Key Features
• Guide your own dog team on a 4-day safari
• Experience the thrill of wilderness dog-sledding
• Discover local Sami culture & visit the Icehotel
Included
2nts hotel in Kiruna, 3nts rustic and basic wilderness lodges, 1nt simple Sami lodge; 6 breakfasts, 5 lunches & 4 dinners included.
Transport
Dogsled (each person has their own team of huskies)/Mini bus.
Group Size
Approx. 4 to 8.
Tour Staff
Dogsled guides, driver and local support crew.
Europe's Last Wilderness
200 km above the arctic circle, our starting point at Kiruna is surrounded by 2000m peaks and many lakes, frozen and veiled in snow. After some simple training from our expert guides, we mush out to our wilderness cabin at Luongasjarvi. During our stay we are completely self-sufficient: chopping wood for the stoves, taking water from ice-holes in the lake, and looking after the faithful huskies ourselves. Over the coming days we will explore the frozen wilderness and search for signs of wildlife, with a chance of sighting elk or reindeer on our path, or the dramatic sweep of an eagle.
Sami Encounters
Next we mush north eastwards along the 'tobacco trail' to reach the Sami settlement of Soppero, where we stay as guests of a Sami family. We learn about their reindeer herding traditions, the mainstay of Sami life in this harsh environment. Finally we return to Kiruna via an intriguing moosepark and the exquisite Icehotel to see the amazing structures and sculptures made from pure river ice: a fitting end to our journey through this arctic wonderland.
Comment
Full instruction is provided through our English-speaking guides, so no previous dog sledding experience is necessary. A good level of fitness and balance is required and a willingness to participate in all aspects of husky care is essential. Our final route and distance travelled each day will be determined by weather and trail conditions.