12 reasons why you should travel to Sweden in winter

Many people may think that it is not worth traveling to Sweden in winter, because they have to miss most of the sights due to the cold and darkness. However, the Swedish winter period offers something completely different than we think. When snow hits the country and the landscape from the mountains in the north to the lakes in the south turns white, we can experience a completely new, unique side of the country.

Traditionally, the winter period attracts fewer tourists to Sweden, but because of this, many discounts are offered throughout the country, and you can also get cheaper plane tickets. Except for the holiday period and the sports break in February (sportlov). Therefore, the winter period is particularly favorable for exploring Sweden.

Since winter is here soon, I will show you 10 reasons why it is worth traveling from winter to the even bigger winter.

1. Travel by dog sled

There are places where you can spend a whole day or even a night with the dogs in the wilderness or just go on a larger forest tour with them, experiencing what this eco-friendly trip is like. You can experience this experience in Lindvallen, 400 km from Stockholm, or if you arrive at Sälen-Trysil airport on a domestic flight, you can even rent a dog sled as an airport transfer.

2. Look for northern lights

The northern lights (Aurora borealis) are also called "the world's greatest light show", and the best part is that it's free. If we head north enough, we will see it from September. Don't forget a warm blanket and a mug of tea or cocoa, because the wait before the show can last for hours.

3. Track the wild reindeer in Lapland

Sweden is one of the few countries in the world where you can observe reindeer, especially white reindeer. In Lapland, many tours are organized to observe reindeer.

4. Ski in one of the 200 ski resorts

Did you know that there are around 200 ski resorts in Sweden? From the resorts around the popular ski village of Åre to the ski resorts of Dalarna, Jämtland, Härjedalen and Swedish Lapland, there are hundreds of places to hit the slopes. The most popular downhill slopes are located around Åre, which is a 1.5-hour flight from Stockholm (660 km). Also, Lindvallen and Orsa are among the popular places. There is also a predator park in Orsa.

5. Take a sauna like the Swedes

Maybe not everyone will try this, but those who feel brave can find free saunas in many places in northern Sweden. According to the Swedes, it's great fun to run out of the sauna into the cold night air - splash some snow on yourself or dive in if you're brave enough.

6. Drive on frozen lakes

There are 97,500 lakes in Sweden, so we are sure to find one in the area that freezes over during the winter. Many lakes turn into ice-skating rinks, but you can even go for a drive on many lakes. The lakes of Arjeplog, for example, turn into a favorite testing ground for car manufacturers at this time.

7. Discover the Sami culture

Roughly 20,000 Sami live in Sweden, who introduce you to one of the oldest cultures in the world, on their own land, where they breed reindeer. Spend a few days with them or in Jokkmokk, where a traditional Sami market is held in February, the tradition of which has been going on for 400 years.

8. Winter sports

Sweden is one of the best countries for winter sports, whether organized or casual. From ice hockey, to skiing (cross-country or slalom) to ice skating.

9. Be a fan at a hockey game

Of course, there are ice hockey matches in many countries around the world, but a Swedish ice hockey match, especially the match of the home team in Gothenburg, gives an incredible experience that is definitely worth watching. So, off to Scandinavium.

10. Spend the night in an ice hotel

How about a hotel that is rebuilt every year. Jukkasjärvi's ice hotel is a very frozen experience, especially for those who like such extreme challenges. The hotel is being built for the 29th time this year and around April, when the warmer weather comes, it slowly melts.

11. Catch fish from an icy lake

If you've never tried fishing before, it's time to start on a frozen lake. Traditionally, they drill a hole in the ponds, sit down on a reindeer fur, make coffee and wait for the catch. The best fish to hook at this time are perch, salmon, trout, pike or perch.

12. Visit the Christmas markets

In addition to Stockholm, there are Christmas markets in many cities and in many parts of Sweden. One of the most beautiful Christmas markets is held in Tjolöholm Castle every year. In addition to local handicraft products, you can also taste local flavors, and there are many programs for the little ones. And from homes with a decorated atmosphere, we also get into the Christmas mood very quickly. In addition, a lot of Christmas excitement awaits us in Liseberg, Gothenburg's amusement park, or in the city of Kosta, Sweden's glassmaking center, where a real winter wonderland is created.

So, despite the winter, the cold and the dark, there are plenty of things to try in winter, or only in winter, which is why it's worth traveling to Sweden at least once or even more than once.

-12 reasons why you should travel to Sweden in winter-

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