In the deep midwinter, Swedish Lapland is a pristine playground for a variety of exhilarating activities such as snowmobiling and dog sledding. But travellers shouldn’t overlook visiting during the milder months, when the sun shines 24/7, the scenery is breath-taking and there’s lots to see and do. Whatever the season, you’ll find plenty of accommodation options too, including stylish hotels and luxury lakeside lodges to keep you cosy and comfortable. Indeed, those thinking of visiting this remote region should re-imagine the calendar. For Lapland is blessed with eight, not four, seasons. And with double the seasons come double the reasons to consider the best time to visit Swedish Lapland.
The Eight Seasons of The Sami
Many of the world’s top destinations boast four seasons, but it’s difficult to beat Lapland, where the indigenous Sami people, closely attuned to nature’s nuances, divide the year into eight. This is a place of extreme contrasts; where temperatures can vary by up to 70 degrees Celsius and where the dark days of winter give way to the Midnight Sun. Snow usually falls from October to May, but the air is pleasantly dry and crisp, making even the extreme cold bearable. While most visitors head to Swedish Lapland in the winter, opportunities for tailor-made adventures are on offer year-round. Let’s take a closer look.
1
Winter (Dálvve)
December-March
Winter, or Dálvve, is the longest season, when fir trees bow under a thick blanket of snow and the 24-hour polar night infuses everything with a deep blue glow. While nature slumbers, humans enjoy a buzz of activity; think cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, reindeer and dog sledding, and the frozen lakes become a playground for cars racing on the thick ice. Temperatures can reach -30˚C, with very short daylight hours in December and January, so it’s worth considering how active you want to be. Christmas and New Year are also the busiest times to visit, while March is a lot quieter.
2
Spring-Winter (Gidádálvve)
March-April
The snow still lies thick and heavy, and the nights remain long and dark, full of the promise of the Northern Lights, but gidádálvve also sees the return of light and warmth as the sun reappears. It’s a time for getting outside, snowmobiling or dog sledding across frozen rivers and through snow-laden forests. Longer days and rising temperatures make outdoor pursuits even more enjoyable and it’s warm enough sometimes to stretch a reindeer skin out on the snow and bask in the soft sunshine.
3
Spring (Gidá)
April-May
During the spring season of gidá, snow still lays thick on higher ground, but down in the valleys, winter releases its frozen grip on Lapland’s streams and rivers. April and May are superb for outdoor pursuits, with milder temperatures, longer days and bright blue skies. Fat-biking on thick, grippy tyres allows you to cycle out into the wilderness even in snow. The reindeer calving season also means adorable new-borns are a common sight.
4
Spring-Summer (Gidágiesse)
May-June
Once the snow has melted and the rivers and lakes have thawed, the landscape is ripe for adventure – whether you’re into hiking, kayaking or cycling. The famous King’s Trail winds through Laponia (an UNESCO World Heritage Site), four national parks and the headwaters of Sweden’s four main rivers. By the time of the summer solstice (the 21st of June), Lapland is bathed in the Midnight Sun.
5
Summer (Giesse)
June-July
June and July are ideal for cycling and hiking, with myriad beautiful trails to discover as the mountains burst with colour. Meanwhile, the disorienting perma-light provides plenty of time for social gatherings, village festivals and live music. Head to Storforsen Waterfall – one of Europe’s largest – to check out one of its many events. In summer, temperatures in Swedish Lapland can (and do) reach the high 20s, but the average is still between 14 and 17 degrees, so warm and waterproof layers remain essential.
6
Summer-Autumn (Tjaktjagiesse)
August-September
The first signs of autumn start to appear, as golds and reds inch across the landscape. This is the time to enjoy the fruits of nature’s labour. Lake fishing and stunning forests ripe for berry and mushroom picking await travellers during these months. Foraging is a key part of the national identity and taking part in a tour with a local guide will bring you closer to nature, especially when followed by a cooking class to transform your bounty into a delicious meal.
7
Autumn (Tjaktja)
September-October
Swedish Lapland is beautiful in autumn. The Luleå river and archipelago are still accessible and there’s plenty of daylight to enjoy outdoor activities. Nature lovers can enjoy lake and swamp tours and landscape photography while the region is quieter. Consider visiting the charming coastal town of Luleå and the UNESCO World Heritage Site Gammelstad, lined with rows of beautifully photogenic cabins. The autumn equinox marks the mesmerising return of the Northern Lights, and the milder temperatures make for pleasant aurora hunting.
8
Autumn-Winter (Tjaktjadálvve)
November-December
The days have grown shorter and snow has cloaked the landscape, transforming it into a pristine playground for those young and old. From Jokkmokk all the way to the frozen shores of the Gulf of Bothnia, visitors can explore the stunning scenery by snowmobile, sled and on foot, enjoying close encounters with moose and reindeer. The Icehotel is reborn in the village of Jukkasjarvi and Christmas markets appear across the region from the end of November to celebrate the start of the festive season.