A three-day sled dog trip beyond the beaten tracks, with two nights in a mountain cabin on the Finnmark plateau. Alternatively we take another route and stay overnight at the Engholm Husky wilderness camp — a cosy, warm basecamp tent hidden in the wilderness — depending on weather conditions and the time of year.

The tour starts from the comforts of Engholm Lodge outside Karasjok, in the heart of Sámi culture. Accommodation the night before and the night after the tour is at Engholm Lodge. 25–50 km per day.

How we travel

You will have your "own" sled and be responsible for 4–6 dogs. Participants with previous dog-sledding experience usually drive a single team. Participants without experience normally start out on the first day with a tandem team — two sleds and 8–10 dogs — sharing the team with a partner or the guide. The guide and the participants decide together whether a double or a single team is best; the sleds are very easy to disconnect from each other, so that there are two single teams.

Who can join

A reasonable level of fitness, concentration and a sense of balance are the key attributes needed.

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 (which is the latest arrival time at the lodge). Then your guide gives you all the information about the tour.

Days 2–4

The morning is spent fitting out snowsuits, boots and so on, organising the teams of huskies and learning the basics of caring for your team and driving the sleds. The sled tour starts directly from the lodge, over a hilly stretch, lakes and marshes.

On the three-day overnight trip we drive in varied terrain and stop for a lunch break around an open fire. Close-up nature impressions together with a guide who likes to share his knowledge and admiration of nature, wildlife and outdoor life with you. The area is winter pasture for reindeer.

We spend the nights at our wilderness camp — a cosy, warm basecamp tent hidden in the wilderness — or, taking another route, in a mountain cabin on the Finnmark plateau, depending on weather conditions and the time of year.

Then a long stretch back to Engholm Lodge on a different route through a beautiful landscape; we may see moose, which usually stay in the valley in winter.

Dinner in a warm atmosphere is waiting for us at the lodge, and we have a cosy wood-fired sauna ready on request for those tempted — maybe with the northern lights above.

Day 5

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.