Sami Experience

This trip is aimed at those with an interest in the Sami culture and way of life. The optional excursions have been designed not only to provide a fun activity but they are guided by experts eager to share their wealth of knowledge about local history. One snowmobile tour in particular is guided by a true Sami and participants gain an insight into the world of reindeer herding and how the lives of the Sami have been linked with this amazing animal for thousands of years.

All snowmobile tours begin and end at the fascinating Mattarahkka Craft Centre where you may watch demonstrations of leatherwork, bone carving and delicate silverware being fashioned by local Sami in authentic designs handed down by generations. You’ll have time after the snowmobile tours to visit the art gallery. The two Sami-inspired hotels offered for this holiday are both very close to the town centre of Kiruna and run by a local family – the welcome is genuinely warm and friendly.

Hotel Rallaren is a renovated customs house and has 11 individually furnished rooms with private facilities (shower and WC), Internet access, TV and home cinema system. Some have an open fireplace and a whirlpool bath. A small café/restaurant serves hot meals and snacks. The hotel also has a sauna and outside hot tub.

Hotel Arctic Eden is a newly renovated hotel, once the local school. The 32 bedrooms with private facilities are spacious and very wellappointed. The main restaurant offers fine dining with traditional local ingredients such as moose, reindeer and char. Their other restaurant caters more for family dining and lighter meals; a library; play room and three comfortable lounge areas, one with far-reaching views over the mountains.

Although this trip is based on a 3 or 4 night stay at either hotel, the Rallaren offers something rather special – why not substitute a night in a hotel room for one in a wooden lavvu set in the hotel grounds, built with permission and under the guidance, of Sami elders.

Unlike the traditional lavvu tent, a temporary dwelling still used today by the nomadic Sami as they follow the reindeer herds, these delightful constructions have a double bed, en-suite facilities and special skylight windows for keeping an eye on the starry sky. A night here, particularly if the northern lights make an appearance, is truly magical.

The world famous ICEHOTEL is a short drive from Kiruna and an excursion to see this spectacular construction is highly recommended.

TRAVEL TO KIRUNA DIRECT OR VIA STOCKHOLM
If you wish to extend your stay at either hotel or spend a few nights in the capital call us for a quotation.