What is the difference between visiting Lapland in winter vs. summer?
In winter (Dec–Apr), you’ll experience deep snow, Northern Lights, dog sledding, and snowmobiling. In summer (Jun–Aug), you’ll experience the Midnight Sun (24 hours of daylight),green forests, pleasant hiking weather, and activities like husky hikes.
Related FAQ
- Is it worth visiting Swedish Lapland in summer?
- What is the best time to visit Swedish Lapland for summer break?
- What is the best time to travel for a winter experience?
- What makes summer in Swedish Lapland so special compared to winter?
- How many hours of daylight is their during the winter in Piteå?
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Can I ski in Swedish Lapland?
Yes, you can! Piteå has its own local ski slope, perfect for weekend skiing or enjoying the magic of night skiing under the floodlights.
If you are looking for larger ski resorts, there are several great options just a 1- to 2-hour drive from Piteå.
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Highlights
- Winter
A fun family day on the slopes in Piteå. We arrange your equipment and ski card.
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Highlights
- Winter
With many cross countery ski areas. Piteå is the perfect place to try out some cross country ski. We can arrange equipment and ski card at one of the most populair areas, with beautifull prepared tracks.
Learn more
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What language do they speak in Swedish Lapland?
The main language is Swedish, but almost everyone speaks fluent English.
Our guides at Direct North speak several languages. Visit our Meet our team page to see who works with us, which languages they speak, and which tours you are most likely to meet them on.
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What makes summer in Swedish Lapland so special compared to winter?
While many people picture Lapland as a world of snow and Northern Lights, summer is truly the Arctic’s best-kept secret. As the landscape awakens, the forest explodes with life, 24 hours of daylight under the Midnight Sun, pleasant temperatures, blooming tundra, and crystal-clear lakes perfect for a refreshing swim after a day of hiking. It is a season of endless energy, stillness, and pure freedom.
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Related Activities
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Husky hike
Enjoying nature together
Highlights
- ~2 hours
- 2-7 persons
Explore the woods with a husky by your side. Learn about huskies and enjoy the beautiful Swedish forest.
View tourPrices
- Adults
- 990 kr
- Children 4-12 years
- 445 kr
-
Highlights
- ~1 hour
- 2-8 persons
Meet the friendly husky during summer time.
View tourPrices
- Adults
- 400 kr
- Children 5-12 years
- 200 kr
-
Highlights
- ~4 hours
- Family friendly
- Jun-Aug
- 1850 SEK
Follow along into nature on a day hike including outdoor lunch in Piteå. Spend time outside and discover the astonishing forests, lakes, flora and wildlife around Piteå in Swedish Lapland.
View tourPrices
- Adults
- 1 850 kr
- Children Age4-12 years
- 900 kr
-
Highlights
- From 18000 SEK
- Jun-Aug
- 1 travel party
- Active holiday
- Meals included
Disconnect from the routine and step into the Swedish wilderness for a reset focused on simplicity and presence. This experience takes you deep into the forest to slow down, build a base camp and sleep under the midnightsun.
View holiday packagePrices
- Adults
- 18 000 kr
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Highlights
- Summer
Spend time outside to discover what nature has to offer. Amazing landscapes, animal tracks, berries, mushrooms and more.
Learn more -
Highlights
- Summer
Spend time outside with a friendly husky by your side! Become partners with the husky and enjoy the beautiful nature on a hike in the Swedish Forest.
Learn more -
Highlights
- Summer
- Winter
Follow allong on the moose safari. Durring summer nights, we will go out to search for the king of the forest.
Learn more
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Is it safe to eat berries directly from the forest?
Yes, Swedish wild berries are clean and grown naturally without pesticides. However, for safety, never eat any berry or mushroom unless your guide has identified it as safe. Your guide will show you which species are delicious and which to leave alone.
Related FAQ
Related Activities
-
Husky hike
Enjoying nature together
Highlights
- ~2 hours
- 2-7 persons
Explore the woods with a husky by your side. Learn about huskies and enjoy the beautiful Swedish forest.
