25th December 2024, Arctic Trip Day Six, Christmas Day in Norway.

Well hello again my lovelies, how are you all doing today? I have some more photos from our Epic Arctic trip to share with you. These were all taken on Christmas Day, and while it was very non-traditional for us, it was definitely one of the most memorable!

Morning view over Narvik from our hotel room.

We started our day with breakfast in the main restaurant of our hotel, and once again were amazed by the selection and quality of everything on offer. Afterwards we had a lazy morning and caught up with friends and family members via video calls and messages to wish them all a Merry Christmas.

Christmas breakfast.

Polar Night, Narvik.

In the afternoon we wrapped up warm again and caught a bus outside our hotel, which took us to Gratangen, and from there we were picked up by car and taken to the Husky Isogaisa in the tiny village of Kvernmo. There we met with our Sámi guides and their team, we were given more warm layers to put on over our own clothes, and we were given instructions on how to drive the dog sleds. It was full dark again by this point, which just added to the fun, and we soon set out on our dog sledding adventure through Gratangen’s winter landscape.

Getting layered up before dog sledding.

Ready to go!

Happy smiles, dog sledding trip.

Happy smiles, dog sledding trip.

Happy smiles, dog sledding trip.

I had been dog sledding once before, many years ago in Sweden, and was excited to try it again. We had the option to switch positions halfway through the trek, so we each got a chance to drive and sit. However, due to my bad joints and overall lack of fitness, I knew I wouldn't be strong enough to do any of the running and pushing. So, Gareth kindly did all of the physical stuff the whole way, and I got to sit on the sled and enjoy the ride. It began to snow again, and traveling in the dark through the snowy fields and forests, being pulled by enthusiastic dogs, was both magical and exhilarating. We loved it!

Tracks in the snow.

After the sledding, we got to learn more about the dogs and how they are cared for. We also got to greet the dogs, help to take their harnesses off, and have some cuddles before they went to their kennels. It was very obvious that everyone in the family business, and all of their young helpers, had nothing but love and respect for the dogs, and the dogs themselves seemed more than happy. They really do love to run!

Thanking our dogs after our trip.

Thanking our dogs after our trip.

Thanking our dogs after our trip.

Heading into the Lávvu tent.

Happy smiles.

After helping to care for the dogs, we were taken to the traditional Lávvu tent to warm up, eat, and learn more about the Sámi culture. Ronald Kvernmo is a Sámi Shaman, so not only did he tell us many stories about his family and the Sámi traditions including Joiking, he also performed a Northern Lights ceremony, inviting the spirits of our forefathers to visit us as the Aurora dances across the night sky. I found the whole experience to be absolutely fascinating, beautiful, and very moving.

Sámi Shaman Ronald Kvernmo, joiking.

Bidos, traditional reindeer stew.

Ronald's wife, Beate made the traditional reindeer stew Bidos, which we ate with bread, sat around the fire in the Lávvu, listening to Ronald's stories. As I said, it was definitely a very non-traditional Christmas dinner compared to what Gareth and I would be used to, but it was delicious! Afterwards, Ronald himself drove us back to our hotel, so we had the opportunity to ask some more questions, which was very interesting.

A few less layers, but still cozy.

Drinks at the Tøtta Bar.

Drinks at the Tøtta Bar.

Drinks at the Tøtta Bar.

Back in our room, Gareth and I showered and changed, (we both smelled like wet dog, haha!) and went back to the Tøtta Bar for some festive drinks. It was the last evening of our holiday, as well as Christmas Day, and we lingered over a few drinks, enjoyed the spectacular views, and looked back over our recent adventures, before heading back to our room to finish packing for tomorrow. What a fantastic Christmas!