Hiking in Gällivare
Gällivare offers magnificent hiking experiences where mountains, forests and vast marshlands meet. Here you can follow trails that wind through untouched nature, enjoy the tranquillity, and experience the magic of the midnight sun or the northern lights. Whether you are looking for an easy day trip or a longer mountain trip, adventure awaits around the corner.
June is the first summer month that, in addition to warmth, also offers the midnight sun. You can see the midnight sun from the beginning of June to the beginning of July, but it is light much longer than that. For those who want to see this, the mountain peaks at Dundret are an excellent vantage point.
During July, the hiking trails around Laponia begin to thaw, activities are organised, and many mountain hikers start to arrive. If you want to spend the night in a mountain cabin, it may be wise to book it in advance.
In August, the summer heat begins to subside, making the month the most optimal time for long mountain hikes in, among other places, Sarek National Park and Padjelanta National Park.
September is the most colourful time of the year when the green colours of summer slowly change to orange, yellow and red. Now there is also a good chance that the northern lights will appear in clear weather during the evenings. It is still possible to discover and hike the World Heritage Site of Laponia in autumn splendour, and both the mountain huts and Naturum Laponia are open until the middle of the month.
World Heritage Site Laponia
The World Heritage Site of Laponia, located in the majestic mountains of Gällivare and Jokkmokk municipality, offers exceptional experiences all year round.
Your next adventure
Day hikes – close, varied and accessible
Hiking in Gällivare means a lot of variety in a short time. During a day hike, you can move through forests, over bogs and up into the mountains.
Many hiking trails in Gällivare are easily accessible and suitable for both short and longer trips. You don't need to plan – nature is close and easy to reach.
That's why Gällivare is a perfect choice for a day trip in nature, whether you have a few hours or a whole day.
Tips for a day hike
For a successful day hike in Gällivare, you don't need much equipment, but remember to:
- Bring water and something to eat
- Dress in layers for varying weather
- Use comfortable hiking shoes
- Check the map and trail before starting
- Adjust the hike to your level
Year-round
Day hikes in Gällivare work during all seasons and provide different experiences depending on when you go:
- Summer: Easily accessible trails and long days
- Autumn: Colourful nature and clear air
- Winter: Possibility of tours with skis or snowshoes
Why you should choose Gällivare
- Close to nature and hiking trails
- Great variation between mountains, forests and bogs
- Suitable for both beginners and experienced hikers
- Flexible – choose a tour according to time and energy
Cooking
Simple, sturdy and made to work outdoors. In Gällivare, people often cook outside. Not because it's advanced, but because it's practical.
Take a bite
Hiking with children - 5 best tips
In Gällivare, nature is always close by. Here, mountains, forests and babbling streams await just minutes from the city, perfect for little adventures with the kids. Hiking doesn’t have to be long or difficult. It’s about discovering, playing and experiencing nature at your own pace.
1. Choose short trails with great experiences
For children, the path is often as exciting as the destination. Opt for shorter trips where there is a lot to discover along the trail, rocks to climb, streams to follow and forest paths that spark the imagination.
2. Let nature be the playground
In Gällivare, there is room for freedom and curiosity. Bring a magnifying glass, look for animal tracks or let the children look for mountain flowers and pine cones along the way. Here, it is easy to turn the hike into an adventure.
3. Coffee tastes better outdoors
A break by a stream or on a sun-warmed stone can be the best moment of the day. Pack a simple lunch bag and enjoy the peace together, in Gällivare, nature is never far away.
4. Discover the mountains at your child's pace
There are many easily accessible areas around Gällivare where the whole family can get a taste of the mountain world without long day trips. The most popular is Dundret Nature Reserve. With proximity to both views and nature experiences, it is easy to find tours that are suitable for little legs.
5. Hike under the midnight sun
During the summer, the day never has to end. The soft light over the mountains and forests makes an evening hike something truly special, a peaceful experience that both children and adults tend to carry with them long after.
Day hikes in Gällivare are an easy and accessible way to experience nature. With many hiking trails and varied landscapes, you can create a trip that suits you. Pack what you need, choose a trail and head out into nature.
- The hosts at Welcome House
Midnight sun in Gällivare
When it never really gets dark. In Gällivare, summer is special. Not because it's hot all the time, but because it never really gets dark.
Put on your sunglasses and enjoy
Multi-day hikes, more time in nature
In Gällivare, there is plenty of space for those who want to be out for longer than a day.
Here you can hike between mountains, lakes and valleys, spend the night in tents or cabins and experience nature at a more leisurely pace. You don't have to go the furthest or highest. It is enough to give yourself time to be out.
Whether you are planning two days or a whole week, there are plenty of opportunities for multi-day trips in Gällivare.
Why choose Gällivare?
Gällivare municipality is one of Sweden's largest municipalities in terms of area. Here, there are large natural areas, long trails and mountain landscapes that stretch far beyond the horizon.
This means that you can:
- Hike for several days without seeing any settlements
- Combine mountains, forests and lakes on the same trip
- Choose between marked trails and your own route choices
- Overnight in tents or mountain cabins
For many, it is precisely the feeling of space that makes the area special.
Fishing along the way
Many people combine hiking with fishing. There are thousands of lakes and many flowing waters in Gällivare.
This makes it easy to:
- Stop for an evening of fishing
- Cook the day's catch over an open fire
- Combine several interests on the same trip
For many, fishing becomes a natural part of the experience.
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?
Spending the night outdoors
You don't necessarily need to book a hotel to experience Gällivare's nature.
Many choose to:
- Camp
- Stay in mountain cabins External link.
- Combine tents and cabins
Remember that the weather can change quickly, even during the summer. Good equipment makes a big difference.
Be considerate of nature
When you move around in the mountains and forests, you are also in areas where reindeer herding is carried out.
Remember to:
- Keep your distance from reindeer
- Do not disturb animals
- Take all trash home
- Be considerate of other visitors
This helps to ensure that nature can continue to be accessible to everyone.
Multi-day tours are about freedom. You choose whether you want to hike for a few days or a whole week. You choose whether you want to stay in a tent or a cabin. The important thing is not how far you go. The important thing is that you get time to be outside.
- The hosts at Welcome House
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