Kiruna – Sami Culture and Wellness under the Northern Lights
- Details
Details
This four-night immersive journey takes you into the heart of Sami culture in Swedish Lapland, discovering the rich cultural tapestry of the Sami people while surrounded by the dramatic landscapes of Kiruna. During your stay you will get to engage in traditional Sami cooking, search for the northern lights by horseback and enjoy an authentic spa treatment celebrating Sami culture the right way.
Highlights of this trip include a unique insight into the culinary delights of Sami cooking as you prepare traditional dishes over the open fire and learn more about the indigenous people of Swedish Lapland. You will also venture out one evening into Abisko National Park, where you will get to feast on a three-course Sami dinner.
You will also enjoy a Northern Lights tour on horseback (with the option to choose an Aurora Hunt by reindeer pulled sleigh) - an idyllic way to hopefully witness the Aurora.
During your time away, we recommend you use your free time with an evening of relaxation at the Aurora Spa at Camp Ripan. Here you can indulge in organic treatments such as birch leaf scrubs and locally sourced rapeseed oil massages. The Stavan Spa Ritual included in your package, a holistic spa journey combining ancient traditions and organic treatments.
Important Information
Itinerary
The order of activities listed in this agenda is provided for guidance only. Your final and detailed itinerary will be provided either with your final travel documents (which will be emailed to you around a week prior to departure), or upon arrival.
The order of activities listed in this agenda is provided for guidance only. Your final and detailed itinerary will be provided either with your final travel documents (which will be emailed to you around a week prior to departure), or upon arrival.
Itinerary
After landing at Kiruna airport you will take the 15 minute transfer Camp Ripan, in the town of Kiruna.
Following check in the rest of the day has been left free for you to explore your new surroundings. You may wish to explore the spa (payable locally) before your traditional Stavan Spa Ritual tomorrow.
Dinner tonight will be your first opportunity to enjoy the wonderful food of Camp Ripan, where the food is prepared with care according to old recipes that are revived with new thinking and influences from different parts of the world.
Included Meals: Dinner
[KRN] Kiruna Airport, Sweden To Camp Ripan
Airport Transfer
Duration
00:00
Camp Ripan - Check In
Address : Kiruna, Norrbotten County, Sweden
A unique opportunity for food and culture enthusiasts, your journey into Sami tradition begins this morning with a pick-up in Kiruna, transporting you westward to the mountains for an authentic Sami culinary experience, crafting traditional Sápmi dishes in the natural beauty of Puoltsa. Learn to bake gáhkku over an open fire in the goahti (a traditional Sami hut, create special coffee cheese, and cook meat.
In the evening, your package includes the Aurora Spa’s most traditional spa experience – the Stavan Spa ritual. Set your own pace with self-administered treatments, featuring a birch leaf scrub, juniper-infused foot salts, a rejuvenating coffee scrub, and a locally sourced rapeseed oil body massage. This activity includes two hour spa access
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Camp Ripan - Stay
Address : Kiruna, Norrbotten County, Sweden
Today has been left free for you to relax or you may wish to add an additional activity such as exploring the city of Kiruna or Nordic Skiing – please see the personalise section for full details.
This evening you will seek out the Northern Lights (or as the Sami people would call it, the Guovssahasat meaning ‘the light you can hear’) on horseback
This adventure begins with a pickup in Kiruna, heading west to the horse farm. Together with your guides, you will prepare horses for a winter evening riding tour through ancient forests against a mountain backdrop. With hopes of witnessing the mesmerizing Northern Lights and starry skies, you may even encounter moose. Upon your return, enjoy a dinner of local specialties by the fireside in a Sami hut, discovering more about animals, nature, and Sami culture.
Please note: this tour requires no riding experience but good physical health. If for any reason someone has a fear of horses or simply doesn’t want to ride, we also have the alternative option of the Sami Northern Light tour by Reindeer sleigh which is equally as authentic (refer to personalise section)
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Camp Ripan - Stay
Address : Kiruna, Norrbotten County, Sweden
Today, you have free time up until 17:00 to explore as you please. We recommend guests either take the opportunity to maximise your Sami cultural experience by taking part in activities such as ‘become a Sami survivor’ or the ‘Sami wellness day tour’ or use your free time to combine the traditional with the modern and jump on a snowmobile and go ice fishing; the choice is yours.
This evening, you will embark on a journey to Abisko National Park. Following a 1.5-hour car trip, enjoy a three-course traditional dinner in a restaurant situated in Abisko village. A local guide will share insights into nature, Sami culture, and Northern Lights mythology. Weather permitting, you will then get the chance to walk up to the national park to hopefully view the Northern Lights. Guides, who are also skilled photographers will assist you in capturing the idyllic scenery.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Camp Ripan - Stay
Address : Kiruna, Norrbotten County, Sweden
After five days of rejuvenation and an unforgettable holiday it’s time to head home and after breakfast you will be transferred to the airport
Included Meals: Breakfast
Camp Ripan To [KRN] Kiruna Airport, Sweden
Airport Transfer
Duration
00:00
Camp Ripan - Check Out
Address : Kiruna, Norrbotten County, Sweden
What's included?
