When you think of Lapland you probably think of cosy log cabins, eager huskies and reindeers driving sleighs through the snow, but Europe’s last wilderness – located not too far from the Arctic Circle – is actually worth visiting during the summer months too. Swedish Lapland is the heartland of the indigenous Sámi people and I was lucky enough to be invited there in July – a time when few tourists visit and when temperatures can actually reach a rather balmy 30 degrees. Okay, there’s no Northern Lights to chase and photograph, but the sparsely populated area is still spectacular with scenery including seemingly endless pine forests, swollen rivers and tranquil lakeside villages.
We started our journey in Skelleftea, a small cosy town in Southern Swedish Lapland near the Baltic Sea, which is a very different experience in summer. Firstly you’ll experience the natural phenomenon of the midnight sun which means the notions of day and night are quickly forgotten and where the landscapes are bathed in a dim pink glow during the evening hours instead. The town is geared up towards making the most of the beautiful natural surroundings and there’s no shortage of activities on offer aimed at nature enthusiasts, outdoor adventure seekers and even stag do party members looking for a unique experience.
Next on the list was Svansele Wilderness Centre. It was an hour’s drive from Skelleftea and the perfect pit-stop to make the most of the unspoilt landscapes. On arrival we were greeted by the centre owner, Thorbjorn who handed us a cup of strong coffee that he had just brewed on an open fire. He was a colourful character who admitted he shunned traditional schooling for hunting and fishing and was now the proud owner of nine overnight camps which include traditional ‘lavvo tents’ and an en-suite hotel – all of which he built himself.
Activities at the centre in the summer include quad biking and cycling but Thorbjorn is most legendary for his moose-spotting guarantees – if you spend 24 hours with him and you don’t see a live moose he promises to refund your money. After an exhilarating spin on one of his powerful quad bikes, it all went a bit Game of Thrones when we indulged in a spot of axe throwing (yes really). After missing the board about 12 times I finally hit my target and then decided to retire gracefully!
The next day we ventured to Jokkmokk, a small village located just north of the Arctic Circle. Here we met Matti Holmgren and Stina Svensson who founded Jokkmokkguiderna – a Siberian Husky kennel which was home to around 45 huskies and two Border Collies. They offer dog sledding tours during the winter and in the summer, canoeing on the Pearl River Nature Reserve is their premier activity (which we were lucky enough to experience). I wouldn’t say it’s an easy task crossing the river on a canoe but it’s a refreshing and tranquil activity and perfect way to de-stress.
Having experienced the tranquil and traditional way of life of the Sami people first hand I strongly believe it’s a myth that Lapland is a lot better in the winter months – this beautiful and unsullied corner of Scandinavia makes a unique travel destination all year round.
Travel Facts – Skelleftea
Scott was a guest of Visit Sweden, Swedish Lapland and Destination Skelleftea.
To get to Skelleftea you can take advantage of Ryanair’s new route from London Stansted which takes around three hours and is available from £51.98 for a return flight.
For more information on activities visit Svansele Wilderness Centre and Lapland Canoe Central.
19 Comments
Mik
14 November, 2014 at 5:08 amWow Scott! A lot of this reminds me of Yellowstone and also parts of Canada! 🙂
Miriam of Adventurous Miriam
28 October, 2014 at 7:43 pmI had no idea that temperatures could go so high in Lapland. I’ve always wanted to visit this place and stay in an igloo while watching the Northern Lights. Lapland looks so pretty!
Scott Balaam
29 October, 2014 at 10:08 amYes – I was shocked and not prepared for the heat! It was a lovely time to go. I plan to go back and rent a kayak and a tent and make a real adventure of it!
Iain
28 October, 2014 at 1:53 pmYour photos are really great! I’m convinced – I bet it’s a great place to visit in the summer too!
Scott Balaam
29 October, 2014 at 10:10 amGlad you liked the pics. I really would recommend Swedish Lapland – it’s a perfect break for someone looking for a relaxing escape.
Emma
28 October, 2014 at 9:18 amThe landscapes look so serene and unspoilt I think summer is actually a very good time to visit – love your photos!
Scott Balaam
29 October, 2014 at 10:11 amIt was incredible – at times it felt we were the only people there! It was my first trip to that part of the world and I will be going back!
Marianne Lin
28 October, 2014 at 8:41 amI was just thinking of finding great places with an untouched beauty and this appeared! Thanks. Those shots are beautiful. And the place is amazing.
Scott Balaam
29 October, 2014 at 10:13 amI feel very lucky to have come across somewhere so untouched – Unfortunately it isn’t easy to locate places that haven’t been ruined. The people in the local area are very proud and I fully expect it to stay as it is now.
Glad you liked the pics – As you can imagine I took a lot!
paper boat sailor
28 October, 2014 at 7:32 amBeautiful impressions. I believe in the low season, much exploited places take on a very charming glow.
Scott Balaam
29 October, 2014 at 10:14 amI fully agree – most people were shocked when I came back saying how hot it was and that I’d spent Sunday afternoon sitting on the beach in Sweden!
Heather
28 October, 2014 at 1:35 amSo beautiful! Some of these pictures remind me so much of summers in the mountains in Wyoming.
Scott Balaam
29 October, 2014 at 10:17 amI must admit I haven’t been to Wyoming but sounds like it would be worth a trip just for the shots.
Agness
27 October, 2014 at 4:09 pmAbsolutely wonderful landscape. Wish I was there!! <3
Scott Balaam
29 October, 2014 at 10:18 amIt really was – well worth visiting.
Catherine
27 October, 2014 at 4:03 pmI love your photos – especially the ones where you can see the reflection of the clouds in the water! I wouldn’t have thought of Lapland as a summer destination either, but you’ve shown me how wrong I was – it looks spectacular!
Scott Balaam
29 October, 2014 at 10:19 amThanks – It is probably the most picturesque place I’ve been to.
Laura
24 October, 2014 at 12:54 pmI’d never thought of Lapland in the summer, but it looks stunning!
Laura
Sometime Traveller
Scott Balaam
29 October, 2014 at 10:20 amYes – It’s worth visiting and not crowded at all. It’s very much a different type of summer break but a really fun one!