Self-Supported Sarek Summer Crossing:
The Crossing Highlights
COST : £2495
DAYS: 9
LEVEL: 1
Over 135 km - A full north-west to south-east crossing of Sarek National Park on foot, travelling entirely off-trail through high alpine terrain.
Unmarked terrain & real navigation
No waymarked paths inside the park. Travel across tundra, rocky slopes, dense valleys, and unbridged rivers using map and terrain.
Wild camping throughout
Every night spent in tents, choosing camps based on weather, ground conditions, and river systems.
Fully self-supported journey
All food, camping equipment, and personal kit carried from start to finish, with access via public transport and boat crossings.
Rapadalen valley traverse
A descent into one of Scandinavia’s most striking river valleys, with braided rivers, lush vegetation, and wide open views.
Remote wildlife landscape
Reindeer are common, with the possibility of seeing moose, wolverine, lynx, or bear at distance.
Below is the map of our route through the mountains
Self-Supported Sarek National Park Crossing (Summer) Itinerary
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Day 1 – Travel to Northern Sweden
International flights arrive into Gällivare or Kiruna.
If flying into Kiruna, you will need to:
Take a bus from the airport into Kiruna town
Transfer by train from Kiruna to Gällivare
There are early morning train services, so this transfer can, if needed, be completed at the start of Day 2, provided you arrive at Gällivare station by 07:30. Departure into the mountains is scheduled for 09:00.
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We meet at Gällivare station at 07:30 for final equipment checks and last-minute logistics.
Departure towards the mountains is scheduled for 09:00.We travel north to the trailhead at Ritsem, where we take a short boat crossing across the lake. From the far shore we begin walking.
The day follows established trail for the initial section, allowing the group to settle into movement and pack weight. Our aim is to cover around 15 km, reaching the point where we leave the marked path and step fully off-trail into Sarek’s backcountry.
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Over these days we move through the interior of Sarek National Park, travelling entirely off-trail. Progress is dictated by terrain, weather, and river levels. We cross unbridged rivers, camp beside lakes and riverbanks, and make use of boats where required to row across lakes and continue our journey south towards Aktse.
This is sustained, expedition-style travel. Daily distances vary, and route choices are made carefully, often threading between large hanging valleys with glaciers high above us(aim for around 20km per day). It is entirely possible that we do not encounter anyone else during this section of the crossing.
Sarek is one of Sweden’s oldest national parks and the first of its kind in Europe. It is a high alpine landscape, with peaks rising to almost 2,000 metres and close to 100 glaciers. Wildlife is present throughout the park. Reindeer are commonly seen, and there is the possibility of spotting moose, wolverine, lynx, or bear at distance.
The route continues from north-west to south-east, covering a total distance of approximately 120 km. Much of the travel is across open tundra surrounded by high mountains, before a marked change in character as we descend into Rapadalen — a deep, broad valley with dense vegetation and braided river systems.
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We arrive at Saltoluokta Fjällstation, marking the end of the crossing. From here we take a short boat crossing to Kebnats, followed by the 15:25 bus back to Gällivare.
That evening we stay in Gällivare for a final night, with time to eat together and mark the end of the journey before onward travel home the following day.
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After breakfast in Gällivare, onward travel begins. Departures are by train or flight via Gällivare or Kiruna, depending on individual travel arrangements.
With the crossing complete and equipment packed away, this is a straightforward travel day, marking the transition from expedition routine back to everyday movement.
The detail
Cost per place on the expedition: £2495
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Accommodation – 2 night hotel, 6 nights in tents
All in-country transfers, Excluding airport transfers
Meals – 8 breakfasts, 7 lunches and 6 evening meals
Mountain tents, stoves and pans
Expedition food and fuel
Medical safety equipment and supplies
Expedition team leader
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Travel to and from departure airport/Into Gällivare centre.
International flights and taxes
Personal equipment
Travel insurance
Drinks, snacks and personal spending (meals not stated in the inclusions section)
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You should already be comfortable:
Carrying a heavy backpack for multiple consecutive days
Walking on rough, uneven ground with no path
Living in a tent for over a week
The tundra itself is often straightforward, but sections of the route are slow, physical, and demanding. River crossings and vegetation can significantly affect daily distances.
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For the most part of this trek, we will sleep in wild camps in the park. We will be equipped with mountain tents, which are the standard for trekking expeditions due to their durability, wind stability and low weight. The tents will be shared by two people.
On the first/last night, we stay at a hotel in Gällivare just opposite to the bus station. It has an excellent restaurant and bar onsite.
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We will have a substantial breakfast to start the day. Lunches consist of individual ration packs with picnic style foods and high energy foods. Evening meals during the trekking phase will consist of expedition food, which each of us will prepare on their liquid stove.
Please bring with you extra snacks for during the day if required.
If you have food allergies or intolerances, please inform us in your Booking Form. We will aim to cater to your needs, but it is advisable to also bring your own supplies from home.
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This is an unsupported crossing – for the duration of the trip, you will carry a rucksack, containing all of your equipment. Expect to carry between 15-20kgs at the start of the expedition.
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All our UK leaders hold first aid certificates and carry a fully equipped first aid kit for emergencies. We recommend that you carry a personal First Aid kit and hand sanitizers / antibacterial wipes as well as any personal medical requirements.
