TTExperience! #16: Heart of the Arctic! 💙

Hey! Check out our last part of the story here!

Day 4: Night Snowshoe Hike

After fulfilling our afternoon, as the night started to land, we were all prepared to embark on a snowshoe hike through the glistening woods in Kilpisjärvi.

For this activity, we first needed to wear warm clothes like cozy jackets, pants, and beanies to keep us warm in the cold snow. We also prepared special boots that consistently kept our feet dry and warm, and of course, the star of the show, the snowshoes!

Snowshoes are typically designed to be worn with winter boots, so make sure to have the suitable type!

I did not know about these pairs of snowshoes until the first time I set foot in Lapland.

So why is it called Snowshoe and why their shape is so special?

Imagine you have special shoes for when it's snowy outside like regular shoes are for when it's not snowy. Normal shoes would sink under the deep snow, but snowshoes are designed with a special flat and big shape that keeps you on top of the fluffy snow, just like regular shoes help you walk on the ground.

Indeed, they are magic shoes for snowy adventures!

We started with the instructions from our guide. First, you need to get those snowshoes on you. Wearing snowshoes is relatively easy once you get the hang of it.

Briefly on how to wear them:

Firstly, the size! Make that you have the correct size and type of snowshoes for your weight. Don’t worry, our guide will help you with picking the most suitable ones.
Stand with one foot on each snowshoe, ensuring your boots are centered within the snowshoes.
Secure the straps to fit your size: Pull the toe straps up over the front of your boots and fasten them securely. Make sure they are snug but not overly tight.
Pull the heel straps up over the back of your boots and fasten them securely. Again, ensure a snug fit without over-tightening.
Check that your boots are securely attached to the snowshoes. You should be able to lift your feet and feel the snowshoes moving with them. Make adjustments as needed!
You are ready for the adventure! Yayyy!

As we set out, the snowshoes crunched softly on the fresh powder, and the crisp winter air started filling our lungs. Our journey began at the trailhead, where a path through a forest appeared. The white snow-covered branches opened a magical path, leading us into a world of winter wonder.

We slowly hike deeper into the forest, where we could decide to either challenge ourselves with the new snow path or just follow the same path.

Although I have been to Lapland several times, I still couldn't help but be captivated by the winter wonderland that surrounded me! The sun started to hang low in the middle of the sky, casting a warm, golden color on the snow-covered pines.

The world seemed to slow down as if nature itself were taking a deep, peaceful breath.

After a long adventure, we slowly got back to our cottage and warmed ourselves up.

We will have a cozy night with grilled marshmallows and warm drinks!

The cozy evening

As our guide showed us again how to start the fire, one of us managed to do it with what we learned in the Arctic Survival Skills activity!

We settled by a crackling fireplace, reflecting on the day's adventure. The warmth of the fire, the memories of the winter wonderland, and the beauty of the snowy landscape filled me with a sense of inner peace.

Marshmallows on fire!

What a fulfilling day filled with wonder, and the magic of exploring a world of snow!

For me, it was an active experience that required some inner strength. By that means, yes, snowshoeing can be physically demanding. Listen to your body, and don't push yourself too hard. :)

Day 5: Tromsø Day - Departure to Björkliden

Another early rise!

We said goodbye to Kilpisjärvi, Finnish Lapland, but our adventure was far from over.

We set off on a picturesque route through the northern Scandinavian region, and continued our journey to Swedish Lapland! But before that, we crossed the border to Norway to enjoy the stunning Tromsø city.

Tromsø is a city in Norway, and it's so far north, much above the Arctic Circle.

Leaving Kilpisjärvi and arriving in Norway, immediately, the scenery began to change. It was such an obvious and spectacular change that, in a moment, all my sleepiness accumulated from the trip just disappeared. The flat, snowy land of Finland gave way to Norway's magnificent fjords and peaks.

All the mountains, sea, clouds, and singing birds, painted harmonious landscapes that no words can describe.

Soon we arrived at our first photo stop, Skibotn!

“Did you know that the fjords here were carved by big glaciers during past ice ages?” - said our guide.

The village itself may not have its fjord, but it is situated near the Lyngenfjord, which is one of the most famous fjords in the region for its mountainous scenery in the icy crystal waters.

Our colleague Saurav was fully enjoying his time!

After the fulfilling photo stop, we finally headed to Tromsø!

Tromsø was unlike any place we had ever seen. It was surrounded by tall, majestic mountains that reached up to the sky. The sea was crystal clear, with fluffy clouds hanging low, almost as if they were trying to kiss the land.

We would have free time to discover this beautiful city, so our guide recommended we try the cable car for a panoramic view. Located just a short distance from the city center of Tromsø, the four-minute journey took us from the sea-level base station to the upper station on the Storsteinen Mountain. The altitude was about 420 meters (1,378 feet).

Normally, it would be possible to take a hike up, nevertheless, the hiking path was under construction when we were there.

Reaching the top, we slowly hiked around to enjoy the breathtaking views of Tromsø city, the surrounding fjords, mountains, and the Arctic wilderness. It was definitely an ideal spot for photography, sightseeing, and enjoying the natural beauty of the region.

The beautiful panorama on top of the cable car route

There are hiking trails that lead from the upper station into the surrounding wilderness. If you have a chance to come back to Tromsø, definitely worth a try!

There is also a restaurant where you can dine while enjoying the scenic views. They serve local Norwegian cuisine and international options too!

As my time in Tromsø came to an end, it was already afternoon. I couldn't help but feel a deep appreciation for this Arctic gem and for sure I will come back!

