Drive Into the Magic: A Road Trip Guide to Swedish Lapland

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Drive Into the Magic: A Road Trip Guide to Swedish Lapland

Let’s take a trip through Swedish Lapland, a place where Arctic wonders come alive. See the Northern Lights, explore snowy forests, and learn about the Sami culture. Our journey covers more than 4,000 kilometers, filled with beautiful sights, cozy towns, and exciting adventures. Perfect for families, photographers, and anyone looking to explore the beauty of the north, Swedish Lapland has something special for everyone.

Content Teaser

1 Don’t Miss Out: Our Must-See Gems Within Easy Reach

2 Where We Rested

3 Plant-Based Dining Options

4 How We Got Around

5 What We Spent

6 Instaramable Spots

7 FAQ Section

Quick Peek

Fact-sheet about our road trip through Swedish Lapland for our busy travelers.

Travel Time

December/January

Travel Mode

Journey

Our Must-Sees

Arctic Circle, Sled dog tour

Where to stay

KUST Hotell & Spa

Plant-Based Food

Bastard Burgers

Mobility

Road trip

Travel Budget

14 days for €6.560

Unforgettable Sights in Swedish Lapland: Our Favorites

Swedish Lapland is more than just a place to visit; it’s an adventure from start to finish. When we went to Harads, the journey was just as amazing as being there. Picture driving through untouched nature, with the sky changing colors like sunrise and sunset at the same time. This is what makes the far north of Sweden so special.

Rest and Recharge: Our Cozy Stops Along the Swedish Lapland Road Trip

Traveling through Swedish Lapland was an adventure filled with breathtaking scenery and unforgettable experiences. Along the way, we made several stops, each offering its own unique charm and comfort. Here’s a look at where we rested and recharged during our journey.

 

Helsingborg: Our First Leg After 900 km

Our journey began with our first big stop in Helsingborg, after driving 900 km. This small, friendly town was our first taste of Sweden’s welcoming vibe. We stayed at the Radisson Blu, a great hotel that made us feel right at home. Helsingborg was a lovely start to our adventure, giving us a nice place to relax before we hit the road again.

Swedish Lapland Tour Helsingborg Stop Hotel
Stockholm: Back to a City We Love

We’ve been to Stockholm before, just not with our kids. Seeing the city in winter made it even more special. Winter added a unique charm to the city, with snow-covered streets inviting us to explore. We always love wandering through the old town, Gamla Stan, and seeing the Royal Palace. It’s a special part of the city for us.

For this visit, we chose a Quality Inn located a bit outside the city center, which worked out perfectly. With our road trip, not having to stress over parking was a big relief. If you’re driving, staying at this hotel is a great idea. It made exploring Stockholm so much easier, allowing us to stroll through our favorite spots without worrying about the car.

Finding Comfort in Härnösand for a Night

Leaving the vibrant city of Stockholm behind, our next stop on the road trip took us to Härnösand. Positioned about 450 kilometers north of Stockholm, this leg of our journey brought us closer to the heart of Swedish Lapland. Although we only planned to stay for a night, finding the right place to rest was crucial for us to recharge and enjoy the next day’s adventures fully.

We opted for a cozy Airbnb in Härnösand, which turned out to be the perfect choice. The warmth and comfort of our accommodation provided us with a peaceful night’s rest, making us glad we chose such a welcoming place to stay. Even though our time in Härnösand was short, the town offered us a quiet respite from the road, nestled in the stunning landscapes that make northern Sweden so unforgettable.

Piteå: Our Northern Base for Adventure

After navigating through the breathtaking landscapes of Sweden, we reached Piteå, our most northern stop and the launchpad for all our excursions into the heart of Swedish Lapland. Piteå proved to be an exceptional choice for our base, offering both the charm of a small town and the access to the wild beauty surrounding it.

Staying at the KUST Hotell & Spa was a highlight in itself. This hotel came highly recommended, and it lived up to every expectation. The comfort, the service, and especially the spa, offered us a perfect blend of relaxation and luxury amidst the Arctic chill. Celebrating New Year’s Eve here was unforgettable, with the hotel providing a festive atmosphere that made our celebration even more special.

Eating Green in the Arctic: Plant-Based Finds on our Road Trip

Going on a trip through Swedish Lapland, we found out that eating vegan is easy and fun. From the south to the north, we enjoyed lots of vegan food everywhere we went.

Breakfast: A Vegan Dream

Our mornings began with excitement, knowing we’d be greeted with more than just the standard fare. The array of fresh fruits, various cereals, an assortment of breads, and plenty of plant-based spreads was heartwarming. It’s these moments that remind us why Scandinavia holds a special place in our hearts, especially when it comes to breakfast.

Evening Finds: Vegan Comforts

When dinner time rolled around, we found that Sweden is pretty accommodating for vegans, even though dining out is a bit pricey. Discovering Bastard Burgers was a game-changer for us. Their vegan burger options were a hit, not just with us but with the kids too.

It’s probably needless to say, but especially in Stockholm, the variety of vegan restaurants is impressive. However, we’d like to give a special shoutout to Restaurant Chay in Helsingborg. This place stood out for its incredible vegan offerings, adding a memorable flavor to our journey.

The Roads Less Traveled: How We Explored Swedish Lapland

We decided to go on a big adventure and drive through Swedish Lapland, covering more than 4,000 kilometers with our two kids. Doing a trip like this means you have to plan ahead and think about what you might need on the way.

Fueling up

For anyone concerned about the long stretches of road, let me ease your worries—petrol stations are plentiful, especially along the E4, which is the main artery from Stockholm up north. This ensured that our journey was smooth, with no fears of running low on fuel in the middle of our adventure. It’s one less thing to think about when you’re admiring the vast landscapes and pristine nature of the Arctic.

Road Conditions: Be Prepared for Winter Driving

If you’ve never driven in snow and ice before, a brief winter driving course is maybe interesting for you. Temperatures hovering around freezing can turn roads into slippery challenges, with slush and black ice being particular hazards. However, there’s no need for panic – the road conditions throughout our journey were excellent, thanks to the constant efforts of snow removal vehicles keeping the paths clear. This preparation gave us confidence as we navigated through the wintry beauty of Lapland, ensuring our safety and enjoyment.

Road Tripping with Kids: Keeping Spirits High

Traveling with kids means planning for the unexpected—delays can happen, and it’s best to be ready. We made sure to have plenty of snacks and drinks on hand, keeping hunger and thirst at bay during longer stretches or unforeseen stops. As for entertainment, we opted to limit screen time to prevent motion sickness. Instead, audiobooks and children’s songs became our soundtrack, making the miles fly by while keeping everyone in good spirits.

Cost Breakdown: How Much to Budget for Swedish Lapland
Here’s a quick look at our budget for our 14-day Swedish Lapland adventure, providing a straightforward overview of what to keep in mind.
Accomodation

Road-trip stops 9 nights €1.600
Pitea KUST 5 nights €1.810

Food & Dining

For 14 days around €650

Mobility

Road Toll €300
Parking fees €250
Petrol/Parking €1.300

Activities

Sled Dog Tour €250
Wellness Sundsvall €50
New Years Eve Dinner €350
rest: free of charge!

Total Spent

€6.560

Swedish Lapland Through the Lens: Top Instagrammable Places

Our journey through Swedish Lapland wasn’t just an adventure—it was a photographer’s dream. This magical part of the world is full of spots that seem to be made for Instagram. From the vast, snow-covered landscapes to the cozy, little towns, every place has its own story to tell. Here are some of the top Instagrammable places we discovered.

Swedish Lapland Travel FAQs: All You Need to Know

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