By Jon Minor and Emily Reisch

Only in the Arctic Circle would you find sled-crossing signs marking crosswalks along with the traditional pedestrian crossing signs.

Many people in the hilly city of Kiruna use sleds on a daily basis. Young children and elderly people benefit the most. It was not uncommon to see parents towing their kids behind them, or to see a grandma or grandpa go cruising on by down the hills.

Older people use little runner sleds to help manage the slippery walking conditions on flat areas, just as they’d use a walker in summer. A small platform on the front is used to ride double or carry groceries.

The most popular sport in the north of Sweden is dog sledding. We thought our Arctic Circle experience wouldn’t be complete without giving it a try. It’s a respected sport in Kiruna where several major races are held every year. In the nearby city of Jukkasjärvi, home of the Ice Hotel, dogs out number people 3 to 1.

We started our dog sledding adventure with our guide picking us up at our hostel. Mike is a native of Kiruna and has been sled racing for several years. We proceeded to his lodge to pick up some extra warm clothing.

Mike harnessed up a team of ten dogs that would provide power for our trip. He started with the two lead dogs and worked his way back towards the sled. Every time another dog was pulled from the trailer, they all barked louder and louder. The dogs were so excited to run. We were getting a bit excited as well.

We sat on the sled while Mike stood behind us. He kicked off the brake, made a soft whirring sound, and the dogs took off.

The power of the dogs was absolutely amazing. The team listened perfectly every time Mike shouted “vänster” or “höger” (left or right). Down through trees and onto a frozen lake, Mike actually had to brake to keep the dogs from pulling us too fast. When we were on flat land he let them run like they wanted to. The only thing we could hear was the dogs panting and the runners sliding through the snow. It was very peaceful being surrounded by glistening white snow, hills and forest with a bright blue sky above us.

After a while we took a break and stopped in the woods at a traditional Sami tent for a snack. The Sami are the native people of northern Scandinavia. A very traditional culture, they raise herds of reindeer and are known for their arts and crafts. The tent was very similar to the Native American teepee that most South Dakotans are familiar with.

We sat down to tea made over an open fire and an opportunity to try some traditional food. Our main course was sandwiches made with smoked reindeer and smoked salmon. We also had reindeer jerky and cloudberry muffins. Cloudberries are native to the northern part of Scandinavia where they need the many hours of light that are experienced in the short summer season.

Back on the sled, we were hoping to see some reindeer or an elk on our journey, but unfortunately we only saw tracks.

Upon arriving back in Kiruna, we headed to the outdoor market that happened to be next to our hostel. There were vendors selling everything from warm hats, slippers and gloves to fresh fish and bulk candy.

As we waited to get some fresh donuts, we found ourselves surrounded by an anti-war protest. About a hundred men, women and children marched through the market with signs and beating a drum. We silently watched as this small remote city voiced its opposition to a war against Iraq.