Landing in Stockholm was the perfect start to our Nordic Christmas Exploration with tours of the city and stops at museums offering historical and cultural insights. A very special evening of Christmas market shopping and witnessing the candlelit Santa Lucia service in the oldest church in Stockholm was a highlight. Next it was a short flight north to Kiruna, Sweden where the world’s original, Icehotel awaited us. We wandered the local area of Jukkasjarvi to learn about the Sami people whose traditions of reindeer herding and honoring nature is the foundation of their Indigenous Artic culture. Warming up in an historic café for afternoon fika, we walked on top of the Torne River – the source of ice used to create the intricate sculpture and ice carvings throughout the Icehotel rooms. We even tried our hand at ice sculpting ourselves!
We learned how and why the Swedish government is relocating the city of Kiruna a few miles away and then indulged in a fabulous series of spa experiences on a chilly night. Next, we were off to Finland to explore in the magnificent, snow-covered hills and woods around the ski resort community of Levi. While in the Artic Circle, we helped create a wild food dinner in a cozy cabin and saw the Northern Lights! We also learned about life for the husky dogs who took us off on a safari into the winterscape for a true adventure. Our stay near “Santa’s workshop” was complete with glass-roofed cabins and the chance to catch the Aurora Borealis once again with a local guide.
Flying back to Helsinki, Finland, we toured the city’s historic sites and sampled tasty snacks at the Food court before another wonderful Christmas market experience. An incredible Exploration overall, combining the festivities of the season with both the urban and rural aspects of Sweden and Finland. Look at the photos below to bring this experience to life. Better yet, check out my upcoming Essential Earth Explorations programs to join me for a fabulous travel experience soon!
