Drive your own dog team from the Arctic Ocean across the high alpine area of northernmost Sweden to the Fjellborg Homestead in the heart of Lapland. This springtime mountain expedition allows you to experience some of the finest sceneries that Lapland has to offer during the most enjoyable time of the year. 6-day program.
Day 1
Our adventure begins in Tromsö in Norway, where you will be greeted at the airport by Fjellborg Arctic Journeys. Tromsö is the capital of Arctic Norway and is often referred to as the "Gateway to the Ice Sea" as many expeditions to the polar region have begun here. The city’s urban mountain panorama is truly spectacular and thanks to its rich social life Tromsö has also been nicknamed the Paris of the North.
In the evening an Information Meeting is held at your hotel, the centrally located Rica Ishavshotel. During the meeting the itinerary is presented in detail and information will also be provided on equipment and safety measures. The meeting is followed by a welcome dinner after which the evening is rounded off with a drink in the Sky Bar
Day 2
After a big breakfast we transfer out to the beautiful Signal Valley which is the starting point for our journey. Here you are introduced to the team of dogs who will be your best friends during the coming days. The friendly and athletic Fjellborg Alaskan Huskies are bred to run on instinct and desire and know nothing better than to embark on a major expedition.
Before departure you will receive instructions on how to handle the dogs and how to pack and drive your sled. After enjoying an outdoor lunch the in the valley the first leg of our journey begins. During the initial 11 km we climb up to a 780-meter altitude. On this mountain plateau plenty of snow is available even in late spring. Today’s destination is Pältsa Mountain Hut situated just across the Swedish border. On arrival we tend to the dogs and then relax in a traditional wood heated sauna before we cook and enjoy dinner together.
Day 3
Today we enjoy breakfast with a view! The high alpine area surrounding Pältsa Mountain Hut is truly spectacular. After serving breakfast for the dogs we repack our sleds and head up towards the tundra. Today we will sled through the largest area of permafrost in Europe. When we reach a suitable resting place we stop to enjoy a meal served in the wild.
After lunch we continue towards the big rivers and lakes of Råstojaure. At Camp Råsto we will stay in cabins sleeping up to 4 persons. Camp Råsto is known as one of the best summer fishing spots in Europe and is run by one of the Sami villages in the area. The reindeer herding Sami people is the indigenous people of Lapland and during our journey we pass through the territories of four different Sami villages. The geographical borders of a Sami village are often constituted by rivers or mountain ranges or another natural border. In the evening we enjoy a hot sauna before the delicious dinner is served.
Day 4
The crisp morning air at Camp Råsto will quickly increase our yearning for breakfast. After feeding the dogs we set off on the third leg of our journey, following the trail downhill in a southerly direction.
Today we stop for lunch at a wilderness shelter by the beautiful Lake Kamas. In the afternoon we pass through the Sami settlement of Vouskojaure where the reindeer are rounded up in spring and fall.
The next stop on our journey is the village of Kattuvuoma which is the oldest permanent settlement north of Lake Torne. Kattuvuoma is a unique place as it lacks road connection with the rest of the world. Kattuvouma can only be reached from the outside by boat in summer and by snowmobile or dog sled in winter. The Finnish speaking settlers that founded this village lived from fishing and hunting and from developing an elaborate system of exchange with the nomadic Sami people.
In the village of Kattuvuoma we stay in a traditional homestead. After a long day of riding on the runners of your sled you are able to relax in the hot sauna before dinner is served.
Day 5
After a hearty breakfast in Kattuvuoma we hit the trail again. Today’s destination is our new home away from home, the Sevuvouma Lodge, which has the atmosphere of a traditional Lapland home and all the comforts of a modern wilderness retreat. The setting, at the foot of the magnificent Vittangivaara Mountain, makes the stay at the Sevuvouma Lodge a truly exceptional experience. Here we will dine and sleep in a delightful environment and enjoy the best sauna in Lapland!
Day 6
On the last day of our expedition we will sled from Sevuvouma to the Fjellborg Homestead and Kennel where you will say goodbye to your dogs in their home environment. The Fjellborg Homestead is situated only a short walk from the world famous Icehotel in Jukkasjärvi and many of our guests choose to end their holiday in Lapland with a visit to this world attraction.
Tour Info:
The Signal Valley Expedition is suitable for both beginners and experienced mushers looking for a spectacular adventure in a breathtaking scenery of Arctic Lapland. A thorough introduction to sled dog driving will be provided before departure and our experienced guides will be available at all times for support and instruction.
Price: 24950 SEK per person.
Min Persons: 4
Max Persons: We welcome large groups!
Departure Dates: April 2010.
Fee includes:
Transfer from Tromsö Airport to Rica Ishavshotel, Arctic expedition clothing and mushing gear, all meals including beverage, all accommodations, the services of Fjellborg Arctic Journeys staff, individual dog teams. Transfer to Kiruna Airport for guests departing on day 6.
