Sami Experience

This short break based in Kiruna above the Arctic Circle, gives a brief but fascinating insight into the life of the Sami, the indigenous peoples of Lapland. Combine culture, activities and perhaps a stay in a Sami Lavvu, and have a wonderful winter getaway…

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 creature 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 dates from 1906 and was once the Customs House, now faithfully renovated and restored throughout. The 12 rooms are individually furnished with private facilities (shower and WC), Internet access, TV and home cinema system. Some have an open fireplace and the addition of a whirlpool bath. A small café/restaurant serves hot meals and snacks. The hotel also has a sauna and outside hot tub for those willing to brave the sometimes very chilly elements. However, with the prospect of some excellent displays of the northern lights, a little thing like the cold soon gets forgotten!

Hotel Arctic Eden is a newly renovated hotel, once the local school. The 32 bedrooms with private facilities are spacious and very wellappointed. The hotel has a main restaurant for fine dining with a definite lean towards traditional cuisine – mouth-watering dishes include such local ingredients as moose, reindeer and char. There is also a more casual restaurant 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 decide to make an appearance, is truly magical.

The world-famous ICEHOTEL is a short drive from Kiruna and excursions to see this spectacular construction are available.