Family winter holiday Spring break

Itinerary

1. 

   Dogsledding

   Enjoy a guided dogsledding tour, feel and see the power of the amazing husky. Warm up inside with a traditional meal after many dog cuddles.

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   Dogsledding

   

   

   

   

   

   Dogsledding in Swedish Lapland: A Rich History

   Dogsledding is one of the most exciting ways to explore the snowy forests of Swedish Lapland. It is a beautiful partnership between human and dog, with a history that goes back thousands of years.To help you get ready for your Arctic adventure, here is a quick overview of the history, the language of mushing, and the amazing dogs that make it all possible.

   A Quick Look at the History

   Long before snowmobiles were introduced in the 1970s, dog teams were a vital part of daily life in the north. The indigenous Sámi people and early Arctic explorers relied on dogs to haul firewood, gear, and supplies through deep snow. It was all about survival. Today, this rich tradition lives on through modern winter safaris, allowing you to experience the wilderness just like people did centuries ago.

   Mushing Terminology & Commands

   When you go dog sledding, you will hear a few specific terms and commands. The dogs are highly trained and listen closely to the voice of their driver. Depending on the guide, they might use the traditional international mushing language or the local Swedish commands!

   • The Musher: This is the official name for the person who drives and guides the dog sled. During your tour, you will get to step into the shoes of a real musher!
   • Basic Commands: Mushers don’t use reins to steer; they only use their voice. Here are the most common commands the dogs know:
     • Hike or Framåt! /Ja! – Go / Start running
     • Gee or Höger! – Turn right
     • Haw or Vänster! – Turn left
     • Whoa! or Stanna!/Ptroo! – Stop / Brake

   Meet the Breeds

   Sled dogs are true athletes that absolutely love to run and thrive in cold weather. The two most common breeds you will meet in Swedish Lapland are:

   Alaskan Husky

   These are the ultimate endurance runners. They are not a registered purebred but are specifically bred for their incredible stamina, speed, and friendly, hardworking character. They love attention and are very affectionate.

   

   Siberian Husky

   The classic Arctic dog. Known for their thick double coat, beautiful markings, and often striking blue or brown eyes. They are strong, full of energy, and love working together as a pack.

   

   Experience DogSledding with Direct North

   At Direct North, we love bringing you closer to this incredible Arctic tradition. Our dogsledding tours are all about giving you an authentic  experience in the beautiful winter landscapes of Swedish Lapland. Whether you want to feel the thrill of steering the sled or just want to enjoy the quiet snowy forests, we make sure it’s an adventure you will never forget.

   When you book a dog sledding tour with Direct North, you can expect:

   • Drive or Ride: You can choose to step into the shoes of a real musher and drive your own eager team of huskies (only possible when booking mushing day), or sit back, relax under warm blankets, and enjoy the magical scenery.
   • Meet the Pack: We believe in personal, small-scale experiences. Before and after the tour, there is plenty of time to cuddle the dogs, learn their unique personalities, and take some amazing photos.
   • Lunch: It is possible to enjoy a lovely lunch in our wooden hut. The lunch is prepared above the fire and a perfect way to talk about what you experienced or what you are going to experience.

   Worry-Free Transfers: Don’t want to worry about driving on snowy roads to get to the trail? We can easily arrange a comfortable transfer for you from Piteå.

   Ready to hear the excited barking turn into absolute silence as the dogs pull you into the wilderness? Join Direct North for the ultimate winter memory!

   What dog breed do you have at the kennel?

   We currently mainly have Alaskan Huskies. These are the ultimate endurance runners. They are not a registered purebred but are specifically bred for their incredible stamina, speed, and friendly, hardworking character. They love attention and are very affectionate.

   Related FAQ

   • Do the dogs really like pulling the sled?

   Related Activities

   • 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.

     Prices

     Adults

     1 300 kr

     Children

     650 kr

     View tour

   • Mushing Day

     Experience the life of a musher

     

     Highlights

     • ~6 hours
     • 2-4 pers.

     Mushing day in Piteå is full day experiencing and learning about dogsledding. This is a day for you who wants to experience dogsledding like mushers do!

     Prices

     Adults

     From 4 650 kr

     View tour

   • Dogsledding Tour 12km

     Experience the power of teamwork

     

     Highlights

     • ~12 Km
     • 2-12 pers.

     Experience the thrill of dogsledding in Piteå on our 12km tour. Our huskies are excited to meet you and take you on an adventure through Swedish nature.

     Prices

     Adults

     1 850 kr

     Children Age2-10

     925 kr

     View tour

   • Husky Hike

     

     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

   Do the dogs really like pulling the sled?

