Arctic Circle Fat Bike Expedition
Cycle across an Arctic plateau alongside a team of huskies, sleep in remote huts and relax in saunas
Duration
5 nights
Annual Leave
3 days off work
Group Size
Up to 10 people
Season
Apr, May
Location
Norway
Meeting Point
Alta Airport, Norway
Comfort Accommodation
Glamping · Mountain hut
Customer Reviews
4.8
Difficulty
Challenging
…
…
Cruise through remote, snowy trails and enjoy the freedom of riding a fat bike across Norway’s Finnmarksvidda plateau
Travel with a team of huskies to carry your luggage and tuck in to fresh, locally sourced food throughout
Share the snow-blanketed plateau with migrating herds of reindeer and the indigenous Sami people
Snooze in a cosy Aurora Canvas Dome – eyes peeled for the Northern Lights – and unwind with post-ride saunas
Day 1
Welcome to the Arctic Circle!
Head for the remote coastal town of Alta on the inner reaches of the Altafjord in Norway's most northern county. Settle into the unique Aurora Canvas Dome and meet the rest of the group for dinner, where you'll hear more about the expedition ahead. Expect a feast of local delicacies, ranging from fresh cod, to moose and a variety of seasonal food.
Day 2
Expedition planning
Cycling
You'll head into town for a look around and a chance to grab any extra snacks and bits of equipment before returning in time for a log fire lunch. Next, get fitted out with your trusty steed (read: fat bike) which will power you through the Arctic Circle over the next few days. Once you and your bike are a match, head out for a test ride. You'll then get prepared for the expedition ahead, working through the final points with your guide – including a weather update, plotting the best route and learning about cycling in the snow – before meeting your husky team. When you’re ready, head back to your Aurora Canvas Dome for the night before the big day tomorrow.
Day 3
The Finnmarksvidda Plateau
Cycling
Arrive at Souusjavri Fjellstue after a 150km drive from Alta. Here, you'll be served lunch before heading out for 25km of snowy adventur, beginning your crossing of the Finnmarksvidda Plateau. After arriving at the mountain lodge in Mollisjok Fjellstue, you can indulge in a hot sauna before dinner: a welcome relief after your first day on the expedition.
Day 4
Rolling through snow
Cycling
Cross the frozen Lake Lesjavri – the largest in Finnmark – on a bike! Keep your eyes peeled for herds of reindeer; Finnmarksvidda is where indigenous Sami people raise their herds. Reindeer start to migrate northwards in apring and the calving season takes place during this journey, generally in late April and early May. After arriving at Jotka Fjellstue you can again enjoy a hot sauna before dinner.
Day 5
Push to the finish line
Cycling
Follow the snowy tracks, passing remote settlements, Sami villages and cabins. Stop in a scenic spot for your packed lunch. Arrive back in Alta during the late afternoon, where you'll have time for another sauna and a celebratory glass of wine with your teammates before one last night in your cosy Aurora Dome, hopefully catching the spectacle of the aurora.
Day 6
Optional dogsledding and then home
Either relax in the morning, or meet your dogs if you've booked the optional dog-sledding experience and head off on a speedy adventure through the snow-covered pines. This is an extremely peaceful experience, with the silence only disturbed by the sound of paws in the snow and some energetic panting. Take a last wander around Alta and then head back to the airport in time for your flight home.
Included
Guides
Expert, English-speaking guides and a bike mechanic
Accommodation
3 nights in the Aurora Canvas Dome and 2 nights in mountain lodges
Meals
All of your breakfasts, lunches and dinners
Transfers
To and from the start point and everything in-between
Permits
All permits and entry fees
Equipment
Nakamura Big Bob 6.0 fat bikes, cycle helmets, winter overshoes, huskies and sleds
Not Included
Flights to and from the meeting point
Travel insurance
Personal expenses
Visas where required
Day 1
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 2
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 3 – Day 4
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 5
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 6
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
What is the food like?
On the trip you'll be eating mainly local food – ranging from salmon and moose, to an array of vegetable dishes. On Days 4 and 5 you'll pick from a selection of food in the morning to put together your own packed lunch. Due to the highly remote location of the huts, which are located a long way from roads or shops, much of the food is self-caught game and fish, so it can be challenging to cater for alternative dietary needs on this trip: especially vegan diets. Get in touch with our team to discuss any requirements.
What is the accommodation like?
Alta
You’ll stay in the Aurora Canvas Domes. These are purpose-built aluminium and canvas domes with under-floor heating and a wood-burning stove, to get you as close to nature as possible whilst still being warm and cosy. You can even open the roof – perfect for watching the northern lights. All electricity is 100% renewable and drawn from hydro-electrical power produced by the nearby Alta River.