View tourPrices
- Adults
- 990 kr
- Children 4-12 years
- 445 kr
-
Highlights
- From 18000 SEK
- Jun-Aug
- 1 travel party
- Active holiday
- Meals included
Disconnect from the routine and step into the Swedish wilderness for a reset focused on simplicity and presence. This experience takes you deep into the forest to slow down, build a base camp and sleep under the midnightsun.
View holiday packagePrices
- Adults
- 18 000 kr
-
Highlights
- ~4 hours
- Family friendly
- Jun-Aug
- 1850 SEK
Follow along into nature on a day hike including outdoor lunch in Piteå. Spend time outside and discover the astonishing forests, lakes, flora and wildlife around Piteå in Swedish Lapland.
View tourPrices
- Adults
- 1 850 kr
- Children Age4-12 years
- 900 kr
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What kinds of berries grow in Northern Sweden?
The most common wild berries are:
- Blueberries
- Lingonberries
- Cloudberries
- Raspberries
The Swedish forest has even more to offer! Depending on the season and location, you might also spot Crowberries, Stone Brambles and Mountain Cranberries.
Beyond berries, our guides will point out other natural forest goods, such as edible wild herbs, pine shoots for tea, spruce tips, and seasonal mushrooms like Chanterelles.
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Related Activities
-
Highlights
- ~4 hours
- Family friendly
- Jun-Aug
- 1850 SEK
Follow along into nature on a day hike including outdoor lunch in Piteå. Spend time outside and discover the astonishing forests, lakes, flora and wildlife around Piteå in Swedish Lapland.
View tourPrices
- Adults
- 1 850 kr
- Children Age4-12 years
- 900 kr
-
Husky hike
Enjoying nature together
Highlights
- ~2 hours
- 2-7 persons
Explore the woods with a husky by your side. Learn about huskies and enjoy the beautiful Swedish forest.
View tourPrices
- Adults
- 990 kr
- Children 4-12 years
- 445 kr
-
Highlights
- From 18000 SEK
- Jun-Aug
- 1 travel party
- Active holiday
- Meals included
Disconnect from the routine and step into the Swedish wilderness for a reset focused on simplicity and presence. This experience takes you deep into the forest to slow down, build a base camp and sleep under the midnightsun.
View holiday packagePrices
- Adults
- 18 000 kr
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Can we pick wild berries during the tour?
Yes! Depending on the season, the forest in Northern Sweden comes alive with wild berries. During our summer and autumn tours, you are welcome to pick and taste them right along the trail or gather a few to enjoy back at base camp.
Throughout the hike, our guides love sharing their knowledge about the different berries you encounter, from identifying unique flavor profiles to traditional Swedish ways to prepare and enjoy them!
Related Activities
-
Highlights
- Summer
Spend time outside to discover what nature has to offer. Amazing landscapes, animal tracks, berries, mushrooms and more.
Learn more -
Highlights
- ~4 hours
- Family friendly
- Jun-Aug
- 1850 SEK
Follow along into nature on a day hike including outdoor lunch in Piteå. Spend time outside and discover the astonishing forests, lakes, flora and wildlife around Piteå in Swedish Lapland.
View tourPrices
- Adults
- 1 850 kr
- Children Age4-12 years
- 900 kr
-
Husky hike
Enjoying nature together
Highlights
- ~2 hours
- 2-7 persons
Explore the woods with a husky by your side. Learn about huskies and enjoy the beautiful Swedish forest.
View tourPrices
- Adults
- 990 kr
- Children 4-12 years
- 445 kr
-
Highlights
- From 18000 SEK
- Jun-Aug
- 1 travel party
- Active holiday
- Meals included
Disconnect from the routine and step into the Swedish wilderness for a reset focused on simplicity and presence. This experience takes you deep into the forest to slow down, build a base camp and sleep under the midnightsun.
View holiday packagePrices
- Adults
- 18 000 kr
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Are children welcome on the Multiple day hike?
Yes and No. We also go out on multiple day hikes with our young kids, but with the focus on the experience and not the distance. So in our eyes it will all depends on your wishes. On our multiple day hike we focus on one travel party, so we are able to adjust the entire program to your wishes. Feel free to contact us, to see what is possible.
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How bad are mosquitoes in summer, and how should I prepare?
