Fact Sheets & Video - Sweden

High in the Arctic circle live people who have harnessed the power of reindeers and learn to live in the vast ice wilderness of northern Scandinavia.

Lapland is 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.

Around 187,000 people live in Lapland. 7,000 of those are the indigenous people of Lapland called Sami also known as Laps. There are 10 Sami languages spoken from Norway to Russia, although depending on the country where they live, they can speak Finnish, Norwegian, Swedish or Russian. The Sami language has some 400 words for reindeer, and one Sami word has become known worldwide: Tundra.

There are more reindeers in Lapland than people. Reindeers number 200,000. Nomadic tribes throughout Arctic Scandinavia and Russia have domesticated reindeer. When herded or chased reindeer tend to run in a tight group. These traits are the result of domestication. It is believed they have been domesticated in Eurasia for at least 7,000 years, which is longer than the horse.

Reindeers favourite item on the menu are edible mushrooms, lichens and Arctic vegetation. Female reindeer life expectancy is about eight years, usually ending as a result of their final breeding attempt. Breeding takes place in August and September and calves are born during May and June. Reindeer and caribou are the only deer where males, females, and calves produce antlers and every reindeer regardless of sex or age grows a new set of antlers each year.

The 7 day sledding expedition includes all transfers from/to Kiruna, 1 night at Winter Palace Hotel in Kiruna, accommodation in cabin and tents, all meals, your own reindeer and sled, knowledgeable Saami guides and sledding instructors, winter sleeping bag, warm overall, boots, hat and mittens and a Helicopter flight.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Thai Airways Internationalfly return to Stockholm. Visit their website (listed in the 'Related Links' section of this fact sheet) to find out more.

For, connections to Kiruna, contact Scandinavian Airlines on 1300 727 707 or visit their website (listed in the 'Related Links' section of this fact sheet).

7 day reindeer sledding expedition: Includes transfers, meals, gear, accommodation and helicopter flight. Contact MyPlanet on (02) 9020 5800 visit their website (listed in the 'Related Links' section of this fact sheet).