Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Swedish Winter Wonderland
Photo: Magnus Johansson
Photo: Pite Havsbad.
Photo: Magnus Johansson
Piteå is the perfect place for an active winter holiday.
The friendly winter paradise by the sea Explore a snowy winter wonderland with an array of activities, northern lights and friendly locals. The small Swedish town of Piteå is located two hours south of the Arctic Circle and you can hardly go wrong with an active holiday here.
are found only five minutes from the city and you can also rent a snowmobile on your own or with a guide.
By Ellinor Thunberg | Photos: Destination Piteå
Summer skiing soon a reality
Many attractions in Piteå involve water in solid or fluid form, such as the unusual icebreaker tour at sea. “It is powerful to see and understand the power of the weather gods and the arctic environment we live in,” says Katarina Johansson, head of the tourist information centre in Piteå. Guests learn more on board and, if you feel brave, you can even take a dip in a hole in the ice, wearing an overall life
jacket. The tour runs on a schedule but can also be booked for larger groups. Ice skating is another popular day out. “As soon as the ice is safe, there are prepared routes for ice walks and longdistance skating. You can bring or buy some coffee to enjoy by the camp fire,” Johansson says.
See the aurora borealis Winter is the prime time for northern lights and Johansson says that they have seen more than usual lately – but despite this, not even locals get tired of it. “You really just put down what you have in your hands at the moment to go out and have a look,” she says. But winter is, naturally, also the peak season for winter sports. Skiing tracks
50 | Issue 83 | December 2015
The main event in Piteå this winter is SM-veckan (the Swedish Championship week) in late January 2016. Aside from more than 17 different sports, visitors can expect a warm welcome. “We also have shopping, sights and much more, but it is the friendly locals that make all the difference,” Johansson insists. Cross-country skiing queen, Charlotte Kalla, is part of the local team Piteå Elit and also one of the owners of the new local ski tunnel. “Piteå is a beautiful city in the summer too, with lots of sea and sun,” says Johansson. Next summer, skiing can also be added to the mix with the first 400-metre section of the tunnel ready this spring. For more information, please visit: www.pitea.se/en/visitors