Lapland, FINLAND
Airing Date: Oct 10th, 2005
Lapland is one of the Provinces of Finland, and also a part of the larger geographical area of Lapland, which spans over four countries. This region in northern Europe includes northern parts of Scandinavia (Norway and Sweden), Finland, and the Kola Peninsula in Russia. Lapland is called the land of the midnight sun. The sun stays above the horizon creating a nightless night, during Lapland's summer. This lasts up to 60 days over two months from late May to late July.
Lapland's indigenous people, the Sami have their own history, language, lifestyle and identity with a strong connection to nature. Inari is considered the main centre for Sami people. More than half the Sami population speaks the Sami language.
The Sami's ancient source of livelihood, reindeer farming, is still widely practised. It continues to be a significant way of life for the Sami people. Old traditions are still honoured by the Sami. Their colourful national costume displays the family relation of its bearer. The traditional story telling of the Sami people is kept alive in memories and in the hauntingly joiku chants. Some areas that the Sami culture can be witnessed are in Siida at the Smi Museum and the Northern Lapland Nature Centre in Inari.
Visitors can learn about reindeer at a local Reindeer Farm owned by Markku Nikodemus. In 1990, he established the Purnumukka Reindeer farm to train reindeers for competitions but has since moved into tourism. Tourists have the chance to learn the art of lassoing and herding and during winter he also offers reindeer safaris. In 1996, he expanded his farm to Riekkovaara, where he offers a true Lapland experience in traditional Sami huts and log cabins.
While in Lapland you can go fishing at Lake Inari! This is Finland's third largest lake with over 3,000 islands. Fishing enthusiasts can catch plenty of salmon-type fish - whitefish, brown trout, arctic char, grayling, perch and pike.
You can stay at the Hotel & Igloo Village Kakslauttanen. The Hotel has 32 log cabins, 20 snow Igloos, five glass igloos and the world's largest steam sauna. It is estimated that there are at least 1.6 million saunas in Finland today. Practically every Finn goes to the sauna about once a week! The hotel can organise trips to Markku's farm and Lake Inari. They also offer guests the chance to learn ice carving.
Further information
Qantas & Finnair fly to Ivalo in Finland with prices starting from $2335 ex Sydney. Prices include surcharges, fees & taxes. Conditions apply. Book by 30/11/05
Russia and Beyond
Telephone: 1300 363 554
Cabins at the Hotel Kakslauttanen start from $315 a double & $102 additional person, up to four people. Each cabin contains own sauna.
Websit: kakslauttanen.fi
For more information on Finland see the Finnish Tourist Board's website
www.visitfinland.com
Prices correct at 10/10/05
