Hiking in the National Parks of Laponia
"It was a fantastic trip, the people were very nice, and I really enjoyed it very much. Great experience, I will be back!" Juergen
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Photo: STF Bildarkiv
Photos: 1,2,6: Håkan Hjort/Niac Photo; 3-5,7:Nature Travels
Leave the stresses and strains of modern life behind in the city and join fellow like-minded explorers on a unique hiking experience! In the company of guides from Saltoluokta Mountain Station in the heart of Lapland, you will visit the national parks of Stora Sjöfallet, Sarek and Padjelanta, all part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Laponia.
This very special hike passes through a wide variety of breathtaking landscapes. You will be crossing the vast mountain plains of Padjelanta, hiking amidst the high alpine peaks of the legendary, pathless wilderness of Sarek, and learn to know something of the rich cultural heritage of the area through contact with the indigenous Sámi people.
The majesty and beauty of Laponia offer a world class hiking experience, and yet this tour is quite accessible. Most of the daily legs of the hike are relatively short and moderately challenging, and sometimes you will have the opportunity to leave the trail to make exciting day tours with the freedom of lighter packs.
The adventure ends at the traditional mountain station of Saltoluokta, famous for its good food!
Gather at the cabin in Ritsem when the first arrives (around 14:00). Lunch and presentation of the week. In the evening you take the boat over Lake Akkajaure and after a short walk, 2 km you will reach the Akka cabins where you stay overnight.
The "real" hike begins. After a few kilometres you cross the bridge over the mighty river Voujatätno and enter the national park of Stora Sjöfallet. The Padjelanta Trail winds under the impressive peaks and glaciers of Mt Akka. Today's destination is the cabins at Kisuris, just before the cabins you will be in 3 different national parks at the same time: Sarek, Stora Sjöfallet and Padjelanta! Distance: 14 km. Height difference: +100m.
An easier day-tour into Sarek National Park. Weather conditions decide exactly where you will go. In the evening you walk down to Lake Kutjaure. Here you will picked up by a boat that takes you over to the west side and to the Sámi settlement at Kutjaure Västända. There you can enjoy a sauna and dinner! You stay in the cabins close to the settlement. Distance 4 km + day tour.
Day tour in the area around Kutjaure. You pass the mighty waterfall in Sieperjåkkå and walk into the north part of Padjelanta. This is a part of the national park with very few visitors. Stunning views of Padjelanta and Sarek from the mountain Kåtotjåkkå.
Towards Vaisaluokta. The trail takes you high up into the mountains and you bid farewell to Padjelanta. Before you reach the cabin you will pass through Sweden's largest Sámi settlement. Distance: 18 km. Height difference: +300m, -350m.
NB: New for 2011, there is the chance for 6 participants from the group to overnight in a traditional Sámi tipi 10 minutes' walk from the main cabin. Reservation for this option is on a first-come, first-served basis. If you would like to overnight in the tipi instead of in cabin, please let us know at time of booking.
You board the first boat over to Ritsem. There the bus will be waiting for you to bring you down to Lake Langas and Saltoluokta Mountain Station with its sauna and showers! In the evening you will be served a traditional Lappish 3-course dinner in the restaurant. The evening will end with a slideshow about Saltoluokta, the Sjöfall area and Laponia.
Your adventure is at an end. After breakfast the boat takes you over Lake Langas to Kebnats and the bus to Gällivare.
Please note that the programme is subject to change depending on weather conditions.
The midnight sun does not shine all summer long but it is daylight 24 hours a day from around mid May to the end of July. In August, bring a small torch or headtorch.
There is no electricity at the STF or Padjelanta cabins. Heating is by wood or gas fires. There are only emergency telephones in the cabins. The phone is directly connected to the police. Mobile phones generally do not work out in the mountains.
Prices are in British Pounds. If you wish, you are also welcome to make your payment by bank transfer in Euros or Swedish Kronor. If this would be of interest, please let us know and we will be happy to provide prices.
NB: Members of YHA/Hostelling International receive a discount of £38/person on the prices below. Please let us know at time of booking if you are a member.
1 night at Saltoloukta Mountain Station and 5 nights in mountain cabins.
The cabins: The beds are fitted with mattresses, pillows and blankets. During the summer season you should bring a light sleeping bag or a set of sheets. The cabins are comfortable but of basic standard and there is no electricity or running water. You will all need to help each other with domestic duties, cleaning, cooking, doing the dishes etc. Wooden fires or gas heats the cabins. The cooking is done on gas stoves.
The cabins you will visit during this hike have 20-34 beds (rooms with 4-10 beds, male/female mixed). There are also extra mattresses and blankets in case the cabin gets full. Everyone will get shelter - in the event that all the beds are occupied you will get a space on the floor and a mattress. It is not possible to reserve beds in advance.
Lunch in Ritsem. 5 days in mountain cabins including provisions. 1 day with full board at Saltoluokta Mountain Station incl. 3 course dinner.
Food for sale: If you would like any additional snacks, etc, in Ritsem you will find a small shop where you can buy dried and canned food, drinks and snacks, etc. There is no food for sale in the mountain cabins.
Boat on Lake Akkajaure, Lake Kutjaure and Lake Langas. Bus Ritsem-Kebnats (Saltoluokta).
Experienced and knowledgeable local guide.
Alcoholic drinks.
To enjoy this hike you should have some previous experience of walking with a backpack and be in good physical condition. Recommended minimum age 16 years.
Distances between the mountain cabins vary from 5 to 18 km. Difference in altitude on a single leg is maximum 400m (not including day tours).
A detailed recommended equipment list will be sent with your booking confirmation.
NB: We advise you not to buy equipment or clothes for your trip or to incur other non-refundable expenses such as flights until you have received confirmation of your booking from us in writing.
Minimum 6 and maximum 14 participants. This experience is open to travellers from all over the world. Groups may be made up of participants from a number of countries, around 60% of whom are likely to be from Scandinavia.
Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996, Laponia covers an area of 9,400 square kilometres. The landscape is extremely varied, from the dramatic mountainscapes of Sarek to the swamps of Muddus.
The majestic mountains of the Stora Sjöfallet and Sarek national parks are found in western Laponia. This is where you find Sweden's largest glacial area, with hundreds of glaciers. As hard, volcanic bedrock erodes slowly, the mountains are both high and steep. The tallest peaks reach 2000 metres above sea level.
In the Padjelanta National Park in the west the bedrock is softer and contains slate, limestone and sandstone from the seabed, which contribute to the characteristic soft and hilly landscape of this part of Laponia. This is where reindeer herds have grazed for hundreds of years and thus made the land exceptionally fertile.
This tour has received a prestigious Swedish Ecotourism award for its commitment to high standards to cultural and environmental sensitivity.
Detailed information on travel options will be sent with your booking documentation. We are happy to advise on suitable connections and assist you with any aspect of planning your journey.
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Sea kayaking and wild camping in a UNESCO World Heritage area.
A husky holiday combining dog sledding and ice fishing from tipi base.
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An extended dog sledding expedition inside the Arctic Circle with your own team of Siberian Huskies.
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