Sweden - Ratekjokk Trail
Northern Sweden is the ancestral home of the Sami, the indigenous people of the region. Their unique traditions and culture still thrive today. Bear, elk, wolverine, golden eagles and the rare arctic fox have their home here. It is also the land of the summer Midnight Sun.
This is an opportunity to ride in an amazing area of pure remote wilderness, for enthusiasts not afraid of trading everyday luxury for the experience. This is a real outdoor wilderness adventure with campfires, sleeping in Sami tents (Lavvu) and learning about the Sami nomadic culture. When riding you follow reindeer tracks through the mountains or ride across open country, covering 15 to 25km each day. You will carry your personal belongings in saddle bags on your horse. There is also a pack horse to carry the food and camp gear so the pace is not fast.
Camping facilities are basic. Once you are in the mountains away from the horse farm there are no showers or flush loos. There is only a small crew so riders are expected to help out with camp chores and care for their horse.
The Icelandic horse is the perfect mount for exploring the mountains. Despite their small size they are strong and fun to ride, and have great stamina.
The pace is not fast and is dictated by the terrain, but there are opportunities to tölt and canter. There are times when you will need to lead the horses due to the rough terrain.
Riding style is English.
There is a rider weight limit of 90kg.
Hard hats are mandatory.
Accommodation on this ride is always shared and may be mixed sex.
Two nights (the first and last) are spent in simple and warm accommodation at the horse farm. There are two guest houses, one with five beds and the other with six. Some rooms contain bunkbeds.
Accommodation for two nights on the trail will be in a lávvu, which is a traditional Sami tepee, and two nights are in a basic cabin. Everyone sleeps together around the fireplace in the lávvu, and if it is cold the fire may burn all night.
On the trail there are no facilities; there may be 'long-drop' loos but no running water. However, there will usually be a river not too far away and there may be an opportunity for a sauna on the evenings in the cabin at Ratekjokk.
It is not possible to guarantee single accommodation and you must be prepared to share.
INCLUDES Shared accommodation; meals from dinner on the day of arrival to breakfast on the day of departure; riding; sleeping bags and camp equipment; transfers from Kiruna.
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT Single accommodation is not available and you must be prepared to share.
PAYABLE LOCALLY Drinks; tips.
NEAREST AIRPORT Kiruna.
TRANSFERS Included from Kiruna.
Transfers are included from Kiruna. Flights can arrive and depart at any time, but you should aim to arrive in the afternoon (before 3pm if on the winter rides).
Transfers may be shared and so could mean a short wait at the airport.
If you prefer to arrive the evening before, we can arrange extra nights at the farm.
It is 30 minutes' drive from the farm to the airport. Please note that lunch is not included on arrival or departure day unless booked in advance.
This ride is in the extreme north of Sweden, 200km inside the Arctic Circle.
The air in Sweden is fresh and stimulating. In July and August, day time temperatures average 12°C -18°C, with night time temperatures between 5°C - 7°C. The sun doesn't set between May 30th and July 15th and there is perpetual daylight from early May to early August.
It can rain at any time so good rain gear is essential. It can also be windy in the mountains. Winter arrives in Kiruna around mid October with a deep blanket of snow that lasts until mid May, but snowfall can occur year round.
The horses were wonderful - so sweet and healthy. The pre-holiday information was great and the packing lists provided me with everything that I needed. The perfect escape from my hectic life.
Erica ,Atlanta
Overall rating: 5/5
