Steigen Arctic wilderness ADVENTURE (July)
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If you like explore nature with superb surroundings like impressive mountains, waterfalls, forests, fjords and beaches, then this trip might be the one for you. We travel with our 4x4 to a variety of wilderness areas and nature reserves. This region, named Steigen in northern Norway, covers 1000 km2 and most of it is pure nature, and it is all quite remote. We will go out hiking, kayaking and wildlife spotting. The coastline with its mountains is impressive, and we plan some great boat trips. Also, hikes to the summits of mountains are on the menu. This adventurous trip is one of our most popular ones! You will explore a great variety of landscapes and do a lot of different outdoor activities. Also, a perfect trip if you are a beginner in outdoor life or as the first trip into the Norwegian nature. Costs are 1275 Euro (9 days).
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Facts, dates, costs and general informationHere are the facts of this expedition. Feel free to contact us if you have questions or if you want to discuss your plans. Check also our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for answers on general questions.
Dates and booking information
DATES
4 July 2020 - 12 July 2020 (9 days) or 25 July 2020 - 2 August 2020 (9 days) Ask us for alternative dates this month if you want to make a reservation for a group of two or more people. We will try to arrange that for you! BOOKING INFORMATION Name: STEIGEN ARCTIC WILDERNESS OUTDOOR ADVENTURE JUNE Booking code: dutch07A (starting 4 July 2020) Booking code: dutch07E (starting 25 July 2020) WHICH MONTH TO CHOOSE? This outdoor adventure is also organised in other months. The period of the midnight sun is from the end of May until the end of July. The northern lights may appear in the second half of August, but chances are better in September. The northern light season is from September to April. We can have snow on sea level from mid October until mid April. In May we have to go to the higher parts to have good snow conditions. There is some snow left in the mountains in June. The polar night is from the beginning of December until the beginning of January in this area. Choose a month and check the details:             COSTS
COSTS
The costs of joining this outdoor adventure are 1275 Euro. Flights and transfers are not included. Daily expenses like food, diesel are shared among the participants and the staff (ussualy around 15-20 Euro per day per person). We stay overnight in a mix of tents, and (mountain) cabins. In some cabins we pay a fee to stay overnight. The costs are around 30-35 Euro per night per person. In case of bad weather or bad weather forecasts we always try to stay in cabins. 
LOCATION and how to get there
TRAVELLING TO NORWAY
For this outdoor adventure you have to travel to Bodø (direct flights from Oslo). This outdoor adventure starts and ends in a small fishing village named Helnessund in the municipality of Steigen (Nordland) in the north of Norway. There is a good ferry connection from Bodø. This fast ferry (hurtigbat in Norwegian) takes you in approximately 1 hour from Bodø to Helnessund. Daily departures in the afternoon (around 18:00 on most days). It is a 20 minute walk from the airport to the harbor in the city center where the ferry departs. TRAVELLING THROUGH NORWAY BY TRAIN Another option to get from Oslo to Bodø is to enjoy a 17 hours train ride. We advise an overnight stay in Trondheim and cut the trip in two parts. So, you can travel both parts in the daytime and enjoy the scenery. Check www.vy.no for more information about traveling by train. The so-called minipris ticket can be an economical way to travel (only online available and you have to buy it well in advance). TAKE YOUR TIME We recommend that you arrive 1 day before the start of this outdoor adventure in Bodo and take some time to acclimatise and get rid of travel and work stress. We can give you suggestions for (budget) hostels or hotels in Bodø if you like. LEVEL AND SKILLS
You can join this outdoor adventure without a lot of outdoor experience and if you have a good basic shape. The hikes will be 2 to 6 hours with a backpack in sometimes mountainous terrain. There will not always be trails, so this can make it a bit tougher, but also fun. There are no alpine techniques involved (ropes and so). The kayaking trips have usually a duration of 1 - 3 hours depending on the conditions at sea.
