Description
Arctic Wilderness Trek in Lapland
Multiday Arctic Wilderness Trek in Lapland – With Northern lights
Arctic Wilderness Trek in Lapland is a seven day all inclusive off trail expedition into the remote tundra of Northern Finnish Lapland. This is real wilderness trekking far from marked routes and tourist centres.
You carry what you need in your backpack, cross open fells in peak autumn colours and camp in complete silence in the middle of wild nature. Nights are spent in tents under Arctic skies with a strong chance of seeing the Northern Lights in one of Europe’s darkest regions.
Guided by experienced local Finnish wilderness professionals, this trek is designed for those seeking a physically engaging and truly remote Lapland experience.
Key points for Arctic Wilderness Trek in Lapland:
- Excellent chance to see the Northern Lights
- Off-trail hiking in remote wilderness
- Sleeping in tents, carrying your own backpack
- No other people around, no cell phone connection
- Ruska “Autumn foliage”: the most colourful time of year in Lapland
- Pristine nature, wild berries, crystal-clear waters
- Fairly easy hiking distances (5–15 km/day)
- Chance to learn bushcraft skills
- Meeting point at accommodation Ylläsjärvi (35km from Kittilä airport)
- 5 days in the wild, 7 days in total
Daytime trekking. Arctic nights under the Northern Lights.
In the northernmost part of Finnish Lapland, there is nothing but open tundra, rolling fells and complete silence. Maybe some small trees here and there. During autumn, the landscape transforms into vivid shades of yellow, orange and deep red – the season known locally as “ruska” (Autumn foliage).
This five day off trail real wilderness trek takes you deep into the remote Ropitunturi area in northwest Lapland. Area is called Käsivarsi wilderness area. There are no marked trails and just a few infrastructure. We move through untouched terrain carrying our backpacks, guided by experienced wilderness professionals who know the region intimately.
The journey is not about speed or covering extreme distances. It is about immersion. Clear rivers, small mountain lakes and wide open horizons define the landscape. Water can be taken directly from natural streams, and along the way you may find wild berries such as bilberry, cloudberry and lingonberry. If conditions allow, there may even be time for fishing.
As evenings grow darker, we set up camp and settle into the rhythm of Arctic life. With clear skies, the chances of seeing the Northern Lights are high in this region. When the stars appear, the aurora may follow.
The tour includes five nights camping in remote wilderness and comfortable accommodation before and after the trek. All equipment and meals are included.
Multiday Arctic Wilderness Trek in Lapland?
Daily distances range from 5 to 10 km across open tundra and varied terrain. The pace is steady and allows time to absorb the landscape rather than rush through it. Routes and daily plans are adjusted according to weather, terrain and the group’s energy.
You sleep in high quality shared three person trekking tents with warm sleeping bags and insulated air mattresses. There are two persons in one tent but you vacn also ask private tent. Evenings are spent preparing meals together on gas stoves and settling into the quiet rhythm of camp life. Drinking water is taken directly from clean Arctic streams.
Weather in Lapland can shift quickly. Late summer and early autumn may bring crisp frosty mornings, strong winds or surprisingly mild T-shirt temperatures. A detailed equipment list is provided well in advance after booking, and you will have an online briefing with us before departure to ensure you are fully prepared.
During the five day trek, each participant carries their personal gear and shares responsibility for common equipment such as food. All trekking meals, snacks, tents and sleeping equipment are included. You only need to bring your clothing and personal essentials.
Before and after the trek, we spend one comfortable night in quality accommodation. You can leave unnecessary belongings safely behind during the wilderness trek. Solo travellers can ask a private room, while couples usually share twin rooms.
From late August onward, nights are dark enough for the Northern Lights to appear. Mid September offers the most vibrant autumn colours, when the tundra transforms into deep reds, golds and oranges.
Trek itinerary
Day 1. Arrival in Ylläs, hotel or B&B accommodation (nearest airport is Kittilä, Finland, 35 km, nearest trains station Kolari 38 km). Dinner together, safety briefing and gear check.
Day 2. After breakfast transport to the start of hike in Käsivarsi wilderness area, about 3 hours drive. Start of trek, ascending slowly through birch forest up to open tundra. We walk 6-8 km. After dark we concentrate on getting our camera setup right for night-time photography and wait for some green lights in the sky. If there are no clouds, there is always a good possibility to see the Northern Lights. Night in tents, 2 persons/tent.
Day 3. Hiking in wilderness 5-10 km. Exact route depends on the weather conditions and will be decided by our guide. There are no official trails so the route can take us anywhere anywhere through the open wilderness, passing fells and crystal clear lakes. We can stop to eat berries or collect mushrooms, according to your wishes and what we see in nature. Night in tents.
Day 4. Hiking in wilderness approximately 5-10 km. The exact route will be decided by the guide depending on weather conditions. Passing through the beautiful wilderness area of Finnish Lapland in solitude. Chance to see unique wildlife and even bump into reindeer herds! The evening is all about dancing auroras again. Night in tents.
Day 5. Hiking in wilderness approximately 5-10 km along a route decided by the guide. If the weather conditions allow, we can summit Ropi fell for a chance of beautiful views of the area. In the far distance you might even see mountains of Norway and Sweden. Night in tents.
Day 6. Last day of hiking in wilderness. Transport back to Ylläs, about 3 hours drive. Night at a hotel/B&B, dinner together and photo show of the best Bucket List-shots or the Northern Lights! Possibility to enjoy very Finnish Sauna.
Day 7. Breakfast and check out. End of adventure! There are direct busses to Kittilä airport and Kolari Train station from Ylläs.
More about the area:
https://www.nationalparks.fi/kasivarsi
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