9 Day Hiking Adventure in Swedish Lapland
A Trekking Adventure Through Sápmi: Exploring Sarek National Park
A demanding trekking journey in the far north of Sweden. You may know this stunning region as Lapland, but to the indigenous population, it’s known as Sápmi – a land full of rich culture and tradition. Embark on an unforgettable adventure through the breathtaking Sarek National Park, where rugged landscapes, pristine wilderness, and the wild spirit of nature captivate the heart and soul.
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Highlights
- Unforgettable adventures in one of Europe’s wildest regions
- Helicopter flight over the national park
- 7 days of hiking with overnight camping through mostly pathless terrain
- Small group with a max. of 6 participants
- Hikes through vast valleys and pristine nature
- Exploring the wilderness of Sarek National Park
- Experiencing the culture and traditions of the Indigenous Sápmi people
- A true nature experience far from civilization
Skill level
- Intermediate
Accommodation
From cabin comfort to wilderness camping
The journey begins and ends with a stay in a cozy hut in Luleå, conveniently located near the airport. This comfortable setting provides a space to rest, prepare for the trek, and recover after returning from the wilderness.
During the expedition, accommodation takes the form of full immersion in nature—nights are spent in tents, far from roads, buildings, or artificial light. Each campsite is unique: sometimes nestled at the edge of a forest, beside a crystal-clear river, or high in the mountains with expansive views.
Camping in Sarek is more than sleeping outdoors; it is about experiencing the wind, listening to rivers, and waking to the raw beauty of untouched nature. It offers simplicity, presence, and a deep sense of connection to the landscape.
Each day brings a new setting, as participants carry their shelter and establish camp where nature welcomes them next.
Program
The Tour
Discover Sarek National Park, a unique nature reserve that is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Laponia and one of the last (almost) untouched national parks in Europe.
In this pristine wilderness, you won’t find the usual infrastructure typical of hiking areas. Instead, you’ll traverse the mountain landscape through pathless terrain with the guidance of an experienced local guide, exploring dense forests and seemingly endless river landscapes. In a small group of no more than six participants, you will become part of the surroundings, learning to move through the landscape with respect and caution with every step.
This is a truly unique adventure where everything you need is carried on your back. The motto is: take only what is absolutely necessary! Experience the challenge and freedom of reducing gear to the absolute minimum.
The journey begins spectacularly with a helicopter flight into the heart of the national park, dropping everyone straight into the wilderness. From above, you’ll get a sense of the vast expanse and breathtaking scenery—and from there, it’s up to you to walk back to civilization using only your own strength and skills, all under the guidance of an experienced outdoor guide.
Day 1: Arrival (Saturday)
Upon arrival at Luleå Airport, you will be picked up and transferred to a nearby cabin village, just a 5-minute drive away. The evening is spent meeting fellow participants and finalizing preparations for the adventure. A shared dinner in the cozy accommodation allows everyone to relax and get to know each other before heading into the wild.
Day 2: Transfer and first hike (Sunday)
The group departs Luleå early and travels to Jokkmokk (approx. 2 hours). A brief stop at the Sami Museum offers insights into the culture of the indigenous Sámi people. After coffee, the drive continues to Kvikkjokk, the hike’s starting point. Extra luggage is stored, and a helicopter flight takes the group into the heart of Sarek National Park. The day ends with a short hike and camp set-up, followed by dinner prepared on a camping stove.
Day 3: Hiking day (Monday)
The day begins with breakfast and packing up camp. The route follows the Vássjájahka river toward Njoatsosvagge valley, offering scenic views and a manageable pace for adjusting to backpack hiking. Camp is set up by a mountain lake, with the opportunity for a refreshing ice bath.
Day 4: Hiking day (Tuesday)
The hike continues past three mountain lakes across rocky terrain and multiple ascents. A thrilling river crossing ends the day before setting up camp in a secluded spot. In the evening, you will learn fire-building skills and enjoy warmth and conversation by the fire, weather permitting.
Day 5: Hiking (Wednesday)
The day begins with a navigation and orientation session using maps and compasses. The hike passes through dense forest and includes several river crossings. Camp is set by a picturesque waterfall, allowing time to soak in the wild surroundings.
Day 6: Hiking (Thursday)
The final stage within Sarek National Park features stunning views and another river crossing. Camp is set at the forest's edge, beneath the majestic Pårtejället mountain. The evening is spent gathered around a campfire, reflecting on the wilderness experience.
Day 7: Hiking (Friday)
This long hiking day covers varied terrain including birch and spruce forests and marshlands, with multiple river crossings. A historic research station built by Axel Hamberg is visited en route. The journey joins the Kungsleden trail, where the group camps for the night.
Day 8: Hiking (Saturday)
The final hike follows a short stage along the Kungsleden trail, arriving in Kvikkjokk by midday. Highlights include a visit to an old wooden church and a riverbank stroll. The group returns to Luleå for a final night in a cabin, enjoying a warm shower and shared dinner to close the journey.
Day 9: Departure (Sunday)
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Luleå Airport or may continue their journey independently. The experience concludes with lasting memories and a deep appreciation for the Sámi wilderness.
Please note: Due to weather or logistical reasons, the helicopter flight may be rescheduled to the end of the trip. If this occurs, the route and daily descriptions will be followed in reverse order.
Requirements
The requirements for this trip are high. This is intentionally called a hiking expedition, as it shares several aspects with an expedition and cannot be compared to a regular hiking tour where, for example, an exit is always possible and a warm cabin awaits at the end of the day. The aim of this journey is to show how little is truly needed for a hike, and how much more can be experienced as a result. It is a true adventure designed to challenge and motivate participants to push their personal limits under expert guidance.