Every day starts with a briefing, and we discuss plans and what to take with you. LEARNING NEW SKILLS It is no problem if some activities are new to you. We are happy to teach you the skills needed. If mountain hiking, camp with tents or kayaking is new for you, then we will teach you everything you need to know. THE ARCTIC IN GENERAL Note that we are in the Arctic and weather changes quickly. So, in case we are surprised by non-forecasted weather all outdoor activities can become tougher or be a bit out of your comfort zone. AccomModation
We will stay overnight in expedition tents, tipi tents and (mountain) cabins or traditional cottages. In case of bad weather or bad weather forecasts (storm or heavy rain) we always try to choose for cottages or cabins.
Upgrade accommodation If you like to upgrade to more luxury or to more privacy on the days, that we are not in mountain cabins or remote areas we can offer shared rooms, private rooms or an apartment in a nearby seaside inn. Prices are from approximately 35 Euro per night per person (if you share the room with another guest) or approximately 70 Euro for a single room). 
AVAILABILITY and group size
AVAILABILITY
Yes NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS Max 8 participants (bigger groups on request). REMARKS Minimum age is 18 years. If you like to travel with a family contact us and we will try to make it happen. 
REMARKS
LEARNING NEW SKILLS
If (mountain) hiking, tenting or kayaking is new for you, then we will teach you everything you need to know. NORTHERN LIGHTS AND MIDNIGHT SUN There are no northern lights visible because of the arrival of the midnight sun (24 hours of day light from the end of May). The period of the midnight sun is more or less from the end of May until the end of July. gear and preparations
This trip is organized north of the Arctic Circle. So, you need warm clothing, good shoes and outdoor gear like sleeping bags and more. You receive a detailed packing list after you made your booking. This packing list tells you about the things you need to have and also gives you a lot of practical information. In case you do not have all the gear or if you do not want to invest, you can rent gear from us, like backpacks, sleeping mattresses, kayak wet or dry-suits and more.
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THE ROUGH PLAN OF THE STEIGEN ARCTIC WILDERNESS outdoor adventure
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The municipality of Steigen (1000 km2) is located in the north of Norway just above the Arctic Circle. We find here excellent beaches, jagged mountains, dense forests, wild valleys, waterfalls and coastline full of fjords and islands. Nature is breathtaking. It is the perfect playground for all kind of outdoor activities and an awesome area to explore new trails, hardly visited areas and tempting mountain summits. We will take you with our land rover defender to different places and guide you safely into the Norwegian wilderness. On other days we will use our sturdy expedition vessel to remote islands and camp on sandy beaches that will remind you of the Mediterranean. We will use our hiking shoes and kayaks frequently to visit nature reserves and try to observe wildlife. Now is the period of the midnight sun, and we have 24/24 hours daylight and no nights!
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CONNECT TO THE ARCTIC NATURE AND EXPLORING IN EXPEDITION-STYLE
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We like to guide you to the Norwegian wilderness and take you to places where probably are no other people around. Life slows down here, and you can hear the silence. We will hike a lot during this expedition and explore trails that lead into the mountains, valleys or forests. We will visit remote sandy beaches and follow trails near the coastline with jagged mountains rising out from the sea. We also plan to go cross-country and explore wilderness areas where there are no paths. We cross rivers and explore areas with waterfalls and streams. A lot of fun and a lot to learn. Giant sea eagles and moose are commonly seen. Foxes, hare, otter and seal are shy animals. There is also a group of reindeer around, and the challenge is to find them. But very rewarding if we do.
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Enjoy the adventure At Sea
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With our expedition vessel Xplore1 we take you to remote places to hike, observe wildlife or just exploring the beautiful coastline. We like to catch some fish and you are invited to try your luck. We teach you everything you need to know like fishing techniques, filleting and preparing. We can cook on a fire outside or use our smoke oven to get a tasty meal. Encounters with dolphins or small whales is possible when we are out on sea. We have great plans in mind for some Arctic paddling with our kayaks to one of the archipelagos close to the shore. It is a great way to explore the small rocky islands and gives a unique opportunity to observe for instance birds, otters and seals if we are lucky. We teach you the basics if kayaking is new for you.
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Map of the area
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Here is a map of the area in which this expedition takes place. Take a close look and you get an idea of the natural environment, distances and possibilities.
