4.9

Arctic Circle Fat Bike Expedition

  • Norway
  • 5 nights

Cycle across an Arctic plateau alongside a team of huskies, sleep in remote huts and relax in saunas

What's Included?

  • Activities & Certified GuidesAll itinerary activities with expert, local, English-speaking guides and a bike mechanic
  • Glamping & Mountain hut3 nights in Aurora Canvas Domes and 2 nights in cosy mountain lodges
  • MealsAll your breakfasts, lunches and dinners
  • TransfersTo and from the airport and everything in between
  • Equipment & permitsNakamura Big Bob 6.0 fat bikes, cycle helmets, winter overshoes, huskies and sleds. Permits and entry fees are included.
  • Small Like-minded GroupsSolo-friendly by design, join our small n’ sociable groups of up to 10 like-minded, active and outdoorsy people

From…excluding flights

Highlights

  • 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

Itinerary

  1. Day 1

    Welcome to the Arctic Circle!

    Glamping
    Twin share
    Dinner included
    Show Day 1 detail

    Your Arctic adventure begins in the remote coastal town of Alta, perched on the edge of Norway's Altafjord, within the Arctic Circle. Settle into your unique Aurora Canvas Dome – once darkness falls, it will be the perfect cosy spot from which to try and glimpse the northern lights. In the evening, gather with the rest of the group for a feast of local delicacies, from fresh cod to rich moose, showcasing the flavours of the region. Hear more about the Arctic wilderness cycling expedition ahead.

  2. Day 2

    Expedition planning

    Cycling
    2hrs · 15km · 100m up · 50m down
    Glamping
    Twin share
    All meals included
    Show Day 2 detail

    Start your day with a visit to Alta’s town centre, where you’ll have time to pick up any last-minute supplies or snacks before returning to camp for a warming log fire lunch. Afterwards, it’s time to meet your trusty steed: a fat bike built to tackle the snowy terrain ahead. After a detailed fitting, you'll head out for a test ride to familiarise yourself with your bike, adjusting to the way it handles in the snow. Back at base, your guide will walk you through the logistics of the expedition, including weather updates, route planning, and essential snow cycling techniques. The day wraps up with meeting your husky team, before heading back to your Aurora Canvas Dome to relax before the big day ahead.

    Day 3

    The Finnmarksvidda Plateau

    Driving
    2hrs
    Cycling
    3hrs · 25km · 100m up · 100m down
    Mountain hut
    Mixed dorm
    All meals included
    Show Day 3 detail

    Today marks the beginning of your fat biking expedition as you head out on a 150km drive from Alta to Souusjavri Fjellstue, the gateway to the vast Finnmarksvidda Plateau. After a warming lunch at the lodge, you’ll begin your 25km ride across this stunning snowy wilderness. Pedal through the untouched landscape, crossing rolling white plains passing the occasional cluster of snow-covered trees. After arriving at Mollisjok Fjellstue, treat yourself to a well-deserved sauna, followed by a hearty dinner to restore your energy and savour your first taste of the Arctic’s wild beauty.

    Day 4

    Rolling through snow

    Cycling
    4hrs · 30km · 100m up · 300m down
    Mountain hut
    Mixed dorm
    All meals included
    Show Day 4 detail

    Your journey continues today as you mount your fat bike and venture across the frozen expanse of Lake Lesjavri – the largest lake in Finnmark – a unique experience in the heart of the Arctic. Keep your eyes peeled for herds of reindeer grazing on the frozen land, as the indigenous Sami people raise their herds, migrating through these plains during the calving season (generally late April and early May). After crossing the lake, your destination for the day is Jotka Fjellstue, where another sauna awaits, providing a perfect opportunity to relax and rejuvenate after a full day of cycling through this vast, wintry landscape.

  5. Day 5

    Push to the finish line

    Cycling
    6hrs · 40km · 100m up · 300m down
    Glamping
    Twin share
    All meals included
    Show Day 5 detail

    Today, the expedition heads into its final stretch, following snow-packed tracks winding through remote Sami villages, cabins, and settlements. Stop in a scenic spot for a packed lunch, with vistas of the Arctic wilderness. In the late afternoon, you'll return to Alta, where you can unwind in the sauna, followed by a celebratory glass of wine with your teammates. Enjoy a final night in your cosy Aurora Dome, and if you're lucky, the aurora borealis will make an appearance!

