Summer in Swedish Lappland - 5 Days
Highlights
- Discover Luleå enchanting forests and UNESCO-listed Old Town
- Hike the famous Midnight Sun Trail in Kiruna
- Spend a day trekking in stunning Abisko National Park
- Savor mountaintop views from the Aurora Sky Station
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Stockholm, Explore | Stockholm |
| Day 2 | Fly to Luleå & Lappland Hiking | Luleå |
| Day 3 | Train to Kiruna & Midnight Sun Trail | Kiruna |
| Day 4 | Panoramic Day Hiking in Abisko National Park | Kiruna |
| Day 5 | Return to Stockholm, Depart |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Stockholm, Explore
Welcome to Sweden! Touchdown and take the Arlanda Express train into Stockholm. Settle into your hotel and then explore the country's innovative capital. The tolerant, tech-forward city is known for its Pride Festival and creative start-ups like Spotify. Spread across an archipelago of 14 islands connected by 57 bridges that stretch over Lake Mälaren and the Baltic Sea, it's easy to see why Stockholm is nicknamed the "Venice of the North."
Hop on a ferry to discover various districts, from laid-back Södermalm to the vibrant Norrmalm downtown and historic Gamla Stan (Old Town), a medieval wonder of cobbled streets and colorful buildings. Tour key landmarks like the Kungliga Slottet (Royal Palace), 13th-century Storkyrkan cathedral, and Vasa Museum. You can also visit the Art Nouveau palace Centralbadet, now a spa-like center where you can enjoy Roman baths and saunas.
End the day with some typical Swedish cuisine. Choose from 14 different types of classic meatballs, from elk to beef varieties, at Meatballs for the People, try toast skagen (toasted bread topped with prawn salad) and apple pie at Tradition restaurant, and pickled herring and gravlax (cured salmon) at trendy Sillkaféet.
Day 2: Fly to Luleå & Lappland Hiking
This morning you'll fly north to Luleå, a coastal city in Lappland, a province in northern Sweden (though today, the Indigenous inhabitants of the region, the Sámi, prefer the name Sápmi) that acts as a base for trekking, outdoor activities, and viewing the northern lights. Luleå is famed for Gammerlstad, a church town that lies just outside the city but served as its town center until the 17th century. Gammerlstad is a UNESCO site home to Sweden's largest medieval stone church and over 400 preserved church cottages.
Your adventure begins with a hike on the nearby Bergnäsets Trail, a 1.5-mile (2.5 km) track through forests of towering trees and along babbling brooks. If you're looking for a longer trek, the 3.5-mile-long (6 km) Hemberget's Trail also offers picture-postcard Lappland scenery. End with a visit to a popular restaurant in Ersnäs village, Ralph Lundstengården, where you can enjoy everything from moose steak to grilled salmon.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 3: Train to Kiruna & Midnight Sun Trail
Today starts with a scenic train journey north to the Arctic Circle town of Kiruna. In the summer, the sun never sets, making Kiruna a mecca for hikers who come to revel in its stark beauty. The town also offers many cultural activities, including the chance to experience the Indigenous Sámi culture. You can even tour the Kiruna Iron Mine, the world's biggest underground iron ore mine, which will take you through tunnels deep beneath the ground.
To soak up Kiruna's natural wonders, embark upon the popular Midnight Sun Trail. This 2.6-mile (4.3 km) hike starts at Camp Ripan and takes you through a birch forest above the tree line on the Luossavaara mountain. Along the way, drink fresh water from a cold spring and enjoy 360-degree views of Kiruna and the nearby Ice Hotel in Jukkasjärvi. After your walk, head to Café Sport at the foot of the mountain for their waffle buffet.
Day 4: Panoramic Day Hiking in Abisko National Park
This morning, take a one-hour train journey to Abisko National Park. This lush haven of rugged mountains, deep forests, and glassy lakes is perfect for hiking and biking. As you explore the park, you'll notice its vast flora and fauna, including alpine flowers, rare lichens, and various bird and mammal species. Abisko is also loved for its rich cultural heritage, which belongs to the Sámi people.
Spend the day hiking in Abisko, ending at the Aurora Sky Station for panoramic views of Torneträsk, the largest mountain lake in Scandinavia, and Lapporten, Sweden's most depicted mountain motif. Have a bite to eat at the café and then take the chair lift for the journey back down, taking in views of the mountains as you ride. Afterward, return to Kiruna by train for a final evening in Lappland.
Day 5: Return to Stockholm, Depart
Today your Swedish adventure comes to an end. Fly from Kiruna back to Stockholm, where you'll connect to your homebound flight. Safe travels!
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