Compare Finnmark Plateau north – south skiing expedition by Turgleder AS vs Northern Norway Explorer by Intrepid Travel
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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4.5 | Great
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| Duration | 17 days | 9 days |
| Price From | $ 4,393 | $ 4,161 |
| Price Per Day | $ 258 | $ 462 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
| Physical Level |
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| Travel Themes |
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| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions | N/A |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
| Activities |
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N/A |
| Meals Included | N/A | N/A |
| Description |
The Finnmark Plateau – the name alone brings to mind images of grand nature and magnificent experiences for many European adventurers. The endless rolling terrain, the Northern Lights and the silence will always make a deep and lasting impression on those who see it. This is the long way across the Finnmark Plateau at the coldest time of the year.
The low temperatures, the changing snow conditions, the few hours of daylight and no other people in sight makes this an Arctic challenge for the true adventurers and explorers. And the reward; images of magnificent untouched nature forever burned into your memory, the indescribable Arctic light, a relaxed mind and the rewarding feeling of having done one of the toughest Arctic challenges available in mainland Scandinavia. |
Enter a world of extremes where night looks like day, day looks like night and regardless of the season, the scenery's more than perfect. Leave the Arctic Circle behind and discover northern Norway's captivating sights and long, fabled history. Begin in the capital, Oslo, and make your way to Trondheim, the Viking city home to the Nidaros Cathedral and the remains of St Olav, Norway's patron saint. Explore the rugged, unbelievably picturesque Lofoten Islands by land and water before finishing in Tromso, a vibrant city famed for its cultural offerings despite its relative isolation. |
Day 1: Arrival day
You arrive at Alta airport where your guide will meet you and take you to a local guesthouse/cabin in the town of Alta. After dinner you will be briefed on the route of the expedition and we will go through your equipment to see and evaluate whether it will be sufficient for the expedition. We will talk through subjects like first aid, safety and how to avoid frost injuries.
Day 2
Day two we will spent preparing for the expedition and taking the first pole strokes on our way to Karasjok. We will put together teams of two or three that will work and stay together in the tents throughout the expedition. We will do our final purchases in the town, test and pack our equipment before we depart for our starting point. On this first day of the expedition we will be skiing only a few kilometres before we set up our camp for the night. This is to give you the best possible start and to give you the opportunity to adapt to the situation and to make adjustments to your equipment. The exact starting point will be desided based on group size and composition, weather forecast, snow conditions and other factors that could influence us on the trip.
Days 3-15
We will be skiing an average of 15 to 20 kilometers per day. Some days this will mean skiing into the dark hours of the day. Our goal is Karasjok and Engholm Husky Lodge where hot showers and a nice meal is waiting. The lanscape will vary from mountainous terrain with steep slopes and narrow vallies by the coast to the typically flat terrain with rooling hills and scattered patches of wood on the inland mountain plateau.
Day 16
Day sixteen is an extra day. We need to have this day as a back-up in the event that we get weather-bound while we are on the plateau or anything unforeseen should happen. If we reach our goal on day 14 or 15 these extra days can be spent exploring Karasjok and Engholm Husky Lodge.
Karasjok is a small town situated in the heartland of the Sámi culture. Here you can visit the Sámi parliament, the Sámi museum and the local knife smith or silver smith. You can also by other traditional Sámi handcraft.
At Engholm Husky lodge there are always many things happening. You can take part in the daily life at the lodge, you can choose to read a book from “the mushers library” or book a dogsledding daytrip or a visit to a reindeer herder.
Day 17
Day seventeen is your departure day. However we would like to encourage you to stay a few extra days to explore Karasjok, the neighbouring town Kautokeino or Engholm Husky Lodge.
Day 1 Oslo
Welcome to Norway, where you’ll discover the irresistible charm and eccentricity of Oslo. With so much to see and do in Oslo, we recommend that you arrive a few days before the trip begins, so you can see as much of the city as possible. Tonight why not seek out some traditional Norwegian fare with the group?
Day 2 Trondheim
Today you'll leave Oslo behind and take the train across the stunning countryside to Trondheim. Trondheim was the first capital of Norway (although some historians would argue that) and remains the city where kings go through their coronation. Its name translates as 'a good place to live', with 'trond' meaning 'a good place' and 'heim' home, and it truly is. The city is situated on the Trondheimsfjord and colourful wooden storehouses flank the Nidelva River that runs through town, while the city's outskirts are surrounded by hilly wilderness. There are some great seafood restaurants in town, so why not venture out with the group for a bite to eat in the evening?