  6. Day 6

    Optional dogsledding and then home

    Breakfast included
    Show Day 6 detail

    Either relax in the morning, or meet your huskies if you've booked an optional dog-sledding experience. Head off on a speedy adventure, gliding through the snow-covered pines. It’s a serene experience, with only the sound of paws on snow and the occasional panting to break the silence. Afterward, take a last wander around Alta and head to the airport for your flight home.

Practical Stuff

Getting There

Nearest airport
Alta Airport (ALF)
Pick up
Alta Airport
Any time on Day 1
Drop off
Alta Airport
Any time on Day 6

Detailed Logistics

Transfers

Transfers are included from Alta Airport (or from your hotel in Alta, if you have arrived a day early) at 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 that 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 have chosen to do the optional dog sledding experience, we recommend not booking a flight until the afternoon as the sledding 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 two hours, while the flight time from Tromsø is 40 minutes.

Trip level explained

Level 4

Moderate-Challenging

Although the distances aren't huge and most of the routes are flat, a decent level of stamina is needed due to the snowy, rugged terrain and wintry weather conditions adding to the adventure. Progress in these conditions can be slow going, even a seemingly short leg of 25km will require many hours on the bike! For the most part, you’ll be following snowmobile tracks on packed snow, which is very rideable if prepared with some regular cycling fitness.

For more guidance, check out our article on how to choose the right level of cycling trip (opens in new tab) for you.

Style of Riding: Mixed Terrain This trip is mixed-terrain cycling on a fat bike. You'll mostly ride on hard-packed snow trails that can be bumpy or uneven in places. While the terrain is diverse, it remains non-technical throughout – no singletrack or advanced bike handling skills are required.

What will I need to carry?

While cycling, you’ll carry a small daypack with essentials. We recommend a backpack (around 20- 30 litres) to store items like your phone, down jacket, thermos, and lunch, which you can easily access during the ride. You can leave your main luggage at the aurora camp while you ride. Huskies will pull your luggage from Days 3 to 5, transporting it in sleds between the mountain lodges. You’ll need to pack 4-5kg of gear in a lightweight bag for them to transport.

Climate Factors To Consider

This trip visits locations where daytime temperatures can be extremely cold and consistently below freezing (0C/32F) during the times of year when this trip operates. Temperatures at night will likely be even colder. Personal care should be taken to keep as warm as possible in the conditions, such as wearing appropriate clothing and proper hydration and nutrition. Very cold temperatures can impair an individual’s physical abilities to perform an activity that they may otherwise be able to do competently at warmer temperatures. In severe cold conditions people may experience symptoms associated with Exposure, Frostbite and Hypothermia (opens in new tab). Your guide(s) are trained to mitigate the risks associated with cold temperatures, by carefully managing the intensity of the activity, and to provide the appropriate support response should someone feel ill during the trip. Should you experience health issues during your trip you should inform your guide immediately so the proper care can be provided.

Remote environment: factors to consider

Some parts of this trip take place in areas where access to medical facilities and emergency services may be limited. This may mean that reaching medical care takes longer than you might normally expect, or that local medical facilities have fewer resources than those you may be used to at home.

If someone becomes unwell or injured, initial treatment may be provided locally before onward travel to a larger hospital or city for further care. Evacuation could involve changing the planned route or using different forms of transport to reach appropriate medical facilities. Mobile phone coverage may also be intermittent in some locations.

Your guide is trained to manage situations in remote environments and will monitor the group and respond appropriately if any issues arise. However, it’s important that you let your guide know straight away if you feel unwell or experience any health concerns during the trip.

Before booking, consider your personal health and ability to travel in locations where access to medical care may be delayed. If you have any pre-existing medical conditions or concerns, we recommend seeking advice from a medical professional and discussing them with your host before travelling.

