. Over many centuries, Sámi communities developed varied livelihoods that included hunting, fishing, gathering and, later, forms of reindeer herding. The Sámi are the Indigenous people of the region, with distinct languages and local traditions across Sápmi, which extends beyond Sweden into neighbouring countries. Archaeological sites, traditional place names and continuing land-based practices reveal a history that predates the modern Swedish state and remains central to the region's identity.

Medieval Trade and Swedish Expansion

During the medieval period, northern communities participated in trading networks linking the interior, the Gulf of Bothnia and markets farther south. Swedish royal authority gradually extended northwards through taxation, Christianisation and the establishment of administrative and ecclesiastical institutions. Contact was not a simple process of settlement replacing an empty wilderness: it involved changing relationships among Sámi communities, Swedish authorities, farmers, merchants and church organisations. River routes and seasonal markets were vital to this northern economy.

Mining and the Growth of Northern Towns

Mining transformed the economic geography of Swedish Lapland. Iron ore from the Kiruna and Malmberget areas became increasingly important from the nineteenth century, encouraging investment, migration and the construction of railways linking inland mines with ports on the Gulf of Bothnia and the Norwegian coast. Kiruna developed as a planned mining town, while Gällivare and Malmberget grew around extraction and transport. Mining brought employment and infrastructure but also reshaped land use and created long-term tensions over environmental effects and competing rights.

Railways, Forestry and State Infrastructure

The arrival of railways in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries connected remote northern settlements with national and international markets. Timber, ore and hydroelectric power became major components of the regional economy, and roads, schools and public administration expanded. These developments strengthened the state's presence in the north while placing pressure on Sámi movement and traditional land use. The transport network also made tourism more practical, particularly around Abisko and the mountain routes served by the railway.

The Recognition of Sámi Rights

Modern Swedish policy towards the Sámi has developed through a difficult history of assimilation, land disputes and changing state regulation. Reindeer-herding rights are associated with Sámi communities, while Sámi organisations have worked to protect language, culture and influence over land and resource decisions. The Swedish Sámi Parliament, established in 1993, represents a significant institutional development, although it is not a fully autonomous parliament. Contemporary visitors encounter this history through museums, cultural centres and debates about mining, forestry, energy and conservation.

Tourism, Wilderness Protection and Outdoor Culture

Organised tourism expanded in the late nineteenth and twentieth centuries as railways and mountain lodges made the northern landscape more accessible. Abisko became an important centre for hiking, scientific observation and nature-based travel, while the Kungsleden and several national parks established Swedish Lapland as a destination for long-distance walking. National-park protection has preserved extensive mountain and forest environments, but conservation exists alongside reindeer herding, resource extraction and local livelihoods. The region's contemporary tourism therefore reflects both wilderness ideals and the realities of inhabited northern landscapes.

The Jokkmokk Winter Market

The annual winter market at Jokkmokk has roots extending back to the seventeenth century, when royal authorities encouraged regular markets and church gatherings in the northern interior. It developed into an important meeting and trading place for Sámi communities and visiting merchants. Today the event combines commerce, cultural programming, handicrafts, food and public discussion, while retaining its role as a significant meeting point in the Sámi calendar. Its longevity illustrates the continuing importance of seasonal gatherings in northern society.

Lapland in Photos

Browse through our photo collection highlighting the charm and character of the destination.

0 / 0

Neighbouring regions of Lapland

The closest regions to Lapland, if you have time for more than one.

Explore more

Sweden
More of the region

Explore more of Sweden

Discover Sweden's breathtaking landscapes, vibrant cities, and rich cultural heritage. From the Northern Lights to historic castles, experience the essence of Scandinavia.

Explore Sweden
The Evendo app on two phones

Evendo: The Ultimate Travel Guide to Lapland, Sweden

Discover the magic of Lapland with Evendo's 100% free app-based travel guide. Explore attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and more, all in one place.

  • Detailed information on attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities.
  • Rich content including images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details.
  • Easy booking for hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences.
Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play
More about the Evendo app

Unveil the wonders of Lapland, Sweden with Evendo, your comprehensive travel guide. From breathtaking landmarks to cozy restaurants, Evendo has everything you need for an unforgettable trip.

  • Comprehensive history of Lapland and travel essentials.
  • Curated local tips to experience Lapland like a local.
  • User-friendly navigation and 'Near Me' feature.
  • 100% free with no in-app purchases or hidden costs.
  • Global coverage with information on over 7,000 destinations worldwide.

Imagine stepping into the enchanting world of Lapland, Sweden, with the Evendo app by your side. This comprehensive travel guide is designed to ensure you make the most of your trip, offering detailed information on all the best attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities.

With Evendo, you can effortlessly explore iconic landmarks like the Icehotel, marvel at the Northern Lights, or take a serene trip to Abisko National Park. Dine at renowned restaurants such as the cozy Gamla Stan Brasserie or savor local flavors at the Copperhill Mountain Lodge. Each location is enriched with images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details, making it easy to plan and organize your adventure.

Booking hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences has never been easier. No more scouring multiple sources for what to see, do, and experience. Evendo consolidates everything in one place, ensuring a seamless travel experience. Enjoy features like the history of Lapland, travel essentials, curated local tips, and the 'Near Me' feature to easily discover attractions around you. Evendo is your key to experiencing Lapland like a local.

And the best part? This app is 100% free, with no in-app purchases or hidden costs. Plus, Evendo isn't limited to Lapland. It covers over 7,000 other destinations worldwide, so once you've downloaded the app, you have the world in your pocket.

Get the latest from Evendo

Hand-picked travel deals, new destination guides and trip ideas, straight to your inbox.