Midnight Sun Activity Week in Lapland
Photos: 1,3,6,7:Nature Travels; 2,4,5:K.Malmström
On an island in the river Muonio, with a view to Sweden in the west and Finland in the east, lies your base for a week of exploration and activities beneath the midnight sun. Here, you can experience the freedom of the outdoors and a real closeness to nature as you explore together the crystal-clear waters, quiet forests and sweeping moorland of Swedish Lapland.
Midnight Sun Activity Week in Lapland is a summer holiday gives you a chance to discover the "real" Lapland in summertime - its natural beauty and cultural heritage - beneath the midnight sun. Quench your thirst with water straight from the streams, canoe on pristine waters, bike in silence through the deep forests and even walk with your own Husky!
The north-eastern part of Swedish Lapland has a very special character - where the three cultures of Sweden, Finland and the indigenous Sami people meet along the border marked by the 540km stretch of three rivers: the Könkämä, Muonio and Tornio. At this very special place, 200km deep inside the Arctic Circle, you will find Lapland at its purest: a land of dense forests, mighty rivers and wide views to the mountains on the horizon. Ancient pathways and small tracks wind through the forests and along the banks of the rivers. Climb a hill and you will have views over the surrounding wilderness stretching out before you in all directions. This is the westernmost section of the vast Taiga region, rich in fauna and flora, much of it unique to the north.
Midnight Sun Activity Week in Lapland is an accessible and sociable experience for adults in an environment offering the real freedom of the outdoors. Accommodation is in simple but comfortable cabins with full board in the camp's restaurant. In the evening, soothe your muscles in the sauna and reflect on the day's adventures!
You will be met at Rovaniemi airport, Kolari train station or Pajala bus station for transfer to the camp. Here you will get together with your hosts and other participants for a welcome drink and to discuss the week ahead. Dinner in the restaurant. During the week you will be learning about Lapland's "Big Four", beginning with an after-dinner presentation on the elusive links, brought to life using the stunning images of renowned Swedish wildlife photographer Staffan Widstrand.
After a hearty breakfast, you travel by mini-bus across the border into Finland to Pallas National Park for a guided hike in the mountains. As one of the few elevated areas in this region, the Pallas hills offer stunning views over the endless expanses of forests of three countries (Sweden, Finland and Norway) stretching to the horizon. You make a stop for packed lunch above the tree line to admire the view. Returning to the visitor centre, you enjoy the centre's presentation on the natural heritage of the region before it's time to meet some huskies! Summertime is rest time for the dogs before preparing for the winter season to come, and the musher will tell you all about the dogs, their training and their different personalities. Then you choose your dog, tie them to your belt (huskies are born to pull!) and head off into the forest for a walk together before returning to the cabins for the evening for dinner. Tonight's presentation focuses on the mysterious and much-misunderstood wolverine.
After breakfast, you cross the border into Finland to the small village of Yli-Muonio, your start point for a day's canoeing. You paddle the mighty Muonio river which is the border, with Sweden on the right and Finland on the left! You stop for lunch at the historic cemetery at Akanmella before continuing your journey. Lunch is taken by open fire or in the shelter of a cabin depending on the weather. At the end point, you will trade your canoes for mountain-bikes, to return over the border into Sweden and back to base. Tonight's talk brings to life one of Sweden's most controversial predators, the majestic wolf.
Today you are back in the saddle for biking tour through Muodoslompolo and around Lake Naanijärvi. After lunch your tour continues along the hills with lovely views over the Muonio. Back at camp and rested after dinner, the final wildlife presentation of the week focuses on the mighty bear.
Today is a chance to discover the rich cultural heritage of the Sami, the indigenous people of Lapland. You will travel by minibus over the border into Finland to meet the Eira family, a modern Sami reindeer-herding family blending ancient methods with the latest technologies. Sami reindeer herding is very much a living culture, and you will learn a great deal about what it means to be Sami in the modern world and how the reindeer herds are managed as you take a walk together to try to local some of the animals grazing nearby. Lunch is an opportunity to try some traditional Lapland fare before returning to camp for the evening.
A hiking tour into the hills with beautiful views down onto the camp, and a chance to learn about 100 years of forestry in the region. Lunch is taken along the way before your walk continues into the magical landscape of Mukkaharjut, a region carved by inland ice. You reach a simple log cabin, heated by wood-burning stove and with water taken from the lake, where it's time to have supper, heat the sauna and enjoy a very special Swedish experience!
After breakfast you head north once again, passing an ancient spot of importance for the forest Sami and their reindeer herding. This area is home to bear, moose and of course many reindeer. Lunch is eaten by the camp fire and in the afternoon you return to the camp for your final dinner together and a chance to reflect on the week's experiences.
A day for husky-hiking! After a 10-minute transfer to the husky kennels, you will meet the huskies who draw sleds in the area during wintertime. Summer is a chance for the dogs to relax and recharge their batteries after the exertions of the winter, but they still love some exercise! You will take a walk in the forest together with some of the dogs, eating lunch over camp fire before returning to the cabins.
It is time to bid farewell to your hosts and to Lapland. You will be transferred to Kittilä, Kolari or Pajala for departure depending on your onward travel plans.
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.
15.07-22.07.12, 19.08-26.08.12, 02.09-09.09.12.
NB: The midnight sun shines only between mid-May and late July. Tours in August and September do not have 24-hour daylight.
Additional dates can be added on request for small groups. Please contact us to discuss your requirements.
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.
Full board during your stay: breakfast, lunch package and dinner. Dinner is served in the evening at the camp restaurant.
Services of local guides during the guided components of your experience.
Alcoholic drinks.
You should have a normal level of fitness and health and enjoy the outdoors. Minimum age 18 (16 if accompanied by adult).
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 8 persons in total for tours to be confirmed to run, maximum 16 participants. Groups can also book this experience on other dates by arrangement.
The Midnight Sun shines during the summer months at latitudes north of the Arctic Circle and south of the Antarctic Circle. As the name suggests, at this time of year the sun does not set, but just dips towards the horizon before rising again, giving daylight around the clock - a unique and magical experience!
In Swedish Lapland, it is light 24 hours a day from around mid-May until the end of July. The endless summer days are ideal for outdoor activities, and you are likely to find that your body will want to be active well into the evening!
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.
There are three possibilities for travel to this experience. Local transfers are included:
Ferry from Harwich to Esbjerg (Denmark) for onward train connections to Pajala.
Bushcraft and outdoor cooking for all ages based at an organic farm.
A lakeside tipi holiday for families or adults with optional activities on land and water.
A challenging wilderness canoeing adventure for experienced outdoor enthusiasts.
A true wilderness expedition into the untamed mountains of Sarek National Park.
Sea kayaking and wild camping in a UNESCO World Heritage area.
Choose your own husky for a comfortable winter adventure together in the frozen north.
An extended dog sledding expedition inside the Arctic Circle with your own team of Siberian Huskies<
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