All travellers must have suitable travel insurance that covers the activities included in the trip and emergency medical evacuation if required.

What is and isn't Included?

What's included

  • Guided introductory fat bike ride near Alta
  • 3-day guided fat bike expedition across the Arctic wilderness of the Finnmarksvidda Plateau
  • Access to saunas in the evenings

  • Expert, local, English-speaking guides and a bike mechanic

  • 3 nights in Aurora Canvas Domes, perfect for watching the northern lights
  • 2 nights in cosy mountain lodges

All your meals are provided for the duration of the trip. This includes:

  • 5 tasty breakfasts
  • 4 packed lunches
  • 5 locally-sourced dinners
  • Snacks while cycling

  • Arrival transfer from Alta Airport at any time on Day 1
  • Departure transfer to Alta Airport at any time on Day 6
  • Transfers during the trip

  • Nakamura Big Bob 6.0 fat bikes and cycle helmets
  • Winter overshoes
  • Huskies and sleds

  • All permits and entry fees

Where You'll Stay

Private room upgrades are not available on this trip due to the nature of the accommodation.

Ultimate Arctic Circle Adventure in Norway, aurora domes

Alta

Stay

Alta

On your first, second and final nights, you’ll stay in Aurora Canvas Domes in Alta. 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. Each dome has its own toilet and hand basin, while the shower and sauna are in the main building about 30m from the dome. The dome also has electricity and WiFi. All electricity is 100% renewable and drawn from hydro-electrical power produced by the nearby Alta River.

What You'll Eat

On the trip you'll be eating mainly local food – ranging from salmon and moose, to an array of vegetable dishes. Breakfast consists of freshly baked rolls, locally sourced spreads and toppings, juice, milk and freshly brewed coffee. On Days 4 and 5 y…

Food and Dietary info

On the trip you'll be eating mainly local food – ranging from salmon and moose, to an array of vegetable dishes. Breakfast consists of freshly baked rolls, locally sourced spreads and toppings, juice, milk and freshly brewed coffee. On Days 4 and 5 you'll pick from a selection of food in the morning to put together your own packed lunch. Dinners at the Aurora Canvas Domes will be delicious and plentiful: the specialities are fresh cod and halibut, salmon, moose, reindeer and king crab.

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.

Optional Extras

Activities

Dog Sledding: Mar - May 2025 (min. 4 people): Price From...
…/per person
Dog Sledding: Mar - May 2026 (min. 4 people): Price From...
…/per person

Upgrades

Due to the nature of this trip and restricted space, there are no options to upgrade to a private room.

To request any extras, message your host via your Much Better Adventures account once you have booked your trip.

All extras must be paid before your trip starts.

Ratings & Reviews

4.928 reviews
  • 2 stars (0)
  • 1 star (0)

Category rating

Food
5.0
Guides & crew
5.0
Accommodation
5.0
Itinerary
5.0

Latest Reviews

  • Richard R.

    What a wonderful trip! Trygve and his team at Glød were the perfect trip leader and support team, respectively. From the pre-trip communication, to the pick up from our hotel; from the kitting out to the itinerary and safety briefing, every aspect of the trip was well planned and delivered. The sessions of training/familiarisation while at Glød HQ were valuable and allowed everyone to try the e-bike option, and get accustomed to handling the bikes in different snow conditions. The 3-day crossing of the Finnmarksvidda plateau was incredible. We had favourable conditions with bright sunshine, and for most of the time a helpful, gentle tail-wind. Bruno and Petter, the Siberian Laika dogs, dutifully pulled our luggage on sleds and were very friendly. The plateau lodges were comfortable, with helpful staff and the option for a sauna and artic river plunge! The food was appetising and more than ample for re-fuelling for the following day - only surpassed by the food back at Glød HQ, which was delicious and presented with flair. We flew out 2 days early, allowing us to snow-shoe for a half-day and visit the Cathedral of the Northern Lights, and then managed to fit in a Fjord boat trip prior to our afternoon flight home. If you are adventurous, reasonably fit, and are a regular cyclist, this trip is a must!

  • Ian S.

