Karasjok - A Traditional Norwegian Christmas - Snowmobiling Trip

Accommodation

The Rica Hotel Karasjok

Located in the centre of Karasjok, the Rica Hotel combines modern amenities with elements of Lapp culture and architectural tradition.

In keeping with this theme, you will find the Sápmi Cultural Centre directly behind the hotel’s main building. Particularly popular at the Centre is the Magic Theatre which presents a fascinating two-part film inspired by ancient Sami teachings and the Aurora Borealis. The hotel’s central location also creates easy access to all the activities and the local amenities.

There are only 56 rooms in the hotel all of which are decorated to combine traditional Lapp colours and materials with modern comfort. Every bedroom has a TV (with film network), a telephone and an en-suite shower or bathroom with WC.

The restaurant offers a nourishing breakfast and dinner buffet service, ideal for “fuelling up” in preparation for the Arctic cold outside. For additional fortification, or to wind down after a day in the cold, the “Rypa” bar and lounge with its log fire is ideal. There is also the rather special “Stogammen” restaurant built, in time-honoured Lapp style, from timber and turf.

You will find the obligatory Scandinavian sauna on the third floor along with a relaxation room complete with open log fireplace.

Itineraries

Flights, Arrival & Introduction
Your Christmas in Karasjok starts on 22 December 2007 with flights to Alta via Oslo. On arrival at Alta you will be met at the airport and transferred to your accommodation. After checking-in you are invited to a welcome meeting and dinner in the restaurant.

Sami Camp & Christmas Adventure
Before leaving the hotel this morning you will be kitted out with all your cold weather clothing including: thermal suit, boots, hat and gloves.

You will visit a local reindeer herder’s farm where you can take part in winter activities such as throwing lassos, driving reindeer and listening to a “joik” (a traditional Sami chant) while sipping a warm drink in a laavu (Sami tent). Approximately 2 hours.

From the reindeer farm, you head into the forest to search for a Christmas tree before your first visit to the Sapmi Cultural Centre. At the centre you will help to prepare a lunch of warm sandwiches and pancakes over an open fire in a laavu.

A busy day continues this evening when you go hunting for the Northern Lights. You are driven out into the countryside and away from any light pollution giving you the best possible chance of catching an explosive light show. Your guide will tell you stories about the Aurora Borealis while you enjoy a warm drink.
You return to the hotel and the traditional Storgammen Sami restaurant for a 3-course meal.

Huskies & Christmas Celebrations
A short transfer takes you to a husky farm where you will be briefed on how to drive a dog sled before setting off on your safari following the forest trails. Approx 2 hours.

After lunch at the hotel the celebrations begin at Mrs Santa’s Christmas School where the whole family bake gingerbread, drink “glogg”, sing Christmas carols and decorate the tree. Later in the afternoon the children can follow Santa’s Trail in a hunt for Christmas gifts. There is also the possibility of visiting the local church for the Christmas service.

Dinner this evening is a traditional Norwegian Christmas buffet with hot and cold dishes. After dining, everybody gathers in the Storgammen to await the arrival of Santa in his reindeer-pulled sleigh.

Snowmobiles or Tobogganing
This morning the adults will be taught how to drive a snowmobile before setting off along the frozen river and up into the mountains to enjoy the stunning views. Children over 12 years may ride as a passenger.

While the grown-ups are on the snowmobile safari, the younger children will join one of our guides for some fun and games downhill sledging.

After lunch, you pay one last visit to the Sapmi Park and the “Magical Theatre” for a fascinating two-part film inspired by ancient Sami teachings and the Aurora Borealis. There will also be an opportunity to watch Sami silversmiths creating jewellery and other handicrafts.

You return to the hotel around 6pm where you will be asked to return your winter clothing before dinner.

Departure, Transfers & Flights
Return airport transfers and flights.