I’ve spent more than a decade living in Scandinavia, and Sarek is still the wildest place I know—a roadless, trail-less stretch of Lapland so remote that the only way in is by helicopter or on foot. People here call it “Swedish Alaska,” and once we get at the foot of Ahkkå, you’ll understand why: glacial rivers to wade, unmarked valleys to navigate, and weather that can turn in an hour. Over 15 days, we’ll traverse roughly 230 km (143 mi) of this UNESCO-listed terrain with no fixed route—fully on our own, by reading the weather and the ground together as we go. This is a serious backcountry trip for people who want to test themselves against real wilderness. If you want to see what you’re actually made of, Sarek will show you.
This 15-day expedition takes you deep into Sarek National Park, one of Europe's last roadless wildernesses, often called "Swedish Alaska." We fly in by helicopter to the foot of Ahkkå, then spend around six days pushing south to Aktse, wading glacial rivers and crossing terrain with no marked trail. After a resupply stop, we turn north again, following the Rinim stugan and Bastuvagge route back toward Ritsem for the helicopter out. Nights are spent wild camping, with 3 additional nights in a hostel around the trip's edges. Your guide has spent over a decade living and guiding in Sweden and adjusts the route daily around weather and conditions. Limited to 8 participants, everyone is paired into a buddy team for the full 15 days.
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This is a seriously demanding expedition, and it isn’t for everyone. Over 15 days, you’ll be off-grid with no cell signal, covering wild, unmarked terrain in changeable Arctic weather—think glacial river crossings, days on end with a full pack, and conditions that can shift to snow, wind, and heavy rain even in late August. It asks a lot physically, but just as much mentally: there’s no early exit once the expedition starts, and no way to bail if a day gets hard.
This trip is a good fit if you:
It’s probably not for you if:
Your guide builds this expedition around a small, committed group, capped at 8 people and paired into buddy teams for the full trip, precisely because it depends on everyone pulling their weight. If you’re unsure whether your fitness or experience is where it needs to be, it’s worth a direct conversation with us before booking rather than finding out on day three in Sarek.
In order to join this wilderness trekking tour, excellent fitness is required as well as solid multi-day backpacking experience. This isn’t a trip to learn the basics on. The most you’ll trek within a day is up to 25 km (15 mi), often off-trail and with a full pack. Expect repeated river crossings, rocky ground, heavy packs (25–30 kg/55–66 lbs) and variable Lapland weather. Participants should be comfortable camping remotely and carrying all their own food and gear for extended periods.
Over 15 days, you can expect to cover roughly 230 km (143 mi) on foot. Expect glacial river crossings, unmarked mountain terrain, and full days carrying an expedition pack, in weather that can include snow, wind, storms, and rain even in late August. Training in the months before departure is strongly recommended, and there’s no early exit once the expedition begins—everyone commits to all 15 days.
Days are physically full and mentally demanding, and there’s no fixed daily plan — your guide adjusts the route around weather and terrain, so flexibility is part of the experience from day one. Expect long stretches of off-trail hiking, glacial river crossings, and full days carrying an expedition pack, with no cell signal for the entire 15 days.
Alongside the trekking itself, your guide teaches hands-on backcountry skills throughout the expedition:
You’ll be paired with a buddy for the whole trip, so these skills get practiced together rather than solo. Only participants who complete the full 15 days receive the official completion certificate.
That’s a second situational item, this one covering the learning/expectations angle. It’d sit naturally right after the “Is this tour for me?” item, before “How fit do I need to be?” — let me know if you want it placed elsewhere or folded into the fitness item instead.
Gear:
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Dress for variable weather—layering is essential, and cotton should be avoided.
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Group sizes and pricing:
Sweden wilderness tours can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.
Min. age requirements:
If your group has participants under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
The starting point of your trekking adventure is Swedish Lapland (exact town confirmed upon booking). To get there, most people fly into Luleå Airport (LLA) or Kiruna Airport (KRN). From there, you can take a shuttle service, public transport, or rent a car to reach the starting town. You will meet your guide at the designated hostel and time will be confirmed prior to departure.
Covering all your bases with insurance is mandatory. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, you’ll be offered to simply insure your trip with Redpoint at checkout.
Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner—tailors protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations! Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.
Secure your spot with a 30% deposit upon booking! The remaining 70% of the trip price must be paid 90 days prior to departure at the latest. If booking within 90 days of departure, the full amount is required at the time of booking.
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Incredible experience, Viktor is a hero