This small northern Swedish town serves as a cold-weather testing site for major car manufacturers, with winter temperatures reaching -40°C and snow-covered roads.
Arvidsjaur sits 110 kilometers south of the Arctic Circle in northern Sweden's Lapland region. In winter, you'll find European car manufacturers testing vehicles on specialized ice tracks, while locals guide visitors through snowy forests by dogsled. The town's name comes from the Sami word meaning "generous water," referring to the adjacent fishing lake. At the preserved 18th-century Lappstaden settlement, you can walk among 80 traditional wooden Sami huts and learn about the area's indigenous culture.
Getting to Arvidsjaur
Daily flights connect Arvidsjaur to Stockholm, while seasonal routes serve German cities. During summer months, you can travel on the Inlandsbanan tourist trains, which stop at small towns and nature areas. Regular buses run between Arvidsjaur and major northern Swedish cities including Luleå, Piteå, and Gällivare throughout the year.
Winter Activities and Car Testing
From November to March, temperatures drop below -20°C, creating ideal conditions for cold-weather vehicle testing. BMW and Mercedes-Benz engineers work on specialized tracks around town to test their latest models. You can experience these winter conditions yourself by joining a guided snowmobile tour or taking a dogsled ride across the snow-covered landscape.
Lappstaden and Sami Culture
Lappstaden contains about 80 traditional Sami huts dating to the 1700s. The square wooden buildings with pyramid-shaped roofs reflect the architectural style of Forest Sami who lived in this region. Each August, during the Storstämningshelgen festival, local Sami families return to use these traditional buildings. Twenty Sami families in Arvidsjaur continue their ancestral practice of reindeer husbandry today.
Summer Activities
From June to August, you can fish for arctic char in the surrounding lakes. The midnight sun creates extended daylight hours, perfect for exploring the marked forest trails that range from 3 to 15 kilometers in length. Local guides can take you to productive fishing spots and provide equipment for your excursions.
