7-Day Arctic Circle Wilderness Expedition

Master Essential Wilderness Skills in Norway's Arctic Backcountry

Master the essential skills needed to thrive in the Arctic wilderness during this intensive five-day survival course. Set against the backdrop of Norway’s rugged backcountry, you’ll learn ancient techniques passed down through generations of northern peoples, combined with modern survival science. This isn’t just about enduring nature—it’s about understanding and working with the land.

Led by experienced wilderness instructors with decades of Arctic living experience, you’ll transform from a casual outdoors enthusiast into a confident backcountry traveler. Limited to eight participants per session, you’ll receive personalized instruction and plenty of hands-on practice with every skill in a pristine wilderness area two hours north of Tromsø.

What You'll Learn

Over five immersive days, you’ll develop competence in shelter construction using natural materials, fire craft in all weather conditions, water sourcing and purification, wild edible identification, and navigation without technology. Each skill builds on the previous day’s lessons, progressing from fundamentals to complex scenarios that test your ability to think clearly under pressure.

Contemplative Hiker Observing Autumnal Vista

Illuminated Tent Under a Starry Night Sky

Your 5-Day Journey

Day 1: Fundamentals and Base Camp

Arrival at the trailhead at 9:00 AM. After gear inspection and safety briefing, we hike three kilometers to our base camp location. The afternoon focuses on shelter site selection and construction. You’ll build your first debris shelter and learn to weatherproof it properly. Evening covers fire safety, the psychology of survival situations, and what to expect over the coming days.

Day 2: Fire and Water

Morning dedicated to fire craft—you’ll learn and practice multiple ignition methods. Afternoon covers water sourcing, purification techniques, and container improvisation. Evening includes a night navigation exercise and storytelling around the fire. You’ll sleep in the shelter you built on Day 1, making improvements based on the first night’s experience.

Day 3: Foraging and Navigation

Dawn foraging walk to identify edible and medicinal plants in their natural habitat. Mid-morning navigation workshop with map and compass exercises. Afternoon solo navigation challenge where you’ll find waypoints in the surrounding forest. Evening meal includes foraged ingredients. Overnight in improved shelters with focus on insulation techniques.

Day 4: Integration and Scenarios

Today brings everything together. Morning scenario: you’re separated from your group with minimal gear—demonstrate the priorities you’ve learned. Afternoon focuses on advanced techniques: trapping concepts (discussion only, no actual trapping), emergency signaling, and injury management in remote settings. Build your final shelter incorporating all learned techniques.

Day 5: Solo Experience and Debrief

The culmination of your training. After a thorough safety briefing, you’ll spend six hours alone in a designated wilderness area with minimal gear. This isn’t about deprivation—it’s about confidence. Demonstrate your skills, sit with the forest, and reflect on what you’ve learned. Afternoon return to base camp for hot meal, gear pack-out, and comprehensive debrief. Departure by 5:00 PM.

What's Included

All specialized survival instruction with wilderness first aid certified guides, emergency communication and safety monitoring, group camping equipment, filtered water and emergency rations, comprehensive survival manual, and post-course resource access. You’ll need to bring personal gear including a -5°C sleeping bag, wool or synthetic clothing, broken-in hiking boots, and a fixed-blade knife.

Physical Requirements and Safety

This course demands moderate to high fitness for daily 3-8 kilometer hikes with a 10-15 kg pack and 8-12 hours of outdoor activity regardless of weather. All lead instructors hold Wilderness First Responder certification with minimum ten years Arctic experience. The course is educational rather than certification-based, though graduates are well-prepared for recognized wilderness survival certifications.

Best Time to Go

Summer courses (June-August) offer long daylight, 12-20°C temperatures, and abundant plant life—ideal for first-timers. Autumn courses (September-October) bring cooler temperatures, fall colors, and additional cold-weather challenges. Winter survival courses available as advanced programs.