On the expedition
You’ll stay in traditional lodging houses that offer basic accommodation in cabins and dormitories with 2-6 bunks, sharing on a mixed basis. Lodges have permanent hosts and all meals are served in the shared dining room. Dormitories are equipped with bunks, mattresses and pillows and each hut has its own sauna.
Upgrades
Due to the nature of this trip and restricted space, there are no options to upgrade to a private room.
The Area
Logistics
Starts
Alta Airport
Any time on Day 1
Ends
Alta Airport
Any time on Day 6
Transfers
Transfers are included from Alta Airport or your hotel in Alta (if you have arrived a day early) any time on Day 1. It is only a 15 minute drive from the airport to the base where you'll spend your first night. If possible we recommend arriving by late afternoon so you can enjoy dinner with the group.
At the end of your trip, you will be transferred back to the airport any time on Day 6, but if you are doing the optional dog sledding experience we recommend not booking a flight until the afternoon as this runs from 10:00 – 12:30.
Travel options
There are no direct flights to Alta from the UK but connections are available from both Oslo and Tromsø. From Oslo, the flight time is just over 2 hours, while the flight time from Tromsø is 40 minutes.
Enjoy 12.5% Off Outdoor Gear
In need of a few more items? All bookings receive a 12.5% discount to use at Cotswold Outdoor, Snow + Rock and Runner's Need.
What is provided
- Nakamura Big Bob 6.0 fat bike
- Cycle helmets
- Winter overshoes to fit all sizes
Bags
- Soft overnight duffel bag or rucksack for the husky sled
- Waterproof liner or drybags for duffel bag/rucksack
- Daypack (25-30 litres, with space for a down jacket, packed lunch and thermos flask)
Clothes
- Thermal bottoms and top (merino is best)
- Thin fleece
- Thin windproof jacket
- Waterproof/Gore-Tex jacket with hood (for over your windproof jacket)
- Insulated gilet (optional)
- Down jacket
- Thin windproof trousers, possibly cycling trousers for winter use
- Cycling shorts with padding (optional - for under your thermal bottoms)
- Waterproof/Gore-Tex overtrousers, preferably with braces
- Thin hat (to fit under your helmet)
- Thick hat (for when not wearing a helmet)
- Buff or neckscarf
- Gloves/mittens
- Insulated wind and waterproof mountain over mittens
- Winter MTB shoes (Neos overshoes will be provided, the bike comes with flat pedals or SPDs so ensure your shoes fit your preference)
- 2 pairs of thin wool socks
- 2 pairs of thicker wool over socks
- Underwear
- Something to sleep in
- Swimwear for sauna
Other
- Cycle Helmet (either bring your own or one will be provided)
- Thermos flask (1 litre)
- Reusable water bottle (that won't freeze)
- Sleeping bag (for the cabins - bring your own or hire locally)
- Slippers (for cottage life)
- Sunglasses
- Padlock for left luggage
- Universal travel adapter
- Power bank or solar charger
- Passport
- Earplugs
- Personal first-aid kit
- Personal items (biodegradable toiletries, sanitary wear etc)
- Toilet kit (toilet paper, biodegradable bags to carry it out)
- Quick-dry towel
- Headtorch or torch
Dog Sledding: Dec 2023 - 01 May 2024 (min. 4 people): Price From...
Payable Before Departure
Dog Sledding: Dec 2023 - 01 May 2024 (min. 4 people): Price From...
… Per Person
Memorable Adventure with GLOD Explorers
This trip was everything we expected and even more so. GLOD Explorers who provided us with are amazing guide, Calle, and his faithful dog sledding pups, Laggo & Pettre, get a solid 5 stars plus. The globe lodging in Alta was spectacular and the meals provided were top notch, particularily the desserts. The weather conditions were chaotic but again, Calle had plans A, B, & C....and by the time we were done, we were on plans X, Y & Z. Mother nature is unpredictable and you need to accept what fate throws your way.
We have mixed reviews about MBA. Although quick to respond to our many questions, in retrospect, was the sale of the tour more important than the true level of challenge required for this adventure? In addition, the kit list provided on MBA's website did not match up to what GLOD recommended. A week before we fly out, an email from MBA introducing GLOD as our host shows up giving a run down on how to dress, size of pack, what to pack, and other very pertinent information. By now we have already purchased our gear only to find out that we needed bigger packs because we had to carry more than what was stated on the kit list on MBA's website. And the statement that the gear is carried by dog sleds was very misleading. Yes, gear was carried, but only up to 5 kg per person and that weight included your sleeping bag. It is not that the weight is not doable, but what to pack becomes very important. MBA needs to introduce GLOD as soon as payment is received AND they need to work with GLOD to provide accurate kit list requirements and expectations.