    Expectations met, and exceeded! I'd wanted to try fat biking for a while - this was the ultimate intro. Glød have created a great package of accommodation, food and adventure. Sleeping in the domes, lying in bed, seeing the snow and sky through the ceiling is magical. The early morning coffee brought to you is a great kick start to the rest of the day. A tasty buffet breakfast of meats, salmon and breads continues the experience before heading off on the bikes. Riding can be quite strenuous - you should certainly be ready for riding over several hours and on differing depths of snow - although, for us, most of the tracks were quite firm. EBikes were available if you preferred some assistance, but you still need the legs to ride. Accommodation and food along the 3 day plateau ride were lovely, only exceeded by the riding through valleys, across lakes and fantastic scenery. We were lucky enough to see a large migrating reindeer herd on one day. The group was just 8 people - for me, a perfect balance of numbers, both for riding and when sharing stories across the table. We were led by Trygve, and supported by Bruno and Petter (the sledge dogs) who all did a grand job of guiding and making the trip extra special.

  • sandra L.

    What a Fabulous trip this was. The trip was brilliantly run by Trygve and the marvellous team at GLOD, the food, the accommodation and the cycling on the crisp snowy wide plateaus, and in between the trees and hills, the saunas and shower experiences to the cold water dips (not that I participated in the dips!) What a memory this has created for me cycling in the Arctic circle with the dogs pulling our bags and the sun shining. To the Sami lodges and the history the hosts gave of their families. The reindeer migration was an added bonus to see. We were lucky with the weather and conditions and that some ebikes were available to use which did make it easier. Definitely recommend this experience.

  • Cecilia H.

    Ive waited 3 years for this trip and I was afraid I'd overdreamed. But no, then Arctic was everything that I had hoped for. We had benign conditions which made the cycling much easier, but be prepared to have to grind the bike through the snow. We had time before, during and after the tour for some fantastic Arctic experiences. Husky sledding is a must, brilliant fun and way harder than it looks. We ate like kings, slept in comfort and were extremely well looked after. Our host Tryggve was extremely knowledgeable about the area and his care for our huskies was pure love. The thrill of having them alongside us just made the tour. Witnessing a reindeer migration was a bonus, as was an Arctic dip. I will be back, this is a very special part of the world, and the people too.

  • Christine H.

    Fantastic well organised trip. Accommodation superb. Spending time in remote accommodation with local people was great. Food was really good with lots of local dishes. The trip on fat bikes was amazing in terms of scenery and also some hard work. A special feature was our two sled dogs Petter and Bruno bringing our overnight bags along. Trygve was a great tour leader and very knowledgeable.

  • Iris K.

    I absolutely loved our Arctic fat bike adventure with Glød. The trip was very well organised. We started with a test ride from their base. Lots of lovely food, my favourite was Bidos, the Sami reindeer stew. This was served at one of the lodges, which were run by Sami. Bruse, our sled dog was definitely the star of the trip. He worked so hard to carry our pyjamas and a change of clothes. Be aware that you will need quite a large backpack, as we had to have a sleeping bag and a survival bag (provided) on our person in case of emergencies. If you have bike packing bags, it's worth considering bringing those. Definitely take them up on the offer of the overshoes. Some people in the group got quite cold feet. Each overnight stop had a sauna, so pack your swim suit! It was unseasonably warm during our trip, but luckily up on the Finnmarksvidda plateau everything was still frozen. Lower down, things were quite slushy.

  • Laura B.

    Absolutely phenomenal trip. Glod is a most professional and authentic organization. So pleased to have experienced Norway this way. The trip was challenging physically and mentally. Outstanding food, guides, and landscape.

  • Dr M.

    The trip was perfect from start to finish, despite some whiteout conditions when crossing lesjavri on day 2 of the Fat Biking. Our guide Helle was great and the nights spent in the beautiful domes were so relaxing. The food was excellent. The mountain cabins were rather rustic but comfortable; just let's not mention the toilets! Was it "Challenging"? I suppose it depends on your fitness and experience. We cycle quite a lot of long distance rides so didn't find it too difficult, but others did find it more tricky. Overall the trip was fantastic and on our final day we did dog sledding which was the cherry on the cake. If you are in two minds, then don't be; just go for it. You won't regret it!