   They absolutely love it.  Our dogs are born and bred to run; it is in their DNA. You will see their incredible enthusiasm the moment we start harnessing them—they bark, jump, and cannot wait to get moving. The moment the brake is released, the barking stops, and they settle into a focused silence. Our dogs are beloved members of our family, and their health and happiness are our top priorities.

   Related Activities

   • 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.

     Prices

     Adults

     1 300 kr

     Children

     650 kr

     View tour

   • Dogsledding Tour 12km

     Experience the power of teamwork

     

     Highlights

     • ~12 Km
     • 2-12 pers.

     Experience the thrill of dogsledding in Piteå on our 12km tour. Our huskies are excited to meet you and take you on an adventure through Swedish nature.

     Prices

     Adults

     1 850 kr

     Children Age2-10

     925 kr

     View tour

   • Mushing Day

     Experience the life of a musher

     

     Highlights

     • ~6 hours
     • 2-4 pers.

     Mushing day in Piteå is full day experiencing and learning about dogsledding. This is a day for you who wants to experience dogsledding like mushers do!

     Prices

     Adults

     From 4 650 kr

     View tour

   • 8-Day Winter Experience

     Self driven with Rental car

     

     Highlights

     • From 20000 SEK p.p.
     • 8 Days / 7 Nights
     • Rental car

     Settle in for a week of discovery. This package includes daily excursions, good accommodation, rental car and lunch on your tour days.

     Prices

     Adult(s)

     From 20 000 kr

     Children Age8-12 years

     From 13 000 kr

     View holiday package

   • 8-Day Guided Holiday

     With transfers and guide

     

     Highlights

     • From 26000 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.

     Prices

     Adult(s)

     From 25 000 kr

     Children Age8-12 years

     From 14 000 kr

     View holiday package

   Related Pages

   • Winter Tours

   Can you drive your own team of dogs?

   Yes, but it depends on the tour you book! At Direct North, we offer two different ways to experience the magic of dogsledding in Piteå:

   • Riding as a Passenger (Dogsledding 5km and 12km): On most of our regular tours you get to sit back and take in the stunning snowy landscapes. While you are comfortable on the sledge our experienced guides will share fascinating insights about the dogs. How the team works together and the local surroundings.
   • Driving Your Own Team (The Mushing Day): If you want to feel the thrill of steering the sled yourself, you can book our exclusive Mushing Day. This tour is carefully structured to make sure you feel confident and safe:
     • First Half: You will start the day riding as a passenger. During this ride, your guide will explain exactly how to drive the sled and what important signs to look out for on the trail.
     • Lunch: We will head back to enjoy a lovely lunch cooked over the open fire in our wooden hut.
     • Second Half: After lunch, it is your turn to step onto the runners and be a real musher!

   Safety & Age Requirements

   Please note that there is a minimum age requirement for the Mushing Day tour. Additionally, the safety and well-being of our guests, guides, and dogs always come first. If weather or trail conditions create an unsafe situation, our guides are obligated to adapt the program to provide a fitted, safe solution for everyone.

   Related FAQ

   • What dog breed do you have at the kennel?
   • Do the dogs really like pulling the sled?

   Related Activities

   • Mushing Day

     Experience the life of a musher

     

     Highlights

     • ~6 hours
     • 2-4 pers.

     Mushing day in Piteå is full day experiencing and learning about dogsledding. This is a day for you who wants to experience dogsledding like mushers do!

     Prices

     Adults

     From 4 650 kr

     View tour

   • Dogsledding Tour 12km

     Experience the power of teamwork

     

     Highlights

     • ~12 Km
     • 2-12 pers.

     Experience the thrill of dogsledding in Piteå on our 12km tour. Our huskies are excited to meet you and take you on an adventure through Swedish nature.

     Prices

     Adults

     1 850 kr

     Children Age2-10

     925 kr

     View tour

   • 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.

     Prices

     Adults

     1 300 kr

     Children

     650 kr

     View tour

   Related Pages

   • Contact

   Is dogsledding suitable for children?

   Yes, dogsledding is a wonderful experience for children! Kids usually fall in love with the huskies instantly, and our friendly dogs absolutely love the extra attention and cuddles.

   However, because the Arctic winter requires extra care for the little ones, we have a few important guidelines to ensure everyone stays safe and warm:

   The Perfect Tour for Little Adventurers

   For families with younger children, we highly recommend our 5km Dogsledding Tour. Sitting still on a sled can get very cold, and because children lose body heat faster than adults, a shorter tour is the perfect way to experience the magic without getting uncomfortable.

   Age Recommendations

   Children are very welcome on our standard tours from the age of 2 and up. If you have a child younger than 2 years old but still want to experience dogsledding, please contact us directly! We will do our best to find a customized, safe solution for your family.

   Weather conditions

   Your family’s safety and comfort are our top priorities. If the weather conditions on the day of your tour are too rough or cold for children, we will reach out to you beforehand to find a good solution for the entire family.

