In the heart of Swedish Lapland, surrounded by snowy forests and shimmering lakes, lies the idyllic town of Arvidsjaur. This region offers an unforgettable travel experience that appeals to all the senses, nestled in an enchanting winter landscape.
Arvidsjaur is located about 110 kilometers south of the Arctic Circle and approximately 160 kilometers west of Luleå in central Lapland. Polar Air Shuttle flies directly to Arvidsjaur Airport from Munich and Hanover with specially chartered planes from Eurowings and TuiFly.
Enchanting Winter Landscape: A Dream for Winter Sports Enthusiasts
It quickly becomes clear why a flight to Arvidsjaur in Sweden in winter is an absolute dream destination when you consider the unique experiences and the charming atmosphere of the region.
Arvidsjaur in winter resembles a scene from a fairy tale. The region is covered in a deep blanket of snow, trees are adorned in white coats, and the lakes are transformed into glittering ice surfaces. The crisp, cold air adds a special freshness to the landscape, while Sweden’s northern lights turn the night sky into a spectacular display of colors. This winter magic is hard to resist.
Winter sports enthusiasts appreciate northern Scandinavia for its exceptionally long ski season. For holidaymakers seeking something special in Sweden, a husky sled tour or a northern lights safari might be the perfect adventure. Snowmobile tours, snowshoe hikes, and ice skating are also popular winter activities during a ski holiday in Sweden.
Touring with Huskies: Dog Sledding Adventures in Swedish Lapland
In some areas of Swedish Lapland, there are more huskies than people. In the Arvidsjaur region, huskies are loyal companions of the locals. A dog sled ride through the snowy wilderness is an unforgettable experience of your winter holiday in Sweden. The sled dogs pull you through deep forests and across frozen lakes while you enjoy the silence of nature. The interaction with the dogs and the breathtaking scenery make this tour an unforgettable experience.
Watching the Northern Lights: A Fascinating Natural Phenomenon in Winter
Arvidsjaur offers optimal conditions to experience the fascinating natural phenomenon of Sweden’s northern lights. Away from disruptive light sources, visitors can admire the dancing lights in the sky. Special northern light tours and observation points allow you to experience the natural spectacle in all its glory.
A trip to Abisko National Park in Swedish Lapland is also worthwhile. Here you will find the Aurora Sky Station, considered one of the best places in the world to see the northern lights. While the solar winds responsible for this phenomenon hit the Earth’s atmosphere year-round, the spectacle can only be seen when it gets dark – from August/September to April.
Experiencing Traditional Sami Culture
A visit to Swedish Lapland would not be complete without an insight into the traditional culture of the Sami. In the region, there are Sami villages where visitors can learn more about the lifestyle, reindeer herding, and culture of the Sami indigenous people. Authentic Sami food and handicrafts complete the cultural experience.
Lappstaden (Sami town) in the center of Arvidsjaur is a church town with about 80 well-preserved wooden houses from the 17th century. The Sami lived here when they came from afar to fulfill their church obligations.
The Sami are traditionally very connected to nature. In their dialects, they know around 300 expressions for snow. They have also named every valley and mountain peak and divide the year into eight instead of four seasons. Under the climatic conditions of the Arctic Circle, every change in nature is perceived and planned into the annual cycle.
For many generations, reindeer herding has been part of everyday life. Inland, at the height of Luleå and Arvidsjaur, lies the Geunja Sami Eco Lodge by a lake, offering typical Sami food and overnight stays. The Vinka family introduces their guests to the Sami way of life and customs, where nature and reindeer play a central role. Traditional dishes like reindeer stew and chanterelle soup are prepared over an open fire, and guests stay either in a grass-roofed wooden house or a traditional goathie hut. Depending on the season, highlights of your winter trip to Sweden include hikes on reindeer trails, wildlife safaris, and ice fishing.
Sami Handicrafts: Authentic Souvenirs from Felt and Leather
The Sami are far ahead of the rest of the world in terms of sustainability. When a reindeer is slaughtered, nothing goes to waste: the meat is an important food source, the hide is turned into rugs, the leather into shoes and accessories, and the antlers into buttons and household items.
Reindeer products are popular souvenirs from Swedish Lapland, as well as felt bags and leather jewelry with delicate silver embellishments. Look for the Sami certificate when purchasing. It consists of the labels ‘Sámi Duodji’ and ‘Sámi Made’ and indicates that the products are genuine Sami handicrafts or products made by Sami.
Icy Adventure on the Lake: A Winter Paradise for Anglers
The numerous frozen lakes and streams offer the perfect backdrop for icy adventures during your winter trip in Europe. Try ice fishing in Sweden and experience the thrill of pulling your own catch from the icy water. Whether it’s salmon, pike, or trout, many fish still bite in Swedish Lapland.
Meat and Fish: Enjoying Swedish Lapland’s Culinary Delights
The cuisine in Lapland is influenced by Sami tradition. Local products are the focus – whether grown, hunted, or gathered in the wild. Reindeer meat is an important food source and is processed in many ways. A traditional method of preserving the meat is smoking. Smoked reindeer heart is a particularly delicate delicacy – just don’t think about the cute animals while eating.
Other typical ingredients of northern Swedish cuisine include elk meat and fish such as char, trout, and pike. You should also try Kalix Löjrom (vendace roe) – the first Swedish food to receive a protected designation of origin (PDO) from the EU, putting it on par with champagne, Parma ham, Thuringian sausage, and Allgäu cheese. Cheese is also widely consumed in Swedish Lapland, often produced in small dairies.
Arvidsjaur and its winter surroundings are undoubtedly a destination for those seeking a unique and magical experience. The combination of breathtaking nature, exciting activities, and traditional culture makes this region the perfect place for unforgettable winter adventures.
Getting to Arvidsjaur:
Polar Air Shuttle is offering increased flights to Arvidsjaur in Sweden this winter. From late November 2023 to the end of March 2024, special charter flights from Eurowings and TuiFly will regularly fly to Arvidsjaur and Kittilä. The flight routes from Munich and Hanover have been established in cooperation with the international automotive industry.
Travel agencies and tour operators specializing in northern Scandinavia can inquire about available seats by email (polar-air-shuttle@pasflights.com). The flights to Lapland are suitable for private travelers, incentive travelers, and groups.
Traveling in Swedish Lapland:
To complete an individual program in the vastness of Swedish Lapland and explore Sweden’s ski resorts and nature on your own, a car is recommended. However, there are also regular train connections between cities and larger towns.
Accommodations in Arvidsjaur and Surroundings:
In Arvidsjaur and its surroundings, there is a wide selection of cozy accommodations, from traditional Sami huts to modern hotels. Many accommodations in Sweden offer special winter packages that combine lodging, meals, and activities for a worry-free winter holiday in Sweden.
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