As if the prospect of seeing the magical Northern Lights aren’t reason enough to make plans to head to northern Sweden in the winter, there are plenty of activities on offer for visitors beyond staring in the sky in search of bright colours. The winter landscape of the north, bathed in a eerie half-light for a few hours at the most, offers much to do for those who are willing to layer up with their warmest clothes and explore this sparsely-populated region.
Here are just a few of the activities on offer in northern Sweden:
Ice fishing
Even if the idea of sitting on a British riverbank and passing the day in solitude doesn’t appeal, an ice fishing adventure from Sörbyn offers something quite different. A local guide is on hand to help you with the basics as you venture out onto a frozen lake and drill a hole into the ice, before dropping your line into the water and hopefully catching your lunch. Pessimists need not fear as even if your fishing is not successful an outdoor fika (snack break) is included. All fishing equipment (and a few extra warm layers) are provided.
Dog sledding
Dog sled tours are always popular with visitors to northern Sweden, mainly because of the fact that people will inevitably fall in love with the huskies. Before you set off on this adventure from Isdimma you have time to relax and get to know the dogs. They are pure-bred huskies and all have their own personalities. The owners will talk about the dogs and their importance to the way of life in the north, before it’s time to take to the sled and head off into the snow. The journey passes through pine forests and across frozen lakes. Best of all, everyone gets the opportunity to mush the dogs. The hardest part is walking away from the dogs at the end of the tour.
Ice climbing a waterfall
Ice climbing in the Abisko National Park is a popular activity due to the abundance of frozen waterfalls in the Abisko Canyon. A tour from Abisko offers you the chance to climb a 15-metre high ice-fall. Safety is of course taken very seriously and you’ll be tied to the rope, guided by a qualified instructor and armed with an ice axe and crampons. You have plenty of time to get familiar with your gear and there’s no pressure to climb all the way to the top of the frozen waterfall.
Elk tour
Part wildlife-watching and part cultural encounter, this tour from Kiruna takes you to valley of the River Kalix, which boasts a large population of elk. You have the opportunity to see the elk at close quarters and to learn about the landscape in which they live. Elk sightings are never guaranteed, but the chances are very high and dozens of sightings on one trip are not uncommon. The tour also includes a visit to Nikkaluokta where you can learn about the fascinating history and culture of the Sami people while warming up with a hot drink.
