Practical information
When to go
Winter starts here in October but experience has learned us that December, January, February are the best months to see Northern Lights with the latter two being the favorites. This is mainly due to the stable winter weather with the most clear days, and of course long nights. There are also certain days that Northern Lights are pretty sure to appear. Please check the booking info when to come for the best chance. Except for clouds that can obstruct a pretty display, we can almost guarantee you to see something when you follow our advice.
The polar daylight
On
the contrary what is said about the total darkness in winter: Daylight will
be roughly between 10 AM and 2 PM at Christmas and 9 AM and 4 PM in the end of January and the sun will be not, or just over the
horizon. Despite of that it will be regular daylight when it is a clear
day. The snow will reflect so much, that it will look like a normal sunny
day. If you are sensitive to long winter nights however: be aware that the
last 2 weeks of December will have the shortest days. On the other hand,
you will have a guaranteed White Christmas!
Snow sports enthusiasts are best to come in March. There will be daylight from 07:00 till 17:00 to have a great outdoor snowy day.
Weather and clothing
Winter
in Lapland is a real winter. It will last for roughly 6 months and as what
can be expected, temperatures above the polar circle can drop significantly.
Can drop, usually it will be between 0 C and -15 C (32 F and 5F).
Nevertheless these sub-zero numbers won't feel so dramatic as you would expect at minus 20 C/ minus 4 F. The answer? Dry polar air! It will make your clothes much more insulating than in a more humid cold climate. Nevertheless, dress warm as you would if you are going skiing. Double layers, padded jacket and trousers, gloves, snow boots and a warm cap. NO COTTON!. You can stay outside for hours and enjoy the polar environment.
Also
make sure what you wear is dry. Moist clothes, especially socks and shoes,
will deteriorate your insulation and makes your body vulnerable to the cold.
Take some dry replacement clothes, socks and shoes with you when going on
a day trip.
Expect the climate to be challenging when it gets under minus 15 C / 5 F. Especially when there is no direct sunlight to warm yourself. Never go wandering on your own off the beaten track without proper preparation and communication equipment.
Time
The time in Sweden is 1 hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).
Language
The main language is of course Swedish. In Northern parts of the country there is also the Sami language. Almost everyone speaks english, so you will not have a problem getting around.
Currency
The Swedish currency is the Krona (Crown or Kr), divided into 100 ore.
Electricity
The electric current in Sweden is 220 V (230 V), 50 Hz. Special adapters could be needed when coming from outside of Europe or from countries with a different plug system.
Bank and credit cards
Major credit cards are widely accepted throughout Sweden, also in supermarkets.
You can get cash with your Visa, Master Card, Maestro or Cirrus card at
any “Bankomat” (ATM).
Porjus however has no ATM! The closest one is in Jokkmokk or Gallivare,
so withdraw what you need before traveling to Porjus.
Passports and customs
Sweden is part of the Schengen Agreement, which allows unrestricted travel for citizens of Europe. This only regulates the free travel of persons, and does not mean the free transport of goods, services and capital as in full EU member countries. A valid passport entitles North American citizens to a three-month stay in Sweden. Citizens of other non-EU countries should check with a Swedish diplomatic representative in their home country.
More practical information can be found on this web site: