| Though it accounts for nearly half of the country’s landmass, the population of Northern Sweden is only about one seventh of the nation as a whole. Thus while cities and culture rather dominate the south, the major attributes of this region are open spaces, imposing mountains and free flowing rivers, such that the north is the country’s outdoor playground.
Of course, it does have a cultural side, laying claim to the oldest settlement in Sweden, Gavle and in Lulea, an old town that dates back to medieval times. However, whereas the rest of Sweden captures a past shaped by politics and war, much of the culture of the far north is derived from the history and traditions of the nomadic Sami people. Some of these traditions are still plain to see, especially in areas such as Jokkmokk, where Sami national dress can be observed and traditional dance is still practised.
Indeed to visit Lapland in winter is to experience the great outdoors in some way or another – the high mountains, the miles of forests, the pure rivers and the spectacular waterfalls all demanding attention. Forming the most northerly part of the country, Lapland is synonymous with the northern lights.
The district of Kiruna is the most northerly in Sweden where the famous Ice Hotel™ can be found during the winter months. |
Iceland
