Northern Sweden Map

Explore Lapland, the Arctic, Northern Lights, and the Midnight Sun

About Northern Sweden (Norrland)

Geography

Northern Sweden, known as Norrland, comprises about 60% of Sweden's total area but only 12% of its population. It includes the historical provinces of Lapland, Norrbotten, Västerbotten, Jämtland, Ångermanland, Medelpad, Härjedalen, Hälsingland, and Gästrikland.

Climate

The region experiences subarctic to continental climates. Winters are long and cold with temperatures often below -20°C. Summers are short but can be surprisingly warm, with 24-hour daylight (midnight sun) above the Arctic Circle.

Major Cities

Key cities include Luleå, Umeå, Sundsvall, Gävle, and Kiruna. Umeå is the largest city and serves as the cultural capital of northern Sweden, while Kiruna is known for its iron ore mine and the famous Icehotel.

Indigenous Sámi Culture

Northern Sweden is home to the indigenous Sámi people, who have lived in the region for thousands of years. Their culture, including reindeer herding, is an important part of the region's identity.

Top Attractions in Northern Sweden

Icehotel (Jukkasjärvi)

The world's first and most famous ice hotel, rebuilt each year from ice harvested from the Torne River. Open December to April, with a permanent structure year-round.

Abisko National Park

One of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights. The park offers hiking, the famous Kungsleden trail, and spectacular mountain scenery.

Kebnekaise

Sweden's highest mountain at 2,097 meters. A popular destination for hikers and climbers, accessible from Nikkaluokta with mountain station accommodation.

Swedish Lapland

Experience Sámi culture, dog sledding, snowmobile safaris, and the vast wilderness of Europe's last true wilderness.

High Coast (Höga Kusten)

UNESCO World Heritage Site known for dramatic coastal scenery, the highest coastline in the world due to post-glacial rebound.

Kiruna

Sweden's northernmost city, famous for the LKAB iron ore mine and the ongoing relocation of the entire city center due to mining subsidence.

Northern Sweden Guide

The Land of the Midnight Sun

Above the Arctic Circle, the sun doesn't set for several weeks around the summer solstice (late June). This phenomenon, known as the midnight sun, allows for 24-hour outdoor activities and a unique travel experience. Conversely, during polar night in winter, the sun doesn't rise for several weeks, creating perfect conditions for viewing the Northern Lights.

Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis)

Northern Sweden is one of the best places on Earth to see the Northern Lights. The aurora season runs from September to March, with the best viewing conditions in clear, dark skies away from city lights. Abisko is considered one of the world's best spots due to its unique microclimate.

Getting to Northern Sweden

Northern Sweden is accessible by air (airports in Kiruna, Luleå, Umeå, and Sundsvall), by train (the scenic Inlandsbanan or main coastal line), or by car along the E4 coastal highway or E45 inland route. The journey from Stockholm to Kiruna takes about 17 hours by train.

Activities

Popular activities include skiing, Northern Lights viewing, dog sledding, snowmobile safaris, ice fishing, hiking the Kungsleden trail, visiting Sámi villages, and experiencing the midnight sun in summer.

Related Maps

Southern Sweden Sweden Provinces Tourist Map Physical Map Sweden Map