Hello, my winter wonderland
Winter in Gällivare – experience skiing, the Northern Lights, snowmobiling and other adventures. The winter here is long, and that's a good thing.
The snow covers the forest, the lakes freeze over, and the roads lead out to the villages and the mountains. The days are getting shorter, but life outdoors continues.
Now is the time when the ski tracks are made. The snowmobiles are leaving their garage. The ice fishing rods are packed down. The boiled coffee tastes extra good and the dark evenings give the sky plenty of room for the northern lights.
Gällivare is large in terms of surface area. This is noticeable in winter.
You can be close to the city centre one moment and far out in the countryside the next. You can follow a snowmobile trail through the forest, ski touring across a frozen bog, or head out to the mountains and the world heritage site of Laponia.
Winter is not just one experience; it is many.
There are also a lot of events happening in central Gällivare. Photo: Magnus Winbjörk
Winter Activities
What do you want to do this winter?
Maybe go cross-country or touring skiing through snowy forests, take a snowmobile ride into the countryside, try ice fishing on a frozen lake, or go dog sledging.
Or do something simpler.
Take a walk. Pack a coffee. Find a shelter and build a fire.
There are plenty of ways to get outside, and you don't have to be an expert to start.
Skiing through forests and mountains
Skiing is an obvious part of winter in Gällivare.
Around the town, there are ski tracks for both exercise and more leisurely tours, and further out, a larger winter landscape with forests, bogs and mountains awaits. In some places you can follow groomed tracks, in other areas, the tour can be more about moving at your own pace.
For those who want to go downhill skiing, there is skiing at Dundret near the centre of Gällivare.
But you don't have to go to a mountain to find the winter feeling. Sometimes it's enough to strap on your skis and head out.
The chairlift at Dundret takes you to the top quickly and comfortably. Photo: Wesley Overklift
Northern Lights
When the daylight disappears, it's time to look up.
Gällivare is well-situated to experience the Northern Lights during the dark months of the year. Outside the city lights, the sky gets darker and the chances of seeing the Northern Lights increase.
You can head out to a lake, stay in the countryside or find a place with a clear view of the sky.
The Northern Lights cannot be promised. It's part of the experience.
Dress warmly. Bring something warm to drink. Be patient. And keep an eye on the sky.
Snowmobile through the winter landscape
In Gällivare, snowmobiles are a common way to get out and about.
The snowmobile trails go through forests, over open spaces and on towards lakes and mountains. For many, the ride itself is part of the experience. For others, the snowmobile is a way to reach a place where the day's real goal awaits.
Maybe you're going fishing, grilling lunch or have decided to see what's beyond the horizon.
When you're driving on the trails, it's important to follow the rules and show consideration. Not least for reindeer herding, which is an important part of life and the landscape in Gällivare.
Northern Lights
See the magical dance across the sky, on your own or through organised tours.
Read more here
Ice fishing on frozen lakes
When summer is far away, fishing can continue.
Ice fishing is one of the calmer activities of winter. You go out onto the ice, drill a hole and drop a jig with maggots on it. Then you wait.
In the large geographical area of Gällivare, there are many waters to discover, from easily accessible lakes near the town to more remote fishing waters.
But before you head out, you always need to check the ice conditions, fishing regulations and whether a fishing license is required.
And don't forget the coffee.
Boiled coffee, fire and a break in the cold
Few things go better with winter than a fire.
Find a place where you can make a fire. Add the wood. Wait until the flames have become a nice glow and place the coffee pot over the heat.
The coffee is boiling. The snow is still there. You sit down.
It's easy to think that outdoor life has to be about going far or doing something advanced. But sometimes it's the break that becomes the best part of the day.
Fishing in Gällivare
Easy to get out, plenty of water to choose from. Fishing in Gällivare is not complicated. There is water everywhere, lakes, rivers, small ponds and mountain water. You don't have to be an expert. Whether you fish occasionally or often, there are plenty of places that work for a day trip.
What do you fish for?
Dog sledding
Dog sledging tours in the countryside have become a favourite activity for visitors who want to combine the intense beauty of the Northern Lights with a journey through the fairy-tale forest landscapes.
Read more here
What can you do in Gällivare in winter?
There is a lot to choose from:
- Cross-country skiing
- Downhill skiing
- Experience the Northern Lights
- Drive snowmobiles External link. on trails
- Try ice fishing
- Dog sledding External link.
- Ski touring External link.
- Snowshoeing External link.
- Discover the countryside and villages
- Visit or travel around in Laponia
- Cook and make boiled coffee over a fire
- Experience winter events and activities in Gällivare
Och det fina är att du inte behöver välja bara en sak.
En skidtur kan sluta med kokkaffe. Skotertur kan bli en fisketur. Utflykt i byarna kan avslutas med norrsken.
Det är kombinationerna som gör en vinterdag här.
Winter the Gällivare-way
There is a Gällivare for those who want to challenge themselves and one for those who just want to take it easy.
A Gällivare with mountains, world heritage sites and vast landscapes and one Gällivare with villages, city life, ski tracks and snowmobile trails.
That is perhaps the best thing about winter here. You don't have to choose between magnificent nature experiences and everyday life. You get both.
So put on your jacket, fill your thermos and go outside.
