Top 10 things to do in Luleå, Lapland
Luleå, in northern Sweden, is the gateway to one of Europe’s most extraordinary regions: Lapland. Here you’ll find frozen seas, the magical Northern Lights, and centuries-old Sámi culture. In winter, the region transforms into a white wilderness full of adventure.
Whether it’s your first time in Lapland or you’ve been before, these are the 10 things you absolutely must do in Luleå, Lapland.
Practical tips for your trip to Luleå Lapland
Best time to visit: December to April for snow and Northern Lights.
Flights: From the Netherlands via Stockholm to Luleå Airport (LLA).
Clothing: Layers, thermal underwear and good winter boots.
Ideal stay: 4–7 days to experience the highlights.
1. Watch the Northern Lights
A visit to Luleå Lapland isn’t complete without witnessing the Aurora Borealis. The dark, clear winter nights provide perfect conditions here.
💡 Insider tip: book a small-scale Northern Lights tour where you’ll also learn how to photograph the aurora — so you’ll bring home more than just a snapshot.
2. Meet reindeer with a Sámi herder
Discover the life of the Sámi, the Indigenous people of Lapland. Walk with Sámi reindeer herder Jon-Anders among the herd, listen to stories by the fire, and taste traditional dishes.
💡 Did you know? Reindeer are never owned by the state, but always belong to a family or community.
3. Husky sledding through the snow
Let a team of eager huskies pull you across frozen landscapes while you feel the cold air on your face.
💡 Tip: Book a morning tour, that’s when the dogs are most energetic.
4. Snowmobiling across the frozen sea
In winter, the Bay of Bothnia by Luleå freezes solid, allowing you to literally ride a snowmobile across the sea. A unique experience you won’t find anywhere else in Europe.
5. Sleep in a lodge by the ice
Stay in a wooden lodge or cabin overlooking the frozen sea. From your window you might see reindeer in the distance or the Northern Lights above.
Recommendation: Brändön Lodge is one of the most beautiful spots for this type of stay.
6. Ice fishing
Drill a hole in the ice, sit on a reindeer hide and feel the calm of ice fishing. It’s less about the catch, more about the moment itself.
7. Skate the sea ice track
Between February and March, a kilometers-long skating track is cleared on the sea at Luleå. Rent skates and glide between little islands on the frozen bay.
8. Visit the church town of Gammelstad
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is made up of over 400 wooden cottages once used by worshippers from nearby villages. In winter, it takes on a fairytale atmosphere.
9. Dine under the Northern Lights
Enjoy dinner on the ice, inside a heated tent beneath the starry sky. With some luck, the green lights will dance above your head.
10. Snowshoe hiking
For a slower pace, snowshoe hikes are ideal. Walk through snowy forests and across frozen lakes without sinking into the deep snow.
FAQ
Can I do everything in one trip?
Yes, but you’ll need at least 5–7 days.
Is Luleå suitable for families?
Absolutely! Many activities are child-friendly.
How cold does it get?
On average between -5°C and -20°C in winter.
Book Your Trip with Go To Sápmi
We, Anna and Jon-Anders, show you Luleå Lapland the way we live it every day. No mass tourism — just real experiences with nature and culture.
📩 Book your trip or ask your question via the contact form.
