Ski adventure in Sarek, Europes last wilderness
Sarek National Park is a place not adapted for tourism, out here we adapt to the conditions of nature. Join us on a skiing adventure in what is known as Europe's last wilderness.
We begin our journey in Ritsem, a place often referred to as Sweden’s longest dead-end road. Whether that’s true or not, we’ll leave unsaid, but even before we set our skis on the snow, the feeling of being deep in the wilderness takes hold.
On a trip like this, it becomes clear what truly matters – the here and now. Everything is stripped down to the essentials: staying warm, dry, and well-fed. We have minimal or no phone coverage, no distractions from social media, only the immediate presence of what we are doing. The mind is still filled with impressions, but they come from the landscape, the weather, and our own bodies.
We must be prepared for shifting weather conditions and temperatures that can range from a few degrees below freezing down to minus thirty-five, though such extremes are rare. Getting accustomed to the cold before departure is a good idea – perhaps by spending a night on the balcony. March days are short, characterized by blue light and glistening snow. At night, the stars stretch out above us, and the chances of seeing the northern lights dance across the sky are high.
Even though countless pulks have been pulled here before us, the landscape still feels untouched and wild. Boulders, ice layers, frost crunching underfoot – the winter mountains constantly offer new details to discover. We cook and take care of our gear inside the tents, sheltered from the wind, while the glow of headlamps and flickering candlelight create a cozy bubble in the night.
After a few days, we settle into the routine. Stepping out into the snow and gliding a bit on our skis to brush our teeth becomes part of the evening ritual. Wrapped in thick down jackets and clumsy mittens, we stand there, looking up, taking in the vastness – a sparkling starry sky, large swirling snowflakes, or the northern lights beginning to sweep gently across the heavens. The warm glow of the tent in the darkness calls us back, but in that very moment, it feels like we are standing on the boundary between the small and the infinite.
Letter from the guide
Sarek is a national park that boasts six of Sweden’s highest mountains and is home to nearly a hundred glaciers. This is an area that we often refer to as Europe’s last wilderness, where the Sámi people have lived and followed the reindeer since ancient times. The national parks are our shared heritage, and they must be cared for in the best possible way for us and future generations. By joining a guide with knowledge of the area, we can reduce our impact by how we travel through the terrain and act in different situations, allowing visitors to continue experiencing and enjoying “untouched” nature.
National Park Day takes place on May 24 every year, launched in 1999, and is a memorial day for these protected areas in Europe and the first national parks in Sweden. The story begins with Yellowstone National Park in the USA, which became the world’s first national park in 1872. On May 24, 1909, Sweden followed as the first country in Europe and established nine national parks, one of which is Sarek National Park.
The designation of “national park” is the highest level of protection an area can receive; it is given only to the finest and most valuable areas. Sarek National Park is named after the mountain Sarektjåhkka, which stands at 2,089 meters above sea level.
Sarek is an area that has not been adapted for tourism, and there are only a handful of Sámi huts and a few bridges in the area. The region is wild and exposed to the weather, and since there are no comforts, no marked trails, only a few boardwalks, and the terrain is partly demanding, it is not recommended to hike here as a beginner without a knowledgeable guide.
Since my application for a guided tour permit has been approved, I am now able to offer you the chance to participate in a unforgettable adventure in one of Sweden’s 30 national parks. Come along and be enchanted by Sarek National Park in winter or autumn attire, with me as your guide!
/ Daniel Vilhelmsson Wesén, wilderness guide
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Departures
Trip facts
| Trip length | 9 days |
|---|---|
| Group size | Min 4, max 8 persons |
| Grading | 1C |
Included in the trip
- Experienced mountain guide, nature and wilderness guide with good local knowledge
- Planning meeting in the Gothenburg area – one night’s stay
- Personal advice regarding equipment, packing and food
- Accommodation one night at STF Saltoluokta. Accommodation in multi-bed rooms. Sheets are included
- Two-course dinner on the day of arrival as well as breakfast and lunch on the day we leave for STF Saltoluokta
- Scooter transport from Saltoluokta to Kebnats
- Common security equipment including satellite communications
Not included
- Journey to Ritsem and return from Saltoluokta
- Personal equipment
- Camping equipment (tents, sleeping bag etc9
- Personlal insurance
- Beverages, foof and snacks
Questions and booking
Do you have questions regarding this trip? Do you want to send us a notification of interest or make a booking?
