Sweden’s Ice Hotel - Activities (Part 2)

Snowmobile tours

There are tours under this category to suit all budgets and levels of experience. You can start with a simple afternoon tour, progress to an evening northern lights safari or even take on a full overnight wilderness experience. The tours start from Jukkasjärvi and can only be booked through agents which have the safety approval to operate in this area.

The afternoon tours give you an experience of Lapland’s forests and nature in daylight. The excursion takes you across frozen lakes and bogs, through hilly landscapes with views over the river with Kiruna in the distance. Along the route you stop for a traditional Swedish fika, this is coffee which is kettle boiled on a fire and served with cake. Longer day tours are possible but are determined by time and weather conditions. These tours offer a unique opportunity for photography enthusiasts. You also learn about the native wild animals to this region, and how to tracking them. Lunch with local ingredients is also served during or after the trip depending on conditions.

Northern Lights tours

The northern lights can be seen in this part of the world between September & March for most nights. The best place to see them is in the wilderness, away from artificial light and this is where the snowmobile tour comes into its own. The guide tells all about the northern lights and what causes them. You also get to make frequent stops for taking photos before stopping for a rustic dinner in a wilderness camp.

Over Night cabin stay

If you really want to splash out for a special occasion then this cannot easily be topped. You are taken to a traditional log cabin, situated on the water’s edge. When you arrive your guide lights the fire, the candles and the wood-fired sauna. While you relax or enjoy the sauna your dinner is being prepared. After you have eaten you are then left to enjoy the rest of the night in your private cabin.

Winter wilderness survival

If you want to pretend to be Bear Grylls then this trip is for you. You head off into the wilderness in a snowmobile sled and there you learn how to make a fire with flint, navigate by using signs in nature, build a winter shelter and make a cup of Pine tea.

Horseback riding tours

Riding in the arctic wilderness is not for everybody but if you like riding then these Icelandic horses offer a real treat. A stable of Icelandic’s is kept near the foothills of Kebnekaise which is about an hour from the hotel. This is an unspoiled area of deep pine forests and hilly terrain. There are two options; you can go in broad daylight searching for wildlife, or at night for northern lights.