Nikkaluokta, a gateway to Kungsleden

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...

Smilla - the snowloving dog

Two year old Smilla is the constant companion of Matti, the co-owner of Ofelas farm in Puoltsa. Smilla is a very active young lady and she loves snow, other dogs, her food, people and to go snowmobiling with Matti. Her balance is excellent even when the going gets tough.

A film titled "Smilla's Sense of Snow" gave Matti the inspiration to give her this name. The film had it's premiere in 1997 and is based on the novel of the same title from 1992 by Peter Hoeg, a Danish author.

Smilla is a very successful mix between Border Collie on her mother's side (a famous film actress in two Swedish movies) and Finnish Lapphund on her father's side.

Kiruna - a city in transformation

The world's largest underground iron ore mine is located in Kiruna. LKAB, the mine operator, has approved the opening of a new main level at a depth of 1365 metres. The ore body is shaped like a slice lying at a slant that slopes down at a 60° angle in the bedrock underneath the city. The deformation is moving towards the city centre at a rate of 40 meters per year and will make a large part of the city uninhabitable within 20 years.

Therefore it has been decided that the city centre must move to a new location 3 kilometres east of the city's existing centre. Within the affected area there are 3.200 homes, 750 hotel beds, the entire city centre's commercial district, the majority of public institutions including schools, the hospital, library, the church and around 1.000 jobs. No less than 33% of central Kiruna's population must move - around 6,000 people.

The transformation of Kiruna has already started. The railway line has been moved and the old railway station has been closed. A few historical buildings will be moved to a new location including the wooden church. A new city hall is under construction and is due to open in spring 2018. The landmark clock tower from the old square shaped city hall has been grounded and is now placed in front of the new circular shaped city hall.

Icehotel 2017: Christmas gift ideas

Here are samples of the quality goodies on display at the Icehotel shop located next to the main hotel reception. The spirit of Winter Lapland can be felt in many of the products.

Lapland: Christmas window shopping

This afternnoon I was looking for signs of Christmas in the shop windows in Kiruna city center. At 3 pm it was already dark and snowing - perfect for a city stroll while looking for Lapland style Christmas signs. Since we are 16 days away from X-mas eve, I am saving the various Kiruna santas that I have collected today for a later blog. A very athletic street performer was braving the cold and showing off at the city square. Her audience total: five cold souls - while I continued on my photographic mission for you to enjoy the results.

Iceman on thin ice

Earlier this week, when I visited ICEHOTEL 365, I met this sleepy Iceman hugging his pillow while looking for a place to lay down. I guess that he was looking for his room in the classic (seasonal) section of the hotel. But he was to early! This part of the Icehotel will be opened officially on 15 December at 6 pm. The sleepy Iceman therefore curled up on a chair for a well deserved nap while waiting for his room to be completed.

ICEHOTEL 365 and MR FUZZ

The worldfamous Icehotel is located in Jukkasjarvi next to Torne river, 11 km from Kiruna. The "ice part" of the hotel will always melt down at spring time and a new hotel will be built during early winter for the following season. This practise will continue also in the future. The winter season 2017/18 will be the 28th for the classic Icehotel. In addition to the seasonal part of the hotel a new, permanent 2.100 sq meter facility, ICEHOTEL 365, is ready to welcome guests from far and near.

The year around temperature inside ICEHOTEL 365 will be -5°C and to keep the temperature below zero also in the summertime, a 600 sqm solar panel has been placed on the roof of the ice storage hall. The solar panel will generate 130.000 kWh, more than enough for ICEHOTEL 365 and all the other buildings on the premises.

The Icehotel's famous icebar is now located inside the ICEHOTEL 365. This seasons theme is "fuzzy icecream" and MR FUZZ is keeping an eye on everyone visiting the bar. With direct access from the bar you will find 9 luxurious suites (with private bathroom and sauna) and 11 art suites.