Bite Autumn 2012

Sami Camp At the Sami Camp in Jukkasjärvi you can experience the rich culture of the indigenous peoples of Lapland. Traditionally, the Sami head to the mountains during the summer months and down to shelter in the forests during the winter. During this excursion you will meet a reindeer herder, learn how to drive a reindeer sledge and try your hand at some other Sami skills. Visitors will also have the opportunity to enjoy a traditional menu in a lavvu, an authentic Sami tent. Northern LightsTour on Horseback Experience the timeless Lapland scenery in a way like no other. A transfer bus will be provided, through the ICEHOTEL, to a farm where you will be introduced to Icelandic horses. After an introduction allowing you to get familiar with the horse, you are free to saddle up and explore the moonlit forest and, if you are lucky, experience the Northern lights also. Ice Sculpting If you fancy a fun, artistic indoor activity then ice sculpting is for you. On site at the ICEHOTEL you will be guided by an expert to learn how to transform a small block of ice into your very own masterpiece. Many of the experts have been directly involved with the building of the hotel or interior decoration. If your sculpture is impressive, it will join others presented around the hotel complex.This activity has a minimum age requirement of 12 years old due to the use of sharp implements. GETTINGTHERE: The airport nearest to the Swedish Lapland tourist locations is Kiruna. For those planning on staying in Jukkasjärvi, transfers are available to Kiruna airport, which is only 15km away. Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) offer daily flights to Kiruna direct from Heathrow airport.The airline also offers connecting flights to many airports throughout the world. For those wanting to travel around Sweden by train the Kiruna train station is based 17km away from the main town of Jukkasjärvi. In Swedish Lapland there is something for everyone. From relaxing in a sauna and embracing the peaceful surroundings of the forest in the Treehotel to experiencing the adrenaline thrill of ice driving or mushing over a frozen lake, a holiday in Lapland is one to remember. The wondrous gleam of the spellbinding Northern lights is, if anything, a bonus.

boarding.The trip takes you to a traditional wilderness hut, where visitors are treated to a dinner including a smoked salmon sandwich, moose stew, apple cake, tea, coffee or a hot ligonberry juice.Whilst you enjoy the facilities at the hut, the guides will keep a look out for the Northern Lights. Sightings cannot be guaranteed, however, in the winter months they are much more likely.The tour lasts four hours approximately. There is also the option to enjoy an overnight snowmobile tour, which involves a stay at a Wilderness Camp. The accommodation and facilities are basic and shared but provide the opportunity to experience a traditional wood-fired sauna. With the overnight snowmobile tour you can truly experience the rustic life of Northern Sweden and, hopefully, catch a glimpse of the Aurora Borealis against the black velvet sky. Ultimate Husky SledgeTour For a more exhilarating winter activity, the husky trail into the Abisko wilderness allows you to fully experience the nature and landscape of Swedish Lapland or get hands on and test your skills as a musher. This tour, available through the ICEHOTEL, allows you to travel over the frozen lake and into the woods either as a passenger or under your own steam as a musher.The trip includes a lunch at the Wilderness Lodge and a visit to the dog kennels. The excursion runs on a daily basis and leaves at 11.15am for a duration of four hours. You can also combine your sighting of the Northern Lights with husky sledging in the Northern Lights Husky Safari, which includes an hour and a half long sledge at night in the forest. Cross Country Skiing The cross country skiing is a hands on experience open to everyone from amateurs to first time skiers. The activity includes a short walk with your guide to the surrounding forest of the ICEHOTEL, an introduction to skiing technique and the chance to try cross country skiing on the specially made tracks. After working up a sweat you can enjoy a selection of hot drinks around a camp fire. Ice Driving The ice driving, Top Gear style activity allows you to test your driving ability on a specially built ice track. You will be supervised by skilled instructors who will run through basic manoeuvring tests on the ice, which push the ABS and stabilization systems to the limit allowing you to have your own Jeremy Clarkson moment. You are allowed two drivers to a vehicle with two passengers.