They call a visit to Kiruna a visit to the ‘real winter’. Its located in Swedish Lapland and within the Arctic circle. We were greeted with -6 degree temperatures, which apparently is not a real winter (to our bodies it was). Considering it gets as cold as -40 degrees Celsius, I could see their point that this was ‘mild’ weather, and felt glad that we did not have to brave a very cold day! Kiruna is a small town based around a tin mine and tourism. Our camp was around 20 minutes out of town set in the forest on the bank of a river and although secluded, a much nicer place to stay than town.
When visiting a region so foreign to your own, you are naturally drawn to things you cannot usually do. In this case, we were both keen to go for a walk on the frozen river. We were warned that because it was so ‘warm’ the river was melting in places, so there could be overflow, however it was still frozen and safe to walk on so long as we kept to the snowmobile tracks. Luckily neither of us came close to seeing a hole or any water and the main reason to stay on the tracks was to ensure you didn’t get stuck in 50cm of fresh powdery snow!
The days are much shorter in Sweden over winter, but as it was heading into spring, they were similar in length to the UK with the dark setting in around 5:30pm at night. As the evening rolled in, we got kitted up in nearly everything we own (think thermal tights, socks, ski pants, singlet, thermals, polar fleece, down jacket, two pairs of gloves and a beanie – we were then given another pair of socks, ski boots, balaclavas and coveralls to wear on top of what we already had on!!) and headed out on a snowmobile trip in search of the lights.
Sweden looks amazing! I would love to see the Northern Lights in person, if only I could withstand the cold.
I love Stockholm. I’m so glad you got to visit the Vasamusset! It’s my favorite place to visit there. Completely fascinating.
Those lights sound beautiful
I’m from Holland myself so this reminds me of home a lot. (live in US now) especially the snow…Miss that. California is all sun. Nice post. Always nice to learn about new countries.
Thanks for sharing your experience! I have seen the northern lights before. They are definitely a wonderful sight to see!
http://www.KatrinaJeanCarter.wordpress.com
I love it! I’m glad you took the plunge and decided to go to Sweden. It was quite an adventure and I’m sure it was worth it too. Seeing the Northern Lights in person? Nothing compares to that!
What an amazing trip! Sounds like you were able to knock a few things off the bucket list! That would definitely be a breathtaking sight to see the Aurora Borealis in person!
Stockholm was always on my bucket list and I a still have no idea why, because I honestly have no idea about it (literally only know the name lol).
Also I personally believe that once in their life everyone should go see Norhtern Lights. I still haven’t go, but I’m glad you had the chance.
Must be real cold there. In our country, we do not experience snow. It is something i would want to experience someday.
It’s the perfect trip! How awesome is it to be able to see the Northern Lights! That’s something that you will never forget. Although there were a few challenging parts, it’s definitely worth it!
Sounds amazing! I would love to see the Northern Lights. I don’t think I could eat reindeer heart, you’re very brave!
Oh, what a fun adventure. We are so excited to see the Northern lights!
Wow, what a once in a lifetime trip! I would love to see the Northern Lights!
with a little bit of luck you can see the northern lights in stockholm city!
Thanks for sharing the information on the Northern lights. There are a few places where it has been seen. However, there is nothing as such where we are. it is a great desire to see that once in a life. how amazing it feels when the sky turns purple and enlighten the dark night. I just wish to see that one day. Thanks, for sharing the beautiful snaps shorts they are awesome.
They are quite magical Kanika. I hope you get to see them in your lifetime!