Venture into rural Swedish Lapland to get to know about the culture of the S谩mi people, who are indigenous to this remote region. In a small group led by a local guide, you鈥檒l spend a morning visiting a S谩mi village not far from your hotel, meeting some of the residents to find out more about their traditions and way of life.
You鈥檒l meet reindeer herders and their herds as they explain how the animals are integral to their survival. You鈥檒l also see and try for yourself some of the specific skills that have helped the S谩mi thrive in the Arctic landscape, including lassoing and driving a sled.
Afterwards, you can warm up with a Swedish coffee and traditional foods inside a heated l谩vvu (a conical S谩mi tent) as your guide shares stories tied to the customs of the S谩mi people.
Your guide will pick you up from your hotel in Kiruna for the short journey to the village 鈥� one of just a handful of S谩mi communities in this area. The S谩mi people have lived in these parts of Sweden for centuries, carving out a way of life that鈥檚 closely meshed with the natural world. Traditions have been passed down through generations, and while the S谩mi have lived alongside an ever-changing modern world, many parts of their culture have remained unchanged.
Your guide will introduce you to some of the village residents, including reindeer herders, who鈥檒l show you their animals and explain how they鈥檙e an integral part of the way of life here. They鈥檒l also demonstrate some of the skills required for their role, which you can try for yourself, including lassoing and feeding the animals and driving a sled along a designated track.
With the cold temperatures in this region, you鈥檒l want to warm up after your activity, so you鈥檒l be invited to sit inside a heated l谩vvu (conical S谩mi tent). Beside the warmth of an open fire, you can sip Swedish coffee and try some traditional foods, such as reindeer meat and fresh breads, as your guide shares stories that the S谩mi have been retelling for generations. You鈥檒l then be returned to your hotel.
Start planning your tailor-made trip by contacting one of our Sweden specialists
These activities are designed to give you the most authentic experiences around where you're staying. We work with local guides, who use their knowledge and often a resident's eye to show you the main sights and more out-of-the-way attractions. Our specialists can suggest tours and activities that will introduce you to the local ways of life.
Husky safari
Experience the thrill of dog-sledding in Swedish Lapland. You鈥檒l find out how this pastime is so important to S谩mi culture, meet the team of huskies and have a chance to take the reins yourself as you ride through snow-covered forest.
Ice dining under the northern lights
You can explore a different side of the Lapland wilderness with a private meal on a frozen lake. Sit on reindeer hides under a traditional S谩mi tent and enjoy a three-course meal as you watch the dark skies for the aurora borealis.
Kayaking on the Lule River
Soak up the natural beauty of Swedish Lapland from the water on this six-hour kayaking tour. Suitable for both beginners and experienced kayakers, the tour includes lunch cooked over an open fire on the riverbank.