The focus of this tour is not on elevation gain or daily kilometers, but rather on the challenges of carrying a backpack and hiking through pathless terrain, where it is often necessary to forge your own way.
Therefore, participants should have a solid base level of fitness and be capable of independently carrying a backpack weighing approximately 17 kilograms (unless opting for Premium travel). Additionally, resilience to withstand wind and weather conditions is beneficial. While mosquitoes are not a concern in September, frequent rain is common, and nighttime temperatures can drop to around 7 degrees Celsius. Isolated snowfall is also possible. It’s important to remember that all nights will be spent in a tent, regardless of the weather, except on the arrival and departure days.
More than just enduring the hardships, the goal is to highlight the benefits of the journey! In addition to physical activity, participants will have an extraordinary hiking experience in a small group of like-minded adventurers. This journey offers an opportunity to expand survival skills, learn navigation techniques, and experience nature in its purest form, away from mass tourism, in breathtaking surroundings—creating an unforgettable experience!
Instructors
Benjamin Doppscher
Mountain leader and founder of the travel company STICK & STONE. Born in Berlin, Benjamin, despite his lowland origins, prefers to travel vertically as a passionate rock climber. He is a trained and state-licensed mountain guide, affiliated with the VÖBS and the Mountain Leader Association of Styria. Currently, he regularly leads mountain tours in Spain, Austria, Sweden, and Germany.
Location
Sarek National Park: A Journey Through Europe’s Last Wilderness
The journey begins in Luleå, an important cultural site for the Sámi people and now a center for modern, forward-thinking energy solutions. This typical northern Swedish town (insert population number here) provides everything needed to prepare for the expedition into the wilderness.
From there, the real adventure begins: Discover Sarek National Park—part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Laponia and one of Europe’s last truly wild national parks, nearly untouched by human development.
The adventure starts high above the park with a helicopter drop, offering a spectacular view of the vast, rugged expanse below. From that moment onward, participants become part of the landscape, making their way back through Sarek’s majestic wilderness entirely on foot.
The route winds through a dramatic and ever-changing environment, where silence and the raw power of nature dominate. Weather, light, and landscape shift constantly, revealing new perspectives with each step.
Food
Meals: From shared dinners to expedition rations
On both arrival and departure days, a shared dinner is included and takes place in the cozy group accommodation in Luleå. It’s the perfect opportunity to connect, relax, and get ready for—or reflect on— an adventure together.
During the trekking expedition, breakfast and dinner are provided each day using high-quality expedition meals from Drytech, a trusted food partner and the market leader in freeze-dried outdoor nutrition. These meals are designed to be nutritious, lightweight, and easy to prepare—ideal for remote backcountry travel.
Please note: While two full meals per day are included on the trail, participants are responsible for bringing their own snacks or light foods for in-between. Fresh drinking water is available throughout the trek from rivers and streams—clean, cold, and straight from nature.
Recommended snacks for the trail
- High-nutrition cereal or energy bars
- Mixed nuts and seeds (trail mix)
- Dried fruits like apricots, dates, or raisins
- Hard cheese (keeps well for several days)
- Jerky (beef, reindeer, or plant-based alternatives)
- Dark chocolate or other compact treats for quick energy
- Electrolyte tablets or powder (optional for hydration boost)
- Nut butter sachets or energy gels (easy to carry and high-calorie)
These snacks are great for quick energy between meals and are easy to carry in a daypack. Choose calorie-dense, lightweight options that don’t spoil easily.
If you’d prefer a warm lunch on the trail, optional extra Drytech meals are available for purchase. Just let Stick & Stone know in advance—these are not included in the standard meal package.
The following meals are included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Drinks
The following drinks are included:
- Water
The following dietary requirement(s) are served and/or catered for:
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
- Gluten Free
- Lactose Free
Things to do (optional)
- Backpack
- Sleeping pad
- Stove
- Luggage service: A guide carries parts of your luggage
- Extra Drytech meal for lunch
Spa treatments
Wooden sauna on arrival and departure day (subject to availability).
What's included
- Three online preparation meetings
- Guided hiking expedition
- Helicopter flight over the national park
- Shared room in cabin (arrival- and departure day)
- Dinner on the arrival and departure day
- Entry to the famous Sámi Museum in Jokkmokk
- Single tent or double tent (if you're traveling as a couple or with a friend)
- Trekking meals for the entire tour (breakfast and lunch)
- Camping gas for the entire tour
- Free gift: Merino wool T-shirt
- All transfers in the region included
- Special prices at the equipment rental
- Sleeping pad, sleeping bag, stove, and backpack (for PREMIUM package only)
- Luggage carrying service (for PREMIUM package only)
What's not included
- Round-trip flight to Luleå (start and end point of the tour)
- Additional meals
- Sleeping pad, sleeping bag, stove, and backpack (for STANDARD package only)
- Luggage carrying service (for STANDARD package only)
How to get there
Recommended Airports
Luleå Airport (Kallax Airport)
4 km
Transfer included
Arrival by airplane
To ensure smooth and stress-free group transfers, flight details should be sent as early as possible. Luleå Airport is the official start and end point of the journey. Upon arrival at Luleå Airport, you will be transferred to a nearby cabin village, just 5 minutes away. There, the group meets and spends the evening making final preparations for the trip. A shared dinner concludes the first day of travel.
Cancellation Policy
- A reservation requires a deposit of 16.94% of the total price.
- The deposit is non-refundable, if the booking is cancelled.
- The rest of the payment should be paid 28 days before arrival.
For this organizer you can guarantee your booking through Tripaneer.com. All major credit cards supported.