Join us on an epic 8-day, 248-kilometer e-mtb bike safari that follows the old Copenhagen-Alta postal route starting in Levi and continuing through Western Lapland all the way to the Arctic Ocean coast to Alta, Norway.
What can you expect from this adventure?
Partly physically demanding and technical trails and constantly changing ancient landscapes in Lapland's arctic nature. The most beautiful fell and mountain landscapes of Finnish and Norwegian Lapland, combined with crystal clear water bodies, rivers and streams. Pedal while breathing the cleanest air in the world and let the infinite silence and tranquility soothe your mind.
At the end of each day, you stay in quality accommodation, where you can rest, recharge and prepare for the next day's cycling well and calmly.
Enjoy the speed of an e-mtb bike with only a light daypack on your back - including at least a change of clothes, a snack, water and a field maintenance kit. The rest of the equipment is transported by our support truck to our rest and accommodation places.
Go on an adventure and cycle through mountain ranges that were formed even billions of years ago. Experience the beauty of the last wilderness in Western Europe and come experience something unique - arctic nature, listen to local stories, history and culture.
Let our professional and reliable guides lead you to the depths of this incredible experience so that you can only enjoy and fully surrender to this experience.
The price includes all meals (breakfasts, snacks during the trip, lunches and dinners).
The route goes through Finland's two largest ski resorts, Levi and Ylläs, all the way to the most stunning fells of the Pallas–Yllästunturi National Park. Our journey continues through the wonderful sand dunes of the Pöyrisjärvi wilderness all the way to the highlands of Finnmark.
We pedal along Lapland's best and most scenic single and double tracks, immersing ourselves in the arctic wilderness and getting to know the historical culture at the same time. All this together forms an amazing and memorable adventure for the whole week, which you will remember for the rest of your life.
Partly physically and technically demanding cycling is rewarded with daily changing arctic nature and glimpses of traditional culture.
Arrival by plane to Rovaniemi or Kittilä airport and transport to accommodation in Levi. Alternatively, you can come to Levi on your own, for example sustainably by train to Kolar or Rovaniemi.
On the first day, a spectacular arrival ceremony is organized in Levi, where we go through the entire week's program: schedules, routes, safety aspects, staff and other important matters.
All the necessary practical preparations are also done on the same day. You get your own bike; you can make the necessary adjustments to it and pack your daypack ready for the first day. The day's official program culminates in a delicious dinner at a local restaurant.
The first day's journey begins in a relaxed way, when we cycle the first third on easy forest gravel trails and cross-country ski boots in the vicinity of Pyhä and Kätkätunturi. After arriving at Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park, untouched landscapes around Pyhäjärvi await us, where the route becomes challenging. The journey in the direction of Ylläs turns into a wider gravel path, passing one of Ylläs' oldest ski cafes, Kotamaja, on the way. Finally, a steep climb awaits us to conquer the top of Kukastunturi, but the scenery rewards the effort.
Accommodation takes place in an atmospheric and traditional Lapland accommodation, where we enjoy together the refreshing warmth of the sauna and sauna, as well as a delicious dinner.
Duration: 3-6 hours
Length: 51 km
Difficulty level: Moderate
Day 2 offers a mix of single and double track as well as fast gravel and paved roads. After the first day, this feels quite easy. We start the day with a small detour along the single track to the old place of worship of the Sámi people, Seitakivi. The route continues in the embrace of wonderful fells along single and double-track and gravel road, all the way to Äkäsjärvi, known for its fishing and kayaking opportunities. The rest of the route is a fast paved road that eventually leads to our accommodation for the day at the shore of the historically famous Lake Jerisjärvi. In the evening, we get to enjoy the wonderful baths of the arctic sauna world, where you can relax in various traditional saunas and refresh yourself in the lake.
In the evening, we go by car to be the guests of an authentic Lapland shaman, where we hear stories about the land, the aurora borealis and nature. The evening is crowned by a ritual performed by a shaman, after which we enjoy a dinner made from local ingredients in the shaman's home.
Duration: 3-6 hours
Length: 37 km
Difficulty level: Moderate
In the morning we enjoy a nutritious breakfast and prepare dinner before heading towards Pallastuntur. Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park is best known for its wonderful mountain bike and hiking trails and free skiing opportunities in winter. The cycling adventure begins with a climb to the top of the magnificent Mustavaara, offering breathtaking views of the Pallas mountain range. We make a small visit at the foot of the measuring station, where the world's cleanest air is bottled.
After that, we head for 7 km of paved road towards Hotel Palla. A small snack break and a short rest period lead us towards the next stage of the adventure: climbing the highest fells in the country and towards Pallans Taivaskero, the highest peak. The first ascent is on a flat, non-technical, but steep section of dirt road that becomes more challenging over the fell.
A technical seven-kilometer transition among cobblestones, the 100% is rideable with good mountain biking skills, but without the necessary skills, it turns into mostly bike-carrying. Fortunately, this effort is rewarded with some of the best views in the country.
After the technical section, we get to enjoy the fast and wide downhill down to the valley, Vuontisjärvi, from where we drive a short distance to our accommodation for the next night.
