One of the most northern towns in Sweden is Abisko, which lies north of the Arctic Circle. With a unique nature and culture, the north of Sweden has a lot to experience. Here is why you should visit it.
Riksgränsen: a world-famous ski resort
The winter in the north of Sweden can be extreme, and the temperature can get as low as minus thirty degrees celsius. That is why Abisko, a town surrounded by mountains, is an excellent base for your winter adventures.
During winter, outdoor enthusiasts travel to Riksgränsen for skiing and snowboarding. Riksgränsen, 'the National Border' in Swedish, is a ski resort on the border between Norway and Sweden. Riksgränsen is globally recognized as one of the world's best resorts for off-piste sliding. The resort is open from December to June.
Experience the Northern Lights
Have you ever seen pictures of a night sky light up by surreal colours? This natural phenomenon is called the Northern Lights or Aurora Borealis. The phenomena occur in the northern parts of the world, hence the name Northern Lights, and can only be observed during periods of darkness. During the summer months, the sun is continuously visible, even during midnight (a natural phenomenon called the 'midnight sun'). The Northern Lights can thus only be observed during winter.
Many people dream of seeing the Northern Lights and spend some days camping outside in the wild to experience these wonders of Earth. But sometimes it can be a tricky experience as the natural phenomena need the following to occur: a clear sky, darkness, solar activity, and no light pollution. That is why many choose to visit the Aurora Sky Station located on the mountain Nuolja, where help is provided with tour guides and all the relevant information.
Culture & where to stay
Another popular activity is to travel by dogsledders or snowmobile through the stunning mountain scenery of the Arctic. And do not forget to visit a Sámi village - local native ethnic groups in the north of Sweden- and learn more about their nomadic lifestyle.
The Icehotel in Jukkasjärvi might be the most-known destination in the north of Sweden. The Icehotel is both a hotel and an art exhibition created with ice and snow. Every year most of the hotel melts during the summer months - the hotel is then rebuilt every winter.
So, once in Sweden, do not miss out on visiting Abisko and the north! You will definitely have a memorable winter adventure!
The author
Maria Lundin Osvalds
Are you ready to experience this story yourself?