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Background information about Steigen
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We like to tell you some more about the area where this expedition takes place. Information about the climate and wildlife is included.
nature of steigen
So, here is some information about the area that we explore during this expedition. Steigen is 1000 km2 big and has a variety of landscapes and terrain. The coastline The coastline is characterized by dramatic jagged mountains that reach sea level. The coastline has many sandy beaches and very typical are the birch and pine forests that almost meet the sea. There are many islands and islets close to the shore, but also further away. The water is crystal clear and is full of life. It is a great playground for kayaking or (if you dare) some Arctic snorkeling with a drysuit. Some of the archipelagos are nature reserves or bird sanctuaries. There is also a lot of history and remains of older times. There are interesting fjords to explore and just a hike up a hill and get a view over the wide Vestfjord with the Lofoten islands in the background is a treat for your eyes and camera. The mountains of Steigen The mountains are steep, but there are trails that also can be done in wintertime (we take crampons or snowshoes with us). The views are magnificent and there are cozy cabins in the mountains and also in the lower areas that we can use for staying overnight. Most of the mountain lakes freeze in the winter time and offer possibilities for ice fishing. The valleys and forests The valleys in Steigen offer great opportunities for hikes on sea level, snowshoeing or cross-country skiing. If the temperatures are above zero the valleys can be quite wet and swampy with many small streams to cross. So hiking is quite adventurous out here. There are a lot of waterfalls and some of them will be frozen in the winter. Encounters with foxes, moose and reindeer are quite common. Pine and birch forests are inviting for a hike and we like to stay overnight in tents or (heated) tipi in wild surroundings. Glaciers, nature reserves, and national parks In the south of Steigen, we find the Helldalsisen glacier and this area is part of the Sjunkhatten national park. There are no roads here and the area can only be visited by boat. Historical sites Steigen has quite some interesting things to see of the iron age, the times of the Vikings and more recently fortifications from WWII. midnight sun
There are no northern lights anymore because there is hardly darkness. From the end of May the period of the midnight sun will start, and that means the sun is always above the horizon north of the Arctic Circle until mid August. facts about the WEATHER AND CLIMATE here
The temperature in this period varies between 1o and 25 degrees Celsius. The warm Gulfstream provides a mild climate during the Arctic summer. Weather changes quickly in the Arctic, so we have to be prepared for all kinds of weather. Because our plans are depending on weather conditions, we make daily plans for our activities. Water temperatures are rising from around 9 to 12 degrees Celsius during the Arctic summer. In shallow areas (near beaches) temperatures can be higher. wildlife in the area
There are not many people living in this area (2500 in 1000 km2) and there is a lot of wild nature. So, this makes it a perfect place for encounters with wildlife. Remember it is not a ZOO and we have to be lucky, silent and determined. There is a huge amount of the giant sea-eagles living in Steigen and they can be spotted in the mountains and also near the coastline. We will certainly spot these amazing birds. Moose and (wild) reindeer can be spotted in the forest, valleys and sometimes close to the beaches. While driving we have to be careful, because they can cross the roads. Well, there is more to see for example foxes, hare, lynx, grouse, and seabirds. Near the coast and on the islands we might see seals, otter and sometimes small whales or dolphins. When we are out on the sea with our small expedition vessel we even might see killer whales, but we have to be very lucky for that. that. |
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More details of things you might like to knowHere are some more details about the plans and activities for this expedition. For general questions and answers check our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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Hiking and snowshoeing during this expedition
