About Jukkasjärvi

With origins from the 17th century, Jukkasjärvi is one of the oldest villages in Norrbotten. The location at Torne river, near the lake Sautusjärvi, was a strategic starting point for fishing as well as trade. Parts of the older farm settlement can still be found in the oldest part of the village. Here is also the old homestead where the oldest building is a timber cottage from 1736. For a long time, the priest- and bell families were the only residents of the village, but in the 18th century some new settlements were established. Today the village has about 800 inhabitants, but there are also more than 1,000 dogs in the village!

Puimonen

Jukkasjärvi’s very own small mountain hill where you get a nice view over Jukkasjärvi village and Torneälven. Bring a lunch bag that you can enjoy on top. Follow the electric light track from the football field and you will arrive in about 30-45 minutes. The path is often trampled in winter as you follow a snowmobile trail, but Mother Nature can be fickle so this it’s not a guarantee. Snowshoes are of course an option.

Esrange Visitor Center

Bonus tip if you are travelling by car. Esrange Space Station is located about 25km from Jukkasjärvi. Here the state-owned company SSC (Swedish Space Corporation) launch sounding rockets and stratospheric balloons for research. Esrange also has one of the world’s largest ground stations for satellite communications. The unmanned Visitor Center, at the gates of Esrange Space Center, is where you can get an insight into the ongoings behind the Esrange gates. You will also find information about other space activities in the region.

Activities on your own

With skis or snowshoes you can go out on the frozen river, or through the snowclad forest where there are also illuminated ski trails of 5 km and 10 km. In summer you can glide on the water with a canoe or stand up paddle. Fly through the forest on a cross-country bike or take a calmer ride by e-bike through the village. Equipment for rent as well as tips and maps are available at Icehotel.