  • Tom T.

    Really enjoyed this mini adventure. Began before we arrived as the connecting flight from Tromso was cancelled and we needed to hire a car to arrive a day late, but the main trip starts on day 2 so that didn’t matter. Kalle was a friendly guide, and the group (of six) got on well. The tour company GLOD is well established and organised. The star was Brus the husky, a tremendous working dog. Beautiful arctic back country. Weather was good, but you need to be prepared for anything. If you are a reasonable off road cyclist looking for something a bit different, this is great fun and memorable. No hesitation to recommend.

  • Mary F.

    This was an adventure of a lifetime! I will never forget it! Northern Norway is starkly beautiful this time of year. Our guides were top notch. They supported and challenged us to keep pedaling and smiling through many wild weather conditions. The hospitality of the Sami People who provided us room and board along the trail was wonderful. The food was delicious! Best reindeer stew ever! Beds each night. Super comfortable. My advice to anyone considering this adventure is: DO IT! Expect to be challenged. Mother nature rules and you never know quite what the conditions will be. Get in good mountain biking shape and you'll truly enjoy it! I loved this trip and will relish the memories forever!

Customer Photos

4.928 reviews
  • 5 stars (26)
  • 4 stars (1)
  • 3 stars (1)
  • 2 stars (0)
  • 1 star (0)
Showing all 28 reviews

  • Epic arctic adventure.

    Richard R. April 2026
    What a wonderful trip! Trygve and his team at Glød were the perfect trip leader and support team, respectively. From the pre-trip communication, to the pick up from our hotel; from the kitting out to the itinerary and safety briefing, every aspect of the trip was well planned and delivered. The sessions of training/familiarisation while at Glød HQ were valuable and allowed everyone to try the e-bike option, and get accustomed to handling the bikes in different snow conditions. The 3-day crossing of the Finnmarksvidda plateau was incredible. We had favourable conditions with bright sunshine, and for most of the time a helpful, gentle tail-wind. Bruno and Petter, the Siberian Laika dogs, dutifully pulled our luggage on sleds and were very friendly. The plateau lodges were comfortable, with helpful staff and the option for a sauna and artic river plunge! The food was appetising and more than ample for re-fuelling for the following day - only surpassed by the food back at Glød HQ, which was delicious and presented with flair. We flew out 2 days early, allowing us to snow-shoe for a half-day and visit the Cathedral of the Northern Lights, and then managed to fit in a Fjord boat trip prior to our afternoon flight home. If you are adventurous, reasonably fit, and are a regular cyclist, this trip is a must!

  • Fantastic fat biking in the sun and snow

    Ian S. April 2026
    Expectations met, and exceeded! I'd wanted to try fat biking for a while - this was the ultimate intro. Glød have created a great package of accommodation, food and adventure. Sleeping in the domes, lying in bed, seeing the snow and sky through the ceiling is magical. The early morning coffee brought to you is a great kick start to the rest of the day. A tasty buffet breakfast of meats, salmon and breads continues the experience before heading off on the bikes. Riding can be quite strenuous - you should certainly be ready for riding over several hours and on differing depths of snow - although, for us, most of the tracks were quite firm. EBikes were available if you preferred some assistance, but you still need the legs to ride. Accommodation and food along the 3 day plateau ride were lovely, only exceeded by the riding through valleys, across lakes and fantastic scenery. We were lucky enough to see a large migrating reindeer herd on one day. The group was just 8 people - for me, a perfect balance of numbers, both for riding and when sharing stories across the table. We were led by Trygve, and supported by Bruno and Petter (the sledge dogs) who all did a grand job of guiding and making the trip extra special.