Day 3 Trondheim / Overnight Train
The forested Bymarka awaits you today – a large nature reserve in Trondheim’s west. Take an easy walk around Lianvatnet, a freshwater lake surrounded by grassy slopes and shady paths. Enjoy a picnic lunch by the lake before free time to explore Bymarka further or return to the centre of Trondheim for sightseeing at leisure. An absolute must-see is the Nidaros Cathedral, an immense Gothic cathedral built from 1070 on, which remains the northernmost Gothic structure in Europe. Quite simply, it's incredible. There are several museums to visit including the Archbishop's Palace, which contains the real Crown Jewels, and the Rockheim Museum, providing a history of Norwegian pop music since the 1950s. In the evening walk over to the nearby station for an overnight train to Bodo, departing just before midnight.
Day 4 Lofoten Islands
Wake up just north of the Arctic Circle as we pull into the town of Bodø this morning. There's ample time for you to explore this interesting town until we leave on the afternoon ferry to Svolvaer on the Lofoten Islands. Bodø is a modern city as it was rebuilt after essentially being destroyed by German bombers during WWII. With a dramatic backdrop of rugged ranges, Bodø has the densest population of white-tailed sea eagles in the world, so once you're done exploring why not grab a drink or some food by the quay and take in the vista while these impressive birds circle above (just watch your food). Board the afternoon ferry to the Lofoten Islands. After arriving late in the evening, settle into your comfortable accommodation in the town of Svolvaer.
Day 5 Lofoten Islands
The Lofoten Islands are known for picturesque fishing villages, pristine nature and, of course, the Midnight Sun. This is viking country, and the beauty of the area is unparalleled and near-impossible to convey in words. Svolvaer, one of the main towns on the islands, relies heavily on fishing and an ever-growing tourism industry as it's used as a primary base to explore the other islands. This morning head out on an excursion by RIB (rigid inflatable boat) to the narrow and steep-sided Trollfjord. On this exhilarating trip around the small islands and skerries of the Raftsundet Strait, you'll also get the chance to see sea eagles, it’s a special experience when one circles just a few metres above your head. The afternoon is free to explore as you wish and there are several optional activities for you to choose from. Perhaps enjoy a sea kayaking trip around Svolvaer's picture-perfect harbour (subject to availability) or hike through the dramatic granite peaks jutting out of the ocean.
Day 6 Lofoten Islands
Today, after breakfast, enjoy a hike to Linken peak (105 m above the sea level). This is a picturesque and easy hike (approximately 2 hours) that offers beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and the sea. For those who are up for a further challenge and exercise your leader can additionally take you for Tjeldbergtinden hike to enjoy a spectacular view over the sea and fjords and Svolvær city below. Those feeling less energetic can return to Svolvaer after the Linken Peak hike and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.
Day 7 Tromsø
Depart the Lofoten Islands on a long but scenic travel day to Tromsø. Start with a local bus ride to Harstad, you'll have some free time here so perhaps take your time for lunch or explore the little town. Later on continue by local ferry past stunning scenery, plenty of fjords and even a maelstrom to Tromsø. Located far above the Arctic Circle, Tromsø is northern Norway's major cultural centre thanks to a range of music and arts festivals and an increasing student population courtesy of the University of Tromsø. Enjoy a free evening on arrival in town.
Day 8 Tromsø
This morning, start exploring Tromsø on an e-bike tour and learn about life north of the Arctic Circle. You'll stop at some of the local's favourite city sites like MS Polstjerna, an extremely well-preserved vessel that took part in seal hunting (entry not included), an old farmstead from the 19th century, Prestvannet, the biggest lake on the island and more. Then, explore Tromsø at your leisure. Perhaps learn about the region's fascinating history at the Polar Museum and Tromsø Museum, check out the many art galleries or take a boat cruise in the surrounding waters (the city is actually built on an island). No visit to Tromsø would be complete without a beer at the city's oldest pub, Olhallen, part of the Mack Brewery that is even older than the pub. It was founded by Ludwig Mack, a baker who cared not for the drunkenness of the townsfolk. Mack started brewing beer in 1877 as a less alcoholic alternative to the spirits drunk by most. The brewery is still family-owned and frequented by young and old, traveller and local, student and teacher. Perhaps meet in the evening for an optional final group dinner together.
Day 9 Tromsø
Your trip comes to an end today. There are no activities planned for this final day. If you want to extend your stay in Tromsø we are happy to book additional accommodation for you, subject to availability. Please enquire at the time of booking.
