Description of Jokkmokk Winter Market Expedition


 Are you, too, intrigued by how people have survived and even thrived in this Arctic part of the Planet? So much so that you are planning on (re-)visiting the 400+ year old Sami Winter Market in Jokkmokk? And perhaps even so much so that you now want to experience firsthand what it feels like to live this nomadic outdoor life style in the Arctic?

We too believe there is great power in “making friends” with these seemingly arduous Arctic living conditions. Which is why in this expedition (1) we will visit every day of the Jokkmokk Winter Market, but why also (2) you will have a chance to spend a night (or two) in a tipi, and get a taste of the actual outdoor nomadic lifestyle.

You still have the option to sleep in a regular warm bedroom anytime you prefer. Our basecamp has all modern comfort with a heated kitchen, bathroom, bedroom and common area.

But the magic is in exploring the unknown and in the opportunity to actually sleep in the tipi. A tipi is a tent similar to the Sami’s Lavuu. Sami made an open fire in their Lavuu but for safety reasons we will use a firewood stove to provide a comfortable temperature inside. And because the switch from sleeping in your comfortable bed to sleeping in our tipi is a considerable mental leap for us Westerners, the tipi is located right in our basecamp.

For those who really want to get the most out of this specifically designed Winter Market Expedition, we are also offering the possibility to venture out from basecamp for a night in yet another Arctic tent. Perhaps then you will want to give up one day of your Winter Market schedule, but we are offering this option to also spend a night by a mountain cabin in one of our other tents with stove — a two hour uphill hike away from basecamp.

As with any experience in this expedition, no prior training or expertise is required. A regular level of fitness will do. But please inquire if you have questions.

We do work only with very small groups which is giving you the flexibility to venture out with a guide even if others decide to stay in basecamp. Of course, as always we will be monitoring the weather closely.
If you decide to stay at basecamp, you may have more of a chance to explore the Kvikkjokk delta, to connect with our dogs or to go all in on the Winter Market itself.


6-Day Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrival

  • Private shuttle pickup in Luleå
  • Cross Swedish Arctic East to West
  • Lunch and dinner at basecamp
  • Explore Kvikkjokk area
  • Sleep in hostel area (heated)

Day 2 - Pre-Market Mountain Day

  • Hike to Sjnjerak mountain (2 hours uphill one way)
  • No special training/equipment needed
  • All meals at basecamp
  • First opportunity to sleep in tipi

Days 3-5 - Winter Market Days

  • Early departure to Jokkmokk each day (private shuttle)
  • Free roaming at market (guides available in background)
  • Breakfast and dinner at basecamp
  • Lunch at market food stands (own expense)
  • Nightly options:
    • Sleep in tipi at basecamp
    • Venture to mountain cabin tent (sacrifice one market day)
    • Stay in heated bedroom
  • Alternative: skip market day, stay at basecamp, ski/snowshoe/relax

Day 6 - Departure

  • Market has ended
  • Goodbyes
  • Private shuttle to Jokkmokk or Luleå