  • Fat Biking in Arctic Circle

    sandra L. April 2026
    What a Fabulous trip this was. The trip was brilliantly run by Trygve and the marvellous team at GLOD, the food, the accommodation and the cycling on the crisp snowy wide plateaus, and in between the trees and hills, the saunas and shower experiences to the cold water dips (not that I participated in the dips!) What a memory this has created for me cycling in the Arctic circle with the dogs pulling our bags and the sun shining. To the Sami lodges and the history the hosts gave of their families. The reindeer migration was an added bonus to see. We were lucky with the weather and conditions and that some ebikes were available to use which did make it easier. Definitely recommend this experience.

  • Amazing Experience

    Cecilia H. April 2026
    Ive waited 3 years for this trip and I was afraid I'd overdreamed. But no, then Arctic was everything that I had hoped for. We had benign conditions which made the cycling much easier, but be prepared to have to grind the bike through the snow. We had time before, during and after the tour for some fantastic Arctic experiences. Husky sledding is a must, brilliant fun and way harder than it looks. We ate like kings, slept in comfort and were extremely well looked after. Our host Tryggve was extremely knowledgeable about the area and his care for our huskies was pure love. The thrill of having them alongside us just made the tour. Witnessing a reindeer migration was a bonus, as was an Arctic dip. I will be back, this is a very special part of the world, and the people too.

  • What a blast!

    Christine H. March 2026
    Fantastic well organised trip. Accommodation superb. Spending time in remote accommodation with local people was great. Food was really good with lots of local dishes. The trip on fat bikes was amazing in terms of scenery and also some hard work. A special feature was our two sled dogs Petter and Bruno bringing our overnight bags along. Trygve was a great tour leader and very knowledgeable.

  • Amazing experience

    Iris K. June 2025
    I absolutely loved our Arctic fat bike adventure with Glød. The trip was very well organised. We started with a test ride from their base. Lots of lovely food, my favourite was Bidos, the Sami reindeer stew. This was served at one of the lodges, which were run by Sami. Bruse, our sled dog was definitely the star of the trip. He worked so hard to carry our pyjamas and a change of clothes. Be aware that you will need quite a large backpack, as we had to have a sleeping bag and a survival bag (provided) on our person in case of emergencies. If you have bike packing bags, it's worth considering bringing those. Definitely take them up on the offer of the overshoes. Some people in the group got quite cold feet. Each overnight stop had a sauna, so pack your swim suit! It was unseasonably warm during our trip, but luckily up on the Finnmarksvidda plateau everything was still frozen. Lower down, things were quite slushy.

  • Absolutely phenomenal trip. Glod is

    Laura B. April 2025
    Absolutely phenomenal trip. Glod is a most professional and authentic organization. So pleased to have experienced Norway this way. The trip was challenging physically and mentally. Outstanding food, guides, and landscape.

  • Amazing Arctic Adventure

    Dr M. April 2025
    The trip was perfect from start to finish, despite some whiteout conditions when crossing lesjavri on day 2 of the Fat Biking. Our guide Helle was great and the nights spent in the beautiful domes were so relaxing. The food was excellent. The mountain cabins were rather rustic but comfortable; just let's not mention the toilets! Was it "Challenging"? I suppose it depends on your fitness and experience. We cycle quite a lot of long distance rides so didn't find it too difficult, but others did find it more tricky. Overall the trip was fantastic and on our final day we did dog sledding which was the cherry on the cake. If you are in two minds, then don't be; just go for it. You won't regret it!

  • Great mini adventure

    Tom T. April 2025
    Really enjoyed this mini adventure. Began before we arrived as the connecting flight from Tromso was cancelled and we needed to hire a car to arrive a day late, but the main trip starts on day 2 so that didn’t matter. Kalle was a friendly guide, and the group (of six) got on well. The tour company GLOD is well established and organised. The star was Brus the husky, a tremendous working dog. Beautiful arctic back country. Weather was good, but you need to be prepared for anything. If you are a reasonable off road cyclist looking for something a bit different, this is great fun and memorable. No hesitation to recommend.

  • Awesome Adventure

    Mary F. April 2025
    This was an adventure of a lifetime! I will never forget it! Northern Norway is starkly beautiful this time of year. Our guides were top notch. They supported and challenged us to keep pedaling and smiling through many wild weather conditions. The hospitality of the Sami People who provided us room and board along the trail was wonderful. The food was delicious! Best reindeer stew ever! Beds each night. Super comfortable. My advice to anyone considering this adventure is: DO IT! Expect to be challenged. Mother nature rules and you never know quite what the conditions will be. Get in good mountain biking shape and you'll truly enjoy it! I loved this trip and will relish the memories forever!

