Arcturus Expeditions

Arctic Norway - Driving Your Own Dogs, 2010

Arctic Norway - Drive your own dogs

Explore the mountains of arctic Norway

The King's Way: Crossing Norway into Sweden

Trips and extensions

A day out with the Sami people
Lofotens and Summer Island

Arctic Norway - Drive your own dogs

Explore Dividalen

Imagine the exhilaration of driving your own team of dogs. You stand on the runners of your sledge whilst the dogs take the strain. They are well-trained, very friendly and need no encouragement to trot all day. One of the delights is to get to know your own dog team and the trails of individual dogs. These expeditions in the mountains and high plateaux of Northern Norway have been organised and led by our Norwegian friends for over 14 years. After a day on the trail we may enjoy a sauna or sit in a hot tub with a chance to see the Northern Lights dance across the cloudless sky before relaxing around a log fire. Your hosts have a fund of stories about life in the north. They are excellent cooks and their menus feature the local products of reindeer and salmon. In early spring the days are rapidly lengthening and the rays of the low sun in the early evening produce some beautiful colours on the snow-covered mountains. Snow and weather conditions permitting, you will make daily dog-sledge trips through beautiful snow-scape in Dividalen before returning each night to your cosy cabin.

Dates	22 - 27 January 2010 09 - 14 March 2010
Price	£1,630 per person
Leader	Local Norwegian leader
Key info	Group size 4 - 6. No previous experience required.

Explore the mountains of Arctic Norway

Dividalen is a true wilderness and is incredibly peaceful at all times. No skidoos are allowed in the area. This expedition combines the extensive exploration of the dramatic scenery of mountains, lakes and high plateaux with the luxury of spending each night in a different mountain hut. Our route will depend on the weather and snow conditions and there will be the opportunity for some exhilarating dogsledging. In the evenings we shall relax in the comfort of the huts, enjoying meals of local produce and discussing the day's journey. As we will be moving from hut to hut each day, some previous experience of dog sledding is required.

Dates	27 February - 6 March 2010 21 - 28 April 2010
Price	£2,170 per person
Leader	Local Norwegian leader
Key info	Group size 4 - 8. Some previous experience required.

The Kings Way: Crossing Norway into Sweden

This dog-sledging expedition takes us along the King's Way from the dramatic high peaks and rock faces of Norway to the vast open plateaux and lakes of Sweden. There will be opportunities for some dog-sledging along frozen rivers and lakes and exploration of the varied countryside around Kiruna. Please note that our journey may involve some camping and long days of sledging. The expedition ends near Jukkasjarvi where there is the Ice Hotel- the largest igloo in the world. It is made from ice from the Torne River and features ice sculptures a cinema and the Absolut Ice Bar entirely carved out of ice. It is possible to organise a night in the Ice Hotel for those who wish.

Dates	28 March - 4 April 2010
Price	£2,175 per person
Key info	Group size 4 - 8. Previous experience required.

Trips and Extensions

We can also arrange short-term visits to Dividalen. The Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) can be seen on clear nights from September to April and you can explore the valley by walking in summer and dog-sledging, skiing and snow-shoeing in winter. You might visit the Sami people in their summer or winter camps. Exploration further afield can be arranged to the Lofoten islands (minimum 2 people, up to five days) where you can visit stone age dwellings, cave paintings and bird colonies (in spring) as well as hike, fish, sail and whale and seal watch. A visit to Tromso (minimum 2 people, 1 day) would include the Polar Museum and the Northern Lights Planetarium or "Polaria". Please contact us for further information and prices.

A day out with the Sami people

We take you by skidoo to visit the Sami (Lapp) people, traditionally a nomadic community, who have farmed reindeer for centuries, following them along their grazing corridors from winter to summer pasture and back again. We will spend the day at their camp where you can see them at work with their animals and enjoy a thrilling ride by reindeer sledge as well as accepting their rich hospitality sampling some of the local delicacies such as reindeer tongue, heart and blood pancake.

Lofotens and Summer Island

The coastal scenery of arctic Norway is just breathtaking and we strongly recommend adding two or three days to your dog sled experience to allow us to show you this extraordinary sea coast. The turquoise waters, idyllic coves and glorious sandy beaches of the Norwegian Sea make a picturesque backdrop to the brightly painted cabins and craggy hillsides which are strewn with berries in autumn and thick with snow in winter. The coastline is dotted with seabirds, ducks, offshore seal colonies and the occasional minke whale.

Summer Island is one and a half hours' drive and the Lofoten Islands are five hours' drive from Skjaerhaugen. Both Islands offer cosy and comfortable cabin accommodation.