Mosquitoes are active in the Arctic wilderness, particularly from late June through July in damp, forested areas.
to stay comfortable:
- Pack a bug spray
- Long sleeves and long trousers
- Consider a head net for hiking of fishing
Related FAQ
Related Activities
-
Highlights
- ~4 hours
- Family friendly
- Jun-Aug
- 1850 SEK
Follow along into nature on a day hike including outdoor lunch in Piteå. Spend time outside and discover the astonishing forests, lakes, flora and wildlife around Piteå in Swedish Lapland.
View tourPrices
- Adults
- 1 850 kr
- Children Age4-12 years
- 900 kr
-
Highlights
- From 18000 SEK
- Jun-Aug
- 1 travel party
- Active holiday
- Meals included
Disconnect from the routine and step into the Swedish wilderness for a reset focused on simplicity and presence. This experience takes you deep into the forest to slow down, build a base camp and sleep under the midnightsun.
View holiday packagePrices
- Adults
- 18 000 kr
Related Pages
Are there huskies and reindeer in Lapland during the summer?
Yes! Reindeer roam freely throughout the countryside during summer (you will often see them along roadsides). And some places where you can visit reindeers and moose stay open for visits, for example Cape wild.
Our husky kennel is also open for visits, puppy playtime, and summer hike instead of sleds.
Related FAQ
Related Activities
-
Highlights
- ~1 hour
- 2-8 persons
Meet the friendly husky during summer time.
View tourPrices
- Adults
- 400 kr
- Children 5-12 years
- 200 kr
-
Husky hike
Enjoying nature together
Highlights
- ~2 hours
- 2-7 persons
Explore the woods with a husky by your side. Learn about huskies and enjoy the beautiful Swedish forest.
View tourPrices
- Adults
- 990 kr
- Children 4-12 years
- 445 kr
Related Pages
what is the weather like during summer in Lapland?
Summer in Lapland (June to August) is mild and surprisingly green. Average daily temperatures range between 15 °C and 22 °C (59 °F–72 °F). Soem warm days can occur and push temperatures above 25 °C (77 °F). Days are long, bright, and ideal for outdoor adventures.
Related FAQ
Related Activities
-
Highlights
- ~1 hour
- 2-8 persons
Meet the friendly husky during summer time.
View tourPrices
- Adults
- 400 kr
- Children 5-12 years
- 200 kr
-
Husky hike
Enjoying nature together
Highlights
- ~2 hours
- 2-7 persons
Explore the woods with a husky by your side. Learn about huskies and enjoy the beautiful Swedish forest.
View tourPrices
- Adults
- 990 kr
- Children 4-12 years
- 445 kr
-
Highlights
- ~4 hours
- Family friendly
- Jun-Aug
- 1850 SEK
Follow along into nature on a day hike including outdoor lunch in Piteå. Spend time outside and discover the astonishing forests, lakes, flora and wildlife around Piteå in Swedish Lapland.
View tourPrices
- Adults
- 1 850 kr
- Children Age4-12 years
- 900 kr
-
Photography Lapland Week Summer
Workshops and Activities
Highlights
- From 22000 SEK p.p.
- 5 Days / 4 Nights
Photography in Lapland week offers the beginner and experienced photographer a perfect mix of education, hands-on practice and experiencing Lapland outdoors
View holiday packagePrices
- Adult(s)
- From 22 000 kr
Related Pages
Where is Lapland located?
Lapland is a part that is across both Sweden, Finland and Norway. It is not a country it is cultural and geopraphical region what corresponds to Sapmi, the traditional ancestral homeland of the indigenous Sámi people, who have inhabited these subarctic lands for thousands of years.
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Related Activities
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Highlights
- Summer
- Winter
Meet our reindeer outdoors and feed them lichen. Gather by the open fire in the lávvo to share Sámi traditions, taste local food, and try catching antlers.
Learn more -
Lapland Adventure week
Small group adventure
Highlights
- From 18000 SEK p.p.
- Adventure week
- 5 days / 4 nights
Experience a 5-day Lapland Winter Holiday in Piteå. Fully guided spring break adventure including dog sledding, Northern Lights, snowmobiles and full board.
View holiday packagePrices
- Adult(s) Age18+
- From 18 000 kr
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8-Day Guided Holiday
With transfers and guide
Highlights
- From 26500 SEK p.p.
