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General Lapland information and FAQ
Below is some general information and faq on lapland and on the holidays we provide.
General Questions on Lapland
- What is the Lapland food like?
- What is the arctic circle?
- What is the local lapland currency?
- How safe is it at the arctic circle?
- Will it be dark during our stay?
- Is Lapland a country?
- What does lapland look like?
- What is the weather like?
- How near is lapland to the arctic circle?
- How much snow falls in lapland?
- Do the people speak english in lapland?
- What is the native language?
- Things To Do in Lapland
- Highlights of Lapland
Holiday FAQ
- How long does the flight take?
- What kind of winter sports are in Lapland?
- Do i need travel insurance that covers winter sports?
- What kind of clothing do i need in lapland?
- How cold does it get?
- How long does the internal flight take?
- How long has arcticdiscovery been running?
- What if my flight is cancelled due to bad weather?
- What is the quality of the accommodation?
- Do i have to pay for the holiday in full?
- Do you offer day trips to lapland?
- Do you have a brochure you could send?
- When does the ice hotel open?
- Is it better to buy clothing or rent it over there?
- When will i receive my flight tickets?
- What is the best time to book a holiday in lapland?
- Can i have a wedding in lapland?
- I haven't recieved my flight tickets or any confirmation yet
General Information on Lapland
What is the Lapland food like?
Even though this is adventure travel, not much different from home really. For participants on tours involving overnight accommodation, a Swedish buffet breakfast is provided, lunch by the very nature of being supplied outside is warming but simple in nature, and dinners are of course more substantial, catering to English taste. All tour dinners are buffet style, with special children's choices, like hamburgers, chips, etc., if children choose not to eat the adult menu.
What is the local Lapland currency?
SEK is the currency used in Swedish Lapland. This currency can be ordered from your bank, building society or local post office.
What is the Arctic Circle?
Lapland among other Arctic areas has something unique and world known – The Arctic Circle. In other words a border, where north of it the sun does not set in mid summer and does not rise in mid winter.
For a long time the Arctic Circle has been familiar for astronomers. As a natural element it is comparable to the North- and South Poles, the Equator as well as the Tropic of Capricorn and the Tropic of Cancer.
The Arctic Circle is perpetually moving
Arctic Circle’s geographical position is not static, in fact it can move almost 2 meters in a day and more than 100 meters per year. With modern technology the location of the Arctic Circle can easily be pinpointed in real-time.
Ceremonies for crossing the Arctic Circle
Some kind of mysticism has always been connected to crossing the Arctic Circle as with crossing of the Equator. Ceremonies for crossing the Arctic Circle is a highlight when visiting Lapland. Crossing ceremonies can include for example the Shaman’s spell, Lappish baptism and a magic drink. As proof of crossing the traveller gets a certificate.
How safe is it at the Arctic Circle?
It is very safe provided you follow the instructions of our arctic circle guides. You will appreciate that you are visiting an area where arctic conditions prevail. Provided you are sensible and accept guidance when given no problems will arise.
We do stress that children's parents and guardians are responsible for the supervision of their own children and those within their own party for the duration of the tour. At all times your guides will alter the scheduled tour content in the interest of safety.
Will it be dark during our stay?
An average Lapland day will provide 5 hours of what is termed Gray light (generally between 10:00 and 15:00 Swedish time, although this will vary up to one hour based on location). When the sky is clear this can be clear blue skies with the most amazing colors. Outside of these times it will be as night-time in the United Kingdom, with the exception that as the area is covered in snow, there is a good level of reflection making it possible to see where you are walking.
if you are particularly lucky, you may see the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) which appears as if a storm in the sky with white, red or green lights dancing through the atmosphere.
About Lapland
Is 'Lapland' a country? Lapland is the name of a region in north Europe that belongs to Norway, Sweden, Finland and Russia.
What does Lapland look like: There are many hills sheltering a rich fauna and flora. There is snow from November to May.
What is the weather like: Mild in summer with temperatures reaching 20°C and a wonderful snowland in winter with -30°C in the coldest months of the year you can see the current temperature at the top of this page. you can also take a look at the weather on this page Goto Top
How near is lapland to the arctic circle?
