Luleå is a university city on the eastern coast of Swedish Lapland — and one of the best places to see the northern lights in Sweden.
Set within the dramatic Luleå archipelago, where the frozen sea meets wild Arctic landscapes, the city is a gateway to adventure.
Spend your days snowmobiling, husky-sledding or ice fishing. And spend your nights beneath the northern lights — on an exciting aurora chase or watching its glow from the warmth of your luxury log cabin.
Here, we look at when and where you can see the northern lights in Luleå — and share some of our favourite places to stay.
Luleå, Sweden: 5 quick facts
Never heard of Luleå? Well, here are a few facts to get you acquainted with this beautiful northern lights destination.
- Luleå is located on the north-east coast of Sweden on the Bay of Bothnia.
- The Luleå archipelago is made up of over 1,300 islands.
- You can kayak around the archipelago in summer and drive across the frozen sea in winter.
- Gammestad Church Town — just outside of Luleå — is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Luleå is surrounded by beautiful countryside, perfect for viewing the northern lights.
Why see the northern lights in Luleå?
Luleå is one of the best places to see the northern lights in Europe. It’s a lively Swedish city within easy reach of dramatic Arctic landscapes.
This means you can enjoy everything the city has to offer — restaurants, bars and culture. Then escape into the wilderness in search of the northern lights.
Beyond the city, you’ll find unique landscapes. Snowy forests, frozen lakes and a frozen sea. Venturing across the icy expanse to discover remote islands is an experience like no other.
One more benefit of Luleå? As the biggest city in Swedish Lapland, it’s very easy to get to. There are lots of daily flights from Stockholm Arlanda to choose from. So on flights from the UK and the USA, transfers are quick and easy.
Browse northern lights holiday to Sweden
When to visit Luleå
Want to see the northern lights in Luleå? Then, the best time to visit is between September and early April. During this time, long, dark nights give you an excellent chance of seeing the aurora.
Travel in autumn and you can sail around the Luleå archipelago and marvel at the blazing colours of the autumn landscape. Travel in winter and you’ll find a snowy wonderland — perfect for snowmobile and husky-sledding adventures.
Early spring is also a great time to visit. Luleå is still a wintery playground, blanketed in snow — but fresh snowfall is less likely. That means more clear nights, ideal for aurora viewing.
Where to stay in and around Luleå
Travel to Luleå and you can take your pick from incredible accommodation options, including the utterly unique Treehotel and the luxurious Arctic Retreat.
Luleå Town
If you want to base yourself in Luleå centre (which makes for a more affordable northern lights trip), our favourite recommendation is the Clarion Sense Hotel. Modern and stylish, with an on-site fitness centre and an á la carte restaurant, this hotel offers exceptional views over the city.
Our recommended tour: Aurora Break in Luleå Archipelago
Pine Bay Lodge
Pine Bay Lodge is a nine-room hotel with a three-room family cabin just outside. It’s located on the shores of Furufjarden Lake, away from the bright lights of Luleå. Communal areas include a lounge with large fireplace, a restaurant and a sauna on the edge of the lake.
Our recommended tour: Pine Bay Aurora Escape
Brandon Lodge
A sister to Pine Bay Lodge, Brandon Lodge is located around 35 minutes north of Luleå. It sits on the coast overlooking the islands of the Luleå archipelago. The resort has a main lodge and 15 cosy, self-contained, two-bedroom cabins that face the sea. There are also sauna cabins and a traditional Sámi tipi to explore.
Our recommended tour: Brandon Lodge Swedish Lapland Escape
Sörbyn Lodge
Sörbyn Lodge is located beside a stunning lake in the magical forests of northern Sweden, approximately one hour’s drive from Luleå airport. Choose from modern hotel rooms and lakeside cabins with log burners and picture windows. At this authentic Scandinavian retreat, you can also enjoy the wood-fired sauna and a restaurant menu of delicious, locally-sourced fare.
Our recommended tour: The Sorbyn Chill and Thrill Winter Package
Treehotel
The Treehotel is one of the most spectacular accommodation options in Sweden. Each of the seven tree-top rooms is a masterpiece, with its own unique design. This hotel attracts architects and designers from around the world — and staying here is an experience you’ll never forget.
Our recommended tour: The Treehotel and Northern Lights Quest
Arctic Retreat
Another wonderful place to view the Luleå northern lights, the Arctic Retreat is a tiny encampment of just three luxury log cabins on a picturesque bend of the Råne River. Guests can unwind in the sauna cabin and dine in the cosy timber restaurant. Then, retreat to their private cabin to star-gaze through picture windows or from the hot tub out on the deck.
Our recommended tour: Luxurious Coast and Forest Aurora Retreats
Aurora Safari Camp
Around an hour’s drive from Luleå, you’ll find the magical Aurora Safari Camp — home to stylish tipi cabins, some with glass roofs and all with picture windows facing northern skies. Here, you’re immersed in the natural beauty of Swedish Lapland. There’s a sauna on the lake — frozen into the water in winter — and a cosy dining cabin that serves up tasty Arctic cuisine.