- 8 Days / 7 Nights
- Transfers
Settle in for a week of discovery. This package includes daily excursions, good accommodation, and lunch on your tour days, all with the support of our expert guides.
View holiday packagePrices
- Adult(s)
- From 26 500 kr
- Children Age8-12 years
- From 13 250 kr
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How much does it cost to travel to Lapland,Sweden?
It all depends on your preferences! All our activity prices stay the same throughout the season, so the timing won’t impact your activity costs. However, hotel accommodation and rental car prices do vary depending on demand.
The best way to approach this is to reach out for help! We are more than happy to work within your budget and find the best options for you
Related Activities
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Highlights
- From 11000 SEK p.p.
- 4 Days / 3 Nights
- Transfers
Discover the magic of the Northern lights during these days, let them suprise you in different colours and shapes. The Aurora has its way to lighten up the darker days.
View holiday packagePrices
- Adult(s)
- From 11 000 kr
- Children
- From 5 500 kr
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Dogsledding tour 5km
Feel the power of the dogs
Highlights
- ~5 Km
- 2-8 pers.
Experience the thrill of the short husky tour in Piteå on a 5 km dogsledding tour. Our huskies are excited to meet you and take you on a short tour over the lake.
View tourPrices
- Adults
- 1 300 kr
- Children Age2-12 years
- 650 kr
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Do I have to be afraid for the brown bear when I am out hiking?
The short answer is no, you do not need to be afraid. But you should absolutely be aware and respectful.
While there are plenty of brown bears living in the forests of Swedish Lapland and the Norrbotten region surrounding Piteå, encountering one is incredibly rare and an aggressive encounter is rarer still.
A Swedish bear’s absolute primary goal when it hears, sees, or smells a human is to run away and hide long before you even realize it was there. In fact, most locals who have spent their entire lives hiking and hunting in Piteå have never seen a wild bear face-to-face.
When Do Bears Become Dangerous?
Bears will only act aggressively if they are startled or backed into a corner. Almost every rare bear incident in Sweden involves one of three specific scenarios:
- A surprised bear: A hiker walking silently into the wind accidentally stumbles right into a bear sleeping in thick brush.
- A mother with cubs: A mother bear instinctively defending her young cubs.
- An injured bear: A bear that has been wounded during the autumn hunting season.
Simple Rules to Stay Safe While Hiking
You don’t need to carry bear spray (in fact, bear spray is illegal to carry without a specific permit in Sweden). Instead, just follow these simple wilderness habits:
- Make a Little Noise: You don’t need to scream, but don’t walk through the forest. Talk out loud to your hiking partner or let your footsteps be heard. If a bear hears you coming from 100 meters away, it will quietly walk in the opposite direction.
- Keep Your Dog on a Leash: This is the number one cause of bear confrontations in Sweden. An unleashed dog will run ahead, find a bear, bark at it, get scared, and then run right back to its owner with an angry bear chasing it. Keeping your dog close protects everyone.
- Watch the Wind: If you are hiking through very thick brush or berry patches where visibility is low, make extra noise, especially if the wind is blowing in your face (meaning the bear downwind can’t smell you coming).
- Be Careful at Dawn and Dusk: Just like moose, bears are most active when the sun is low. Take extra care during twilight hours.
What should you do if you actually see one?
If you are incredibly lucky (or unlucky depeding on how you see it) enough to spot a bear, do not run (running triggers their predator instinct to chase, and they can run at 50 km/h).
Simply stand tall, speak in a loud, calm, normal human voice so the bear realizes exactly what you are, and slowly back away the way you came. Give the bear a clear, wide path to escape, and it will almost certainly take it!
Related FAQ
what wild animals call Piteå, swedish lapland their home?
Swedish Lapland region are home to some of Europe’s most resilient and iconic wildlife. The landscape transitions from dense forests and rushing rivers to the brackish waters of the Bothnian Bay archipelago, supporting a diverse ecosystem.
The wildlife of Swedish Lapland:
- Moose
- Mountain hare
- Red Fox
- Artic Fox
- Brown bear
- Lynx
- Wolverine
- Golden Eagle
- White tailed sea Eagle
- Capercaillie
- Whooper swan
And oufcourse many more animals that call the swedish forest their home. You can go out on one of our nature tours to discover animal tracks and learn more about the ecosystem.
