Photo: Linnea IsakssonAn ornithological melting pot, this is an island where you’ll find the perhaps most exciting variety of birds throughout Swedish Lapland. More than 240 species have been observed at Haparanda Sandskär and it’s a rest stop for species on their way from and to breeding areas throughout northern Scandinavia, the Arctic and Russia. It’s also an incredibly beautiful island in itself. innala.se
Photo: Håkan StenlundBrändöskär is extraordinary. Apart from being the quintessential island with small red cottages, quiet rocks and lush forests, the art history of the island is worth exploring. There’s a statue of Jesus at the northern tip of the island (looking more like Darth Vader than Jesus these days, though), and the island is used as inspiration for many local artists. Ola Taube, for example, has made this place his artistic residence. Regular boat tours from central Luleå take you out to the island in the summer, and you can rent a cottage at a very affordable price from Luleå municipality. laponia.se
Photo: Fredrik BromanA paradise for swimming and biking enthusiasts. The reason why these two extremes are able to share this island without driving each other crazy is that Sandön is a big island, enough for all and then some. Regular tours by boat run from Luleå’s southern harbour every day in summer. They drop you off at Klubbvikens havsbad – which is a favourite among both locals and visitors. There’s a restaurant here, as well as cabins and fat bikes for rent, the latter to pedal among the sand dunes in the eastern part of the island. condorshipping.se
Photo: Andy AndersonPite Rönnskär is perhaps the most iconic island in the entire Bothnian Bay archipelago. This island has it all: small, red, idyllic cottages combined with a well-preserved, picturesque little fishing village, a lighthouse, a hostel with a café and a large helping of archipelago tranquillity. In summer, there is a boat service to Pite Rönnskär. visitskelleftea.se
Photo: Ted LogartHamnskär is perhaps the most exclusive island on this list. Located in the northern part of Skellefteå archipelago, only 15 minutes by boat from the harbour café at Furuögrund, Hamnskär is easy to get to. But there’s almost no one there. Because there’s only one place to stay on the island: the old pilot assistant cabin with an annexe, providing seven beds spread over three rooms. Hamnskär is ideal for those who want to experience the glow of the midnight light on the island’s smooth rocks and spend a bit of time with themselves. visitskelleftea.se
Photo: Håkan StenlundHindersön is one of the largest islands in Luleå archipelago, and it has a rich history. People have lived on this island since the 16th century. They have worked as fishers, and also in the iron-ore mine that was in use during the 19th century. You can visit the now closed mine on the island and take the opportunity to check out Professor Anders Fornander’s memorial monument (that he created in his own honour!). And don’t miss out on a visit to Jopikgården, which has a café, restaurant, accommodation and activities. laponia.se
Photo: Carl-Johan UtsiArjeplog is no island, but it’s a unique place that has to be included on this list. With 4,700 islands, Arjeplog has the second largest number of islands of all Sweden’s municipal areas. Sharing them out, the local residents would have two islands each. But as luck would have it, the islands are still public property. You can choose one of these islands and make it your own for a day and a night. Among these 4,700 islands, you’re guaranteed to find one you like. In Arjeplog the archipelago is right in the middle of the mountain world. arjeploglapland.se
Photo: Peter Rosén / Lappland MediaMalören in the outer archipelago of Kalix is a very special island. It has that distinctive appearance you often find on the islands furthest out in the coastal belt: the island is largely free from trees, rocky and very flat. The island is home to one of the classic lighthouses designed by the lighthouse engineer Gustav von Heidenstam. This is also where you’ll find Malören’s Chapel, often called ‘the Archipelago Cathedral’ because of its size and history (it was erected in 1769). Malören is the perfect spot to view the northern lights during autumn and winter. Out here light pollution is minimal, there’s a clear view to the north, and nights are very dark. If you’d like to stay at this lovely place for a longer time we’d recommend booking a room at Malören Lodge. maloren.se
Photo: Andy AndersonHuvön in Kalix archipelago has been named one of Sweden’s most beautiful islands. It’s not surprising, given the ridiculously lovely natural harbour and the idyllic swimming spot. The rocks of Huvön, just by the sea, are Swedish Lapland’s, perhaps Sweden’s, best place to go for a swim. Here you can also experience history and culture: ancient remains in the form of labyrinths meant to give luck to the fishermen, a stone field testifying to the advance of the inland ice in the area, and natural phenomena such as the 30-metre-deep ravines cutting through the mountain on the island.
Photo: Anna LinblomThis strange and wonderful island is only accessible to visitors from the 1st of August. The reason for this is the breeding of sea birds, not to be interfered with by humans. But it’s well worth the wait. Skvalpen is the sun-and-sea paradise number one in Luleå archipelago. The island is basically completely free from vegetation and appears as a long sand dune in the sea. You can get here by boat from Luleå if you wish, but for the experienced canoeist, it is possible to visit this amazing island as part of a multi-day tour. Skvalpen is a nature reserve, so please treat this unique place with care. laponia.se
