From the Northern Lights in Abisko, to dinner on ice in a candlelit tepee tent in the Lulea archipelago, Sweden is sure to offer visitors only the most unique and magical of experiences.
Tourism in Sweden has increased by over £8.2 billion between 2008 and 2018, and is predicted to double by 2028, creating 674K new jobs in the process. Sweden is one of the most eco-friendly countries across the globe and was the second country to introduce an ecotourism sector, making it a hotspot for adventure-seekers and tourists wanting a relaxing break under the stars without leaving a huge carbon footprint.
Here, travel specialists Discover the World highlight five of the best experiences a Swedish getaway has to offer.
Watch the Northern Lights in the Abisko National Park
Abisko is rated by Lonely Planet as the top place in the world to experience the northern lights due to clear skies, with the best time to visit being between December and April.
Here, you’ll visit the Aurora Sky Station at the top of the mountain, where you can anticipate the natural phenomenon, kitted out in cosy gear to combat the cold weather.
This region is right in the middle of the auroral oval at 68° north, lying in a rain shadow where there are fewer clouds and more nights of clear skies.
It is surrounded by a stunning 360° lake, mountain landscape and vast open skies, framed by the striking Lapporten mountain valley, the icon of the national park, making it an ideal location for walking and photography enthusiasts. Once at the summit, large balconies provide a front row seat for taking in the wonder of the northern lights.
Visit the Arctic Bath Spa under the stars
With a fully fitted spa including saunas, treatments, and baths, the wonderous Arctic Bath Spa, located on the Lule River in Harads, Swedish Lapland, has a holistic approach to wellbeing, with a deep-rooted connection to nature inspired by the timber era. Here, brave visitors can experience a cold open-air bath under the stars to revitalize you, while being surrounded by uplifting colours, sounds, and smells to create the completely holistic experience.
The Arctic Bath Spa incorporates several nods to sustainability, with all natural, Scandinavian ingredients used in its treatments. With a selection of experiences and treatments to choose from depending on your needs, it is the perfect place to ground yourself and invest in self-care.
Drive your own Husky Sled
Perfect for adventure-seekers, a wilderness husky adventure allows you to soar through the Swedish terrain and is the perfect way to experience Lapland's great outdoors as you 'mush' your own team of huskies through the breath-taking forests of Jukkasjarvi. This experience is amazing for thrill-seekers and animal lovers alike.
Whilst sledding, remember to be on the lookout for Arctic wildlife such as northern reindeer, Arctic Fox and even moose, to enhance this humbling experience. If the timing and conditions are right, you may even spot the northern lights when the skies are dark in this area.
Stay at the Icehotel
Transformed every year by world-leading ice sculptors, the Icehotel is the world’s most unique hotel. The 31st winter Icehotel has recently opened, with each room featuring unique designs and architectural ideas.
Both ice and warmer rooms are available to experience, with optional upgrades to the amazing art suites, which are all hand-crafted and individually themed. Previous room designs include ice mammoths and fairy tale themes, making for a breath-taking experience and a magical night’s sleep.
The Icehotel is home to a selection of exciting experiences, such as the on-site Ice Bar which serves cocktails in glasses made of ice, snowmobiling and ice sculpting.
Dinner on Ice under the stars
There are many places in Sweden offering candlelit dining experiences in the wilderness, with one of the best being dinner on ice at Brandon Lodge. Here, guests can enjoy a fireside three course candlelit dinner in a tepee tent. The tepee tents are situated over the stunning frozen sea, with reindeer pelts to sit on for a true Scandi experience.
This cosy dining event allows you to see the stars and possible Aurora in the sky as you eat and drink – a truly unique experience to behold in Swedish Lapland.
For more amazing experiences to discover while visiting Sweden, check out Swedish holidays from Discover the World for holidays and recommended itineraries tailored to you.
This is a collaborative post with Discover the World