  • Finnmark Arctic Circle fat bike adventure is fantastic

    Julie B. April 2025
    A challenging, wonderful, ever changing trip. This was a fantastic adventure from start to finish. Our guides, Kristine and Helle, were excellent and perfect both for this adventure and for our group. Everyone at Glod was super helpful, knowledgeable, friendly, accommodating and flexible. The epitome of this trip is to be ready for change and the unexpected. The difficulty of this trip is heavily influenced by the weather. Being in decent shape and having some mountain biking experience are strong prerequisites for this adventure. Plans and routes can and do change on a moment’s notice.

  • one trip to stay with you

    Márcio D. May 2024
    one of those special experiences where you come home a little bit different than when you went there. the images of the “white desert” will stay with me. a note on the effort: I’m 61 and consider myself reasonably fit, but had never ridden more than 10 Km on a bicycle. bottom line: it was not easy, but ultimately doable. I suggest you practice some dirt biking prior to going. in any case, the hard work will be amply rewarded. highly recommended trip, that only a few will do each year. responsible and interested guides. suitable accommodations during tour - in Alta very good. very good food throughout.

  • Epic.

    Denise D. May 2024
    I have nothing but the best of things to say about this trip -- it was an unforgettable adventure with a group of amazing, like-minded people! Our hosts Trygve & Helle were so much fun to get to know, and organized the trip to perfection. Fat biking during the day was both challenging and very rewarding, and the arctic landscape is gorgeous and tranquil. We ended each day with delicious food (my highlight was reindeer stew with lingonberry jam) and bonding with our fellow expedition-mates -- swapping stories, playing cards, laughing together about nonsense! I'd definitely recommend training with cycling/mountain biking specifically for this trip -- I came in with a generic cardio & strength training background, plus downhill MTB skills, and quickly realized that it doesn't translate to cycling endurance. So the physical aspect was very challenging (but still doable) for me, though that made the experience even more rewarding as I smashed my biking PRs day after day :) Highly, highly recommend this trip!

  • A truly epic and unforgettable adventure!

    Ronald H. May 2024
    A full 10/10 for the GLOD team under leadership of Trygve as we were well looked after from start to finish. After reading prior reviews before selecting the trip I had a concern over the level of fitness required, but in hindsight it was easier than expected, admittedly helped by mostly good weather conditions and over-preparation. The days are a good mix of cycling and 'down time', thus plenty of recovery time or opportunity to explore the area a but further on your own. The accommodation is brilliant, especially at Alta where the Aurora Canvas Dome was a touch of luxury. However, do remember an eye mask for sleeping as the sun rises at 3:30am. The food was out of this world and a fest for your tastebuds. It is mostly locally sourced reindeer, moose, cod and salmon, and there is plenty of it. I highly recommend this trip to anyone that has MTB/ gravel bike experience, it is a truly epic and unforgettable adventure!

  • Memorable Adventure with GLOD Explorers

    Kelly O. April 2024
    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

    Patrick K. April 2024
    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 r...

    Daniel July 2023
    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. Every...

    Haydn62 May 2023
    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...

    Derek April 2023
    Fantastic trip! Food was fantastic and the hosts were amazing.

  • An amazing experience with a fantastic loca...

    Carron April 2023
    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 mou...

    Ally May 2022
    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...

    Tom May 2022
    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 hos...

    Zoe April 2022
    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!

  • This trip is amazing but you really need to...

    Cathy April 2022
    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.

  • The trip was amazing! The location and rout...

    Anne April 2022
    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.

  • ....

    Karen April 2022
    .

  • A truly unforgettable experience. The team...

    Andy April 2022
    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 guid...

    Claire April 2022
    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!

Before You Travel

What to Pack

Backpack with hiking gear laid out

Know before you go! Some stuff we'll provide, other things you'll need to bring.

