Another day with -32 °C in Jukkasjärvi, Kiruna, Sweden. This is a bit too cold, as well as this summer, with +32 °C, was a bit too warm. From one extreme to another. If I have to choose, I go for the cold since I can always dress warmly or just stay inside. At least most of the days.
ICEHOTEL
Later this afternoon, I’m heading to work at Icehotel in Jukkasjärvi. The hotel and its surroundings are pure magic, like living in a fairy tale. Especially this time of the year, with frosty white trees, snow, and northern lights several times a week. They say that it’s the souls, or Mrs. Aurora, dancing across the sky in various shapes, colors, and shades when the northern lights appear.
The last wilderness in Europe
Jukkasjärvi is in the middle of what’s known as the “Last wilderness in Europe”. It’s a small village with a population of approximately 850 people, and that does not include the large number of seasonal workers, mainly during the winter. It’s located within the Kiruna Municipality, above the polar circle, and is the northernmost city in Sweden. It is in the area called Sápmi, which includes parts of Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Russia. For thousands of years, it’s been inhabited by the indigenous Samis, as well as Tornedalingar, Kväner, and Laitanlaiset. And also Swedes, Norwegians, Finns, and Russians.
The history of Sápmi is long and complicated, with many traumas stemming from the treatment of, e.g., Samis. And it’s still going on, the disagreement between the state and the locals, especially in Kiruna. This is due to the mine, one of the world’s largest modern ore mines, and other valuable natural resources in the area, which are interfering with life in Sápmi.
Church and meet reindeers
In Jukkasjärvi, you also find the 400-year-old Jukkasjärvi church, with a beautiful three-part altar piece. Biblical motives are Sami-inspired, in colors and design, and carved in wood. And right beside it is Nutti Sami Síída, a Sami outdoor museum, where you can meet and feed reindeer.
A giant leap in life
This is a short introduction to Jukkasjärvi and its surroundings. Let me know if you have any questions about the area or life here. I took a giant leap about a year ago and moved here to work and be close to my son and his family. And Kiruna is also where my great-grandfather built house number 7 at the beginning of the 1900s. It’s interesting how life takes unexpected twists and turns.
Now off to work. Enjoy your day
Love and hugs,
Cathrin
