Swedish Lapland: The Untamed Beauty of the Arctic Circle

• HelloHej
  [hey]
• GoodbyeHej då
  [hey doh]
• YesJa
  [yah]
• NoNej
  [nay]
• Please/You're welcomeTack
  [tahck]
• Thank youTack
  [tahck]
• Excuse me/SorryUrsäkta mig
  [oor-sayk-ta me]
• How are you?Hur mår du?
  [hoor mohr doo]
• Fine. And you?Bra. Och du?
  [bra. ohck doo]
• Do you speak English?Talar du engelska?
  [tah-lahr doo eng-ehl-ska]
• I don't understandJag förstår inte
  [yahg fur-stor in-teh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseJag skulle vilja se menyn, tack
  [yahg skool-leh vil-yah seh men-uhn, tahck]
• I don't eat meatJag äter inte kött
  [yahg et-ehr in-teh shurtt]
• Cheers!Skål!
  [skawl]
• I would like to pay, pleaseJag skulle vilja betala, tack
  [yahg skool-leh vil-yah beh-tah-lah, tahck]

• Help!Hjälp!
  [yelp]
• Go away!Gå bort!
  [goh bohrt]
• Call the Police!Ring polisen!
  [ring po-lee-sen]
• Call a doctor!Ring en läkare!
  [ring en leh-kah-reh]
• I'm lostJag är vilse
  [yahg air vil-seh]
• I'm illJag är sjuk
  [yahg air shyook]

• I'd like to buy...Jag skulle vilja köpa...
  [yahg skool-leh vil-yah sher-pa]
• I'm just lookingJag tittar bara
  [yahg tit-tahr bah-rah]
• How much is it?Hur mycket kostar det?
  [hoor myk-ket koh-star deht]
• That's too expensiveDet är för dyrt
  [deht air fur deert]
• Can you lower the price?Kan du sänka priset?
  [kan doo san-kah prees-et]

• What time is it?Vad är klockan?
  [vahd air klohck-ahn]
• It's one o'clockDen är ett
  [den air eht]
• Half past (10)Halv tio
  [hahlv tee-oh]
• MorningMorgon
  [mor-gohn]
• AfternoonEftermiddag
  [eft-ehr-meed-dahg]
• EveningKväll
  [kvell]
• YesterdayIgår
  [eey-gohr]
• TodayIdag
  [ee-dahg]
• TomorrowImorgon
  [ee-mor-gohn]
• 1En
  [ehn]
• 2Två
  [tvoh]
• 3Tre
  [treh]
• 4Fyra
  [fue-rah]
• 5Fem
  [fem]
• 6Sex
  [seks]
• 7Sju
  [syooh]
• 8Åtta
  [ot-tah]
• 9Nio
  [nee-oh]
• 10Tio
  [tee-oh]

• Where's a/the...?Var är en/the...?
  [vahr air ehn/the]
• What's the address?Vad är adressen?
  [vahd air ah-dress-ehn]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Kan du visa mig (på kartan)?
  [kan doo vee-sah me (poh kahr-tahn)]
• When's the next (bus)?När går nästa (buss)?
  [nahr gohr nes-tah (booss)]
• A ticket (to ....)En biljett (till ....)
  [ehn beel-yet (teel ....)]

The Sami people are the indigenous inhabitants of Swedish Lapland, with a history dating back thousands of years. Their unique culture, language, and traditions have been integral to the region. The Sami have traditionally lived off the land, relying on reindeer herding, fishing, and hunting. Their shamanistic beliefs and close connection to nature are evident in their colorful clothing, joik singing, and intricate handicrafts. The Sami Parliament in Kiruna is a testament to their ongoing cultural and political presence.

The Silver Road, or 'Silk Road of the North,' was a crucial trade route during the 17th century. It connected the silver mines of Nasafjäll to the coastal town of Skellefteå. This route facilitated the transport of silver, which was essential to the Swedish economy. The arduous journey through the harsh landscapes of Lapland is a testament to the determination and resilience of the people who traversed it. Today, remnants of this historic route can be explored, offering a glimpse into the region's economic past.

