Jukkasjärvi, Sweden - hotels and accommodation

Transport

Jukkasjärvi is easily accessible from Kiruna . By car, take the road E10 and turn near Kauppinen. There is also another way of transport to Jukkasjärvi, it is very interesting, although a bit pricey. You can hire a dog team that will wait for you at the airport and take you on sledges right to the ice hotel. Kiruna Airport is the northernmost airport in Sweden.

Ice Hotel

Ice hotel in Jukkasjärvi is annually built all over again. The first one was built in 1990. The construction process begins in November when snow is sprayed onto metal frames. The hotel consists of 10,000 tons of ice from the Torne river and 30,000 tons of pure snow. The hotel spreads over an area of 6000 m2. Apart from the hotel itself, there is even a chapel, gallery, cinema and the well known Absolut Ice Bar.

History

Jukkasjärvi was colonized in the Middle Ages by Northern Saami people. The village was formerly a market place and it was called Čohkkirasjávri which means ‘gathering place’. Only after the 17th century, Finnish speaking settlers came here. They named the place Jukkasjärvi. Järvi means ‘lake’ in Finnish.

Historical Sights

The village itself is very interesting. The main and only street Marknadsvägen is worth a walk. It is lined with simple wooden houses of local people. A wooden Saami Church is situated at the end of this blind street, some of its parts come from 1608. Therefore it is the oldest preserved church in Sápmi . In June and August, the church is open daily but opening hours in winter are limited. On the opposite side of the street, in front of the church, there are several wooden houses in which the Hembygdsgården Museum resides. Many objects documenting former and contemporary life of the locals can be seen in the museum. You might get interested by an old sledge, stuffed reindeer, spinning wheel and other items.

Tourist Service & Activities

There is a very nice rope park near Jukkasjärvi. Boat sailing on the river Torneälven can be done in summer. You can try riding in dog team sledges in winter, as well as riding in a snow scooter.

Jukkasjärvi: Reviews

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