It has been an absolutely deep freeze chill across almost all of Europe so it seems a bit of a laugh to mention Sweden’s Kiruna Snow Festival.  But since there’s no risk of there being a lack of snow for the festivities, I thought I would mention it :)  This year’s festival is January 29-31.

The festival is actually in the north of Sweden, in the Swedish Lapland.  So you’ll need to dress warm.  But why exactly do 20k head north to freeze in the cold for?

• Amazing snow sculptures.  The above picture is a book, but there are statues and art and all sorts of other creations and contraptions.  This is not the snow angel you made as a child.  People take this contest part of the festival very seriously.
• Winter fashion show.  Ever notice how fashionable the Swedes are?  They even rock the catwalk in the depths of winter.
• Skating competitions.  Olympics, only better!
• Reindeer racing.  Santa has finished with them until next year, so this is their playtime.
• Visit the largest igloo in the world.  Who needs an ice hotel when you can igloo?
• Mr Snowman competition which names the strongest man of the winter.

There’s of course the activities you can usually enjoy in Kiruna this time of year:  dogsledding, northern lights, and food (reindeer burger or bear steak anyone?)

Our resident writer Anna Etmanska previously mentioned that lapland in winter is “strictly for foreign tourists…cold, dark, and generally miserable” so I encourage you to have an open mind if you’re looking for an off-beat festival this winter.  (Though I live in Scotland and it is pretty cold, dark, and generally miserable so I could be biased!)

Photo by findfado

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