Contact us on +46 31-707 00 80 or or send an email to info@pathfindertravels.se.
Daily itinerary
day 1. From Bus to Mountains – Our Winter Adventure Begins
We arrive by bus in the early afternoon, and the adventure kicks off in Ritsem. For many of us, the slopes down to the lake mark the season’s first time on skis – perhaps a bit clumsy at first, but before long, we find our rhythm. Moving at a comfortable pace, we ensure the group stays together.
At the lake’s edge, we follow the marked trail across to the opposite shore from Akkhastugorna, where we set up camp. Depending on how quickly we make our way across, we may be pitching tents under the glow of our headlamps, with the Northern Lights possibly adding a magical touch to the scene. It’s a challenging yet exhilarating start, and the moment we finally stretch out and rest is nothing short of rewarding.
Distance ~12 km. Total ascent ~67 m.
day 2. Slow Ascent, Great Rewards
After breakfast and a cup of warming coffee, we point our skis southwest and follow the slopes of Ahkka. We begin with a gentle landscape before making our way up between Ahkka and Siniuyjudis, skiing at a relaxed pace and adjusting our rhythm to the conditions. While it may be a challenge, we approach it with ease and methodically take each step. For the best grip, we use our skins – we typically leave them on for the entire journey. We ski across the lake Sjnjuvtjudisjávrásj and set up camp at the far end.
Distance ~12 km. Total ascent ~290 m.
day 3. Towards New Horizons in Sarek, Nijak Awaits
Today, we continue our journey towards Nijak and further into Ruohtesvágge. We steadily move forward, stopping from time to time to admire the breathtaking landscape. Behind us, Ahkka rises, while Nijak towers ahead. Today, there is still some ascent to tackle, but we proceed at a calm and steady pace. The goal for the day is to pass the reindeer herder’s cabin and then set up our tents further down the valley, by the lake Ruohtesjávrásj.
Distance ~13 km. Total ascent ~238 m.
day 4. From the Reindeer Herder’s Cabin to the Heart of Sarek
Since passing the reindeer herder’s cabin yesterday, we’ve completed the majority of the ascent, and today’s stage will likely be a bit easier. We wake up in Ruohtesvágge and ski downhill towards Skárjástugan – the only emergency hut in the area. We cross over above the ravine and set up our tents a short distance from the hut.
Distance ~13 km. Total ascent ~64 m.
day 5. Towards Bierkikvárásj – Where the Wind Whispers and Ravens Fly
Today, we continue our journey on skis, heading towards Pielastugan, where we aim to maintain a steady elevation for as long as possible. We then climb a little and circle around before skiing down and onto the lake and head towards what I call Raven Mountain. We are now at the Äpharmassivet – an impressive location. Here, we will likely be joined by the ravens that often circle above the area. In a meditative rhythm, we ski north, and as we approach Bierkikvárásj, we look for a good spot to pitch our tents for the night.
Distance ~12 km. Total ascent ~177 m.
day 6. A Safe Path Towards Nienndo and Beyond
We begin the day with a steaming cup of coffee and take in the sparkling winter landscape around us. With our skis pointed north, we follow the edge of the lake and then continue towards Nienndo. The route leads us over and along frozen lakes and streams, where we carefully select a safe and secure path. As the day begins to draw to a close, we set up camp just before the ravine begins. Perhaps tonight we’ll brush our teeth under the dancing northern lights? Our night camp will be somewhere near Sluggájåhkå.
Distance ~13 km. Total ascent ~192 m.
day 7. A Final Night Under the Stars at Pietsjaure
After reaching one of the final heights of the mountain plateau on our journey, we begin to lose elevation. From here, the terrain becomes mostly flat or gently sloping downward. We take frequent breaks, looking back at the mountain landscape we’ve come from before skiing down below the tree line. With Slugga in the distance, we navigate around the ravine, follow the ridges, and cross a smaller lake before reaching a larger lake, which we call Pets. We travel about five kilometers across the lake before pitching our tents for the last time, on a peninsula halfway across the lake.