Length: 31 km
Difficulty level: Moderate
Although Day 4 looks easy and short on paper, it offers mostly slow progress over physically and technically demanding terrain.
After a short journey by car, we arrive at the shore of the wonderfully beautiful tuntur lake, Hietajärvi. From there we head towards the treeless highlands. When we are in the highlands and we look south, Pallastunturi opens up in all its glory. The route leading to the highlands is initially a wide and easy double track, which slowly turns into a more challenging single track.
Our next challenge is to conquer the peak of Pyhäkero (771m). The task is not easy, but the scenery is worth it. The route is 100% rideable with good mountain biking skills and good condition, but for most it does include occasional moments of carrying the bike. The landscapes open up and you can admire the most beautiful fells of Lapland in all their splendor.
After you've enjoyed the wonderful scenery, you'll make the long descents and find yourself on the shore of the lake. On the other side you can see the small and traditional village of Heta. We cross the lake by boat and stay in the church village for the night. A sauna, a delicious dinner and a peaceful night's sleep await you at the inn.
Duration: 3-6 hours
Length: 26 km
Difficulty level: Moderate - Difficult
The day starts with a hearty breakfast and a short drive to the charming Sámi village of Näkkälä, where 40 permanent residents live. The village lives mainly from reindeer husbandry and other natural activities, such as fishing and grouse trapping. After unloading the car, we head north along the smooth and effortless double track, admiring the wonderful desert landscape that has been shaped by the previous ice ages.
The Pöyrisjärvi wilderness area opens up in front of us, offering a unique mountain biking experience with its sand ridges, small fell ponds and the beauty of the Arctic wilderness - an experience that is unparalleled in Finnish landscapes. After about 10 kilometers, we reach the shore of the wonderful Pöyrisjärvi, after which we cross the border between Finland and Norway.
The old postal road continues as a double track all the way to Sihccajavre, where a small mountain inn is located on the Norwegian side. They offer accommodation and sauna services to passers-by, but our place to stay is waiting elsewhere. We continue on an easy double track for another 12 kilometers until our friendly service driver and van arrive to greet us. Kautokeino calls a place for the night. The bikes are loaded into the trailer and we head to our well-deserved lodging to enjoy dinner.
Duration: 3-6 hours
Length: 32 km
Difficulty level: Moderate
Our day starts with a 45-minute drive to the Sami village of 350 people, Masi. We start next to the Masi river and the first kilometer is a steep slope to the top of the hill. Right from the top of the hill, cycling becomes a great adventure. The undulating single tracks offer a perfect downhill experience, although in some places they are a bit technical and rugged. However, on a decent full-suspension mountain bike, these descents are pure joy.
During the day, there are more downs than ups and you can feel it in your feet. The landscapes open up to distant fells, Norwegian mountains and wilderness ponds. There are a few occasional stream crossings along the route that will bring a nice cooling effect to your feet.
The last section to Jotkaa is on the most used road in the highlands, making it rocky, but still comfortable to drive as long as you keep a good pace.
Although slightly out of the way, Jotka Fjellstue offers fantastic food, beer and wine, as well as a great Norwegian breakfast with their own cold-smoked arctic salmon from the neighboring lake. In addition, a sauna awaits you in the wonderful Norwegian mountain scenery, far from the rest of civilization. Staying in an old but well-maintained fjellstue building, which was built on the order of the Norwegian king to support the travelers of the postal route, brings a special meaning to the sixth day's adventure.
Duration: 3-6 hours
Length: 44 km
Day seven. At the start of our last day of driving, we wake up in a wilderness cabin surrounded by incredibly beautiful Norwegian landscapes with lakes, rivers and mountains.
First, the fresh waters of Stuorajávr open before us, and when we pass the lake, one of the most challenging climbs of our trip begins. After conquering the heights, we are rewarded with wonderful Norwegian mountain landscapes: Norway's snow-capped mountains can be seen in the south, and in the north a view opens up to the lake and the Arctic Ocean. After the challenging ascent, we get to enjoy the fast descents that take us to the old mining area. From there, it's only a few kilometers to the finish line and the place to spend the night.
Duration: 3-6 hours
Length: 42 km
Difficulty level: Moderate
Return back. When you wake up in Norway, you will feel a seven-day bike tour in your legs. Now it's time to enjoy the delicious buffet breakfast you deserve. Let's go over a small summary of our trip together after breakfast. Our car will take you back to either Rovaniemi or Kittilä airport for your flight, or alternatively you can fly home from Alta airport.
3490 eur / person
separate additional fee for a 1hh room
The price includes accommodation in a room for 2 or more people at the end of each day, all meals, guide services, transportation during the excursion and the program described above.
When:
Excursion payment:
490 eur / registration fee. Payment is made at the time of registration from the link next to it.
3000 eur / final payment of the excursion by 15 May 2024.
Cancellation terms:
before 31 May 2024, 50% of the registration fee will be returned
From 1 to 30 June 2024, the final payment of 3,000 euros will be returned
1.7. – 11 August 2024, payments will not be refunded. We recommend taking out travel insurance, in case of a possible illness or other obstacle.
POLAR STAR TRAVEL
Torikuja 10 A
99130 Levi
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