As the arctic circle is constantly moving it is hard to give an exact distance from Arvidsjaur or any of the other places you may stay at with our packages , but you are very close to it. Goto Top
How much snow falls in lapland?
During the winter, high pressure fronts move from Russia to Northern Sweden. This causes the weather in the north of Sweden to be quite cold for long periods during the year. In some parts of the region the yearly average temperature is near 0° C.
The first snow falls of a new winter season usually begin in October and it is not unusual to have new snow in the most Northern areas as late as May. The coldest winter temperatures begin around December and last until March.
Do the people speak english in Lapland?
Although most of the Lapps speak one of the sami languages , some do speak english however all of the guides on our packages such as the ice driving etc, will speak english. Goto Top
What is the native language?
The Sámi language is an essential part of Sámi culture. Of the ten Sámi languages, three are spoken in Finland: North Sámi, Inari Sámi and Skolt Sámi. Inari Sámi is only spoken in Finland. The Sámi languages are related to Finnish. According to Statistics Finland, at the end of 2002, 1,720 persons were registered as having Sámi as their mother tongue. Under the Sámi Language Act a Sámi resident in Finland may have the Sámi language entered in the population register as his or her mother tongue and it is estimated that approximately a third of the Finnish Sámi speak one of the Sámi languages as a mother tongue and a half can speak one of them as a second or subordinate language. North Sámi is the most widespread: it is used by 70% to 80% of the Sámi speakers in Finland (at least 2,000 people) and by 75% to 90% of all Sámi speakers.
North Sámi is thus the most important Sámi language and as such the natural mode of communication in Nordic Sámi cooperation. Inari and Skolt Sámi are each spoken by less than 15% of Finnish Sámi speakers. Of approximately 900 Inari Sámi, a third (ca. 350 persons) speak Inari Sámi and of approximately 600 Greek-Orthodox Skolt Sámi, some 400 persons speak Skolt Sámi, in both cases mostly elderly people.
Nearly a whole generation is said to have lost the Sámi language. Inari and Skolt Sámi seemed doomed to extinction, but their future now looks brighter since "language nests" were established for children to safeguard the survival of both languages. Lack of permanent funding is, however, a problem.
How long does the flight take?
the flight duration depends on where you fly from , it usually involves a connecting flight from stockholm if you where flying from london it would take around 2 hours , then a flight from stockholm upto Arvidsjaur takes around 1 hour 45 minutes. - Top
What Kind of winter sports are in Lapland?
All manor of winter activities are available including some excellent skiing & Snow boarding in Hemavan, optional winter activities include ice driving , snowmobile safaris , ice fishing, dog sleigh rides and cross country skiing.
Goto Top
Do i need travel insurance that covers winter sports?
We would recommend you take out a travel insurance policy that covers winter activities, medical treatment can be very expensive , and most standard insurance policy's will not cover winter activity's such as skiing. we would recommend our partners at essential travel as they include cover for:
Ski or Snowboard
Off piste skiing
Heli-Skiing
Sledging
Cross Country skiing
What kind of clothing do i need in Lapland?
The clothing on all of our winter packages in Arvidsjaur is provided throughout the holiday at no extra charge this means while you are on the activity's and the times you are not, however our packages in Hemavan do not provide the clothing throughout, it is provided for any winter sports or activity's but the clothing must be returned after each event, we do also stress that lapland can be very cold with temperatures as low as -30 in the coldest months, it is therefore recommended you buy some winter clothing from your local hiking store, essentially waterproof footwear, pants and some warm gloves. we would recommend Gear Zone , as they provide free shipping on all purchases.
How cold does it get?
As mentioned in some of the above questions temperatures can get as low as -30 Degrees in the coldest months , but an average temperature from -2 to -10. - Top
How long does the internal flight take?
The internal flight up to Arvidsjaur usually takes around 1 hours 45 minutes and the flight to Hemavan with Swedline usually takes about 1 hour 20 minutes , the reason for internal flights is that non of the airlines fly directly to lapland.
How long has arcticdiscovery been running?
We have been running for over 6 years, and maintain our business as a family run business.
What if my flight is cancelled due to bad weather?
