Arctic Trekking to a Remote Sami Village
Arctic Trekking to a Remote Sami Village
Have you dreamed of visiting a genuine Sami village, meeting a real Sami Reindeer herder, and spending time with his Reindeer? If so, look no further - we’ve got you covered!
When
December - March
Where
Rautas
Meeting Place
All hotels in Abisko and Björkliden
Time
9:45 AM – 4:45 PM
Minimum Age
7 years old
Activity Provider
Lights Over Lapland
You will start by putting on snow shoes which are designed to help make your Arctic trekking adventure as authentic as possible. During this exciting expedition, you will walk along the shore of the spectacular Rautas River which originates deep in the back country of Lapland‘s pristine wilderness. While walking along this majestic river, you will see soaring mountain peaks, an incredible pine tree forest which has stood for thousands of years, a beautiful river valley, and will have an opportunity to experience more clean, crisp air than you ever thought possible. The walk is extremely beautiful and varies in length from one to three km depending upon snow conditions.
Once you arrive at the Sami village, an authentic Sami guide will take you to his Reindeer corral where you will get to spend lots of time with Lapland’s most iconic animal: the Reindeer. During the time with your authentic Sami guide you’ll spend time in a real teepee, enjoy time around a crackling birch fire, listen to intriguing stories about life as a reindeer herder in the wilderness of Lapland and will have a chance to feed the herd with their favourite food, lichens. You will also have a chance to ask your Sami guide questions about life as a reindeer herder in Europe’s last true wilderness.
This cultural experience is a once in a lifetime opportunity and is sure to help you create a treasure chest of memories that you will cherish for the rest of your life.
- The hike will be led at a relaxed pace and usually takes between 30-60 minutes to complete. Most of the walking adventure happens on a trail that is somewhat level and regularly groomed, but there can be inclines and loose/drifting snow during your track adventure. Your guide will help navigate any obstacles and will be there to make sure you’re safe and sound during this adventure. Please be sure to let us know in advance if you have any physical limitations that would make it difficult for you to keep up with a group of eight guests and your authentic Sami guide.
- For this unique adventure, you will be dropped off in Rautas at the start of the experience. Once you have finished your visit to the reindeer corral and lavvu, your guide will transport you by minibus to Máttaráhkká Lodge. Here, you can warm up and relax by the fire, perhaps with a coffee, while you wait for our larger coach to pick you up for the journey back to Abisko.
- Lunch is not included so we recommend you bring a packed lunch to enjoy on the bus to or from the activity.
- Minimum age allowed for this activity is 7 years old due to the duration of the adventure and the length of the hike.
- Round trip transportation from your hotel in Abisko/Björkliden to Rautas
- Snowshoes
- Coffee and a snack
STARTING POINT
We pick you up from any hotel in Abisko or Björkliden.
PICK UP INFORMATION
If you are staying in Abisko, please be ready for pick up at your hotel from 10:00 AM.
If you are staying in Björkliden the pickup time is 9:45 AM.
RETURN TIMES
Departing from Máttaráhkká 3:05 PM.
All guests returned to their hotels by 4:45 PM.
Is your preferred date fully booked? Join the waiting list
Can you drop me off in Kiruna on the way back?
Unfortunately, no. This activity finishes in Máttaráhkká , which is the final stop before we return to Abisko. As a result, we are unable to offer drop-offs in Kiruna at the end of the tour.
If you need to travel onwards to Kiruna after the activity, we recommend booking a taxi for this journey. Taxis can be booked in advance with Taxi Kiruna at [email protected] or +46 980-120 20.
Do you offer pick-up from Kiruna?
Due to the long distance (almost 100KM), we do not offer pick-up in Kiruna. If you wish to join the activity, we highly recommend you book your stay in Abisko.
I’m driving from Narvik or Kiruna. Where should I meet the group?
If you are driving, the best place to meet is by the main door of the STF Abisko Turiststation. Please park by Naturum, in the larger parking area. Additional parking is available across the road, by the train station. The hotel address is: STF Abisko Turiststation, 981 07 Abisko. Your guide will meet you there at 9:30am.
Please make sure you leave with plenty of time to spare as the group will not be able to wait if you are delayed. It’s also worth noting that the road between Narvik and Abisko might close in extreme weather. A refund is not possible if you miss the tour. Please visit Trafikverket for live updates: https://www.trafikverket.se/trafikinformation/vag/?map_x=636043.52174&map_y=7594753.83957&map_z=4&map_l=101000000000000
