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Tour Code : CSW
The journey is provided by
Exodus Adventure Travels
Destinations : Sweden
Tour Starts : Muonionalusta (Rajamaa)
Tour Ends : Muonionalusta (Rajamaa)
Group Size : 4 - 16
Ages : 16+
Activity :
8 days from
ON REQUEST

Overview

Discover the last remaining wilderness in Europe

This winter adventure takes us some 125mi (200km) above the Arctic Circle to Sápmi (also known as Lapland), where nature is raw and powerful, and mighty rivers flanked by endless forests dominate the landscape. We base ourselves at Rajamaa on the island of Muonionalusta, where the Malmström family has been welcoming guests since 1986. Situated in the River Muonio on the Swedish side of the border with Finland, there are only seven full-time inhabitants, two of whom are our hosts for the week. Immersed in one of the most spectacular untamed wilderness areas in Europe, we spend a week learning about the Sámi culture and connecting with nature while trying a variety of activities including dog sledding, snowshoeing and forest skiing. Every night, we keep our eyes to the sky where, with luck, we will be treated to the Northern Lights. Our trip culminates with a two-day expedition in the forest, where we stay overnight in a traditional log cabin and get back to nature in peaceful, untouched surroundings. For the best chance to see the Northern Lights, we recommend travelling in March (particularly around the spring equinox), when there is usually increased aurora activity and less cloud cover.

Highlights
  • Enjoy a Sámi cultural experience and reindeer sledding
  • Go dog sledding and snowshoeing above the Arctic Circle
  • Embark on a two-day wilderness expedition on forest skis
  • Look to the sky for a nightly chance to see the Northern Lights
Key Information
  • Six nights in fully equipped chalets with twin rooms and shared facilities (in two-bed or four-bed configurations); one night in a wilderness lodge (dormitory-style)
  • Five days of mixed activities and one free day
  • Group normally 4 to 16, plus guides and instructors. Minimum age: 16
  • Arctic clothing provided
Included
  • All breakfasts, six lunches and seven dinners
  • All accommodation
  • All transport and listed activities
  • Tour leader throughout
  • All specialist equipment (see packing list in Trip Notes)
  • Group arrival and departure transfers available
Not included
  • Travel insurance
  • Single accommodation (available on request - limited availability)
  • Visas or vaccinations

Itinerary

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Important Information

The trip destination
  • Six nights in fully equipped chalets with twin rooms and shared facilities (in two-bed or four-bed configurations); one night in a wilderness lodge (dormitory-style)
  • Five days of mixed activities and one free day
  • Group normally 4 to 16, plus guides and instructors. Minimum age: 16
  • Arctic clothing provided
Food
All meals are included; however, the dinner on Day 1 is only available subject to your flight arrival time (dinner is usually served at 7pm). The food at Rajamaa is a mix of Swedish food and sometimes international dishes, all prepared on site. They only use regionally sourced meat and fish from the Arctic Sea. Breakfast is continental style, with fruit, cereal, porridge, boiled eggs, cheese and cold meats. The lunches provided as part of the itinerary will be eaten outside or at the lodge and are usually a sandwich (plus yoghurt and fruit) or a hearty soup. Dinner each evening consists of a main course and dessert. Vegetarian options are also available.
Weather

Temperatures should remain below freezing point for the whole season; however, recent years have had some unexpected fluctuations, both warmer and colder. Generally, you should expect much colder temperatures in December and January: around -25C to -10C (-13F to 14F). As the days get longer, the temperatures rise to around freezing point by March.

Daylight hours: As we are inside the Arctic Circle, the sun remains just below the horizon during the day from 1 December to 7 January. But it is not dark: there is plenty of reflection from the snow, so expect four to five hours of daylight. At the end of January, daylight hours increase to six to seven. In February, there are 10 hours and in March 15 hours.

Northern Lights: The Aurora Borealis are one of nature’s most awe-inspiring sights and seeing them hover above us on a cold winter’s night is an experience never to be forgotten. Scientists will tell you the Northern Lights occur when solar wind particles collide with air molecules in the earth’s atmosphere, transferring their energy into light. The ‘season’ runs from August to April (when there is sufficient darkness). Within this window, the slightly better months are September and March. During periods of high solar activity (not forecastable) they can often be seen every night, but the sky has to be clear of cloud cover, and you need to be away from other light sources. Displays can vary in intensity, from a greenish-yellow glow moving gently around the sky, to a spectacular multi-coloured show dancing across the heavens. Sightings not only vary in intensity but in duration too, from just minutes to sometimes hours.

Is this trip for you?

This trip has been rated Activity Level 3 (Moderate).

It’s a mixed-activity week for adults, with a good selection of guided activities and free time for independent excursions or relaxation. Although none of the activities require previous experience, a good level of fitness, agility and balance is required.

Some forest ski training and tuition will be provided during the week. The distance covered on the two-day expedition will depend on the group’s fitness and on the temperature and weather conditions. Usually, you cover approximately 4.5mi-7.5mi (7km-12km) each day and the activity duration is around four hours plus a lunch stop by the fire.

Temperatures in this part of Sweden can drop as low as -30C (-22F). Come prepared for such extremes. With standard precautions and good clothing, the cold weather won’t be a problem but can be tiring. Arctic outerwear (overall, gloves, hat, socks and winter boots) is provided – please see our essential packing list for more information.

Prices / Dates

By accepting our offer in writing, you/you confirm that our terms and conditions have both been read and understood and that cancellation fees may apply if the trip is cancelled.

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