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Cover / Adventure / Håkan Söderqvist, Guide ICEHOTEL Adventure

Håkan Söderqvist, Guide ICEHOTEL Adventure - fishing and hunting

Tell us about your work at ICEHOTEL.
'Hunting and fishing are my passion, so I love my work. My job is to accompany guests on outings in the magnificent country surrounding Jukkasjärvi. River systems in the vicinity are teeming with fish, there are large tracts of forest, and in the mountains and high country, there are some great fishing lakes and good possibilities for ptarmigan hunting, for example.'

Is there a lot of interest for this type of activity?
'Oh yes, there is a great interest, and it's growing all the time. All of the guests I meet long for tranquility, silence and relaxation in contrast to the stressfulness of everyday life. They want to experience virgin nature at close range. Most of all, they appreciate the opportunity to be 'off line' and spending days out of mobile range, instead of being constantly accessible. When they get online after returning from a wilderness trip, it's usually with a deep sigh of resignation.'

How do you hunt?
'That depends on what we're hunting. At ICEHOTEL, we can arrange ptarmigan hunts with bird dogs, both in winter and late-summer during August and September. We also hunt woodland fowl, for example, wood grouse. Moose hunting is also popular. It's even possible to do a hunting course to qualify for a licence. ICEHOTEL can arrange trips for seasoned hunters as well as beginners.'

What can fishing enthusiasts expect?
'The real enthusiasts get very excited as soon as we mention rivers like the Kaitum, Lainio, Taavaätno and Rautas. Grayling, salmon trout and alpine char are often biting, and many angling writers from all over the world have sung praises for the fishing here more than once. Our guides find the best spots. Fishing trips vary from several hours to expeditions of 3-4 days. We also arrange fly-fishing courses.'

Wilderness, mountains, fishing and whitewater. What is your approach to safety?
'Safety always comes first. Everyone at ICEHOTEL who works with this type of activity is a certified guide and has considerable experience and knowledge of the flora, fauna, nature and climate of Swedish Lapland. Guests can feel fully assured and secure in the knowledge that they will have a fantastic experience and gain a lot of knowledge and insight as part of the package.' 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ella Jonsson
Ella Jonsson, Copywriter at Vinter
, ella.jonsson@vintermail.se, twitter.com/ellajonsson

Ella Jonsson is a copywriter and author that lives in Luleå, Sweden. She loves vast forests and large cities, loneliness and crowds of people, silence and loud music. Ella says: I’m enchanted with...

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