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Related Activities
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Photography Lapland Week Summer
Workshops and Activities
Highlights
- From 22000 SEK p.p.
- 5 Days / 4 Nights
Photography in Lapland week offers the beginner and experienced photographer a perfect mix of education, hands-on practice and experiencing Lapland outdoors
View holiday packagePrices
- Adult(s)
- From 22 000 kr
-
Storforsen Waterfall Tour
Guided tour to the roaring rapids
Highlights
- ~6 hours
- 2-4 pers.
- Thursdays
Explore the frozen Storforsen nature reserve. Enjoy comfortable transport, local wildlife insights, and a traditional Swedish lunch cooked outdoors.
View tourPrices
- Adults
- 2 500 kr
- Children Age8-12 years
- 1 250 kr
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Snowmobile Safari
A ride through the winter landscape
Highlights
- ~3 hours
- 2-8 Pers.
Ride through Northern Sweden’s breathtaking landscapes on a guided snowmobile tour. Experience the frozen wilderness, enjoy a Swedish fika, and discover the Arctic’s hidden beauty.
View tourPrices
- Adult(s)
- From 3 200 kr
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Snowshoe hike
Trough snow covered landscapes
Highlights
- ~3 hours
- 2-4 pers.
Connect with nature on a snowshoe hike trough beautiful snow covered landscapes. Accessible to all fitness levels.
View tourPrices
- Adults
- 1 200 kr
- Children Age8-12 years
- 600 kr
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Is it likely to see a moose in Swedish Lapland?
Yes, it is very likely, but seeing one depends heavily on how, when, and where you look. There are an estimated 50,000 moose roaming in the forests and river valleys of Swedish Lapland. However, because Lapland is massive and the animals are naturally shy, they don’t just stand on street corners waiting.
The probability of spotting the “King of the Forest” changes based on the following factors:
- The Time of Day
- Moose are crepuscular, meaning they are most active during dawn and dusk. During the middle of the day, they rest deep in the thick pine forests to stay cool and hidden. If you go driving around dawn and dusk it is easier to spot them.
- The Season
- Winter : Due the white snow it is easier to spot the moose in nature. Deep snow pushes moose out of the mountains and into the river valleys looking for food. Because the snow in the forest is deep, they love to walk along the edges of plowed country roads.
- Summer: They spread out much more. However, they love water. You are likely to see them standing in shallow wetlands, marshes, or swimming across lakes at dusk to eat aquatic plants.
- Autumn: September and October is the moose breeding season, the bulls are more active and hiding less, what will higher your chance to see them.
- Wild vs. Guaranteed Sightings
- Spotting a wild moose is based on luck and knowledge. If you want a 100% guaranteed, up-close encounter where you can actually pet and feed them, you can visit a specialized wildlife park like Cape Wild in Luleå.
A Note on Road Safety: Because moose are so common in Lapland, they are a major traffic hazard. If you are driving around Piteå or up toward Kiruna, always keep a sharp eye on the tree line, especially where you see the red-and-yellow moose warning signs!
Do you offer cross country ski tours?
Currently, we do not offer any cross-country ski tours. But we are more than happy to arrange an occasion for you to try it out, and we can help with rental equipment, locations, and/or trail fees.
You can contact us with any questions about cross country ski.
Is it worth visiting Piteå, Swedish Lapland during the darker days?
Absolutely! Every month offers its own unique experience shaped by the changing seasons.
While the days gradually shorten after Midsummer, the true “darker days” begin to set in around September. However, this darkness brings its own magic:
- Autumn: As the dark nights return, so do the Northern Lights. It is the perfect season for stargazing, berry foraging, and hiking through golden forests.
- December: Piteå transforms into a magical winter wonderland. The snow cover acts as a natural mirror, beautifully reflecting the twilight to brighten the days with ethereal pink and blue skies.
The shift between the seasons is exactly what makes Piteå so special, there is always something different and unique to discover, no matter when you visit.
Related FAQ
Related Activities
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Highlights
- Winter
Chase the Northern Lights. Our experienced guides lead your search for the magical Aurora Borealis. This evening adventure will be an unforgettable night out.
Learn more
How many hours of daylight is their during the winter in Piteå?
