Walking through village streets with thousands of ice lanterns lighting the way in the depths of the Arctic night is a magical experience that can only be found in Lapland.
Ice lanterns are a modern custom rooted in an ancient tradition in which the Sámi people crafted rings of ice as good-luck charms for the New Year. The tradition of making ice lanterns began thanks to a group of local women in Vuollerim (Sweden), who came up with this special creation to decorate the village during the annual “Jokkmokk” winter market.
Today, the idea has grown into a widespread tradition embraced by every family in Vuollerim: last winter alone, residents lit up the village with over 2,000 ice lanterns, earning this Lapland town the nickname “Village of a Thousand Ice Lanterns.”
As so often happens, a local tradition has blossomed into a tourist attraction: much like Christmas markets, countless visitors travel to the icy snows of Lapland to see the festive village and enjoy the many winter activities Sweden has to offer—from alpine skiing to snowmobiling, dog sledding to ice fishing, cross-country skiing, and nighttime snowshoeing, just a few of the ways to explore this paradise of snow and ice.
The lantern lighting ceremony takes place on the first Tuesday of February, and the lanterns stay lit throughout the winter fair from Tuesday to Sunday thanks to long-burning candles that last for several days.
During the fair, locals show visitors how these lanterns are crafted, bringing together ice and fire—two natural opposites that coexist harmoniously thanks to a clever technique whereby the flame does not melt the ice, while the ice shields the flame from the polar winds.
A simple yet enchanting tradition in the Arctic wonderland not far from Santa Claus’s home.
> Official VUOLLERIM website (in English)
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