Arrival in the North

You'll land in Ivalo and transfer by private minibus to a log lodge and cottages on the wild banks of the Peltojoki River, deep in the forest. Collect your winter clothing along the way. A welcome dinner with your guide marks the start of the week, with full board included throughout the stay.

Your hotel: Traditional Wilderness Cabin

Into the Boreal Forest

After breakfast, you're introduced to your snowmobile, followed by equipment pickup and a safety briefing with your guide before setting off at your own pace. The route winds through boreal forest and open tundra, with a stop at a tunturi for sweeping views over the landscape and a chance encounter with local Sami reindeer herders. Following old Sami and reindeer trails, you'll cover 50km before reaching the small village of Kaamanen, where dinner and your cabin for the night await.

Your hotel: Traditional Wilderness Cabin

To the Sami Capital

The day's route takes you to Inari, the Sami capital and home to the Sami Parliament, crossing frozen lakes, tundra, and old-growth forest along the way. Free-roaming reindeer are a common sight, and moose sightings are possible for the fortunate. Far from any light or noise pollution, the isolation of the landscape is part of the experience, and clear nights offer a genuine chance to see the northern lights.

Your hotel: Traditional Wilderness Cabin

Across the Sea of the Sami

The route continues 50km toward Ivalo, crossing Inarijärvi, the largest lake in Lapland and known locally as the Sea of the Sami, with the sacred Sami mountain Ukko rising in the distance. In the evening, enjoy local cuisine and unwind in a traditional sauna. The surrounding region is known for gold panning, still practiced today along the Lemmenjoki and Ivalojoki rivers.

Your hotel: Traditional Wilderness Cabin

The Return Begins

The journey turns back, taking in hillier and more varied terrain than the outbound route, with rivers, lakes, and forest along the way. The day ends back in Inari, with dinner at a local restaurant favored by residents and reindeer herders. With some luck, the northern lights may be visible directly from your lakeside cabin.

Your hotel: Traditional Wilderness Cabin

The Longest Stretch

One of the longest legs of the expedition covers 130km, crossing frozen lakes toward a high peak with sweeping views over the surrounding wilderness. The day ends back at base camp, closing out the most demanding stretch of the trip.

Your hotel: Traditional Wilderness Cabin

A Free Day in the North

With the expedition behind you, the day is yours to spend as you like. Optional extras can be arranged, including snowshoeing or Arctic skiing, a visit to Inari to browse artisanal souvenirs, an introduction to ice fishing, or a dogsled ride with a local partner. Full board is included at your final wilderness cabin.

Your hotel: Traditional Wilderness Cabin

Departure

After breakfast, return your winter clothing and transfer to Ivalo Airport for your flight home.