The Arctic Trail

A hike through Sápmi

The Arctic Trail is 800 km long and passes through Finland, Sweden and Norway. In the north it starts at Guovdageaidnu in Northern Norway. In the south it ends in Sulidälbmá in Norway and Huhttán/Kvikkjokk in Sweden.

Much of the trail follows other trails, which now have been linked together with new stretches. In Laponia the Arctic Trail coincides with the Badjelánnda Trail between Gisuris and Stáloluokta. It then turns westwards heading for Stáddájåhkkå and Sulidälbmá.

If you hike the whole trail, you pass the border 10 times. There are overnight cabins at about 40 places. In the cabins run by STF, the Swedish Tourist Association and BLT, Badjelánnda Laponia Tourism, you can buy certain provisions in every camp area. Information about what is offered can be found on the STF and BLT websites.

The best time to hike the trail is from the beginning of July to mid-September.

Sights along the way:

Guvtjávrre. The lake is right on the border of the World Heritage Site and is one of the most idyllic summer places in Laponia, overlooked by the Áhkká massif on the horizon. In the winter it is an essential site for the reindeer roundups of Sirges Sámi community. Here you can buy bread and fish from the locals.