Flavours
of the Arctic
A culinary expedition through Heart of Lapland
Flavours of the Arctic
A culinary expedition through Heart of Lapland
Flavours of the Arctic
Thanks to the midnight sun and our bright summer nights, we gain an extra month, making it possible to grow multiple crops at our latitude. At the beginning of summer, the rivers flood the fields, making the soil fertile and easy to work with once the water level has returned to normal. The light, the fresh air, and productive grounds together make the wild berries and grown vegetables filled with healthy vitamins. Every bite tells a story of the destination, of us who live here, of the people before us and our future generations.
Diverse Delicacies on the Plate
Nestled in the far north, within the vast landscapes of Arctic Europe, lies Heart of Lapland – a destination where river valleys, rolling hills, and local communities come together to offer an authentic Arctic experience. Beyond the breathtaking scenery, Heart of Lapland unveils its cultural richness through a delectable local food scene, inviting you to embark on a culinary expedition that immerse you in the region's unique traditions.
Terroir's Touch
The terroir is influenced by the region's unique natural phenomena – the midnight sun and bright summer nights. These environmental factors extend the growing season, allowing for the cultivation of crops at this northern latitude. The fertile soil, replenished by rivers flooding the fields during spring, ensures that wild berries and vegetables are packed with healthy vitamins. Every bite tells a story of the destination and its people, offering a true taste of Heart of Lapland's terroir.
Sámi Culinary Heritage
Venture deeper into Heart of Lapland and you'll discover unique Sámi food experiences. At Huuva Hideaway, travelers are invited to indulge in a Sámi food and drink experience amidst the serene forest. Enjoy the distinctive flavours of Sámi cuisine and learn more about the culinary tradition that reflects the deep connection between the Sámi people and the land.
Torne Valley: A Riverside Gastronomic Adventure
Immerse yourself in the living history of whitefish fishing as you partake in a unique hands-on experience at Kukkolaforsen. Fish for whitefish using a traditional net with a long shaft, a method perfected over 500 years. Try your hand at this age-old technique under the guidance of a skilled instructor or skip the fishing and join the whitefish grilling activity in the smoke hut.
Visit Pesula’s farm, where they grow large fields of rapeseed and mustard. The farm produces organic, high-quality oil with a nutty flavour from the rapeseed, and different types of mustard, which you can buy from their farm shop, together with other locally produced products. Don’t miss their artisanal ice cream made on-site from the farm’s milk, flavoured with handpicked ingredients from nature’s pantry and carefully selected ingredients.
Behind thick granite walls in three deep cellar vaults at Haparanda Stadshotell, you’ll find the game cellar – an intimate and different setting with an atmosphere of exclusivity and privacy. Good food covers a wide spectrum when a skilled chef works with produce from our countryside. Here you can sample everything from the deep mystique of a reindeer steak to the harmonious delight of breast of hazel grouse.
The culinary journey through Torne Valley is more than just food – it is the stories that echo through generations. Listen to the locals talk about life by Torne River, adding an extra layer of authenticity to your riverside gastronomic experience.
Kalix Caviar: A Culinary Jewel of the North
Kalix Caviar is a unique and exclusive food that can only be extracted from vendace fish caught in the brackish waters of the Gulf of Bothnia. The archipelago in Heart of Lapland has a special environment with clean water and low salinity, which the vendace needs to be able to reproduce. The area makes up the world’s largest brackish water archipelago, where mineral-rich water from the large national rivers flows into the sea. Kalix Caviar has received the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO), the EU’s strongest food trademark, together with a few other exclusive products like Champagne, Stilton and Gorgonzola.
Beyond the Plate
Lingonberry juice, with its vibrant color and tart sweetness, is a quintessential part of Heart of Lapland's beverage scene. Each sip is a reminder of the Arctic woodlands and the burst of flavours that nature provides.
Taste the mountains, the forest, and the fusion of extremes at Norrbottens Destilleri, an award-winning small-batch spirit distillery, devoted to the alchemy of experimentation and the art of distillation. Book a visit to the distillery for a first-hand experience of nature made drinkable.
The Original Sima – a living drink tradition
Sima is a traditional, lightly fermented lemon drink with its roots in Torne Valley, a region shared by northern Sweden and Finland. Historically brewed for seasonal occasions such as Vappu (walpurgis night) and the haymaking season, sima has long been part of the local food culture.
With The Original Sima, this tradition is carried forward into the present. Staying true to its origin, the drink is produced with respect for the original recipe and the place it comes from, while being made accessible for modern contexts.
Today, The Original Sima is served as a local, alcohol-free alternative, suitable for everyday moments as well as special occasions. It works naturally with food, in restaurants, and wherever a non-alcoholic option with character and a clear sense of origin is appreciated. Rooted in Torne Valley, The Original Sima aims to let this regional tradition live on across Sweden, Finland and beyond — without losing what makes it what it is.
The Original Sima is served at many local restaurants and accommodation providers in Heart of Lapland. Ask for it during your visit. If you want to learn more, check out:
www.theoriginalsima.se | Instagram: @theoriginalsima
Mini docus on Arctic flavours
Kukkolaforsen is home to the whitefish of the Torne River and the traditional way of fishing with a dip net. Learn more about the traditions from Johannah and Martin, the fifth generation Spolander’s living in harmony with the wild river in Kukkola.
The coffee culture in Heart of Lapland is closely associated with being outdoors, where ‘kokkaffe’—coarsely ground beans boiled slowly over an open fire—fills the air with a rich, smoky aroma that blends seamlessly with forest and river. This video teaches you how to make a midnight coffee brew.
Savouring Traditions
Embark on a culinary expedition through Heart of Lapland’s pristine rivers and vast woodlands, where you savor the essence of Arctic Sweden. As you indulge in Sámi delicacies, Torne Valley's and Kalix River Valley’s diverse offerings, let the flavours tell the story of a land where every meal is an ode to tradition, innovation, and the spirit of Swedish Lapland.
Taste the forest and drink the sea – explore food experiences in Heart of Lapland
