See our activities
The dogs are the heart of everything we do. We always put their welfare first and want to share the joy of activities with our dogs, the nature and life in the north with our guests.
Where the landscape grows quiet
This is a journey through one of Europe’s most open and untouched winter landscapes. Four days with a dog team across the Finnmarksvidda gives you time to truly settle into the rhythm of the dogs, the weather and the surrounding nature. We travel through changing mountain terrain, over open plateaus and quiet valleys, where the sound of the sled and the dogs becomes the measure of the day. The weather can change quickly, from clear, still winter air to wind and snow sweeping across the land — and it is precisely this that makes the experience authentic.
Along the way we stay in mountain lodges, where warm meals await morning and evening. Lunches are eaten outdoors by the fire while the dogs rest nearby. You will drive your own dog team of 4 to 6 dogs and be an active part of the group, helping with grooming and feeding in the mornings and evenings. In the sled you carry your personal gear and what we need during the trip.
This is not just a trip across the Finnmarksvidda — it is four days of living in it.
Day 1:
We meet you at an agreed meeting point in Alta town centre. It is also possible to arrive the day before and stay with us. Here you will be welcomed by the guide who will accompany you for the whole trip, and we will go through all practical details while discussing the days ahead.
In the kennel you will meet the dogs that will be your constant companions for the coming days. You will try the equipment, learn basic sled driving, and gradually get the teams ready. Once the harnesses are on and everything is packed, we are ready to start.
Subject to snow conditions we start directly from the kennel. If not, we drive by car the first section and begin the trip higher up on the mountain. The first kilometres follow the Alta River at a relaxed pace before we slowly begin the climb up onto the Finnmarksvidda.
The landscape changes gradually, from pine forest to the birch belt and then out into open mountain terrain. Along the way we stop to take in the views over the Alta valley and the distant peaks, and to let both people and dogs catch their breath.
We eat a warm lunch outdoors before continuing toward Jotka Mountain Lodge, our first overnight stop. When we arrive, the dogs are always the first priority. Once they are cared for and settled, we can install ourselves and unwind after the first day in the wilderness.
Day 2:
After breakfast and the morning routine with the dogs we are ready for another day on the sled. We head further into the Finnmarksvidda, across bare mountain, along lakes and through birch forest. The landscape opens up, and you will notice how the silence increasingly takes over the further onto the plateau we travel.
Today's stage is in easy terrain, and we cover around 35 km. Along the way we enjoy lunch outdoors by the fire, with the dogs resting nearby.
In the afternoon we arrive at Suosjavri Mountain Lodge, located in the middle of the Finnmarksvidda, in the heart of the reindeer-herding area and the open Arctic landscape that characterises this part of the north.
Day 3:
The morning routines begin to become second nature, and breakfast, feeding and grooming the dogs now goes quickly and efficiently. Today we set course back toward Jotka Mountain Lodge, but weather, trail conditions and your wishes will influence the route along the way.
If conditions are good, there are many opportunities to make more of the day — perhaps a long lunch in the sun at a campsite, ice fishing on a small mountain lake, or an extra round with the sled across the open landscape.
We plan the day together and adapt as we go, so we get the most out of our time on the Finnmarksvidda.
Day 4:
With a certain wistfulness we leave Jotka Mountain Lodge and turn the sleds homeward. At the same time a final day on the sled awaits — a closing where everything has gained a different calm and confidence.
We follow the same route down the slope that we battled up on the first day, but now we glide more easily. The sled finds its rhythm, the dogs know the way home, and the descents along the route bring both excitement and smiles before we cruise across the river ice.
Finally we turn into the kennel, where we are met by happy barking and dogs welcoming us back. The trip concludes with a simple meal as we gather around the fire and share memories from the days on the Finnmarksvidda.
Winter in its most vivid form
Remember that this is a longer trip into Northern Norway. We provide outerwear and equipment suited to the conditions, but we recommend bringing a few personal favourites for extra comfort during your stay. Nature up here can be both wild and unpredictable, and good preparation helps make the experience even better.
Packing list
This is included in the adventure
- Pick-up and return from the meeting point in Alta town centre.
- Equipment in the form of an insulated snow suit and winter boots.
- Thorough introduction to dog sledding before we enter the kennel.
- Homemade meals.
- Mountain lodge accommodation en route.
What you should know before the tour
- Duration: 4 days (3 nights)
- Season: March to April
Not included:
- Flights
- Meals and accommodation before and after the tour, as well as alcohol.
- Special menu requirements, such as vegetarian, are unfortunately not possible on wilderness trips like this.
