DIY Arctic Circle hiking adventure (2 days, 1 night)
Discover unique arctic nature at your own pace on this independent hike from Rovaniemi. Admire the forest, collect berries and sleep under midnight sun while embarking on the most flexible and personal experience.
Quick Info
Type: 3 Seasons Package
Location: Rovaniemi, Finland
Duration: 2 days, 1 night
The program is customizable.
Self-guided tour.
LOCATION
Rovaniemi (Finland)
Nights
Tent (included) OR public wilderness hut
DURATION
2 days & 1 night (can be adapted / extended)
AVAILABLE
May – October
Recommended : June – September
RENT YOUR EQUIPMENT HERE
Contact us if you would like a professional guide for this experience.
DESCRIPTION
Embark on your very own adventure next to Rovaniemi with the help of our equipment! This trip will allow you to discover unique arctic nature at your own pace and in your own style, without having to conform to the needs of the group.
YOUR VERY OWN ADVENTURE
Arctic Circle Hiking Area is located a couple of kilometers north from the city, making it the most accessible hike from Rovaniemi. With the lenght of around 17 km it is a perfect trail for a low to intermediate difficulty level hike. Recommended length is 2 days. The area is located in plain nature, which gives you a chance to discover the famous Finnish forests.
There is plenty of options to plan your independent hike, as there are numerous trails with different lenghts available. We recommend following the marked trail, that you can see on the map in blue. It is about 17 km of lenght, suitable for dividing in parts to do in 2 days. The adventure starts with a hike to one of the laavu, which are traditional Lapish shelters with a fireplace. There are many of them on the way, so you can stop whevener you feel hungry.
We recommend Karhukumpu, Vattunkilampi or Sortovaara for lunch and snack breaks, as they are equiped with a fireplace and a grill you can cook on. In your backpack you will find everything you need to start a fire and firewood will be waiting for you in each of the shelters. Chopping wood, lighting your own fire and cooking yourself a meal are all the part of the experience. It’s one of the locals’ favourite leisure activities!
HOW TO GET THERE
Bus: you can take one of the intercity buses to get near the starting point of the trail. Here you can check the bus schedules and prices, as well as book your ticket. Both the bus stops are called Vikajärvi. Here you can see the bus stop you will arrive to, and here the bus stop for going back.
Taxi: booking a taxi gives you more flexibility with the hours of departure and arrival. We recommend taxi company Menevä. You can book your ride in advance with this online booking form.
Your own car: This means that you are more restricted in the journey itself, as you need to go back to the starting point, where you have parked your car. There are two parkings that you can start from: Vikajärvi and Vaattunki. Here you can find a car rental company in Rovaniemi.
By bus and taxi: You also have the possibility to combine those options, if you want to be more flexible on the departure or the return.
where to sleep
On the map we have included our recommendation of good places to set up a tent: next to the Vaattunkilampi and next to Könkäänsaari
You can choose the one you are the closest to at the end of your day. Instructions for setting the tent together with the safety instructions will be given to you when collecting equipment. Or, if you wish, you can try to sleep in one of the public cabins, such us Niittypirtti or open shelters. No need to worry about mosquitoes – you will find a mosquito net in your backpack too!
TIPS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Public fireplaces with wood, grill, table and benches are available for everybody to use. This means you can use firewood and the tables free of charge. However, you should follow some common sense rules to respect other nature hiking enthusiasts, and nature itself. While you are using the shelter, always welcome new people. The rule ‘I came here first so it’s mine now’ doesn’t apply in Finland. You are expected to share public places with others and treat them with respect. On the other side, this means that if you arrive to an already occupied fireplace, you can feel free to join in!
When using the public hut to sleep, just like with public fireplaces, you should make sure you follow the general recommendations and common sense as well. The official rule is that if you arrive to a hut that is already occupied, people should leave and make place for you, as you are more tired and in need of rest. The same way if you see other people arriving you should leave to let them rest as well. However, it might happen that the cottage is already very full, or you arrive at the same time with somebody else. For your own comfort and to assure your privacy, you are equipped with a tent.
