Visit Skellefteå, one of the best places to dive into the distinctive culture of Lapland. Though actually one of Norrland’s youngest cities, founded in 1845, it has been inhabited for hundreds of years as people searched the surrounding mountainside for minerals, especially gold. Mingle with friendly locals in the cozy town and head into the great outdoors, where stunning nature awaits, ready to be explored.
Learn about Norrland culture at the Skellefteå Museum or just jump in by trying a bit of the region’s famously pungent fermented herring. A more accessible bit of local food culture may be Kaffeost, made from dipping local cheese into a cup of strong Swedish coffee.
After eating, bundle up for a walk in the Nordanaparken, where the grass and trees turns the grounds into an almost neon green in the summer. Wander through the small houses of Bonnstan, a 17th-century village built as housing for people who had to travel far for Sunday Mass.
Ramble down the Strandpromenaden and view the 18th-century Lejonströmsbron, one of Sweden’s oldest and longest wooden bridges. On bad weather days, let kids play at Leo’s Lekland. Once the weather clears tackle the stupefying masses of the Marranasvaltan formation offering a lesson in the effects of erosion.
Skellefteå is just north of Umeå, one of the most easily accessible towns of Swedish Lapland. The city has its own airport, with flights to the country’s major hubs as well as several European destinations. Fly to the city in about 1 hour from Stockholm. Travel by train from Stockholm in 9 hours or drive in about the same amount of time. Skellefteå’s small size makes it relatively easy to see the town on foot, but a car is necessary for the region’s most exciting attractions. A few tourist buses operate in the area.
Get into the local spirit by attending an ice hockey game played by Skellefteå AIK, who play in the highest Swedish league and are known for their enthusiastic fan culture.
