Above the Arctic Circle

So, my wife and I decided to head above the arctic circle in search for the northern lights. Unfortunately, due to the weather, it was too cloudy and stormy to see anything. However in our journey from Kiruna, Sweden to the Lofoten Islands, Norway, we saw some pretty spectacular scenery! So here are a bunch of pictures from the trip! Click on any picture for a larger view. Enjoy!

We arrived in Kiruna in the afternoon, but by by the darkness it felt like midnight!

After checking into the hotel, it was moose burgers and 'chili'.

The next morning we realized that the main transportation was not
bikes like in southern Sweden, but sleds! They even lock them up!

One of the unique buildings in Kiruna.

The old Kiruna church.

The church bell tower starting ringing just as I snapped this picture.

Another  view of the old Kiruna church.

Kiruna is a mining city and the mine has gotten so large that the ground under
the city has gotten unstable, therefore the city is in the process of moving.
While many homes will be destroyed, some of the older historical homes will
be relocated. The above home is one of the homes they will relocate. 

Another home which will be relocated.

Check out the height of the plowed snow on left.

Seriously?! This just assured us we were far north!

The outside of the Ice Hotel!

Amber entering the grounds of the Ice Hotel

The Ice Bar in the Ice Hotel. Notice the frozen fish sipping their drink.

Amber relaxing at the Ice Bar in the Ice Hotel

Another view of the Ice Bar sitting/standing area.

Ice Hotel reception

Myself through an ice pillar.

The Ice Hotel main hall.

Amber 'chilling' in the Ice Hotel common area.

Attending church in the Ice Hotel Chapel.

A room in the Ice Hotel that was inspired by the re-growth of  nature
in the aftermath of the Japan tsunami disaster.

Another Ice Hotel room which had a couple ice tracks that you could send
rubber balls rolling down, which would eventually roll around the bed!

The Ice Hotel observation deck for northern light viewing.

A corridor to the outside of the Hotel.

Another room called the 'Dragon Room'.

A close up of the dragon ice sculpture.

Another room called 'The Nest'.

'Cleaning' the Ice Hotel.

This room I believe was called 'The Abduction' - out of control!

Sámi tribe knives with sheaths carved from reindeer antlers. 

Another old church outside of the Ice Hotel.

A Sámi cultural center.

Leaving Sweden (and the sun) while on the way to the Lofoten Islands in Norway.

Welcome to Norway - So much snow, wind, and bad weather!
I am still trying to figure out why I still had my sun glasses on!

A hostel we stayed at on our way to towards the Lofoten Islands.
Check out the view of the fjords from the bedroom windows!

Driving down the coast there were some awesome bridges!

A view from the bridge above.

Check out the color of the waters in this part of northern Norway!

The mountainous islands were amazing!

Anyone for a picnic?

A stunning view of the Lofoten Islands.

One of the many small villages we passed on our drive!

More beautiful scenery.

These mountains looked as if they had been dusted with powdered sugar!

If it wasn't for the snow, you would think this was on a Caribbean Island!

Some view those homes have...

Dried fish (cod) is one of Northern Norway's largest exports.

A close up of the drying fish heads!
Poor pregnant Amber, I thought she was going to lose it!

Lots and Lots of drying fish...

The Island we stayed the night on...

Enjoying the sunrise - we stayed in one of those red houses you see.

Another morning picture.

The small wharf of the fishing village. 

More scenery...

We finally made it to the end of the road where we got out and walked...

...Until we could walk no more! Here Amber is at the end of Norway - literally!
Next stop would be Greenland once you cross the ocean!

The colors of winter.

A large rock sits wedged between the two walls.

A boat sits for the winter awaiting restoration.

The last island has the smallest name you can have!

Looking back at the island of Å!

As we were driving back, a rainbow appeared and I can finally say we
found the 'end of the rainbow', but there was no gold... just a splash!

Driving past another beach on the way back.

The waters were much rougher here - lots of waves.

Overlooking another fjord.

A traditional viking lodge.

All of Norway's beauty is a strong point. Its prices are not! While this fast food we
ate was really, really good, the double combo meal set us back $50 - ouch!

Hilarious translation! This sign was posted above our toilet in the hotel.

A panorama of the Lofoten Islands.

All in all, it was a wonderful trip and we would love to get back in the summer and see the scenery then. We drove a total of almost 750 miles over two countries and numerous mountain passes. I lost track of the number of bridges crossed after 12 and know we went through over 14 tunnels (the longest almost five miles long). In the four days of driving we averaged 48.8 mpg in our rented diesel auto which was appreciated as gas averaged close to $9.00 a gallon! Until next time - c'est la vie!