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
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
Whether you’re walking along the river in a Swedish Lapland town like Skelleftea, getting out onto the water to birdwatch…
…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.
2. Solitude
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
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.
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.
4. Archipelago Island Days
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.
5. Lovable Huskies
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.
6. Food, Fika, and Fire
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.
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.
7. Magical Wooded Cabins
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.
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.
8. Lakeside Retreats
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.
9. Outdoor Adventure
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.
10. Midnight Sun
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!
Planning a visit to Swedish Lapland in summer?
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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!
Fantastic, Becke! Those huskies are so amazing. You’ll love Swedish Lapland. 🙂
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!
The midnight sun is pretty amazing, Ketki. It really lets you get every last moment of summer.
ohhh— when I saw those huskies— I wanted to go already. This is really amazing.
As a dog lover, you’ll love the husky experience, Karla.
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!
Winter does steal the show, Vicki, but summer is just as unforgettable. Oh, and those huskies are as sweet as they look!
Every single thing about this looks PERFECT! I’m sold and adding it to my insanely long bucket list
Yes, Sherianne! Swedish Lapland is a must. 🙂
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 🙂
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.
Never been to Lapland but always wanted to go. Thanks for adding to my intrigue.
Hope you get there soon, Anna! Lapland is so worth the trip!
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?
Lapland was on my list for a while and I wanted to see both extremes, summer and winter, Gabriela.
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!
You’ll definitely have time to yourself away from the crowds, Victoria. 🙂
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!
I felt the same about Stockholm, Claire. I totally underestimated Sweden.
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
Swedish Lapland has perfect patio weather, Christopher. Hope you can make it for a visit soon!
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.
It absolutely is, Sandy! Swedish Lapland is really incredible. 🙂
Beautiful photography. Really reminds me of home in northern Saskatchewan but this is so far away. Thanks so much!
Thanks for taking a moment to check out the post, Jeff. 🙂
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?
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. 🙂