Distance and terrain

We will walk 15-20 kilometers per day in terrain with moderate differences in altitude. You need to be prepared to carry out several river crossings as well as to also hike in very rocky terrain. 

Preparation and packing

This trip demands a lot of both you and your equipment. You will receive help and advice on what potentially needs to be bought, rented or borrowed through FaceTime, mail and cellphone – contact me with what you lack and we will take a look at it. Exercise with a 20-25 kg backpack at home well in advance for a good experience. Before departure, we ensure everything is controlled and optimised so that you get a good and safe experience. 

Food and accommodation

On a typical day, we eat breakfast together and prepare for the day to come before we hike further. If weather allow it we have a longer break in the middle of the day and enjoy our lunch outside. As it is not possible to stock up during the journey, we have everything with us from the beginning and carry it with us throughout the journey.

During our hike in Sarek, we live two and two in tents. You need to carry your own equipment and food as well as parts of the shared equipment.

On the last day we arrive at STF Saltoluokta where we will sleep indoors for one night before our departure. We will enjoy the sauna (corona-dependent) and eat a 3 course menu during the evening!

Gear needed

A detailed equipment list for you to consider will be sent to you upon contact. This equipment list is meant to help you compile your personal gear. Most items are required. Please consider each item carefully and be sure you understand the function of each piece of equipment before you substitute or delete items. Don’t cut corners on the quality of your gear.

Adventure itinerary

Day 1 – The first day we go from Ritsem by boat across Lake Ahkkajaure to Änomjálmme. The boat is adapted to the bus (arriving 17:55 & leaving by boat 18:00) so we don’t have a lot of time in Ritsem before going further. The backpacks have to be ready for adventure already when getting here. On the other side we walk for 2 km before passing STF Akka (cabin). To the east of the cottage is the mountain Áhkká, called the Queen of Lapland. We will walk for for another 2-3 km and pitch our tents with a view of the river Vuojatädno in front of us.

Heads up! Depending on the day of departure and the boat timetable, we may stay one night in Ritsem and take the boat the following morning at 8.00. In that case, we have a gathering and pitch our tent together in Ritsem. We talk a little about our expectations and the days to come. In this case, we take Day 1 and 2 of the itinerary during the same day.

Day 2 – We continue to follow the summer trail towards Gisuris cabins. We slowly adapt to the weather, the backpack and being outdoors for a longer period of time. We stay for a while in between the cable bridges when getting there. Here we can read about the three park meeting, a place where the three national parks Sarek, Stora Sjöfallet and Padjelanta meet. After our break we continue walking southeast along the river and pitch our evening camp directly south of Sjnjuvtjudis (peak).

Day 3 – Today we walk on and off small trails all day. We walk into the valley in between Gisuris and Nijak. We walk uphill until we pass the old reindeer herder’s cottage and slowly it starts to go downward again. Here the water also change direction and flows with us instead of towards us. We pitch our tent on the south side of a lake called Routesjávrásj. If we have energy left and the weather is good we have the possibility to walk up on a nearby peak.

Day 4 – We continue to walk in Ruohtesvágge towards Skarja cabin (a small emergency shelter with phone) Usually this stretch reminds me of Sound of Music scenery. We pitch our tent near the creek Máhtumågåsj looking out over the landscape.

Day 5 – Today we have some more elevation to do and its a little bit tricky. We start our day with an easy walk up to Bielavárásj for a great view and perhaps some coffee. It’s usually a little bit windy up here but worth it. From here we walk south and then east up to Snávvájávrre (lake) were we pitch our tents once more. A tricky small trail goes up and over the hill towards the lake and perhaps this part is the most tricky one during the whole journey.

Day 6 – Before going down into Rapadalen valley we take a break for a wonderful scenic view over the valley. We leave our backpacks on the trail and walk counter clockwise around a small lake before taking some elevation. Here we stay for a group photo and to take it all in.  For the rest of the day we’re walking in the valley and sleep somewhere in between Alep and Lulep Vássjájågåsj.

Day 7 – We continue walking in the valley surrounded by forest going around Lulep Spadnek. We then follow one of the creeks upwards until we can walk around a peak named 1081 (height) on the map south of Suorkitjåhkkå. We pitch our tents with again a  great view of the surroundings. We can se Nammatj (gate keeper of Sarek from the south).

Day 8 – We start off by taking it really slow and walk from rock to rock until we’ve safely passed the fields of rocks. We cross over the open landscape and if the weather is okey we walk up to the peak of Skierfe. We take a break here before we connect to Kungsleden which takes us up north to a lake that we row across or if the weather is bad hire a boat to ferry us over. When safely in STF Sitojaure (cabins) we walk up above the tree line and pitch our tent for the last time.

Day 9 – Today we walk the last stretch along Kungsleden trail to Saltoluokta mountain station. Somewhere along the trail we stop to have a small gathering about the experience before finishing. For those who want we finish our adventure at Saltoluokta mountain station with a three course menu, a proper bed and a shower before leaving for home the following day.

Day 10 – Having breakfast, preparing for the journey home and finally take the boat over to Kebnats.

Getting there

I will travel by train from Gothenburg to Gällivare and then bus to Ritsem. I will book my whole trip through sj.se. That way I will get a +(plus) ticket meaning that SJ will help me getting there if we miss any connections along the way. There is only one or two daily busses going up to Ritsem. (Bus 93 from Gällivare to Ritsem on our way up and then Kebnats (Saltoluokta) to Gällivare on our way home.)

Language

Primarily in Swedish but can also be held in English.

Allergies/Medical

Please let me know if you have any allergies or medical needs when booking.

Insurance

I recommend that you check your insurance so that it applies to this type of activity.

Weather

In September, the weather varies a lot. With autumn the air will be slightly cooler and the nature will change color to red, yellow and orange. The mountain peaks turn white and even down in the valley there can be snow spray. The grouse are starting to get their first white feathers. The hiker usually gets nice weather, but expect cold nights. 7-2 degrees Celsius average day temperature. We can also get strong winds, gray days and possibly a lot of rain.

Includes

• Experienced guide with local knowledge
• Tips and tricks along the way
• Educational lessons along the way
• Accommodation at Saltoluokta
• Three course menu and breakfast at delicious STF Saltoluokta restaurant
• Boat trips (Ritsem & Kebnats)
• A deeper understanding about my “Art of Walking” mindset.
• Satellite phone for weather and alarms (guide)
• First aid kit (guide)
• All images taken by me
• Place in tent

Excludes

• Travel to Ritsem & home from Saltoluokta
• Personal travel & medical insurance
• Food and snacks
• Alcohol and other drinks
• Personal spending – souvenirs etc

Reservations

We may need to adapt the route and program to current weather conditions and water levels.