All said, it was an unforgettable experience and highly recommended it to those have strong cycling endurance skills.
Trip of a lifetime
Amazing experience, Kalle was a super guide. So fortunate to be able to have this experience so close to nature. Loved the dogs Petter and Laggu
What a fantastic trip I would thoroughly recommend this trip. The organization and expertise of the guide, Kalle, was exceptional. The ride was challenging and would recommend that you are at a good level of fitness as you are cycling for a long time during the days. We were really lucky with the weather as it stayed sunny most days but can imagine this trip would be more difficult with high winds and snow. The base at Glod was extremely good and the food was excellent there and throughout the trip. If you fancy a challenge with snow as far as you can see this is the trip for you
One of the best trips i have been on. Everything from the base camp, the food, the facilities, the guides knowledge was exceptional. I would recommend this trip 100%
Fantastic trip! Food was fantastic and the hosts were amazing.
An amazing experience with a fantastic local host. Looked after from start to finish. The biking conditions are very weather dependent as you might expect, but if you’re prepared for that and up for a different kind of biking adventure, this is a must!
This was an incredible trip! I had ZERO mountain bike experience and still loved every second. We had a mixture of weather, a couple of lovely days and a proper Arctic conditions day which although made things tough, really added to the experience, so i'm glad we had this day! You do need a strong level of fitness to get the most out of it, but I wouldn't say you need to have mountain biking skills as such - just a positive attitude and desire to gain new skills and get stuck in. Our guide was fantastic, as were the whole team. The mountain huts, although simple, were clean, warm and comfortable. As a vegetarian, I was harder to cater for in the huts but the hosts went above and beyond to ensure I ate well. The food at 'base camp' in the domes was incredible! Be prepared that you are in the Arctic Circle so the itinerary might not always go to plan, but the team will adapt as required to ensure you get the most out of the trip!
Really enjoyed the trip the team were great. It be was challenging and exhilarating the views were amazing.
Fab experience and we had a great local host who was full of positivity, despite us being stuck in a blizzard! It is seriously difficult trip and you need to be fit to enjoy it, as well as embracing the simple accommodation aspects. If have these, it’ll be an adventure of a lifetime!
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The trip was amazing! The location and route is breathtaking. Everything was well organised and the food was incredible. Do note that you need to have some mountain biking experience to truly enjoy the trip. There is always the option for ski mobile rescue if needed at additional cost. We were very lucky with the weather, the lodges along the way were an adventure. And the domes at Glod were fantastic. Ending each day with a sauna, what can one ask for more. The group was great. All in all a fab experience. I also highly recommend to add the dog sledding at the end of your trip.
This trip is amazing but you really need to be of a good level.of fitness to complete it. Trigve will send a kit list video - take this very literally. The weather is very changeable & its wise to be prepared. It's very cold - even while cycling.
A truly unforgettable experience. The team were brilliant, and the whole trip exceeded expectations. Obviously conditions can be very variable and there were some 'Arctic' moments, but there were also moments of peace and tranquility we rarely get to experience in modern life. Standing outside at 2am at -11C watching the Northern Lights was unbelievable. The cycling was tough at times, but manageable for someone of decent fitness with a bit of experience on an MTB on soft ground. Amazing, amazing trip!
Excellent trip and location. Our local guide was exceptional and coped with many different needs of the group. Snow domes we’re amazing. All the food was excellent and all staff so helpful You need a lot of kit for this trip which adds to the cost but worth it to be so remote. Don’t underestimate the weather that far north……the cycle could be anything from a level 3 to 6 depending on wind/ snow conditions and this could mean you do not complete the exact itinerary. However our guide had good bad weather day options and also snow mobile rescue if needed at own client expense. Personally 10/10 for me! You need to be a competent mountain biker used to 30km rides with a small back back to cope well. Most essential piece of kit - good gloves and mittens, hat and thermal leg warmers made life great!
We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity.
What's the number?
It works out on average at 76kg of CO2 emissions per person, including all local transport, accommodation, food, activities, guides, staff and office operations.
The only thing it doesn’t include right now is flights and travel to the destination. We do make an overall estimate across all our customers separately, but as we don’t book flights, have customers from all corners of the world, and no way of reliably knowing their travel plans, we simply can’t include an individual number in the figure on display here. We’ve got a goal to fix that, so that when you book, there is a way to measure and mitigate the carbon emitted by your flight too.
But what does the number mean?
Yep, hard to picture eh? To give you an idea:
- Driving 1000miles/1609km would be approx. 281kg of CO2 in an average car (or 140.5kg per person if there was 2 of you in it).
- A return economy class flight London - New York would be approx. 1,619kg (1.66 tonnes) per person.