Kiruna, founded in the early 20th century, is famously known for its ongoing relocation. Due to the expansion of the iron ore mine, the city is being moved several kilometers east to prevent it from sinking into the ground. This ambitious project is one of the most significant urban relocations in modern history. Visitors to Kiruna can witness the fascinating process and learn about the city's mining heritage at the LKAB Visitor Centre.

During World War II, Swedish Lapland's iron ore was of strategic importance. The iron ore mines in Kiruna and Gällivare provided crucial resources for both the Allied and Axis powers. Sweden maintained neutrality, but its iron ore exports played a significant role in the war. The Iron Ore Line, a railway connecting the mining towns to the port of Narvik in Norway, became a focal point of military and economic interest. This period left a lasting impact on the region's infrastructure and economy.

The Ice Hotel in Jukkasjärvi is a world-renowned marvel of art and architecture. Established in 1989, it is rebuilt annually using ice and snow from the Torne River. Each year, artists from around the globe create unique rooms and sculptures, making every visit a different experience. The Ice Hotel has become a symbol of innovation and the blending of natural beauty with human creativity, drawing thousands of visitors to Swedish Lapland each winter.

Swedish Lapland is known for its extreme light conditions, with the Midnight Sun in summer and the Polar Night in winter. The Midnight Sun, when the sun does not set for weeks, creates a surreal experience of endless daylight. In contrast, the Polar Night, where the sun does not rise, envelops the region in darkness. These natural phenomena have shaped the culture and lifestyle of the inhabitants, influencing everything from festivals to daily routines. They are a testament to the resilience and adaptability of the people living in this unique environment.

Swedish Lapland is accessible via multiple modes of transport. The main international gateway is Stockholm Arlanda Airport, from where you can take a domestic flight to Kiruna, Luleå, or Umeå. Alternatively, you can take a train or bus from Stockholm to various destinations within Swedish Lapland. For a scenic route, you can drive from southern Sweden, though it will be a long journey. Direct flights from European cities like London and Berlin to Kiruna are also available during the winter tourist season.

Within Swedish Lapland, transportation options include rental cars, buses, and trains. Renting a car provides the most flexibility for exploring remote areas. Public buses run regularly between major towns but may have limited schedules in rural areas. The Arctic Circle Train is a scenic and comfortable way to travel between Luleå and Narvik, Norway, passing through several key destinations in Lapland.

The official currency of Sweden is the Swedish Krona (SEK). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, even for small transactions. However, it's advisable to carry some cash for use in remote areas or smaller establishments that may not accept cards. ATMs are available in larger towns, but may be sparse in rural areas.

Swedish Lapland is generally very safe for tourists. Crime rates are low, and violent crime is rare. However, standard precautions should be taken, such as keeping an eye on personal belongings and avoiding isolated areas at night. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but always stay vigilant. Wildlife encounters are a more pertinent safety concern; always follow local guidelines for dealing with animals like bears and moose.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance, which will connect you to police, fire, and medical services. Medical facilities are available in larger towns like Kiruna and Luleå, but may be limited in remote areas. It's highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are available in larger towns for minor health issues.

Fashion: Do dress in layers and wear appropriate winter clothing if visiting during the colder months. Avoid wearing cotton as it retains moisture. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions, but note that Sweden is largely secular. Public Transport: Do be punctual and respect the queue when waiting for buses or trains. Don't talk loudly on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake and maintain eye contact. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies like reindeer meat and cloudberries. Don't refuse a fika (coffee break), as it's a cherished tradition.

To experience Swedish Lapland like a local, consider engaging in traditional activities such as dog sledding, ice fishing, and visiting a Sami village to learn about the indigenous culture. Participate in a sauna session followed by a dip in an icy lake for an authentic experience. Visiting local markets can provide a taste of local produce and handicrafts. The Northern Lights are a must-see; the best time for viewing is between September and March.