Rugged Lapland is the land of the proud Sámi people, reindeer, ice and deep forests dotted with lakes and rivers full of fish. The rhythm of life here is based on the rhythm of nature, and its remoteness has given Lapland an exceptional peace and quiet which distorts the perception of time and sharpens the senses. In the region where Hans Christian Andersen set his dark Snow Queen tale, you can meet herds of reindeer and dog sleighs more frequently and in greater abundance than people. The connection to the elements is all the more intense here.

Snow, ice and endless plains encourage you to explore the untamed country on snow scooters or by husky safari, but the counterweight to adrenaline in the icy wilderness is a sauna ritual and Sámi culture with evening meals by the fire. Constant vigilance and alert instincts are exchanged for genial peace and quiet as naturally as day follows night. 

On the Edge

The Swedish area of Lapland offers those who collect experiences which have a scent of petrol a surprising centre for automobile adventures. We are talking about the town of Arvidsjaur, which has a population of five thousand. Every year, a hoard of automotive brands come here to try out new products under the most rugged conditions and the ultimate in arctic testing. Playing with extremes on the edge requires a specific environment, and this is what Arvidsjaur offers.

Drifting on a frozen lake at temperatures approaching minus 40 degrees Celsius is one of the main reasons adrenalin junkies from around the world come to the Scandinavian edge of civilisation every year. It is an experience you will never forget and cannot be replicated anywhere. 

Ricard Bonette offers close encounters with the arctic physics of driving in the exceptional scenery of the northern wilderness on a two-day intensive training course behind the wheel of a Subaru WRX STI and a Seat Leon Cupra 300 4drive. You can find more information about ICE DRIVING SWEDEN HERE >