Because Piteå is located just south of the Arctic Circle , it does not experience the very dark polar night where the sun remains completely below the horizon all day. However, its winter days are still incredibly short, with the sun hanging very low on the horizon.
The amount of daylight you will experience during the winter in Piteå varies by month:
- December
- about 3,5 hours of daylight
- With the shortest day around December 21st or 22nd.
- January
- about 5 hours of daylight
- February
- about 8,5 hours of daylight
Daylight is the time the sun above the horizon. Luckliy during the darker days, we get treated by the beautiful glowing skys in blue, purple and pinks or with northern lights.
Related FAQ
Related Activities
-
Highlights
- Winter
Chase the Northern Lights. Our experienced guides lead your search for the magical Aurora Borealis. This evening adventure will be an unforgettable night out.
Learn more -
Northern Lights
Witness the Arctic's Light Show
Highlights
- ~3 hours
- 2-4 pers.
Experience the dazzling spectacle of the Northern Lights with our guides, chasing the clearest skies around Piteå in Swedish Lapland.
View tourPrices
- Adults
- 990 kr
- Children Age8-12 years
- 445 kr
What is the best time to visit Swedish Lapland for summer break?
It depends entirely on what you want to experience! A summer break in Swedish Lapland is the ultimate “coolcation”. The perfect choice if you want to escape the extreme heatwaves of southern Europe and instead enjoy comfortable temperatures, fresh Arctic air, and endless daylight.
Here is a breakdown of our summer months to help you choose the perfect time for your trip:
- June (The Midnight Sun & Midsummer): June is a truly magical month. This is when you can experience the famous Midnight Sun at its absolute peak, giving you 24 hours of daylight to explore. It is also the month of Midsummer, where you can join locals in celebrating one of Sweden’s oldest and most beloved traditions under a sun that never sets.
- July & August (Warm Days & Berry Picking): These are typically our warmest months, making them ideal for outdoor adventures. Around Piteå, this is the perfect time to discover our beautiful hiking trails, hidden swimming spots, and the stunning archipelago. Plus, from mid-July onward, the forest floor opens up foraging season, allowing you to pick delicious wild cloudberries, blueberries, and raspberries.
Local Tip: If you want maximum daylight and local cultural festivals, choose June. If you prefer warmer weather for swimming and foraging for wild berries, July and August are your best bet!
Related FAQ
Related Activities
-
Highlights
- Summer
Spend time outside with a friendly husky by your side! Become partners with the husky and enjoy the beautiful nature on a hike in the Swedish Forest.
Learn more -
Photography Lapland Week Summer
Workshops and Activities
Highlights
- From 22000 SEK p.p.
- 5 Days / 4 Nights
Photography in Lapland week offers the beginner and experienced photographer a perfect mix of education, hands-on practice and experiencing Lapland outdoors
View holiday packagePrices
- Adult(s)
- From 22 000 kr
Related Pages
What is the difference between Finish and Swedish Lapland?
Finnish Lapland is more famous, more touristy, and busier (think of Rovaniemi and Santa Claus Village). Swedish Lapland is quieter, more authentic and activities in smaller groups (usually around 8 people). It is the ideal choice for travelers looking for peace, culture, wilderness, and a deeper connection with nature.
Is it worth visiting Swedish Lapland in summer?
Absolutley! If you enjoy nature and outdoor activities, you can visit Lapland (Piteå) in every season and it will be worth it. During the summer all nature is green, berries will start to grow and we are treated by the midnight sun. That means that the sun will not set or only for a short while, this make the days very long and unique.
Besides the hughes amount of hiking trails, Piteå also offer a lot of different areas to swim. Also the huskies are still around in the summer and are waiting for you to bring some cuddles.
Related Activities
-
Highlights
- ~1 hour
- 2-8 persons
Meet the friendly husky during summer time.
View tourPrices
- Adults
- 400 kr
- Children 5-12 years
- 200 kr
-
Husky hike
Enjoying nature together
Highlights
- ~2 hours
- 2-7 persons
Explore the woods with a husky by your side. Learn about huskies and enjoy the beautiful Swedish forest.
View tourPrices
- Adults
- 990 kr
- Children 4-12 years
- 445 kr