- 10 trees in a temperate forest are estimated to remove approx. 250kg of CO2 from the air in a period of 5-10 years.
What are we doing about it?
Our trips are relatively low-carbon by design, and we're working with all our hosts to develop long term carbon reduction plans. We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity, ensuring the protection of the reserve and its wildlife.
Want to know more?
Amazingly, no international travel company has ever publicly published their carbon measurements before, as far as we know. We believe that must change, quickly. So we’re openly sharing the method we used in the hope that other companies will be able to more easily follow suit and build on what we've done so far. You'll find it all here.
Fat bikes have extra fat, knobbly tyres that are designed for riding on soft surfaces like sand and snow, and little or no suspension. The super-fat tyres distribute the rider’s mass across a larger area, so you don’t sink in and gain more traction than you would with a standard tyre size. You can ride easily and with stability even over firm snow and ice.
You’ll be riding Nakamura Big Bob 6.0 fat bikes. These are light and easy-to-ride, with an aluminium frame and Sram XX1 specs. If you would like to bring your own saddle or pedals, these can be fitted for you.
Although the distances aren't huge and most of it is flat, a decent level of stamina is needed due to the snowy, rugged terrain and wintry weather conditions adding to the challenge. Progress in these conditions can be slow going! For the most part, you’ll be following snowmobile tracks on packed snow, which is very rideable with some previous cycling fitness.
Cold toes are an understandable concern when riding in the Arctic. Your host suggests you bring insulated winter MTB shoes that contain enough space to layer a couple of pairs of thick socks inside. You can choose whether you have flat pedals or SPDs, so of course bring the correct shoes to match your preference here. You will also be provided with flexible Neo overshoes for an extra layer of warmth.
Sure can! Over 70% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.
Spring on the plateau, although fairly cold, is usually sunny and bright. It is likely to stay around 0 degrees in the daytime and get a little colder at night. Although fresh snow and rain are unlikely at this time of the year, there is still a chance that you may get a little of both.
The trip runs in Spring as the snow is densely packed - perfect for fat bikes - with little chance of fresh snow to hinder progress. There is a small window before it warms up, however, our host has been running this expedition for a long time so the window is well-considered!
Sure – you can leave any excess kit you don't want to take fat biking at your accommodation in Alta.
We recommend checking out the country specific information here and also talking to a travel nurse.
For current advice about travelling in Norway, have a read of the UK Foreign Office pages here.
Our recommended travel insurance provider is Campbell Irvine.
Travel insurance is compulsory for all of our adventures and you are required to provide your policy information before departing.
Your insurance should include adequate protection for overseas medical treatment, evacuation/repatriation, your baggage and equipment and the specific activities involved on your adventure. We also strongly recommend it includes cancellation and curtailment insurance, should you be unable to join your trip for specific reasons such as illness.
We fully endorse Campbell Irvine as their insurance offers all of the above, so get in touch with them or call on 020 7938 1734 to get your insurance sorted. We suggest that you book travel insurance as soon as you book your adventure, just to cover you for any last-minute life changes. We know you’re an active lot and injuries do happen!
We automatically convert prices from the local currency that a host receives to your chosen currency. We update our exchange rates on a daily basis so this does mean that prices displayed on the site are subject to currency fluctuations, which is why you may see them change over time.
If you wish to change the currency you pay in, head to the bottom of the page.
All of our group adventures are specially designed for adults to enjoy (18+) as we want these adventures to bring together outdoorsy people who are truly like-minded. Children can be accommodated on some private departures.
You're always in good company on one of our adventures.
Our trips are typically made up of a mixture of solo travellers and small groups of 2 or 3 friends, with most in their 30s-50s.
Our sociable adventures are solo-friendly by design and naturally attract outdoorsy people with a shared mindset; a love for adventure, a desire to push themselves and meet awesome, like-minded people along the way.
It’s this camaraderie that has so often turned a great adventure into a life-changing one.
Don't just take our word for it:
- 95% of people rate the group dynamics on our trips 5/5
- 90% of people recommend joining a trip to make new friends
- 75% of people have met people on our trips that they would now consider friends
See here for more info about the Much Better Adventures tribe.
Interested in a more exclusive experience? Opt for a 'Private Group' through the dates and prices tab to book this adventure for just you and your chosen companions.
Our team of Adventure Hunters create exclusive adventures with highly vetted, specialist hosts. We only work with independent, local in-destination experts who know the very best places to explore and how to stay safe. See here for more info about the local teams we partner with.
TRIP DEPARTURE DATES
Friday • 4th April 2025
to Wednesday • 9th April 2025
Friday • 11th April 2025
to Wednesday • 16th April 2025
Friday • 25th April 2025
to Wednesday • 30th April 2025