   Related FAQ

   • Can you drive your own team of dogs?
   • What dog breed do you have at the kennel?
   • Do the dogs really like pulling the sled?
   • Is the Northern light tour suitable for kids?
   • Is winter in Lapland suitable for young kids?
   • Is ice fishing suitable for children?

   Related Activities

   • 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.

     Prices

     Adults

     1 300 kr

     Children

     650 kr

     View tour

   Related Pages

   • Contact
2. 

   Snowshoe Hike

   Discover the snowy landscape with special snowshoes under your feet. It will let you walk easily over snow covered areas. Enjoy the nature in a unique way.

   View details

   Snowshoe Hike

   

   

   

   Snowshoe hiking is an amazing and rewarding way to explore the winter landscape of Swedish Lapland. Leaving the trails behind and stepping directly into deep, powder snow gives you access to pine forests, frozen lakes, and panoramic hills.

   To help you get ready for your Arctic excursion, here is a quick look at the origins of snowshoeing, why it is such a special way to explore, and what to expect on the trail.

   A Quick Look at the History

   Long before modern snowmobiles or groomed trails existed, snowshoes were an essential tool for survival in northern climates. For thousands of years, indigenous Arctic dwellers, hunters, and foresters relied on wide wooden frames to distribute their body weight, allowing them to “float” over deep snowdrifts rather than sinking in. Today, light and modern equipment has turned this ancient necessity into a peaceful, accessible adventure for outdoor lovers of all ages.

   The Magic of the Trail

   Snowshoeing lets you slow down and experience the Arctic ecosystem from a whole new perspective:

   • Pure Silence: Unlike motorized winter activities, snowshoeing takes place in total stillness. The only sound you will hear is the satisfying crunch of dry snow beneath your feet and the gentle wind in the forest.
   • Off-the-Beaten-Track Exploration: Snowshoes function as floating platforms, allowing you to walk freely across deep snow, climb untracked hills, and discover hidden natural viewpoints that are otherwise impossible to reach in winter.
   • Wildlife & Tracking: Going at a relaxed walking pace gives you time to observe the subtle details of the wilderness. Keep an eye out for footprints left in the fresh snow by reindeer, moose, arctic hares, and forest birds.

   Experience Snowshoe Hiking with Direct North

   At Direct North, we love taking you into the quiet heart of Swedish Lapland. Our snowshoe tours are all about connecting with nature, breathing in the crisp Arctic air, and enjoying a memorable winter excursion in a intimate, relaxed setting.

   When you book a snowshoe hike with Direct North, you can expect:

   • Guided Nature Trails: Our local guides lead you safely through the winter terrain, pointing out animal tracks and sharing stories about survival skills, flora, and local northern culture.
   • Easy for Everyone & Gear Included: We provide snowshoes and walking poles. No prior experience is require, if you can walk, you can snowshoe! We adapt the pace to make sure everyone enjoys the journey.
   • Fireside Lunch & Fika: Midway through the hike, we gather around a crackling open fire in the forest. Enjoy a warm, hearty lunch or traditional Swedish fika with hot drinks as you relax in the snowy surroundings.
   • Transfer included: You do not need to worry about driving. A transfer from you accomodation in and around Piteå is includded in the tour.

   Ready to swap the noise of daily life for the calm crunch of deep snow beneath your boots? Join Direct North for an unforgettable snowshoe adventure into the wild!

3. 

   Storforsen Waterfall

   A full day activity that will take your breath away. Storforsen is one of the biggest rapids in Sweden. In the winter the waterfall will partly freeze and will surprise you with its beauty.

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   Storforsen Waterfall

   

   

   

   

   

   Storforsen in Swedish Lapland: Nature’s Untamed Wonder

   Storforsen is one of the most breathtaking nature areas in Swedish Lapland. Located along the Pite River, this magnificent nature reserve is home to one of Europe’s largest unregulated rapids. A place that will take your breath away in its own unique way during every season of the year.

   A Quick Look at the History & River

   The Pite River begins near the Norwegian border and stretches roughly 400 kilometers across Swedish Lapland, standing proud as one of Sweden’s protected national rivers. Because it remains completely unregulated by hydroelectric dams, the water flows with the raw, untamed force that nature intended.

   For generations, the river played a vital role in local timber floating, where logs were navigated down the rushing waters. Today, Storforsen is a designated nature reserve and one of Norrbotten’s most cherished destinations.

   By the Numbers: The Scale of Storforsen

   To truly appreciate the power of Storforsen, it helps to understand the massive scale of this natural giant:

   • The Drop: The falls span a total length of about five kilometers, dropping an impressive 82 meters in elevation—with 60 of those meters crashing through the intense central stretch.
   • Untamed Flow: As one of Europe’s largest uncontrolled rapids, the volume of water moving through the gorge—especially during the spring melt—is a roaring spectacle of pure force.
   • Vast & Peaceful: Crowded? A tourist trap? Not at all. The reserve covers a vast area with expansive wooden boardwalks, quiet forest paths, and cozy fire spots, giving you endless space to enjoy untouched nature and find a quiet place of your own.

