Explore compelling Arctic landscapes and learn about mining history in Gällivare. Located in Swedish Lapland, this small mining town of around 8,500 people is an ideal place to enjoy the conveniences of civilization before venturing into the surrounding wilderness.
Check out the Gällivare Museum to learn about the lives of the town’s early settlers as well as the culture of the region’s indigenous Sami communities. Take a guided tour of the Aitik Copper Mine, one of the largest mines in Europe, for a close-up look at the equipment used in mining.
View the town’s historic churches including the tiny Old Church (Gällivare Gamla Kyrka), which dates back to the 18th century, and the white New Church (Gällivare Nya Kyrka) which was designed by architect Emil Langlet.
Visit the neighboring town of Malmberget to get a further glimpse into this region’s industrial past. The town is home to a branch of the LKAB Iron-Ore Mine, which offers daily tours. Save time to visit Kåkstan, a historical “shanty town” museum village, dating back to the 1888 iron-ore rush.Use Gällivare as a base for exploring the spectacular national parks of Sarek, Stora Sjöfallet and Muddus. These parks are all part of the incredible Laponia World Heritage Site. During the summer, enjoy vigorous hikes through these distinctive natural areas. In the winter, cross-country ski over icy, snow-covered terrain. Enjoy a dramatic perspective on these areas with a helicopter tour or try fly-fishing or horseback riding.
Visit in the winter to take advantage of the ski slopes and trails found a 10-minute drive from town. Snow typically falls here earlier in the year compared to the rest of Sweden, with the region offering the country’s longest ski season.
Gällivare is 744 miles (1,198 kilometers) north of Stockholm. Gällivare is serviced by the Gällivare Lapland Airport, around 5 miles (8 kilometers) northeast of the town center. Alternatively, get here by train from Stockholm or bus from Luleå, Ostersund and Narvik in Norway.
Appreciate the contrast between this town’s man-made mining heritage and the natural beauty that surrounds it.
