Swedish Lapland Travel

10 Reasons to Love Swedish Lapland in Summer

How often have you dreamed of the summer months only to be greeted with humid, sun-searing days where the only relief is inside by an air conditioner? We wish for a place with 70F (21C) degree days, bright skies, and a refreshing breeze so we can get outside and finally enjoy our bikes and the world’s natural beauty.

Swedish Lapland in summer is that idyllic place! In fact, I don’t even think you’ll need all 10(!) of these reasons to swoon. But, just in case, you’re one of those Lapland-is-a-winter-trip types, here goes! 😉

10 Reasons to Love Swedish Lapland in Summer
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10 Reasons to Love Swedish Lapland in Summer

After spending 3 days in Stockholm, the peace and beauty of Swedish Lapland was a welcome retreat from the busy city.  Here’s what you can expect. 

1. Unparalleled Natural Beauty

Swedish Lapland Travel

Whether you’re walking along the river in a Swedish Lapland town like Skelleftea, getting out onto the water to birdwatch…

Skelleftea Swedish Lapland River

…or hiking into the forest in the hopes of photographing a moose, you’ll be surrounded by tall trees, lush greens, and crystal clear lakes, rivers, and streams. All of this in a comfortable, perfectly ideal, climate.

Skelleftea Swedish Lapland River

2. Solitude

Swedish Lapland Travel

Even near the bigger Swedish Lapland towns, you’re never far from your own solitude. Whether you’re solo or traveling as a couple or family, think bike rides, walks, time to read, relax, and exhale.

3. Classic Swedish Cottages

Swedish Lapland Travel

The signature red is striking, especially when combined with tiny doors, windows, and shutters. Cute does initially come to mind. But, after spending time in Swedish Lapland the beauty really is in the simplicity.

Swedish Lapland Travel

A cottage and the things nature provides is all one needs to be self-sufficient whether you’re on a cottage-lined lane or in a more remote area with your own individual flair for color.

Swedish Lapland Travel

4. Archipelago Island Days

Swedish Lapland Travel

The pristine wilderness perhaps is only somewhat overshadowed in summer by the Bay of Bothnia. The protected sea in between Sweden and Finland is home to numerous tiny islands. The cool, dry sea breeze blows between the scattered clusters of cottages, as locals and visitors alike unwind and rediscover the essence of carefree days.

Skelleftea Swedish Lapland Archipelago

5. Lovable Huskies

Skelleftea Swedish Lapland Husky

Dogsledding is part of the culture in Lapland. Take the opportunity to learn about and interact with these beauties at a place like Lappland Emotions. Even in summer, you can hike and be outdoors with the dogs. What’s even better, though, is to see how the dogs are truly loved by Marie-Line and her family. If you’re an animal-lover like me, time with the Huskies will be reason enough to love Swedish Lapland in summer.

Swedish Lapland Travel

6. Food, Fika, and Fire

Skelleftea Swedish Lapland Wilderness Buffet

The outdoors is no obstacle for hunger pangs or a coffee craving. Visit Swedish Lapland in summer and you’ll cook local foods over an open flame wherever you are. Locals come prepared with food to cook and coffee to drink.

Skelleftea Swedish Lapland Fika

Whether you’re taking a Fika break in Stockholm or Swedish Lapland, it’s a must-do in Sweden!

All you’ll need for a traditional Swedish Fika (coffee & sweets) break is a kettle, your own wooden cup, coffee grounds, a sweet roll, and the ability to stop, sip, and be in the moment. 

Skelleftea Swedish Lapland Fika

7. Magical Wooded Cabins

Swedish Lapland Travel

Have you ever stood someplace and had to really convince yourself that elves and fairies don’t exist? You will when you discover Svansele Wilderness Center.

Skelleftea Swedish Lapland Svansele

To be honest, wilderness center gives the wrong idea. Expansive wilderness reserve with every possible outdoor indulgence is more accurate. There are lakes, hiking, biking, wildlife, outdoor hot tubs, and yes, magical wooded cabins hidden deep within a picture-perfect forest.

Skelleftea Swedish Lapland Svansele

8. Lakeside Retreats

Skelleftea Swedish Lapland Svansele

Sweden has over 95k lakes, so spending time lakeside is as much a part of the Swedish Lapland culture as Vespas and Notre Dame are to Paris. Swim, fish, canoe, and light a fire indoors when the air cools in the evening all while listening to the gentle lapping of the water just outside.

Swedish Lapland Travel

9. Outdoor Adventure

Skelleftea Swedish Lapland ATV

Hop on a quad, rent a kayak, or even head to an adventure park where you can figure out how to make it through treetop obstacles. No matter which sounds best for you, embrace the Swedish Lapland love for getting active outdoors.