Kit List

What is provided
  • Nakamura Big Bob 6.0 fat bike
  • Cycle helmet (either bring your own or one will be provided)
  • Winter overshoes to fit all sizes
Bags
  • Soft overnight duffel bag or rucksack for the husky sled (weight limit is 6kg)
  • Waterproof liner or dry-bags 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 (mountain mittens recommended - wool mittens with windproof mittens on the outside)
  • 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
  • Thermos flask (1 litre)
  • Reusable water bottle (one that won't freeze)
  • Sleeping bag (for the cabins - bring your own or hire locally)
  • Slippers (for the cabins)
  • Sunglasses
  • Suncream
  • 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

FAQs

It's no secret that we love cycling and many of us at HQ think it's the best way to see a country, however, we realise that organising your own trip can be a total faff. On our cycling trips, we've found a local guide who has put together a perfect route and will navigate for you all the way. You'll also travel with a team of huskies to transport your overnight luggage and be provided with high-quality bikes and delicious food to keep you going. Faff eliminated! All you have to do is turn up, pedal and take in the epic landscape with your fellow tourers.

Have a read of our article on cycling difficulty levels for further information on selecting the right level of bike adventure for you.

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. The bikes are equipped with a water bottle cage. If you would like to bring your own saddle or pedals, these can be fitted for you.

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.

Yes, you will cycle point to point during the trip. Each day, you'll travel from one location to the next, cycling through rural and coastal landscapes, from Matera to Lecce.

The cycle guide ratio on the trip is 1-7 customers, this means that for groups of eight or more people, there will be two cycle guides.

Drinking water is available at the Aurora Canvas Domes and lodges. You'll fill up your water bottle (and thermos, hot water) in the morning and re-fill at the next cabin.

Sure – you can leave any excess kit you don't want to take fat biking at your accommodation in Alta.

This trip includes locations or elevations where conditions can be extremely cold. Daytime temperatures may drop below freezing (0°C/32°F), and nights are often significantly colder. These conditions can affect physical performance and increase the risk of exposure-related issues, such as frostbite or hypothermia.

Your guide is trained to manage these risks, adapting activity intensity and monitoring group wellbeing. However, it's important to take personal responsibility – bringing the right cold-weather gear (see Kit List), staying hydrated and well-nourished, and recognising early signs of cold stress.

We recommend assessing your personal comfort and resilience in cold environments, and consulting a medical professional if you have health conditions that may be affected. Arriving early can also help you acclimatise to the colder conditions, especially if you're coming from a much warmer climate.

Sure can! Over 70% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.

Our team of Adventure Hunters co-create exclusive adventures which are run by highly vetted, specialist hosts. The trip is run by our trusted host partner in the destination. We only work with independent, local, in-destination experts who know the very best places to explore and how to stay safe. Read more information about the local teams we partner with. You’ll be introduced to the host straight after making a booking via the Much Better Adventures platform.

Much Better Adventures refer to the UK Government’s official travel advice when designing trips and monitoring trip operations. We recommend that all customers are familiar with the practical information provided on the Government’s FCDO website, where current travel advice can be found by searching for the applicable destination(s).

For customers joining this trip from other international destinations – please also read the official travel advice applicable to your country of residence/origin, as this may differ.

We recommend checking out the country-specific information and also talking to a travel nurse.

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 as we want these adventures to bring together outdoorsy people who are truly like-minded. You must be over 18 to join one of our trips.

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.

Spring on the plateau, although fairly cold, is usually sunny and bright. It is likely to stay at around 0ºC 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 only for a short window in spring because this is when the snow is densely packed – perfect for fat bikes – with little chance of fresh snow to hinder progress. It's a small window before the weather warms up; however, our host has been running this expedition for a long time so the window is well-considered!

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 1000 miles/1609km would be approximately 281kg of CO2 in an average car (or 140.5kg per person, if there were two of you in it).
  • A return economy class flight between London and New York would be approximately 1619kg (1.66 tonnes) per person.
  • 10 trees in a temperate forest are estimated to remove approximately 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.

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