Nikkaluokta is a Sami village locted at the end of the tarmac road from Kiruna, 39 km west from Ofelas farm i Puoltsa. In its vicinity lie the areas of two Sami communities, Laevas and Girjas. Both communities still herd reindeer in the region. My hosts belong to these communities, Kerstin to the former Matti to the latter.
In Nikkaluokta you can stay in a nice mountain lodge, complete with a small grocery store, a slow food Sami restaurant and a chapel - all run by the Sarris, an old Sami family.
Nikkaluokta is famous for:
a) being the starting point for several hiking and skiing trails, including the popular "Kungsleden" (The King's Trail), a hiking trail of approx 440 km (270 miles) between Hemavan in the south and Abisko in the north
b) often being the coldest place in Sweden - when it is -32°C in Puoltsa it could well be -37°C in Nikkaluokta
c) being the starting point for people wishing to climb the highest mountain in Sweden, "Kebnekaise" (Cauldron Crest), 2,096,8 metres (6,882 ft) above sea level.
The winter season is due to start early next year. When I visited Nikka the other day I only met two reideer in front of the lodge. To reach the information hut for the area you had to hike thru meter deep snow...
