(credit: Håkan Stenlund/Swedish Lapland)
Between December and March, the Swedish Lapland promises an escape like no other. Covering more than a quarter of Sweden’s land area, the Arctic part of Sweden brings darkness with a cloak of whiteness from December to March. Winter – or dálvve – is the longest of the eight seasons in Sweden and brings snowy days and a cold that can reach -40 degrees Fahrenheit (usually between -13 to 25 degrees Fahrenheit). Whilst conditions may be harsh, the north embraces the winter months and presents a wide range of outdoor activities during the season, including snow-shoe hiking, snowmobiling, skiing and ice fishing, as well as opportunities to uncover the ancient traditions of the Sami.
Across the mountain range and through the woodlands, the freezing landscape beckons adventure travelers to brave the cold and experience the wonder of the northern lights dancing in the sky as well as winter reindeer migration. For those looking to surround themselves with a celebration of Sami culture, the Jokkmokk Winter Market is held annually in February (2025 marks its 420th annual edition, one of the oldest in the world) and features traditional crafts, reindeer races and a lively market atmosphere. To take full advantage of the cold months in Sweden, here are some of the top activities offered at these unique properties.
(credit: Håkan Stenlund/Swedish Lapland)
Niehku Mountain Villa
Located 200km north of the Arctic Circle along the border between Sweden and Norway, Niehku Mountain Villa was created by those who all share a great passion for Riksgränsen, skiing, food, wine and nature offerings. Johan ”Jossi” Lindblom, Founder and CEO of Niehku Mountain Villa, shares his many years of experience as a traveling IFMGA mountain guide bringing exceptional opportunities in the mountains, with over 5,000 square kilometers of ski terrain and more than 60 mountain peaks in the area. During the winter, the villa is open from January and May and offers ski touring, winter activities and heli-skiing experiences where guides take you to peaks in the Scandes mountain range to one of Northern Europe’s the country’s most inaccessible alpine areas.
(credit: Håkan Stenlund/Swedish Lapland)
Arctic Bath
Along the Lule River, the landscape turns a beautiful white as the river freezes and snow is seen in all directions. Whether staying in one of the three land suite cabins or three land family cabins nestled amidst the birch trees or their six over-water cabins, guests in the winter time can see Harads at its best. The hotel offers three snowmobile tours (morning, lunch or evening) and during the evening tour you stop for a lighter dinner at the top cabin with the marvelous northern lights above. Guests can also join Micke Suorra, a Sami professional fishing and nature guide and owner of Hide & See, for an exciting ice-fishing session along with indulging in a traditional Swedish fika in a warm Sami grilling hut. Other winter activities include a two-hour snowshoe hiking trek exploring the Taiga forest and their Sápmi Experience at Silba Siida, where you will listen to stories and joik (traditional Sami singing) alongside a three-course-meal prepared over an open fire. A unique offering taking inspiration from the design of the property is their sauna/cold plunge experience. While ice surrounds the hotel, guests can warm up in their two saunas and then experience the cold waters (get to -4°F) in the middle of the round main building with clear skies above.
(credit: Tomi Sipola)
Peace & Quiet Hotel
Located on a lake in the middle of Swedish Lapland’s forest and accessible only by dogsled, snowmobile, boat or trail, the journey to Peace & Quiet hotel separates you from your daily life. Situated in old pine and spruce forests and surrounded entirely by the pristine, untouched wilderness, founder Björn Hedlund Länta, a former military mountain guide presents a tranquil and secluded trip. Staying in your Glass Room on the frozen lake, your private room is surrounded by the peace of nature where you can view the Northern Lights above (at Peace & Quiet Hotel you have the highest chance to see northern lights in Lapland, if you stay three nights), book a private guided ice bath and sauna as well as ice fishing in a private lake. Björn also affords guests the opportunity to visit a Sámi camp and learn about the culture of Lapland’s reindeer-herding people as well as go on a sled-dog adventure.
(credit: Håkan Stenlund/Swedish Lapland)
ICEHOTEL
A landmark since 1989, ICEHOTEL is the world’s first and largest hotel built out of snow and ice offering year-long ice accommodations as well as the seasonal ICEHOTEL Winter (December-April). Starting in December each year, the empty space on the frozen Tore River bank turns into a magnificent hotel made of ice and snow with 50-55 seasonal rooms. Whether staying in a standard ice room to more elegant art suites, the spacious (and cold) rooms change every year with brand new ice-art, bringing a one-of-a-kind version of the Icehotel. Starting in November and taking six-to-eight weeks to build, the property comes to light (albeit in the darkness of winter) presenting memorable accommodations not seen elsewhere. And if staying in a frozen room wasn’t enough, along with the meticulously crafted ice bar, guests can book a night snowmobile tour on the frozen Torne River searching for the Northern Lights.
(credit: Håkan Stenlund/Swedish Lapland)
Treehotel
Come stay in the trees at one of eight unique rooms in the small town of Harads in the Swedish Lapland. Just an hour drive from Lulea Airport, winter in the forest here is magical. Suspended 10- to 30- ft in the air, guests are perched amongst the 70-120 year old pine tree-forest with accommodations designed by renowned architects, presenting a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Experience the winter night in the silent woodland of Swedish Lapland, awakening to the views of the snow-dappled forest canopy before choosing from one of their many winter excursions. From a classic husky safari to ice fishing trips to visiting a reindeer farm and Sami village, return to the property for dinner and watch the Northern Lights circling overhead. Whether staying in the Mirrorcube, Biosphere, Ufo or other rooms, comfort and modern design are combined for an exciting adventure.
