Located 100 km north of the Arctic Circle, this mining town sits near Mount Dundret and the world's largest underground iron ore mine, active since 1741.
Gällivare lies 100 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle in Swedish Lapland, between the iron ore mines and Dundret mountain. You can ski down Dundret's slopes, trek to Lake Saivo, or watch reindeer herds migrate through the valleys. The town serves as a gateway to Sarek and Padjelanta national parks, where granite peaks rise above glacier-carved valleys.
Winter Activities at Dundret
At Dundret ski resort, a 10-minute drive from town center, you'll find six lifts and ten groomed slopes across 457 meters of vertical terrain. The skiing season stretches from late October through early May, with reliable snow conditions due to the Arctic location. Snowboarders and freestyle skiers can practice jumps and tricks at the terrain park, while most runs suit intermediate skiers. You can stay at the mountain's conference center and hotel, which looks out across snow-covered peaks and valleys.
Arctic Light Through the Seasons
Life in Gällivare follows the rhythm of polar days and nights. In summer, the midnight sun never sets, letting you hike, fish, and mountain bike at any hour. Winter brings long dark periods, though the sun briefly appears near the horizon during the winter solstice, painting the snow in shades of blue and purple.
Exploring Laponia
The 9,400-square-kilometer Laponia region contains mountains, wetlands, and old-growth forests. Stop by Naturum Laponia visitor center to get maps and advice from rangers about hiking routes - from short walks to multi-week expeditions. You can paddle through the region's interconnected lakes and rivers, watching for reindeer, moose, and Arctic birds from your kayak.
Getting There
Fly into Gällivare Lapland Airport from Stockholm or take seasonal international flights. During summer, ride the Inlandsbanan railway line connecting Gällivare with central Sweden. Local buses run between the airport, town center, and Dundret.
Mining Town Origins
Iron ore discovery in Illuvare mountain in the 1690s led to Gällivare's establishment. Mining operations began in the 1740s in nearby Malmberget, and a settlement grew around the church. Today, the mines in this region produce much of Sweden's iron ore using advanced extraction methods.
