Nestled in the middle of Swedish Lapland, Harads takes you to the Arctic heart of the wilderness. Here, trees heavy with snow are silhouetted against the Northern Lights and traditional red lodges line the Lule River. With sled tracks criss-crossing the snow in winter and the midnight sun bringing bears out of hibernation, this is nature at its purest.
NATURE
Home to snow-topped mountains, seemingly endless forests and fast flowing rivers, National Parks cover much of Swedish Lapland. Canoe through birch lined rivers to spot beavers, moose and even wild reindeer in their natural habitats. Then as night falls, look up as the sky shifts with the Northern Lights – if you’re lucky. Those who travel to the top of mount Njullá can visit the Aurora Sky Station, and see the famous lights in all their glory.
HISTORY
Swedish Lapland is the homeland for the indigenous Sámi people, and their culture is very much part of Swedish Lapland’s past and present. While you’re here, try their unique cuisine, foraged from nature with no part of an ingredient wasted. If visiting in February, don’t miss the Winter Market at Jokkmokk, a celebration of Sámi culture and the perfect place to browse handmade crafts.
ACTIVITIES
These stunning surroundings make for the ideal environment if you’re feeling energetic. Here the skiing season lasts from late autumn to mid-summer with slopes suited for beginners, advanced and even snowboarders. For a different viewpoint, there is hiking, sea kayaking, ice fishing and even husky sledge riding to experience.
Make sure to take time for Arctic fika. This traditional Swedish take on a coffee break pairs Kokkaffe (or ‘boiled coffee’) with reindeer milk cheese – which Sámi locals would even dunk in their drinks.