Distance ~15 km. Total ascent ~158 m.
day 8. From Snow-Covered Vastness to the Comfort of the Mountain Station
Today, we pack up our camp for the last time on this journey. We start the day by skiing across the remaining stretch of Bietsávrresjön – with a bit of luck, we may spot an elk in the distance. We head towards the southeastern part of the lake and join the snowmobile trail that leads us toward Saltoluokta.
After a long stretch of flat terrain, the final challenge awaits: making our way up the last hills. Then, we glide down the other side, where the mountain station awaits. After many days out in the wilderness, a warm shower and perhaps a cold beer by the fire feel incredibly rewarding. We end our journey with a delicious two-course dinner and a night in a real bed – a perfect way to end the journey
Distance ~12 km. Total ascent ~171 m.
day 9. From Mountain Calm to Departure – One Last Moment Together
We begin the day with a shared breakfast before cleaning out our rooms and placing our luggage outside the reception. Depending on our energy levels and the weather, we ski a loop around the surroundings or enjoy some time in the wood-fired sauna by Lake Langas. We wrap up the program with lunch in the main building before crossing the lake in sleds pulled by snowmobiles. After several adventurous and refreshing days in the Swedish mountain world, it’s time to head home.
day 10. Flexibility: Excursion, Camp Life, or Shelter from the Weather
With this extra day, we have the opportunity to go on an excursion without the sled and explore the surrounding area, or seek shelter if the weather turns harsh. We can also choose shorter daily stages to enjoy camp life more.
Good to know
This trip demands a lot from both you and your equipment. Previous experience with winter camping is a requirement, as well as being able to ski 15 km a day and pull your own sled. You will receive help and advice regarding what is needed in your pack well in advance of departure. Ski packages and sledges etc. can be rented through STF Saltoluokta or Laponia Adventures, they are then delivered to STF cottage in Ritsem. If you rent equipment, the recommendation is to arrive at Ritsem a day earlier to make sure that all the equipment has arrived and that it fits and works for you.
For rental see: : Uthyrningsförfrågan Saltoluokta
NOTE, If tents and sleds needs to be rented, this will be done after you have had the information meeting with Daniel. It is important that this is coordinated in the group
PLANNING MEETING IN THE GOTHENBURG AREA
We will have a planning meeting in the Gothenburg area. The exact time and place will be determined as soon as we have enough participants to complete the trip. During the meeting you will get the chance to get to know each other and Daniel will go through everything practical before the trip such as:
- Weather, wind, ice
- Sled vs backpack
- Kitchen, food, fuel
- Build and demolish camp
- Generally about what a day can look like
- Equipment list
- Route and events along the planned route
- Common events
- Safety equipment
- Other things that come up during the meeting
The meeting will be outdoors and we will sleep in a tent one night and do a shorter hike. You will need to bring a tent, sleeping bag, sleeping mat and the things you generally need for sleeping outside, as well as cutlery and a plate/bowl. We have a couple of tents for loan if needed.
Har ni inte möjlighet att delta kommer Daniel gå igenom det viktigaste mer er via ett digitalt möte.
IN Sarek
During a typical day on the trip, we eat breakfast together and go through the day before we start skiing. If the weather permits, we take a longer break in the middle of the day when we enjoy lunch. It is not possible to replenish the food supply during the trip, so we have everything we need from the start. You need to carry/pull your own equipment, food and some of the common equipment. The last night we sleep at STF Saltoluokta and here we sleep indoors. We also have the opportunity to use the sauna and enjoy a two-course dinner in the evening.
You book the journey to and from the start on your own. Your guide Daniel will travel from Gothenburg to Gällivare by train and then bus to Ritsem. There is only one bus per day up to Ritsem. Bus 93 from Gällivare to Ritsem on the way up and Kebnats (Saltoluokta) to Gällivare on the way home. Please consult us regarding transport so we can get all coordinated with Daniel.
The day’s program is to be regarded as preliminary and may change depending on weather and water levels. However, the plan is to carry out the trip according to the program.