We plan to do a lot of nice hikes during this expedition. Some of the hikes will be on sea level, like coastal areas or valleys and some of them will be on the higher plateaus or in the mountains. We always mix trails that we walked before and new ones based on research or stories of locals. There are lot possible trails in this huge nature area, and it is easy to get remote. The duration and level of the hikes will be tailored to your strength and endurance and that of the other participants. And of course, we take a close look at the conditions and weather forecasts. We might have snow higher up in the mountains and we will use snowshoes during our hikes. If snowshoeing is new for you then we teach you the basics. You will explore different nature areas like mountains, valleys, beaches, forests and more. Some of those areas are nature reserves and are protected. We also hike in areas where there are no trails, and at times we need to cross streams or pass a waterfall. So here is a short list of things we have in mind for this expedition. If you like to prepare a bit, then you can try to find this places on the map. Brennsund Brennsund is a remote area close to the sea with the high jagged mountains of the Brennvik massif right next to it. It can only be reached by boat! The valley of Asjørda Asjørda, a magnificent valley with high mountains and (frozen) waterfalls around it. Brennvika Brennvika, an awesome beach with nice trails that go up in the mountains. These trails can be challenging in winter conditions. There is a very cosy mountain cabin on top, suitable for overnight stays. Sjunkhatten national park Sjunkhatten north is a part of the national park where the Helldalsisen glacier is located. This park with impressive fjords can only be reached by boat, and we need calm conditions to do the crossing of the fjord. Stokvattn Stokvattn is a scenic lake surrounded by high mountains. Storvatnet and Hopvatnet Great areas to explore! The mountains and the freshwater lakes are tempting, remote and a bit far away (but the drive is breathtaking). Kayaking along the coast of steigen
We have some seaworthy kayaks ready for you, and they are excellent for exploring the coastal areas of Steigen. So usually we will find a sheltered area to do some winter paddling in one of the archipelagos. There are fantastic places to explore with kayaks, like small islands with sandy beaches, cliffs and wrecks that are visible with low tide. Observing wildlife Kayaking is a great way to observe wildlife, and we can get close to seabirds or places where we can find the giant sea eagles or if we are lucky some small whales or dolphins. Otters and seals can be part of the observations if we have a windless day and a flat sea. If you are new to kayaking, we will teach you the basics and keep you dry and safe. No worries. Camp overnight in tents and cabins
Cabins During this expedition, we will also stay overnight in cabins in valleys and higher up in the mountains. These cabins are located in wild and scenic places. The comfort level is basic. They have good wood stoves and simple cooking facilities. Usually, we have to do some wood chopping to fill up the stock. We take sleeping bags with us or a liner (some of them have already blankets). We cook inside or on fire outside. Tents en tipi If you feel like staying overnight in an expedition tent or a tipi tent with wood stove, we can arrange that. Snow hole If you want to taste more extreme overnight stays, than we can build a snow hole (if we have enough white powder in the area). The rhythm of the arctic
During this expedition, you have time to do your own thing, especially in the evenings. You can hang out with the other participants, read a book, go out for a stroll or grab a fishing rod and go out fishing. We like it if you get into the rhythm of the Arctic by enjoying the silence, nature and the elements. Life in the Arctic differs from living in the big cities. The speed is much slower, and you do one thing at a time instead of two or more. Put your phone in flight mode and connect to the Arctic. cooking, food and fishing
We like to cook outstanding meals with primitive means and if the weather permits preferable outside on a bonfire. Fish is easily caught, and we can learn you how to fish, clean the fish and do the filleting. We have a smoke oven, so if you catch for instance a mackerel or halibut, we can make great meals. We like the traditional Norwegian kitchen, and we like to take it a step further. So we plan to make meals with salted and dried fish, reindeer, moose and other local products. In case you are vegetarian don't worry, we take care. You are also welcomed to grab our pans and show us what you know. We often bake our bread, and we like to do that outside on a hot but small fire. If you are interested in expedition food, we can show you how to make nutritious bars or vegetarian burgers, ready to be packed and great food during hikes. If you are interested in food drying to preserve, then we teach you what we know. ROAD TRIPS
We will use our 4x4 Land Rover Defender to get to remote wilderness areas. We can take quite some things with us, for instances inflatable expedition kayaks, tents, food, snowshoes (for use in the mountains) and other gear. Discover the arctic with our expedition vessel
To go to the sea, we will use our small expedition vessel Xplore1. With this boat, we can go to one of the hundreds of islands and islets that are close to the coastline of Steigen, or we use the Xplore1 for fishing (we teach you all the techniques, and we promise you it can be quite an adventure). This boat gives us also possibilities to observe wildlife like seals, otters and for instance sea eagles. We can also use the Xplore1 to do hikes at places where there are no roads. If you like it on the water, you are also welcomed to use our zodiac to cruise around. |
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