Venture into rural Swedish Lapland to get to know about the culture of the Sámi people, who are indigenous to this remote region. In a small group led by a local guide, you’ll spend a morning visiting a Sámi village not far from your hotel, meeting some of the residents to find out more about their traditions and way of life.
You’ll meet reindeer herders and their herds as they explain how the animals are integral to their survival. You’ll also see and try for yourself some of the specific skills that have helped the Sámi 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 lávvu (a conical Sámi tent) as your guide shares stories tied to the customs of the Sámi people.
Your guide will pick you up from your hotel in Kiruna for the short journey to the village — one of just a handful of Sámi communities in this area. The Sámi people have lived in these parts of Sweden for centuries, carving out a way of life that’s closely meshed with the natural world. Traditions have been passed down through generations, and while the Sámi 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’ll show you their animals and explain how they’re an integral part of the way of life here. They’ll 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’ll want to warm up after your activity, so you’ll be invited to sit inside a heated lávvu (conical Sámi 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 Sámi have been retelling for generations. You’ll 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’ll find out how this pastime is so important to Sámi 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 Sámi 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.