Our recommended tour: The Ultimate Aurora Safari Camp Experience
Things to do in Luleå
There’s no shortage of unforgettable experiences when you travel to see the northern lights in Luleå. Here at Aurora Nights, we plan an itinerary around the activities you’re most excited to experience.
Want some inspiration? Then take a look at these ideas:
Chase the northern lights
At many of our accommodation options, conditions are perfect for seeing the Luleå northern lights right outside your door. But when the lights are elusive, a northern lights chase with an aurora expert gets you to the best locations and the clearest skies. Your guide will help you catch the lights at their brightest and most magnificent.
Mush a team of huskies
Learn how to drive your own husky sled. Then, take a serene trip through snowy landscapes, gliding through forests and across frozen rivers. Stop out in the wilderness, warming up with a hearty lunch — or a traditional fika of coffee and pastries — before mushing your team of faithful companions all the way home.
Embark on a snowmobile safari
Experience the thrill of a snowmobile excursion. Speed across frozen seas to the remote islands of the Luleå archipelago. Or journey inland, travelling through snow-laden forests and keeping watch for local wildlife, like reindeer and moose.
Snowshoe or cross-country ski
Dreaming of a quieter connection with nature? Snowshoeing or cross-country skiing excursions allow you to explore the countryside at a slower pace. Follow marked trails through the forest or across open tundra. Or head out with a local guide, who can share stories about Arctic wildlife, plants and landscapes.
Go ice fishing
Spend a peaceful morning ice fishing — one of Swedish Lapland’s most time-honoured traditions. Drop your line through a hole in the ice and wait for Arctic char to bite. Then, cook your catch over an open fire in the wilderness.
Carve an ice sculpture
Another of our favourite activities on a Luleå holiday is ice sculpting. You’ll use blocks of ice sourced from a nearby river. And, with professional tools and expert advice, create your own frozen work of art. It’s a fun and creative way to connect with the Arctic landscape.
Photograph the aurora
Capture the beauty of the aurora borealis on a guided photography tour. Travel to the best viewing spots with pro photographers who can teach you the techniques and settings you need to take spectacular aurora photographs.
Dine under the stars
Make your stay in Swedish Lapland even more memorable with a candlelit dinner on the frozen Bothnian Sea. Savour delicious Arctic cuisine under a canopy of stars, looking out for the dancing colours of the northern lights.
Northern lights in Luleå: FAQs
Where is Luleå?
Luleå is located on the north-eastern coast of Sweden, on the Bay of Bothnia. It’s the largest city in Swedish Lapland.
How do you get there?
As the largest city in Swedish Lapland, Luleå has great transport links. There are lots of flights (usually around 10) between Luleå and Stockholm Arlanda every day.
Is Luleå a good place to see the aurora borealis?
Luleå is one of the best places to see the northern lights in Europe. Located in Swedish Lapland, close to the Arctic Circle, it’s one of the best aurora destinations in the Nordics.
But bear in mind that you need to travel beyond the bright lights of Luleå city to have the best chance of seeing the northern lights.
That means embarking on aurora chases that take you into the surrounding wilderness. Or staying at a lodge or log cabin out in the countryside.
Why book a Luleå holiday with Aurora Nights?
Book a northern lights holiday to Luleå with Aurora Nights and you can count on the following:
- Tailored trips — our travel experts create a bespoke northern lights tour to match your interests, budget and schedule
- Exceptional experiences — we know Swedish Lapland inside-out, so you can count on hand-picked accommodation and activities
- Experienced local guides — our guides in Luleå take you off the beaten track to see spectacular scenery and track down the northern lights
- A hassle-free holiday — let us organise your northern lights trip so you can relax and look forward to your Arctic adventure
Whether you want to embark on a short break, a luxury holiday or a family trip to see the northern lights in Luleå, our team can turn your dreams into a reality.
Where else in Sweden is good for the northern lights?
The Luleå northern lights are something special. But there are some other excellent places to see the northern lights in Swedish Lapland.
When planning a northern lights holiday to Sweden, we always recommend Kiruna (Sweden’s most northerly city) and Abisko (renowned for its national park, microclimate and clear skies).
How do I book to see the northern lights in Luleå?
Booking with Aurora Nights is easy. Just follow these simple steps.
- Browse our northern lights tours for inspiration.
- Get in touch with the Aurora Nights team to talk through your holiday wish list — the destinations, accommodation and activities you want to include.
- Let us plan the perfect Arctic itinerary, creating a tailored northern lights experience just for you.
- Relax and look forward to your aurora adventure while we manage trip organisation and logistics.
If Sweden is top of your list, start by browsing our northern lights holidays to Swedish Lapland.
