5 Breath-taking Places in Sweden to Visit during Winter
Sweden in winter can be colorless but at the same time colorful. Many refer to it as the winter wonderland and they wouldn’t be wrong. There’s actually a lot you can do and see in winter. These Top 5 Best Beautiful Places to Visit in Sweden in Winter are more than just pretty places, they also have a rich history. You could spend the whole winter at these places and would never want to leave!
Our Top 5 Amazing Winter Places to See in Sweden
- Lapland: Ice hotel in Jukkasjärvi and Kebnekaise in Kiruna
- Rural Småland
- Ski Resort, Åre and Dalarna
- Unique landscapes and villages
- Northern Light/ Aurora Borealis in Abisko
1) Lapland
Swedish Lapland is the place to visit to get the winter wonderland feeling. There’s tons of snow, forests and wildlife. Lapland is in the north of Sweden, so you could also visit the Ice hotel in Jukkasjärvi, climb Kebnekaise mountain and coal mines in Kiruna. You can also stay overnight in a room entirely made of ice at the ice hotel.
Although Lapland occupies a large area of Sweden, the Nordic Lapland actually covers several of the Nordic countries, namely Sweden, Norway and Finland.
2) Rural Småland
Småland is known for its beautiful natural scenery next to beautiful lakes and there are many things to do and see.
Depending on the winter climate you can take a stroll on the frozen lakes or country ski across or try long-distance ice-skating.
Many rural businesses in Småland are surrounded by nature and snow. They offer experiences that could make you feel like being in a fairy tale.
All the years cold baths are today a popular feature in Sweden. Try a wood-burning sauna in the Ödevata lakes. It definably helps to with a Sauna before you take a dip in the lake surrounded by ice.
3) Ski resort, Åre and Dalarna
Skiing in Sweden has become increasingly popular among Swedes and Northern Europeans. The snow is there every year and the slopes are good enough for a family skiing trip.
Åre is one of the most well known and popular ski destinations in Sweden. It is the home of the outdoor clothing brand, Peak. Åre is not just a ski resort, it is actually a small town. You could find shops, restaurants, spa and other snow activities! It is a place where anyone could find something they enjoy.
Not far from Åre, you will find the beautiful Dalarna, a region with rich history and great outdoors. Visit the Siljan region and its geopark to learn more about the meteorite and its impact on the landscape. If you like cross-country or long distance, skiing or skating, there are many places in Dalarna to go to. You can try a small lakeside village Furudal to meet up the locals or the skiing resort Orsa Grönkling in Orsa.
4) Unique landscapes and villages
In Sweden nature and natural parks and nature reserves are around the corner. You do not have to travel far north to find a nature reserve. In the winter time we recommend you to go to a nature site close to a town. It gets dark quickly and the weather can change from one hour to another.
One village with both culture and great outdoors I Målerås. In the Kingdom Of Crystal, Målerås is a town that has a long history in glassworks. Målerås glassworks is one of the big 3 crystal production places in Sweden today. Not only will you find fine glass art, you could also try glass blowing yourself! The town today is an ever growing tight community, and there are many small local businesses you could visit!
On the most southern Coastline Sweden you will find Karlskrona with its fantastic marine history. Along the coastline you will find towns and villages reminding us of Sweden´s Danish history.
In beautiful Hälsingland of the Swedish Baltic Sea Coast you have a rich culture, beautiful nature and many beautiful villages and farm sites you can visit.
Go hiking or MTB on the many tracks local tourist entrepreneurs worked hard to create as well. If you lucky you can rent a “spark” for the day .
5) Northern Light/ Aurora Borealis in Abisko and Lapland
Abisko national park is at the very north point of Sweden. It is a great place to hike and to do snow activities. However, it is most famous for being a prime spot for seeing the aurora borealis. Anyone who has seen it will tell you that the pictures don’t do it justice. It is beautiful beyond belief. But you would have to stay there for a couple of days as the aurora borealis is unpredictable.
Another amazing place in Lapland is the lakeside winter resort Ebbenjarka . Here you can truly experience winter and winter activities on ice. This is the spot where I for the first time saw a northern light.
Local winter traditions
There are many other amazing winter destinations and villages with local traditions and heritage sites. For example, you can read about Furudal, around the lake Siljan region, and how the locals come together to celebrate Saint Lucy’s Day.
Video credit: Marie Vahlund, featuring Sankta Lucia celebration, Furudal 2021
