Reindeer Sled Safari
Photos from top: 1,3: Nils Torbjörn Nutti; 2:Peter Grant
Who are the Sámi?
Their ancestors were hunters living in the Arctic regions of Scandinavia in Prehistoric times. The Sámi range (known as Sapmi) stretches from Dalarna in Sweden to the Kola Peninsula in Russia.They are an ethnic minority and the indigenous people of these areas.
There are estimated to be 50-75,000 Sámi, of which 15-20,000 live in Sweden.
The foundation of the Sámi livelihood today is reindeer herding. Though reindeer have always played an important role in Sámi life, it was in the 17th and 18th century that reindeer husbandry became fully developed.
Duration: 6 days
Dates/Period: 07.02-12.02.09, 21.02-26.02.09, 07.03-12.03.09
Groups of min.2 can book this experience on other dates by arrangement.
Price: from £1268/person.
Accommodation: One night in Sami village log cabin, 2 nights in Sami Lavvu, 1 night in wilderness camp, 1 night in reindeer camp, optional stay at IceHotel.
Required: General good health, activities are moderately challenging. Suitable for children 12 or over.
This is the land of the Sámi, the indigenous people of the region. On the trip you'll get to know the Sámi people, their culture and the animals of this wonderful area. In particular, you will develop a very special relationship with the reindeer, a noble animal that is the most well-known symbol of Sámi culture.
On your journey through the quiet winter world of Lapland, you will be seduced by the silence and the grandeur of the surroundings, where all you will hear is the crunching of the sled as it glides over the white powdery snow. The journey will take you along old Sámi tracks through snow-clad forests of pine and fir trees, and in some places ancient forest. During your experience you will sleep in Sámi Lavvus (teepees) and wilderness camps and dine around the open fire. Along the way you will have the opportunity to go snowshoeing and try your hand at ice-fishing on the frozen lakes!
Nils Torbjörn Nutti
The Reindeer Sled Safari is guided by reindeer herders who are experts on Lapland, and whose families have been working with the reindeer for generations. While in the 21st century, the Sámi people may rely more on snowmobiles than reindeer for their winter transport needs, reindeer nevertheless remain absolutely central to Sámi daily life, and reindeer sleds have been used by the Sámi herders for thousands of years.
Your guides' homestead is located in the small village of Jukkasjärvi, on the edge of the wilderness. Jukkasjärvi is also the home of the renowned ICEHOTEL, and if you wish you can choose to extend your experience with a stay here. Constructed afresh from ice carved from the local river every year, only to melt again when the spring comes, the ICEHOTEL is a truly unique experience!
Experience the tranquillity and splendour of this region, a perfect adventure for those who want to be close to the wilderness. You will care for your own team of reindeer and learn to handle your own sled on your journey of discovery across the mountains and through the forests of Swedish Lapland.
Read our blog article about reindeer sledding.
See also: Experience Lapland
Comments on Reindeer Sled Safari:
""Had a really fantastic holiday, the people were warm and friendly and would love to do the same trip all over again...Overall we had a thoroughly fantastic time, brilliant weather, friendly people and reindeer, good scenery and tasty food, and we are already thinking about our next holiday. Thank you for all your help with organising the trip, your customer service and help with all the minor details to make this a holiday of a lifetime for us was really very much appreciated." Cathy and Nick