Things to do in Norrbotten
Discover the best attractions and experiences Norrbotten has to offer
Historic Monuments
Explore some of Norrbotten's storied sites that reveal centuries of Arctic life, trade, and faith.
Gammelstads kyrkstad (Gammelstad Church Town)
A UNESCO-listed church town near Luleå with well-preserved red cottages clustered around an impressive stone church.
Luleå Cathedral (Luleå domkyrka)
A prominent 19th-century cathedral in central Luleå, noted for its tower and historic interiors.
Kiruna Church (Kiruna kyrka)
An iconic red-brick church dominating Kiruna’s skyline, built in 1912.
Museums
Dive into the region’s culture, history, and science at its dedicated museums and centers.
Norrbottens Museum
A broad museum in Luleå exploring regional history, culture, and Sámi heritage.
Teknikens Hus (Luleå)
Interactive science and technology museum with hands-on exhibits for all ages.
LKAB Visitor Centre (Kiruna)
Exhibits about iron ore mining and the life of Kiruna’s underground world.
Religious Monuments
Visit sacred spaces that have shaped local communities and spiritual life in the Arctic north.
Jukkasjärvi Church
A charming church in Jukkasjärvi with a long parish history and traditional Nordic architecture.
Luleå Cathedral
A central place of worship and a striking architectural symbol in Luleå.
Kiruna Church
A distinctive red-brick church that stands as a landmark in Kiruna.
National & Theme Parks
Nature steals the show in Norrbotten, with vast parks offering endless Arctic adventures.
Abisko National Park
Iconic for its clear skies, alpine landscapes, and prime aurora viewing.
Muddus National Park
A wild, forested expanse with deep canyons and ancient trees to explore.
Padjelanta National Park
Vast highland scenery and Sámi cultural heritage along expansive trails.
Neighborhoods
Discover the distinct vibes of Arctic towns and villages that shape the region.
Luleå City Centre
The urban hub with waterfront strolls, shops, and Nordic charm.
Kiruna City Centre
A mining-town core rebuilt around the iconic LKAB operations and culture.
Jukkasjärvi Village
A picturesque village known for the Icehotel and traditional Sámi heritage.
Haparanda Centre
Cross-border town center near the Baltic, blending Swedish and Finnish influences.
Pajala Town Centre
Small-town charm in a Sámi region with local galleries and shops.
Free Things to Do
Enjoy the Arctic outdoors and heritage without an entry fee.
Walk around Gammelstads kyrkstad grounds
Stroll the UNESCO site and admire the historic church town from the outside.
Hiking in Abisko National Park
Follow well-marked trails through dramatic scenery on free-to-access paths.
Public aurora viewing in clear-sky spots
Stand under the Arctic sky and look for the northern lights from open spaces.
Gastronomy
Savour Arctic flavors and Sámi-inspired dishes that define Norrbotten cuisine.
Reindeer stew (renstek)
Slow-cooked, hearty meat dish common in Arctic Swedish cuisine.
Arctic char (arktisk röding) dishes
Delicate river fish prepared in various styles, showcasing local waters.
Cloudberry delights (hjortron)
Sweet treats or jams made from bright yellow cloudberries, a northern specialty.
Nightlife
In northern towns, evenings blend coziness with Nordic ambience and live music.
Evening concerts in Luleå city centre
Local venues offer casual live music and a relaxed atmosphere.
Live music and bars in Kiruna
Pubs and cafés host unplugged sets and social evenings.
Aurora-focused night tours
Guided nighttime outings to maximize chances of seeing the aurora.
Entertainment
Iconic experiences that capture the Arctic spirit and creativity of the region.
Icehotel (Jukkasjärvi)
World-famous ice hotel offering a surreal winter experience and nightly ice bar.
Abisko Sky Station
Thoughtful aurora and night-sky vantage point with easy accessibility.
Jokkmokk Winter Market (seasonal)
Cultural event showcasing Sámi craftsmanship, food, and performances.
Sports
Snow, ice, and wilderness invite thrilling outdoor adventures year-round.
Dog sledding near Kiruna
Glide through snowy forests pulled by energetic huskies.
Snowmobile safaris in Abisko region
High-adrenaline rides across rugged Arctic terrain.
Björkliden/Krokom ski resort
Accessible alpine skiing with scenic Nordic backdrops.
Off the Track
Dive deeper into Sámi culture, remote landscapes, and lesser-known gems.
Jokkmokk Sámi market
Historic market celebrating Sámi culture with crafts and performances.
Sámi culture experiences in Jukkasjärvi
Guided interactions with Sámi hosts, reindeer experiences, and storytelling.
Reindeer herding visits near Arjeplog
Immersive days with reindeer herders, learning traditional ways.