When selecting your trip please carefully read the information and itinerary and assess your ability to cope with our style of travel. Please refer to the trek rating for trip specific information. If you have any concerns, please contact us before booking. Nordur reserves the right to exclude any traveller from all or part of a trip without refund if in the reasonable opinion of your guide they are unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to yourself and/or the rest of the group.
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Visas for entry into Norway are not required by nationals of the UK, Ireland and most EU countries. Contact your local embassy, or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements. It is your responsibility to have the correct travel documentation.
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The local currency is Swedish Kroner (SEK). We advise you to take a small amount of local currency with you as there may not be time to obtain currency from banks. Although from our experience nearly all places accept cards these days.
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Please scroll down and you will see the dates :)
Notes from the Director
Sarek has been important to me since my first journey through the area nearly fifteen years ago. It’s a landscape that stays with you. Not just because of its scale, but because of how it has been moved through for generations. As you walk, you’re often following the same broad lines used by Sámi reindeer herders, and there’s a quiet sense of continuity in that.
Summer brings a short, intense contrast. The tundra colours are at their strongest, set against old snow and the white of the glaciers. Rivers run clear and cold, and moments like looking down into Rapadalen never really lose their impact, no matter how many times you return.
What I value most is the rhythm of living out of a tent for days at a time. Waking up, packing down, moving, and settling again. Carrying what you need, choosing where to camp, and being fully immersed in the landscape. That nomadic style of travel is what these crossings are about, and it’s why I keep coming back.
I’m looking forward to sharing this route with you.
Ready for your crossing of Sarek? Reserve your space on our next expedition below.
But don’t take our word for it have a look below at the media reel that shows you some of the highlights on offer during the week.
Self-Supported Sarek National Park Crossing (Summer) Photo Gallery
Available trip departures
July 18th - July 16th 2026 - Spaces Available
Expedition Safety
Your Safety is Our Top Priority on Every Trip
At Nordur, the safety and well-being of our adventurers are our top priority. We are dedicated to providing a thrilling and immersive journey across the Hardangervidda, while ensuring a secure and well-managed experience.
Our experienced guides are highly skilled in winter navigation, emergency first aid, and risk management. With extensive knowledge of the Hardangervidda’s terrain and ever-changing weather patterns, they are equipped to make informed decisions in real-time, ensuring your safety throughout the expedition.
Prior to the UK-based training course, you will be supplied with a comprehensive equipment list. The training course is not only a chance to learn essential safety protocols, route details, and emergency procedures, but also an opportunity to get hands-on experience with all the gear. You'll practice setting up tents, managing your pulk, and handling night-time routines like stove management. It’s also a great time to meet your guide team and fellow adventurers. Jamie is always available to answer any questions about equipment over the phone or by email, ensuring you’re fully prepared.
Due to the environment we are operating in, only the best group equipment is provided. This includes Hilleberg Keron 3GT tents, Snow Sled pulk systems, and, of course, the essential winter expedition gear:Snow shovel and probes. Emergency equipment we carry is first aid kits, personal locator beacons (PLB), InReach device, and a satellite phone for reliable communication.
If you're ready for this kind of adventure. We’ll work with you to make sure you’re prepared and confident to take on the challenges of the Hardangervidda.
Giving You Unmatched Expertise and Personalisation on Your Trip
Why Choose Nordur for Your Scottish Highland Adventure
Local knowledge
Nordur stands apart in the world of adventure travel with its deep-rooted local expertise. Led by our founder, Jamie, a seasoned guide with over 17 years experience, and is not only a local but a huge enthusiast of the Scottish wilderness, Nordur offers an authentic experience that larger, outsourced tours simply cannot match. We know every hidden trail and secret spot that makes Scotland unique, offering you a richer, more immersive experience.
Sustainability and Respect
At Nordur, we are deeply committed to preserving the stunning landscapes we explore. We practice Leave No Trace principles and engage in efforts to maintain the natural beauty and integrity of the Scottish wilderness. Choosing Nordur means supporting eco-friendly tourism and contributing to the conservation of these magnificent areas for future generations.
Tailored Adventures
Each expedition is carefully crafted to match the desires and abilities of our guests. Nordur specialises in creating personalised experiences that cater to your interests, whether you're seeking thrilling mountain ascents or serene moments by secluded lochs. Our small group sizes ensure that your journey is attentive and responsive to your pace and preferences.
All-Inclusive Expeditions
From high-quality camping gear to expert navigation and safety equipment, everything you need for your journey is provided. Our packrafts are state-of-the-art and we provide you with full training, ensuring that you can navigate the lochs with ease and safety. With Nordur, you can focus fully on your adventure, knowing that all logistical details are expertly handled.
Choosing Nordur means embarking on an expedition where every detail is designed to offer a profound connection with Scotland's natural wonders and cultural heritage. It’s more than just a trek —it’s an expedition into the heart of the wild, guided by those who call it home.
Join us for an unforgettable adventure that pushes your limits and takes you beyond the ordinary, into the extraordinary landscapes of the Scottish Highlands.
Ready for an adventure?
When you come on an expedition with Nordur, it’s not just a trip; it’s a pivotal life experience.
Spaces are limited to maintain the quality and intimacy of the expedition. Reserve your place on this extraordinary adventure today and discover why Nordur's Fannichs and Fisherfield expedition is the ultimate Scottish highland adventure.
Not sure this adventure is right for you? Contact us to discuss our LITE version of this trip.
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