Departure to Björkliden

We departed on a picturesque route through the northern Scandinavian region, heading towards Björkliden direction. The most special fact about Björkliden is that the only tree you will find there is the birch, or ‘’björk’’ in Swedish. Björkliden means “birch hill”, which describes the place pretty well.

Sunset on the road

When we arrived at our cottages, it was already 8 p.m. We started cooking dinner together right after settling down. This time, our team was staying at two of the cottages of Abisko Mountain Lodge. The cottages were pretty spacious with two bedrooms. One had a twin bed and one accommodated a bunk bed with a big common area.

Then guess what?

The magical Northern Lights danced in the sky to welcome us to Swedish Lapland! After having a cozy dinner together, we put on our warm clothes and went outside to watch them. How can we miss this chance to spot the lights again? It was like the sky was doing a special light show just for us!

Northern Lights appeared on the first day in Swedish Lapland!

Swedish Lapland was already super cool, and we couldn't wait to see what else it had in store!

Day 6: Reindeer herder experience - Cozy night

Due to the active schedule, our team skipped cross-country skiing this morning to get more rest and answer emails from travelers. Even when we were traveling, we would not want our travelers to wait long on their requests so we try to catch up whenever possible. =D

Reindeer herder experience

Time flew! It was already time for the reindeer herder experience! This was one of my favorite activities, as I looked forward to listening to Sami’s traditional stories about their nomadic way of life and cultural experiences.

With a deep connection with reindeer and herding traditions, Sami people have relied on reindeer for their livelihood, using them for transportation, clothing, food, and trade. There were quite many stories told, I will cover them in another post. =)

For now, some fun facts about reindeer that I’ve learned:

Initially, herders traditionally hunted wild reindeer, which was a skill passed down through generations.
Surprisingly, the newly born reindeers can take their first steps within minutes of being born and even run after a few hours!
Most of the calves are marked and trademarked for identification.
Reindeer’s eyes change color with the seasons. During the winter, when the land is ruled by snow and ice, their eyes appear to be blue, which helps them to see in the darkness of polar nights. In the summer, their eyes turn to a golden hue, which is better suited for the brighter conditions of the Arctic summer.

Storytime! The Sami guide told us many stories about reindeer herders' life and traditions.

After the stories, we got to meet the reindeers! They are known for their curious and friendly nature, so I was hoping to get some good photos with them!

At the gate, we were provided with a handful of lichen, which were reindeer’s fav!

We got to hand-feed the reindeer and watch them gaze on the food!

The last night in Lapland

It was the last night, so our guide decided to create something special for us. The evening was reserved for storytelling!

We went to the event hut pretty early to settle down and prepare the seats. Most of the travelers came afterward. People started to arrive at the hut, gathered closer to the fire, embraced in warm blankets, and ready to share the experience. We could almost feel the excitement building as we waited for the story to begin.

Lapland's stories often feature elements of magic, folklore creatures, and the Northern Lights. In the heart of the Arctic wilderness, our storytellers began to tell old legends and tales of Lapland. The power of words took us to another world, one filled with mystery, adventure, and wonder.

We then had a cozy sharing session around the fire, on how we felt and what beautiful memories we had from this trip. Everyone shared their stories and own thoughts, while the others were fully focused and slowly internalized them. Starting from strangers, until now, we all seem to make new friends and learn so much from each other as we all have different backgrounds.

We ended the night with a walk together to Abisko Kungsleden tunnel. It was a special typical tunnel with speakers that played traditional Sami songs. As we walked towards the end, the gradual transformation of these sounds created an immersive musical journey.

Day 6: Ice Hotel - Departure back home

It was a good night's sleep!

We will be driving towards the south today and visiting one more checkpoint before the departure back home.

Back to Childhood at the Icehotel

Our first stop was the Jukkasjärvi Icehotel, which was constructed entirely from ice and snow, using blocks of ice harvested from the nearby Torne River.

The most interesting thing is, that the hotel is rebuilt every year, typically opening in December and staying open until April when it melts back into the river! This annual rebuilding process allows the space for new, creative designs every different winter.

As we entered the Icehotel, the world transformed into a magical wonderland.

The Hotel offers a range of accommodations, including ice rooms, snow rooms, and luxurious suites. With such special designs, do they accommodate guests overnight? Of course!

The temperature inside the hotel hovers at a constant of -5 to -7. Guests sleep on beds made of ice, but they are also provided with warm sleeping bags to ensure a comfortable night's rest.

Each room and suite was a craft of art itself.

And not to mention the slide made of ice which brought us back to childhood!

Two hours was not enough here, apparently. It was a place definitely worth a visit!

Saying goodbye to Lapland was not easy, as we started to depart back home.

Ending

I couldn’t believe the trip had come to an end. It felt like a dream to me when travelling all three regions of Lapland within only 7 days. Besides having fun with activities, we all patted ourselves on the back as we took care of ourselves so well - we “survived” (and enjoyed) the hectic schedule!

For me, the best thing that happened on this trip was to be closer to all my teammates.

To be able to live under one roof and cook for each other like a family.

To share my own stories and get advice from others in the sauna.

To hunt the Northern Lights with them.

Definitely, it was the best trip ever, especially when we were able to share the experience with our dear travelers. For more trips incoming!

Are you looking for similar experiences that I had?

Although the Christmas edition is already sold out, the Spring Grand Lapland trip is ready to book!

Feel free to check it out for more inspiration and can’t wait to accommodate you on this wonderful journey!