In the unfortunate event of your flight being cancelled we would either try to arrange you to go on the next available flight or use an alternative point and the rest by driving to your destination , in any event accommodation will be provided whilst we try to arrange alternative flights, in the worst case scenario you would not be able to fly out there, but the lapland airports and travel system is more than adequate to cope with all of the winter conditions and it is extremely rare that such an event would happen
. Goto Top
What is the quality of the accommodation?
Both the hotels we use in Arvidsjaur and Hemavan have a high quality of accommodation , you can see pictures of the accommodation by using the Accommodation link at the top of the winter section, the hotels are maintained to the highest standard at all times.
Do i have to pay for the holiday in full?
At the time of booking you need not pay for the full holiday however we do require a deposit of 30% this is to cover flights and deposits on accommodation, especially the flights as there is limited availability around the christmas period and if the flight is not booked straight away we cannot guarantee we would be able to get it at a later date. the balance of your holiday will need to be paid 8 weeks before departure, however we would recommend you break the payments up over the remaining time you have before you depart.
Do you offer day trips to lapland?
We do not usually run this kind of trip, however one could be arranged , please keep in mind the flights though as there is an internal flight as well this all adds to the traveling time and we wouldn't recommend a short visit of just one day as it might spoil the experience you may have.
Do you have a brochure you could send?
We are now all internet based , and as such do not have a printed brochure, we would recommend you thoroughly use the site and its content to review our packages, as you will find more information and pictures than you would find on a brochure, however if there is any questions you need answering or additional information you require please don't hesitate to contact us.
When does the Ice Hotel open?
The Ice Hotel runs from mid December to mid April, we would stress that the Ice Hotel is extremely popular and to avoid disappointment we would recommend you booking at your earliest convenience , we can take bookings any time of the year.
Is it better to buy clothing or rent it over here?
For all our Arvidsjaur packages clothing is provided see the winter clothing question here, however the hemavan packages only provide extreme winter clothing for the actual activity's , unfortunately you cannot hire the clothing out, we would recommend you buy some from your local hiking shop or online from a retailer such as Gear Zone.
When will i receive my flight tickets?
You would usually receive your tickets 2 weeks prior to departure.
What is the best time to book a holiday in lapland?
We take bookings all year round, there is no best time, only we would recommend you beak as early as possible to avoid disappointment , most of the popular activity's such as the ice hotel and christmas special can get heavily booked up from october onwards booking before this period will insure your place.
Can i have a wedding in lapland?
Please have a look at our wedding page for more information on this package, we can customize a lot of the packages to your needs, in any event if you are looking for a really special wedding then lapland is a magical place to get married in.
I haven't received my flight tickets or any confirmation yet?
As stated and what is also standard practice , you will not receive your flight tickets any earlier than 2 weeks prior to departure, if however you are booking "last minute" or closer than 2 weeks to your departure, they will be sent at the earliest possible time , please be patient as they will come. You should receive confirmation of your booking within 1 week of booking the holiday.
Things to do in Lapland
Lapland is one of the most adventurous places you could ever go, combine this with its beautiful scenery in both the winter and the summer and you have a winning combination, that's not to say there isn't relaxing activities either, take a look below.
Ice Driving (read more) this is one of the most exciting activity's available driving a car on ice!
Snowmobiles the quickest way to get around in winter conditions is on a snowmobile have a look at our weekend snowmobile package
Northern Lights A faint glow appears on the horizon in the night sky. Green and red flames of light stretch across the sky. A glowing curtain of light forms, waving and swirling above you - see the northern lights for yourself it's an amazing experience.
Highlights of Lapland
Discover the Sami, one of the oldest surviving cultures in the world. (this is included in our Activity package)
Rovaniemi in Finnish Lapland hosts 'Artikum' with the Museum of Lapland and the Arctic Centre. You can also meet Santa, Rudolf the reindeer and the Elfs at Santa's Park.
Find one of the main Sami communities at Inari. Learn the Sami culture at the 'Siida' museum and visit a reindeer farm.
The clear skies of Swedish Lapland are ideal to admire the endless daylight of the Midnight Sun and the magic Northern Lights in winter.
In Swedish Lapland you can visit the impressive magnetite mines of Kiruna.
In Jukkasjärvi, in Swedish Lapland, you can sleep, drink in the iced bar (ice hotel)or even marry in the ice church of the biggest iglu on the world!.
