The Ice Hotel &Jukkasjärvi: A weekend Getaway from Stockholm
We ended our whirlwind week in Sweden with a jaunt to the Ice Hotel in Jukkasjärvi for a wedding. While the wedding activities took up much of our 2 days in the Arctic Circle, we found time to explore the local town and there are some must-do activities outside of the Ice Hotel that you should make time for.
On the day of our arrival, we took a right out onto the main road and walked until it ended in a quaint cul-de-sac featuring the church of the small village of Jukkasjärvi. There sits the Sámi Museum, Nutti Sámi Siida. Inside is a gift shop, outdoor museum, and Café Sápmi. As it was the only place to eat in town in the middle of the afernoon, we dug in and were delighted that we did. In the cozy atmosphere we enjoyed reindeer pasta with lingonberries and Arctic Char with horseradish cream and potatoes. The chef chatted with us about why this town was the best place on earth and encouraged us to try the local gin and cloudberry cider which were equally refreshing and intriguing. After our meal, we needed to go back to the Hotel to attend a sauna ritual with the wedding guests, but we vowed we’d return the next day.
On our first morning in Jukkasjärvi, we woke early, had breakfast at the hotel and then followed the hotel magazine’s advice and did the hike to the Lookout Point Puimunen. The trail was easy to follow, with lots of markers, and we were rewarded after only a short upward climb (hike takes around 45 minutes one way, steep uphill portion is only ~5 minutes) with amazing views of the town of Jukkasjärvi and Torne River below. We followed a different path down and enjoyed walking through a field of lingonberries.
After our hike, we kept our promise and returned to the village of Jukkasjärvi. The church was open so we walked through the gated entrance and admired the beautiful grounds before entering the small, red church. We were rewarded with a beautiful, vibrant painting depicting village life.
We then went back to the Sámi Museum and explored the grounds. We learned about the culture of the Sámi people, as well as their chilling, but all too-familiar, opression. We were overjoyed that there was a petting zoo full of reindeer. Treading carefully to avoid reindeer droppings, we approached the animals who immediately ran away. We timidly approached a lying male who eyed us wearily. He grunted as I petted his soft fur and began to slowly close his eyes in pleasure…until my boyfriend approached to pet him as well and his eyes popped back open suspiciously. It was humbling being able to pet the soft, thick fur of such a large beast.
Before leaving, we admired the craftsmanship featured in the gift shop. Leaving with a few small trinkets - as well as antler ears (they shed them every year!) as mementos of our trip to the Arctic.
