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Arctic Adventures
Time stands still and tranquillity prevails in Lapland, which
constitutes a quarter of Sweden’s surface area. The area has great appeal, perhaps on account of the never setting midnight sun, the dazzling Northern Lights and the vibrant native culture.
TEXT BY FREDRIK LINDSTÅL PICTURE BY BOLIND, PETER GRANT, HENRIK TRYGG, THOMAS UTSIDIMMA
The heavily forested Scandic mountains, shared by Norway and Sweden, the cold vast lakes and the widespread plains of the arctic tundra are a source of wonder to the traveller. Although the region is home to
Sweden’s harshest winters, the area it is truly blessed with natural beauty. And the torment of the biting chill is quickly forgiven, and forgotten.
The starting point for our polar adventures is Kiruna - the country’s most northerly municipality - and the Arctic hub of Sweden. At 20,000 square kilometres, is half as large as Switzerland. Kiruna was once listed in every geography book as the world's largest town, by area of course. Nowadays it has to make due with being the second largest, having been bumped off by an Australian counterpart. The entire municipality has 26,000 inhabitants, of whom 80% live in the town of Kiruna.
With Kiruna as a base, we have taken the liberty of preparing a few suggestions for your arctic getaway. Together with prominent organizers of the region we have come up with an action-packed week for you to enjoy. So put on your warmest clothes and dive into the dogsleds with us!
SIX THINGS TO DO UP NORTH
FROM THE ICE HOTEL TO THE ARCTIC OCEAN
Travel from the Ice Hotel in the Jukkasjärvi pine forests
in the sub-Arctic region through snow covered and high
mountains, across the Norwegian border and descend
to the shores of the north Atlantic.
Trip Includes:
• Briefing of the safari and snowmobile education
• Guided visit at the Ice Hotel
• Visit to the Sámi village of Vuosk
• Stay at the wilderness-camp at the great lake of Rostujavri
• Ice fishing in the Norwegian mountains
Ice Hotel AB: +46 (0) 980 668 00
info@icehotel.com - www.icehotel.com
REINDEER RAID WITH OVERNIGHT
ACCOMMODATION
Drive a herd of reindeer for the day!
First head out to Årosjokk to prepare the reindeer for
departure to Paittasjärvi. After the raid, a well deserved
evening of festivities and activities await you:
• Ice-fishing, lasso throwing
• Eat traditional Lapp food cooked over an open fire
• Overnight accommodation in a tent (lavvu) or hut
HG Partapuoli Siita Samisk Turism: +46 (0) 980 540 48
hans-goran.partapuoli@same.net hansi@hgp.se - www.hgp.se
DOG SLED TRAPPING TRIP
A classic Arctic adventure not to be missed and a beautiful and
comfortable day out in the heart of Lapland.
Guide B-O/B-O Johansson: +46 (0) 980 29029
guide.b-o@telia.com - www.guideb-o.se
OVERNIGHT TOUR WITH SLED DOGS
Our overnight tour starts either from our home base or from the
Ice Hotel in Jukkasjärvi. You choose from riding your guides
sled or driving your own team of huskies (3-4 dogs). Spend the
night in a wilderness lodge and take a long sauna before
dinner. With a little luck you´ll catch the northern lights as well.
Lapland Wilderness Tours: +46 (0) 980 291
90info@laplandwildernesstours.com
www.laplandwildernesstours.com
MOOSE SAFARI AND NORTHERN LIGHTS
JOURNEY WITH SNOWMOBILE
Operate your own snowmobile and head out into the wild
together with a guide, of course. The trip is about 120 km and
a memorable day out.
Hotel E-10: +46 (0) 980 840 00
info@e-10.se - www.e-10.se
VISIT SWEDEN’S HIGHEST LOCATED MOUNTAIN
STATION, LÅKTATJÅKKA
The route to Låktatjåkka is beyond scenic. Along the 9 km ride to
the cabin, you will experience bare mountain, valleys and enormous
hills, and the view at the station is nothing short of spectacular.
Björkliden Fjällby +46 (0) 980 641 00
info@bjorkliden.com - www.bjorkliden.com
RECOMMENDED WEBSITES: www.lappland.se • www.fjallen.nu • www.kiruna.se • www.norrbotten.se/turism • www.fjallsaker.nu
NORTHERN LIGHTS (AURORA BOREALIS)
On the clear nights, you can see the northern lights as soon as the dark autumn nights begin. For northern light forecast, dial 0900 100 10 40.
SUNRISE AND SUNSET
Date Up Down
1 Sep 05.05 20.12
1 Oct 06.48 18.08
1 Nov 07.43 15.02
1 Dec 09.57 13.00
18 Dec below horizon
27 Dec below horizon
1 Jan 11.02 12.22
1 Feb 08.53 14.52
1 March 07.00 16.44
1 April 05.52 19.35
1 May 03.44 21.29
30 May over horizon
WHERE TO STAY
Several hotels, lodges and mountain
stations offer excellent accommodation,
but if you are looking for that little extra,
we have selected three spots you may
want to look into.
ICE HOTEL
www.icehotel.com
This chilled out place in Jukkasjârvi in
northern Lapland has probably caught
your eye before, but it is worth a
reminder.This hotel is built from
thousands of tons of snow
and ice, and re-built every winter.
Everything from the chairs you sit on
and the glasses you drink out of to the
walls that surround you.
Admire icy works of art, have a drink
from an ice glass in the world-famous
Absolut Ice, and retire to your stylish ice
suite and tuck yourself in one of the
specially designed sleeping bags, at a
comfortable room temperature of -5°C.
+46 980 66 800 - info@icehotel.com
Toll-free number within Sweden: 020-2914 33
RIKSGRÄNSEN
www.riksgransen.nu
One of the best ski resorts in the
country, and certainly the premier spot
in Lapland, also offers the best
“traditional” hotel.The building contains
all facilities under the same roof:
reception, shop, doctor, sport
information, restaurant and northern
Europe’s only alpine SPA.You can
choose between sleek hotel rooms,
simple skiers’ rooms or apartments with
self-catering.
+46 0980-400 80 - info@riksgränsen.nu
ABISKO MOUNTAIN STATION
www.abisko.nu
Abisko is one of the country’s most
famous national parks, and offers good
accommodation at their mountain
station. It may not be as luxurious as
the other options, but it is certainly
more genuine, and a lot closer to
nature. If you are looking for an
authentic getaway, look no further
neither television nor telephone or
Internet is available at the station.
+46 980-402 00 - info@abisko.nu
ADDITIONIAL FACT
SKIING
Crosscountry tracks: Central Kiruna has
about 80 km of prepared tracks.
Downhill skiing: There is a skiing centre
with three lifts just outside the built-up
area - Luossavaarabacken. It is open
from December to March. Kiruna
municipality has the wellknown
mountain resorts of Riksgränsen,
Björkliden, Abisko and Kebnekaise.
COMMON SENSE IN THE
MOUNTAINS
• Walk in groups
• Plan around the weather
• Follow marked trails
• Write a log
• Use a map and compass
• Pack correctly and in moderation
• Turn back or seek shelter in time
• Order an equipment list
For more information on mountain
safety visit: www.fjallsaker.nu
Weather hotline: 0200 23 11 23
Mountain rescue, dial: 112
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© 2006, Swedish Bulletin. All rights reserved |
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