This hike or a part of it can be a great option for a family tour. Lapland’s wilderness is a great place for tightening family bonds and getting to know each other better. The instructions included and informative boards available on the way can make it a great educational tour in a practical way. This option is ideal for families with children from 8 years old. If your child is younger but you still wish to do the trip, please contact us for special recommendations.
forest fire safety
There are three different level of forest fire warnings (yellow, orange and red) and one in grass fire warnings (yellow). They all refer in law to the same thing, that it is forbidden to start open fire. Probability for large and quickly progressive forest fires increase, when it is orange or red warning. Here you can see the 5-day forest fire warnings in Finland. Please check and respect the warning during your tour.
WHAT IS IN YOUR BACKPACK?
To make you ready for your independent hike adventure, we have prepared the right equipment for you. In the backpack you will find everything you will need for the hike. To make sure you have a great experience, we have also included a card game in the 2-persons package so you can spend a great time in the nature! The total weight of the backpack with all the equipment listed is around 5,5 kg, without water. Below you can find a list of all equipment included in the package.
For hiking:
- Backpack (40L)
- Headlamp
- Map with map holder*
- Compass*
For eating and cooking:
- Gas stove (MSR Pocket Rocket)*
- Cooking set including 2 pots and a spork*
- Axe*
- Knife*
- Sausage stick
- Matches*
- Cup
- 1l thermos*
- Water tank
For sleeping:
- Tent (MSR® Hubba Hubba NX – Weight: 1,540 g)*
- Sleeping bag (Marmot Hydrogen 30 – Weight: 0,811 g) with linen
- Matress
- Mosquito net*
Other useful equipment:
- Rope*
- First-aid kit*
- Card game (Uno)*
*these equipments are shared if you book the tour for 2 people
NEED SOME ASSISTANCE?
CONTACT OUR TEAM!
Afraid of not catching the bus on time or simply prefer the comfort of direct transportation? Contact our team about a possibility to arrange private transportation. If you are unsure about seting the tent, using the gas burner or you have any other concerns, don’t hesitate to ask for a short brief session with one of our professionals before the trip – they will gladly answer all your questions in a face-to-face meeting.
If you are tempted by the adventure but prefer to always have help and guidance on hand, you can have a professional guide with you. He will lead you through the experience, sharing stories and explanations, all while cooking delicious meals on the fire. Transportation from and to Rovaniemi is included if you opt for a guide.
RENT YOUR EQUIPMENT
INFORMATION
INCLUDED
Equipment
- All the equipment mentioned
NOT INCLUDED
We recommend that you bring your own
- Waterproof jacket
- Waterproof or outdoor trousers
- Tissues
- Socks + extra pair
- Hiking boots
- Alcoholic desinfection gel
- Snacks and food
- Soap
- Gas bottle
- Sunscreen
PLEASE NOTE
This is a self guided adventure. Please contact us if you wish to be accompanied by a professional guide.
The equipment package proposed includes all equipment that you need for this independent hike.
This tour is suitable for children 8 years old and older. Please contact us if you have younger children.
The equipment is to be collected and returned from/to our office located at Jaakonkatu 4-6 in the city centre of Rovaniemi.
The equipment is to be return in the same state as it have been picked up. In case of any damage, a deposit may be applied.
By booking this package you agree to terms and conditions.
CANCELLATION POLICY
- We will charge a cancellation fee of 20% if booking is cancelled 31 days or more before departure;
- We will charge a cancellation fee of 100% if booking is cancelled 30 days or less before departure.
BOOK YOUR HIKE
HOW TO BOOK
Please send us a booking request. Our team will discuss with you about the different options, check availability for your dates and send you a quote with payment instructions.
PAYMENT
Payment by bank transfer and credit card are accepted.
An immediate 30% deposit payment is required to confirm the booking. Payment of the remaining 70% is required at least one month before departure.
REQUEST A QUOTE!
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