Expedition to the Arctic Sea

Suitable for experienced outdoor people looking for something special. A good level of fitness, concentration and balance is needed.

It is special to cross the mountain plateau by dog sled. The coastal weather is very changeable, from bright blue skies with dazzling sun to horizontal snow blizzards with white all around. The tour starts from the comforts of Engholm Lodge outside Karasjok — in the heart of Sámi culture — and heads north to our remote fishing lodge "Stenbukt" on the Arctic Sea. The nights are spent in a tent, and maybe some nights in a cabin.

How we travel

We go far off the beaten track and break our own trail, using the freedom that sled dogs give. The route is adapted to the given conditions.

Who can join

The tour provides interesting experiences for outdoor people looking for something special. The mountains' diversity and unpredictable snow conditions make it necessary to require good physical shape from the participants on this tour.

Good to know

GPS positions of the lodge and the mountain cabins are listed under Information → GPS positions.

Day by day plan

Day 1

The programme starts with dinner at 19.00. Then your guide gives you all the information about the tour.

Day 2

The day is spent fitting out snowsuits, boots and other equipment, organising the teams of huskies and learning the basics of caring for your team and driving the sleds. We check the equipment and prepare for the tour, making sure that the mushers are matched with their teams of huskies.

Days 3–9

With your "own" team of 6 dogs we set the compass north-west and reach the mountain plateau with the dog teams the same day — a fascinating landscape, sparse and windswept. Overnight in a tent. The route is adapted to the given conditions. This is the real way to go dog sledding.

The view is endless in all directions, and we break our own trail further north-north-west to the valley of Stabbursdalen. By now the mushers and the huskies have usually got to know each other's ways, and the safari can cover a lot of ground. We pass the upper end of Stabbursdalen National Park.

We go far off the beaten track, breaking our own trail further north-east, using the freedom that sled dogs give. Some great ice fishing can be done in the numerous lakes.

We head north, and for the first time — on day 8 or 9, depending on the weather and sledding conditions — we can see the Arctic Ocean and look down at the fjords. We reach our cosy sea lodge "Stenbukt", in a remote bay right on the sea: no road, no neighbours.

At Stenbukt, smaller outings can be ventured on your own if you wish: snowshoeing or walking, and great ice fishing in the lakes nearby. Or maybe you would just like to relax in front of the fireplace.

Day 10

Sled dog trip to the road, then transfer by car back to Engholm Lodge in Karasjok. Dinner in a warm atmosphere is waiting for us, and we have a cosy wood-fired sauna ready on request for those tempted — maybe with the northern lights above.

Day 11

The programme ends after breakfast. It is worth considering staying a few extra days for other activities as a lodge guest before or after the tour.

The price includes

• All meals from dinner at 19.00 on day one until breakfast on the last day
• All tour equipment
• Arctic clothing for mushing — see the equipment list
• Guide and activities according to the programme
• Design-cabin accommodation at the lodge
• Dormitory at the mountain cabins

Not included

• Personal equipment
• Individual services
• Insurance
• Transport to and from the lodge

The full terms are in the booking terms.