A Short Break to Lapland
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A trek to Lapland and the Arctic Circle is within your reach from Helsinki or Stockholm. It’s only an hour’s flight to the charming and friendly town of Lulea, the gateway to Lapland. The shallow Lulea archipelago of 700 islands is at the top of the Gulf of Bothnia, which lies between Sweden and Finland.
With a wide pedestrian-only street, downtown Lulea is an excellent place to find specially-made handcrafts from area artisans. Perhaps you will sample the local delicacies of bleak roe and reindeer meat. Or not.
During the summertime, Lulea offers visitors the most hours of daylight. In fact, it barely gets dark. If you’re a golfer, you can play 24 hours a day at Rutvik, the most northerly 27-hole course in Sweden.
A short distance away, the World Heritage Site of Gammelstad Church Town remains a remarkable example of the traditional church town of Northern Scandinavia. Of Sweden’s original 71 church towns, only 16 are left today – most mere remnants. Gammelstad is the largest and best preserved with 408 cottages and the stone church, which was built in 1492. Farmers and their families converged here to attend mass, courting sessions and parish meetings.
Less than a two hour-drive from Lulea, you’ll cross the Arctic Circle into Lapland. It can be rather exhilarating to stand by the gigantic sign that officially marks the Arctic Circle.
The indigenous people of Lapland are the Sami, who were traditionally reindeer-herding nomads. Today finds the Sami’s economy based on reindeer farming, fishing, hunting and handicrafts. Not far from the Arctic Circle, the town of Jokkmokk pays homage to the native people with the Sami Museum. The comprehensive museum takes visitors through exhibit areas that are devoted to every detail of Sami life – from early settlers to elaborate costumes that are still worn today.
Jokkmokk’s annual market, which has been around for over 400 years, even now draws people to gather around, chat, buy and sell. In this setting of old traditions, deals are still made with a firm handshake. Market time is quite chilly, but the folks are warm and welcoming.
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