- Transfers: return group airport transfers from/to Kiruna Airport
- Accommodation: 4 nights in a chalet/cabin Kiruna with double bed OR chalet/cabin Riekko with twin beds
- Meals: 4 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 4 dinners
- Traditional Sami cooking
- 1 x Spa Access including the Stavan Spa Ritual
- Northern Lights tour on Horseback (with option to change to Sami Northern light tour by Reindeer sleigh)
- Aurora tour with dinner in Abisko
- Fully qualified guides and instructors during activities
- 24/7 assistance from our UK based operations team and in destination support from our local partners
- Warm clothing is included in certain activities, Warm clothing can also be pre booked (via the hotel) for the whole duration of the trip.
Accommodation
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Camp Ripan
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Nestled in the town of Kiruna, Camp Ripan is home to 90 hotel rooms in the form of cosy cabins and chalets, each with private entrances. Embracing the spirit of Kiruna, the team aim to offer more than just accommodations; they want guests to experience Sweden’s northernmost city authentically. The cabins are furnished with appreciation for the region’s beauty with the design, furnishings, and choice of materials mirroring the culture of this mountain city. All rooms come equipped with modern amenities, including cable TV, internet access, and well-appointed bathrooms featuring showers and toilet.
Camp Ripan is renowned for its Spa, offering various wellness treatments and experiences, incorporating elements of traditional Swedish practices and nature-inspired therapies. Spa offerings include saunas, hot tubs, massages, facials, and relaxation rituals.
The restaurant offers authentic Nordic cuisine, celebrating locally sourced ingredients and traditional Swedish flavours.
Personalise This Tour
Husky Dream
From £397.00
/pp
Experience dog sledding with husky welfare being of great importance. The priority is always the well-being of the dogs, reflected in attentive care from guides and tailored facilities. Each morning, the dogs show their eagerness for runs which will take you on a remote tour down to the frozen Kalix River offering serene landscapes, rarely encountering other people. Youll drive the sled, alternating with a partner, through breath-taking terrain, including views of Kebnekaise. Afterward, learn how to massage the dogs after your amazing ride, and enjoy a hearty lunch in the home of a guide as they teach you all about these stunning canine creatures.
Duration: 5 hours
Sami Northern light tour by Reindeer sleigh (Horseback replacement option)
On Request
Experience rich Sami culture with a unique journey that combines reindeer sledding, and breathtaking views of the northern lights, Starting from Jukkasjärvi, enjoy a 25-minute snowmobile ride to our remote camp, where you'll feed reindeer and learn about their significance. Immerse yourself in the crisp winter air, savor Sami-inspired cuisine, and if a blizzard hits, gain insights into weather protection. This unforgettable adventure offers a deep connection with nature and the heritage of the Sami people, all under the stunning Arctic sky.
*Price included in package cost, providing this activity replaces the Northern Lights tour on Horseback*
Duration: 4 hours
Ice Fishing by Snowmobile
From £183.00
/pp
Departing from Camp Ripan, your exhilarating 30km journey will take you through low mountain areas, frozen lakes, and untamed forests. In the breathtaking landscape you will stop on the ice for a unique ice fishing experience, where you can drill a hole while enjoying a traditional fika. If luck is on your side, a catch may be yours. Resuming your snowmobile adventure, you head back to Camp Ripan. You'll travel 2 people per snowmobile, with a chance to swap drivers along the way, however, if you prefer, you can upgrade to drive your own snowmobile. Please note: you must be at least 18 years old and hold a full driving licence to drive a snowmobile.
Duration: 3 hours
Sami Survival Skills
From £155.00
/pp
For those wanting to take part in a truly authentic side of Sami culture we recommend this Sami survival activity. You will embark on a foraging walk, searching for the right wood to kindle a vital fire. Mastering the art of dressing for warmth, finding edible sustenance beneath the snow, identifying animal tracks, and moving adeptly through the forest are also crucial skills that you will learn. You will absorb the Sami philosophy; knowing when to act, what to avoid, and embrace survival essentials
Duration: 4 hours
Nordic Ski and Nature Tour
From £119.00
/pp
Embark on an unforgettable cross-country skiing adventure in the breathtaking landscapes surrounding Kiruna as you learn valuable skiing techniques from your guide while discovering fascinating insights about Kiruna and its surroundings. Breaks are included where you will enjoy a warm cup of tea and delicious cake.
Duration: 3 hours
Sami Wellness Day Tour
From £119.00
/pp
Awaken to the serene embrace of the Arctic landscape, immersing yourself in a journey of Sami tradition and nature wellness. This walking tour is led by a knowledgeable guide who will provide insight into Sami myths, stories, and chants around an open fire
Duration: 4 hours
Kiruna City Tour – A City on the Move
From £79.00
/pp
Embark on a guided tour of Kiruna, a city steeped in history, home to 3 intriguing cultures: Sami, Swedish, and Finnish, all three of which shaped its mining roots . The city's evolution is intricately tied to the ore body beneath it, necessitating adjustments as the world's largest underground iron ore mine expands. During your tour you will see the city's transformation, witnessing the relocation and demolition of structures, including the iconic Kiruna Church. You will get to see the relocated and restored buildings, now part of Luossavaara, culminating in Tuollavaara - the new town centre inaugurated on September 1, 2022.
Duration: 3 hours
Husky Dream
5H
| Tour Loaction: | Kiruna,Sweden |
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Tour Map
Additional Info
Key Facts
Duration
3 - 4 Nights
Pace
Relaxed
Holiday Type
Land Only
Max Group Size
NA
Cities / Destinations
Sweden, Kiruna
Brochure Code
19872
Price from
5 days
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