Karesuando is one of the main saami areas and most saami live on reindeer keeping with hunting, fishing and handicraft for additional income. The saami's country is called Sapmi and covers the whole of northern Scandinavia, including northern Russia.

Davvi Arctic Lodge

The Davvi Arctic Lodge is set on the edge of the wilderness, on a quiet secluded hillside in the village of Karesuando. Here, you will experience the peace and tranquillity of this beautiful region, unsullied by mass tourism or commercialisation, coupled with a local hospitality that is always eager to extend a warm welcome to visitors.

The centrepiece of the hotel is its beautiful restaurant, which provides spectacular panoramic views across the snow-covered hillside towards the Swedish part of Karesuando, just across the nearby border. Many guests enjoy exploring the surroundings in their free time.

The design of the restaurant is inspired by the Sami kota, the reindeer-hide tent that has for centuries been the traditional home to the nomadic people of the region. The restaurant is roughly semi circular in shape, with ceiling beams each joining a centre point, as do the supporting poles of a kota. Nearby is the lounge area, again part of a circular structure, with a centre skylight that represents the ventilation hole at the top of a Sami kota. The lounge is comfortably furnished with sofas, chairs and occasional tables, and is equipped with a large flat-screen television.

The Davvi Arctic Lodge has a warm and friendly atmosphere and is well run by conscientious staff, who are dedicated to ensuring that you enjoy your stay at their hotel to the fullest extent.

All rooms have:
Shower and WC. TV.

All cabins have:
Sauna. Shower and WC. Tea and coffee making facilities. TV.

Facilities include:
Bar. Reception. Restaurant. Sauna. Spacious grounds.

The Rooms

The hotel rooms are set on two floors in a wing that extends from the main building. The rooms are simply furnished and comfortable. The twin rooms sleep two, plus one additional person on an extra bed. The family rooms sleep up to five, with two single beds, a large sofa bed for up to two children, and an extra camp bed available for a third child. All rooms are en suite, although a few of the bathrooms are very small. Some have been recently refurbished.

The Cabins

In addition, the Davvi Arctic Lodge offers accommodation in cabins within its grounds. The cabins are simple but cosy and all are en suite, with tea and coffee-making facilities. Most cabins are semi-detached and sleep up to four, with two single beds plus a sofa bed for up to two children in a large open-plan area. There are two, large detached cabins that can sleep five or six, with two bedrooms each containing two single beds and a sofa bed in the living area that can take one or two children. All cabins are located just yards from the main hotel building where meals are taken.