   A Place for All Seasons

   While many destinations peak during a single season, Storforsen offers a completely different, magical atmosphere depending on when you visit:

   • Spring & Summer: Experience the peak of the water flow. The surrounding forests are vibrant and green, perfect for strolling along the rocks and soaking in the sun.
   • Autumn & Winter: The landscape transforms into a quiet Arctic dream. In deep winter, mist rises off the open, surging water while ice sculptures form along the riverbanks, surrounded by a snowy landscape.

   Experience Storforsen with Direct North

   At Direct North, we love sharing the beauty of Swedish Lapland with you. Our guided excursions to Storforsen are designed to offer an authentic, relaxing, and memorable way to connect with the majestic nature of the north.

   When you explore Storforsen with Direct North, you can expect:

   • Guided tour: Let us show you our favourite spots, talk about the history and all its beauty this nature reseverse has to offer.
   • Lunch & Fika: Enjoy a lovely lunch and traditional Swedish fika prepared over an open fire. It is the perfect way to warm up, listen to the distant roar of the water, and chat about your trip.
   • Year-Round Magic: Whether you want to witness the dramatic summer torrents or the frozen wonderland of midwinter, we tailor the experience to highlight the very best of each season.
   • Transfers: Don’t want to worry about navigating unfamiliar roads or winter driving conditions? A transfer for you straight from Piteå is included in the Storforsen day tour.

   Ready to feel the mist on your face and witness the raw power of Swedish Lapland’s greatest river? Join Direct North for an unforgettable journey to Storforsen!

4. 

   Ice fishing

   With many lakes and the beautiful archipelago ice fishing is a big thing in and around the Piteå area. An experienced ice fishing guide will take you out and will teach you all about this old time tradition and hopefully catch a fish.

   View details

   Ice fishing

   

   

   

   

   

   Fishing is a big part of Swedish culture, and this tradition continues throughout the winter with ice fishing. It is a peaceful yet exciting way to experience the frozen lakes of the north. Together, we will drill a hole in the thick ice, drop a line, and patiently wait for a bite while enjoying the winter landscape.

   An ice fishing experience is perfect for:

   • Experiencing local traditions: Learn the classic winter fishing techniques used by locals for generations.
   • Relaxing in nature: Disconnect from the hustle and bustle and enjoy the serene silence of the snowy landscapes.
   • Catch of the day: If you catch a fish of the right size, we can either prepare it directly over an open camp fire or you can take it home for a delicious dinner.

   It is the ultimate way to slow down, connect with nature, and enjoy a true Arctic winter day.

   Do I need prior fishing experience for ice fishing tour?

   Not at all. Ice fishing is easy to learn. Our guides will teach you everything you need to know, from how to drill your hole and the technique to use to catch a fish. It is an activity that is perfect for both beginners and experiened fishers.

   Related Activities

   • Ice fishing

     

     Highlights

     • Winter

     With many lakes and the beautiful archipelago ice fishing is a big thing in and around the Piteå area. An experienced ice fishing guide will take you out and will teach you all about this old time tradition and hopefully catch a fish.

     Learn more

   Do I need a fishing license?

   When you book a tour with Direct North, all necessary fishing permits and licenses are fully included. You don’t have to worry about any local regulations or paperwork. We have it all covered so you can focus entirely on enjoying your day.

   Related FAQ

   • Do I need prior fishing experience for ice fishing tour?

   Related Activities

   • Ice fishing

     

     Highlights

     • Winter

     With many lakes and the beautiful archipelago ice fishing is a big thing in and around the Piteå area. An experienced ice fishing guide will take you out and will teach you all about this old time tradition and hopefully catch a fish.

     Learn more

   Related Pages

   • Winter adventures in Swedish Lapland

   Is ice fishing suitable for children?

   Yes, it is a fantastic family activity! Kids absolutely love the hands-on nature of ice fishing. They get a huge thrill out of helping to scoop the slush out of the drilled holes, choosing the brightly colored lures, and watching the line. Because we always have a warm fire going nearby and delicious food ready, children stay happy, engaged, and warm.

   Related FAQ

   • Do I need a fishing license?
   • Do I need prior fishing experience for ice fishing tour?

   Related Activities

   • Ice fishing

     

     Highlights

     • Winter

     With many lakes and the beautiful archipelago ice fishing is a big thing in and around the Piteå area. An experienced ice fishing guide will take you out and will teach you all about this old time tradition and hopefully catch a fish.

     Learn more