Skelleftea Swedish Lapland Canoe

10. Midnight Sun

Skelleftea Swedish Lapland Country Church

Swedish Lapland in summer comes with long radiant days and plenty of time to enjoy the outdoors. The sun lingers over the horizon leaving enough brightness for rainbows to sweep across the sky at any time!

Skelleftea Swedish Lapland Rainbow

Planning a visit to Swedish Lapland in summer?

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28 thoughts on “10 Reasons to Love Swedish Lapland in Summer”

  1. Becke Quillin

    You had me at huskies! And then there were the wildflowers growing on the rooftops! Oh and the rainbow! Looks like an amazing place. I wouldn’t have thought of it as a summer destination but I’ll put it on the list now!

    1. Jackie Sills-Dellegrazie

      Fantastic, Becke! Those huskies are so amazing. You’ll love Swedish Lapland. 🙂

  2. Loved the post. Everything is so pretty and colorful. The lakes and water looks crystal clear and inviting. The cabins are pretty and the wilderness one is really cool. Best part has to be the huskies and the sun though! This makes me want to go to Lapland right away!

    1. Jackie Sills-Dellegrazie

      The midnight sun is pretty amazing, Ketki. It really lets you get every last moment of summer.

  3. Lapland is so not somewhere I would have thought about for a summer getaway! It looks fabulous, the landscape is stunning and the huskies are just too cute!

    1. Jackie Sills-Dellegrazie

      Winter does steal the show, Vicki, but summer is just as unforgettable. Oh, and those huskies are as sweet as they look!

  4. Megan Jerrard

    I would love to visit Swedish Lapland in the summer – I visited Finnish lapland, but in the winter, and it was such a memorable trip, though I do think it would have looked so lush and beautiful had it not been covered by a hard blanket of snow. I LOVE the magical wooded cabins here and the idea of a Lakeside retreat 🙂

    1. Jackie Sills-Dellegrazie

      Having also done an unforgettable Finnish Lapland trip in winter, Meg, I can say Swedish Lapland in summer is equally is memorable. The lakes and the wilderness are an incredible experience.

  5. This matches my latest experience in Stockholm. I have to admit your story is better, but visiting Lapland it’s impressive. I am wondering why you decided to go during summer?

    1. Jackie Sills-Dellegrazie

      Lapland was on my list for a while and I wanted to see both extremes, summer and winter, Gabriela.

  6. Omg the green cabins are so cute! It is interesting that there is solitude in the summer! Most places are so busy in the summer so this would be a huge draw for me!

    1. Jackie Sills-Dellegrazie

      You’ll definitely have time to yourself away from the crowds, Victoria. 🙂

  7. I love Sweden! I was really pleasantly surprised when I visited Stockholm & the archipelago last year, I would to explore more when I get the chance – you really can’t beat the landscape & those gorgeous cabins!

    1. Jackie Sills-Dellegrazie

      I felt the same about Stockholm, Claire. I totally underestimated Sweden.

  8. Let answer your first question about dreaming of the summer months only to be greeted with humid, sun-searing days where the only relief is inside by an air conditioner? Yeah I’m from Canada so when it gets hot after long winters we get happy for patio weather. lol. That being said we are always complaining about the weather. That picture of the town Skelleftea is breath taking. I would love to stay in one of those cottages and dog sledding is super high on my list!!! Great post

    1. Jackie Sills-Dellegrazie

      Swedish Lapland has perfect patio weather, Christopher. Hope you can make it for a visit soon!

  9. Sandy N Vyjay

    Swedish Lapland is indeed a revelation. The natural beauty of the land is straight out of a fairytale. It is simply stunning. The place is indeed the stuff that dreams are made of and I would love to get list in this dreamland.

    1. Jackie Sills-Dellegrazie

      It absolutely is, Sandy! Swedish Lapland is really incredible. 🙂

  10. Probably never would have thought of this as a destination without this site, it looks perfect! What kind of itinerary did you have for this? I assume you rented cottages?

    1. Jackie Sills-Dellegrazie

      Thanks for reading, Dave. Swedish Lapland is totally under the radar and just gorgeous. I have another post about Skelleftea you can check out, too, with lodging links and photos. For an amazing wilderness experience, check out the cottages and cabins at Svansele Wilderness Center. If you prefer more of a hotel feel, check out Knutes hotel also part of Svansele. Stiftsgarden Hotel was nice if you’re looking for something closer to town. Lantliv Lodge was really eclectic but so homey and original. I hope you get a chance to check out the area. If you like ideal summer temps and natural beauty, you’ve found it. 🙂

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