Are you looking for a perfect combination of sunshine, snow and winter sports? Then you should visit the city in March or April. By the wide smiles and the many people milling about, you can be sure that spring winter has arrived.
Spring winter and spring
This season, unique to the northernmost parts of Scandinavia, is when locals truly embrace life on the ice, ski trails and the downhill slopes, even more than usual.
This period is characterised by long bright days and a sun that warms your back. The lovely smell of crackling fires, boiling coffee and sausages spreads along the ice and up the ski slopes as many gather around the fire pits. In nature, birdsong is heard again and the snow is starting to drop from the rooftops.
At the end of April, Walpurgis night is celebrated with bonfires and if you love bargains, you will not be disappointed as the flea markets, particularly the annual Arcus Bargain Market, which also attracts visitors from our neighbouring countries, offer everything from antiques to clothes.
When the snow finally melts away in late May, the popular Stadsmaran running race is held, fun for both spectators and participants. Don’t miss it!
During the Easter weekend, the city can feel quiet as many locals head to their cabins or the mountains. Shops and restaurants in central Luleå are often closed on Easter Sunday.
There is a good reason why people talk about ”April weather” – a single day can bring snow, rain, strong winds, brilliant sunshine and freezing temperatures. We recommend dressing in layers so you can adapt to the changeable weather. Don’t forget to pack sunglasses, a cap and sunscreen, as the sun’s rays are reflected off the snow.
Welcome to the spring winter in Luleå!
Temperature:
March -20 to +5°C,
May 0 till +20°C
Weather:
Mostly dry weather
Daylight:
12–24 hours
Barbecue spots
Cook outdoors and cosy up by the warmth of the fire. Information about public barbecue areas in Luleå is available on Luleå’s municipal map (In Swedish only). Here you can also see where firewood is provided, and where you need to bring your own.
Show barbecue spots (new tab)
When the flag is hoisted, they are open for business!
Gråsjälören is a small island a stone’s throw from Luleå’s south harbour. During the winter, an ice track leading here is ploughed from Södra hamnplan. The island is a favourite among locals and tourists alike. During the winter, the charity association Lions offers hot dogs, waffles and coffee, among other things. There is also a heated cabin where you can go inside. You know they are open when you see the flag raised. If you want to bring your own packed lunch, there is firewood and barbecue areas to use.
Visit Gråsjälören
Meet moose and reindeer
At Cape Wild, Dálvvás, and Brändön Lodge, a magical encounter awaits with some of Scandinavia’s most fascinating animals – moose and reindeer. Here, you’ll have the chance to come face to face with the moose, the “King of the Forest,” and feed it directly from your hand with apples, carrots, or bananas – a powerful and unforgettable experience. Don’t forget to book your visit.
Visit Ormberget for outdoor sports
Ormberget is a place well worth a visit, winter or summer. The view over Luleå is fantastic and it is a classic spot to experience the northern lights. Here you will find a ski slope, a toboggan run, an extensive exercise trail system with lighting, prepared for cross-country skiing in winter, adventure trails, a restaurant, an amenities cabin for exercisers, barbecue areas, etc.
Important: Walking the ski trails is prohibited!
Take a refreshing walk
Luleå is a good city for walking. You can walk along the central peninsula from Gültzauudden to the south harbour and towards the city centre via the street Kungsgatan. And of course along the ice track towards the small island of Gråsjälören or from harbour to harbour.
Try ice fishing
From Luleå’s north and south harbours, when the rays of the spring winter sun are warming, you can see people sitting on reindeer hides or riding kick sleds out on the ice of the city’s waters for hours on end. What are they doing out there? ”Pimpling”! Pimpla is a Swedish word for ice fishing. By drilling a hole in the frozen water, they can reach the fish below. You can also try ice fishing/ pimpling with a guide.
Here’s where the fish bite
Nice places for winter fishing in Luleå, in addition to the north and south harbours. For example: Björköfjärden, Furufjärden, Strapösundet, Hertsöträsket, Örnabben and Stora Stenträsket.
Three fish you have a chance of catching
Salmon
(salmo salar)
A luxurious kind of game fish. A challenge for the fisherman, as the salmon is strong and persistent.
Pike
(esox lucius)
The fish considered a delicacy by some and an awful creature by others. Large fish that will put up a fight, tasty if prepared in the right way.
Perch
(perca fluvitalis)
Probably the most common fish in the Luleå region. Flavoursome fish, a classic delicacy amongst the locals. Tastes best when you catch and prepare it yourself.
Cottages in the archipelago
Stay in a cottage at Brändö Lodge. Here you will sleep in well-equipped cottages for four people, all with a view of the frozen sea. The cottages have a sofa bed, WC, shower, TV and kitchen with fridge/ freezer. There are also pitches for mobile homes in the summer.
Luleå council rents out (new tab) self-catering cottages on the islands of Brändöskär, Kluntarna and Småskär even during the winter. The cottages have four to eight beds, a gas fridge and stove and are heated by a wood stove. The cabins are booked online and the journey there is a real adventure. When ice conditions are good, we recommend skiing here.