'Reindeer can't be trained. We will put the pack leader at the front and hopefully yours will follow. That there is the brake, it won't stop the reindeer completely as they are very strong but it may slow them down. Yell, whoop and yahoo to make it go faster. Have fun.'
That was our safety briefing before reindeer sledding in Sweden. One of the most exhilarating, wacky and out there adventures I've been privileged enough to experience. We were transferred from the Ice Hotel in Sweden on a sled pulled by a snowmobile. Upon arriving at an isolated farm our guide chuckled that the precipitous swerve on route was a result of nearly breaking through the ice of a pond he had forgotten about. Awesome. Some nervous glances were definitely exchanged. Following the extremely detailed briefing above we set off. I am confident my reindeer had not passed his drivers licence - crashing into trees the entire journey.
Miraculously we arrived back and found warmth in a traditional tipi warmed with a rustic fire and covered in reindeer hides. We had the luxury of sipping on fresh coffee in crude wooden mugs while guide cooked us reindeer and topped it with homemade berry jam - a customary meal which to date is the best meat I've ever tasted. With our bellies full and the risk of frostbite eliminated we lay on the hides and listened to stories of life in Lapland. How the reindeer migrate across the borders between Norway, Sweden and Finland and the people travel with them. It was fascinating how life revolves around the animals in Scandinavia. Norway was another location where we virtually could not go on certain roads as they were closed until all the reindeer has passed. I can say with a warm heart that gazing into the fire, isolated in the middle of Lapland, silence except the crackling of wood and my peers laughter, it was one of those moments where you genuinely feel content with life.
Fika (fee - ka) ~ A moment to slow down and appreciate the good things in life.
Travel Tips for Lapland Sweden
- Look at a map and don't underestimate the driving distance. We had some pretty hefty distances to endure and could not stop to rest or sleep for longer than fifteen minutes else the car would start freezing up.
- Overbudget, it is very expensive. Think NZD $5.00 for a small bottle of water, roughly $6.00 for a takeaway coffee and for food I suggest bringing a bag or purse to stuff with supplies for dinner from the breakfast buffet.
- Pack six pairs of gloves and three more just in case.
- Do your research when the best time to visit is. We had some pretty sketchy roads to brave in order to get to our destinations. Even snow tires and Justin Timberlake's 'I'm bringing sexy back' could not calm the nerves of guessing where the tarmac actually was.
- Go reindeer sledding. Just get a pre-health check for your heart first.
- Don't lose your passport (another story for another time).
Where We Stayed
Ice Hotel Lapland Sweden
We weren't valiant enough to book the ice rooms where you literally have to be woken during the night to bring your body back to a 'safe' tempurature. Instead we opted for a cabin which was modern, clean and offered complimentary snacks (major bonus). With full floor to roof windows to admire the snow and scenery we were very comfortable. There are multiple sleds lying around for your inner child to almost break your necks on. Staff were very accommodating and friendly with a solid level of English making communication for important matters such as what the WIFI password was much easier. I recommend 10/10.
R x