Hi Alfie.If you have learnt a bit of Dutch it will improve your chances of finding work and being accepted obviously.The problem with Holland is that it is overfull.Lappland is one quarter the size of Holland,they have 17 million,we have 250,000.so you can see the difference that makes mentally.
As you say,the winters make many people sceptical about living here,but like Canada [where i also lived]you adapt to the conditions and environment.Yes all the roads are covered in snow and ice and it can go as low as -40c, but you have special winter tyres,some with studs,and many 4x4s and you drive accordingly.If i drive from my house to Gällivare to work [i work part time in the winter]i may pass 10 vehicles in 90kms so it’s not exactly stressed driving.Mike