More Things to Do in Hetta

Nature Centre Visit

Hetta's Skierri (nature centre) is at the far side of Hetta village from our husky farm but it is well worth a visit. As well as being a nature centre, it hosts one of the biggest Sami exhibitions in Lapland, called 'Vuovjjuš / Wanderers', which outlines both the modern-day and historic importance of reindeer in the Sami way of life. It hosts a variety of other exhibitions and events through the year and shows audio-visual presentations in a number of languages in its large auditorium.

The Skierri is an important starting point for anyone interested in the nearby Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park, hiking and skiing trails (e.g. the Nordkalottleden Trail), wilderness hut reservations and keys, fishing and hunting permits and other wilderness services. Its small gift shop includes local area maps and nature books. Duration: as long as you want. Price: free if you go by yourself, €20 if you need transfers.

Guided Tour of Enontekio's Snow Castle

People travel from far and wide to visit Hetta's snow castle. Much smaller than the internationally renowned ice-hotel in Sweden, it still has its own charm. Each year it is built from scratch using specially designed architectural balloons to support the weight of the blown snow, with tables and beds cut from the metre-deep lake ice and carved to form. Recessed lights set the mood of each room, and there are plenty of illuminated ice sculptures to admire.

The keenest can even arrange to spend a night in the ice castle for an extra fee, though most are happy to learn about its making from the innovative owner over hot drinks and cookies during the tour. Duration: c. 40 mins. Price: €8. Minimum group size: 5 people or €40. Includes a guided tour with hot drinks and biscuits served in the ice bar.

Sami Jewellery-Making School

Two well-known silversmiths live and work in Hetta, Enontekio, and both offer jewellery-making classes to small groups. Participants buy the components for the item of their choice and take away the piece they have made themselves. It is a great chance to spend time amongst locals and ask about the lives of those who still depend on traditional handicrafts in this remote community.

Duration: c. 1 hour (up to 5 people); longer for a larger group. Price: adults and children (from age 7) €15 each, assuming each person makes an item of jewellery. Family and friends are welcome to simply watch. Includes expert tuition and a self-made piece of jewellery (e.g. a pendant; chain extra).

Visit to Juhls Silver Gallery in Kautokeino, Norway

Kautokeino lies about 80km North of Hetta and is the first village after the border crossing. It is the cultural capital of the Saami (trans-border) nation and hosts both the only Saami University in Scandinavia and numerous media and research institutions linked to reindeer herding and Saami culture. The c. 1-hr drive itself is spectacular as the road climbs out of the ancient boreal forests of Hetta into the stark treeless landscape of the high tundra.

One of the key attractions is the Juhls silver gallery, an architecturally interesting building containing one of the largest collections of Sami jewellery as well as hand-made designer clothing of natural fibres and a beautiful collection of Asian tapestries and rugs. Nearby is a small Sami museum and outdoor area with traditional dwellings (generally open only in summer). Duration: c. 5 hours including transfers. Price: adults and children €95 / person. Includes a 1-hour transfer each way and a guided tour of the Silver Gallery.

Multi-activity Winter Adventure Day Packages

There are a number of arctic activity-package options available. The first two options — adventure mornings and adventure days — are targeted at first-time clients at the farm. The last three options — a cultural package, an arctic sports package and a doggy-farm package — are targeted at clients who have already participated in one of our multiday husky safaris. The first tours include mushing as a component; the latter tours do not.