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Experience the thrill of dog sledding through Sweden’s Arctic mountains with expert musher Mats Pettersson. Camp in Sami tents and witness the northern lights on this immersive 8-day wilderness journey starting from Kiruna.
Experience the thrill of dog sledding through Sweden’s Arctic mountains with expert musher Mats Pettersson. Camp in Sami tents and witness the northern lights on this immersive 8-day wilderness journey starting from Kiruna.
Book with Kiruna Sleddog Tours
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Kiruna Sleddog Tours · Kiruna, Norrbottens län
Embark on an unforgettable 8-day, 7-night dog sledding expedition across Sweden’s rugged Arctic terrain, guided by seasoned musher Mats Pettersson. This trek leaves the vibrant town of Kiruna in Norrbottens län and then ventures deep into the pristine wilderness, offering a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the Scandinavian winter on a traditional sled dog team. The Trail to Nome is not just a journey—it’s a hands-on exploration into Sami culture, Arctic survival, and breathtaking Nordic landscapes.
Starting in Kiruna, a gateway to Sweden’s northernmost region, travelers plunge into vast stretches of snow-covered mountain ranges and national parks that seem untouched by time. The route courses through frozen forests, over sweeping tundra, and along icy rivers bordered by pine and birch forests. The area’s geology features ancient bedrock and glacially sculpted valleys, giving the landscape a raw, elemental character that few get to witness with such intimacy.
What sets this adventure apart is the active role guests play in mushing. Under Mats’ expert guidance, participants learn the essential skills of managing and driving a team of eager sled dogs. The dogs themselves are the heartbeat of the experience—powerful, determined, and deeply connected to this ice-wrapped world.
Each night is spent camping in traditional Sami tents, known as lavvu, bringing travelers closer to the centuries-old indigenous culture of northern Sweden. With the Arctic sky often illuminated by vibrant auroras dancing above the campfire, the magic of the northern lights creates an unbeatable ambiance.
Beyond the adrenaline rush and cultural immersion, this adventure is a tribute to the fragile environment of the Arctic. Respect for nature is instilled throughout, with all camping and travel conducted sustainably to minimize human impact.
The challenge level is moderate to challenging—requiring participants to be in good physical shape, ready for long hours in cold conditions, and willing to face technical aspects of dog sledding. But the reward is immense: a first-hand connection to one of the world’s most remote and spectacular wilderness areas.
Trail to Nome is a standout for outdoor adventurers drawn to winter sports, cultural exploration, and remote landscapes. It embodies the spirit of exploration found only at the edge of the Arctic, making it a must-book for anyone visiting Kiruna and longing for a true winter expedition experience.
moderate.
8 days.
Participants should be in good physical condition with endurance for daily dog sled driving and cold weather conditions.
No prior experience is required; expert instruction is provided from day one.
Days consist of morning briefing, dog sledding sessions across the trail, rest breaks, and evening camp setup with cultural activities.
Yes, solo travelers are welcome and accommodated within small groups.
Nights are spent camping in traditional Sami lavvu tents heated by campfires, providing an authentic Arctic experience.
You may spot Arctic foxes, reindeer, and a variety of winter bird species in this remote region.
Temperatures can drop well below freezing, often between -10°C and -30°C (-14°F and -22°F), so proper gear is essential.
The Sami people have inhabited northern Sweden for thousands of years, and their reindeer herding traditions deeply influence local culture.
The trip emphasizes minimal environmental impact and educates participants on preserving fragile Arctic ecosystems.
Kiruna Sleddog Tours is a sled dog operator based in Kiruna, Norrbottens län, offering guided dog sledding and snowmobile experiences across Arctic Sweden. The company runs a range of tours from short kennel visits and 2.5‑hour daily sledding excursions in the Kiruna forest to multi-day journeys such as the Jack London Tour, Aurora Wilderness Overnight and the week-long Trail to Nome. Trips include hands-on mushing with Alaskan Huskies, snowmobile transfers, off-grid cabin stays by the Rautas river, lavvo breaks with warm drinks and homemade cookies, and opportunities to view wildlife and the northern lights. Guides include experienced musher Mats Pettersson, who leads long-distance training runs and educational kennel visits that explain sled dog racing and dog care. Visitors can meet puppies, learn harnessing and team handling, and participate in training runs during summer and winter seasons. Accommodations vary by trip and range from cozy lodges and wood‑heated wilderness cabins to traditional Sami tents and campfire evenings. Meals described in tour summaries emphasize local cuisine and hearty fare. Safety protocols, guided transfers, and off‑road snowmobile support are part of longer expeditions. Kiruna Sleddog Tours operates from Kiruna and coordinates transportation and logistics for remote excursions. The operation highlights responsible animal care, hands-on education about mushing, and authentic Arctic outdoor experiences for small groups. Bookings and seasonal availability depend on snow conditions and tour schedules. Reservations are required for most tours and many trips include meals and warm gear guidance. Transport options may include snowmobile taxi transfers.
Book with Kiruna Sleddog Tours