Photo: Stora Sjöfallet. Carl-Johan UtsiFrom the E45 north of Porjus – between Gällivare and Jokkmokk – the road known as the ‘Way West’ leads deep into World Heritage Laponia. It lets you travel through untouched old-growth forest and enjoy vast mountain views. Along the way west you can find family-friendly paths to hike, suitable for day trips as well as real challenges for experienced mountain hikers. You can stay the night STF Saltoluokta Mountain Station or at Hotel Stora Sjöfallet, savouring food made from local produce. Make sure you visit Naturum Laponia with its visitor centre, exhibition and café. The exhibition tells the story about the World Heritage’s nature, culture and history.
Photo: Arjeplog. Carl-Johan UtsiRoute 95 runs from Skellefteå up to the Norwegian border in the Arjeplog mountains. The route was named after the silver ore that was transported from Nasafjäll mountain to the ports at the Bothnian Bay. Your trip will take you from a coastal and cultural landscape through deep forests and up to the breathtaking mountain views at the Norwegian border. Silvermuseet in Arjeplog tells the story about the silver in the region. Stay at one of Silver Resort’s facilities in Arjeplog to add a silver lining to your trip. Here you’ll find a map of the Silver Road with more tips along the way
Photo: Kukkolaforsen. Michael TörnqvistHighway 99 extends from Haparanda to Karesuando along the Torne River across the Arctic Circle and through the forests north of Pajala. The road along the Torne River is one of the oldest routes in the northernmost parts of Sweden and its history dates back to the middle of the 18th century. Stop at the Kukkola rapids, just north of Haparanda, to learn about native fishing traditions, eat traditional local food and enjoy a sauna in one of the 16 saunas available in the area. For those interested in fishing the route along the Torne River offers fantastic opportunities in nearby lakes and in the river itself.
Photo: Gammelstad Church Town. @thecommonwandererTravel along the characteristic Lule River valley from Luleå up to Jokkmokk. The road takes you between the two World Heritage sites Gammelstad church town and Laponia, and along the way you will pass the world-famous Treehotel in Harads, just past Boden. 14 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle you arrive in Jokkmokk, a town that offers experiences and knowledge related to Sámi culture and history. Do not miss out on a visit to Ájtte – the Swedish Mountain and Sámi Museum – and its Mountain Garden, the Sámi design shop Stoorstålka, and the cosmetic brand C/O Gerd with its factory store.
Photo: E10. Ted LogartDriving on a European Road might not sound like a very scenic tour, but European Road number 10 from Kiruna up to Riksgränsen and onwards into Norway is an experience. It offers magnificent views of mountain massifs and Sweden’s most famous mountain silhouette: the Lapponian Gate. The route also offers several hiking trails if you feel the need to stretch your legs. They range from an easy day trip up to lake Trollsjön to the famous King’s Trail, which begins in Abisko National Park. STF runs a number of lodges along the trail and the Tourist Station in Abisko is the ultimate starting point for adventures large and small. If you choose to go by train you are also rewarded with spectacular views between Kiruna and Narvik.
