Ivalo river. Anárjohka. An Arctic Classic.
We start the canoe trip far north of the Arctic circle by Highway 955. For the next 90 km the Ivalo river flows through the forest and fells of the Hammastunturi Wilderness Area. A journey through some of the wildest parts of Lapland.
The history of the area includes reindeer husbandry and the Lapland gold rush. The Ivalo river has been nicknamed the "river of gold". During the Lapland Gold Rush at the end of the 19th century hundreds of gold claims where made, some are still active out along the banks of the river and its tributaries.
We will wild camp along the river and make open fires when suitable, fish and enjoy blueberry's, lingonberries and mushrooms that we pick in the Arctic forests.Fishermen can try to catch Trout and Grayling.
The river is slow flowing with approx 40 rapids of class I-II. This trip is suitable for anyone who has some previous experience of grade I-II rapids and is keen to experience a wilderness trip in the far north. This is a good introduction to the skills needed for our longer and more demanding trips.
We provide high quality tents, all food, group equipment, dry bags, and good high quality canoes fitted for solo paddling (or tandem if you wish). All you need is your personal paddling gear, sleeping bag and camping mat.
Ivalo Airport where we meet you on day one is easy to reach via Helsinki. You can either fly direct Helsinki to Ivalo in 1h 30 min, or take a train though Finland to Rovaniemi and continue by bus to Ivalo.
This trip can be combined with our longer wilderness canoe trip in Vätsäri Wilderness Area (see here) together they create a challenging journey in some of the most pristine wildernesses in Europe.
Moln's trips in the Nordic countries are easily accessible by train or bus.
Travel to the nearest train or bus station where we will pick you up. By train and bus you will also see more of the destination country. This trip is conveniently accessible by train from Helsinki to Rovaniemi and then by bus to Ivalo, where we will meet you.
Program.
2.9.2023. Day 1.
Arrival by air or land to Ivalo where we meet you. Transfer to a hotel in Inari. We visit Siida, the National Museum of the Finnish Sámi. Siida is a central meeting place in Inari, the heart of the Sámi Area in Finland. The museum provides a unique window on Sámi culture and the diverse nature of Northern Lapland. Dinner in the evening and packing for the trip.
3.9. Day 2. Transfer along Highway 955 to the start of our journey. First paddling day. Camp along the river.
4.9. Day 3. Paddling.
5.9. Day 4. Hiking. We do a daytrip.
6.9. Day 5. Paddling.
7.9. Day 6. Paddling. We end the trip by midday and transfer to Inari. Dinner and overnight at hotel.
8.9. Day 7. Time to travel home. Transfer to Ivalo. For those joining our Vätsäri trip it’s a rest day and time to wash clothes and repack.
Price. 1500€.
Dificulty. Moderate 
Some experience of grade I rapids is good to have.
Date. 1 - 7.9.2024.
Duration. 7 days. 5 days of canoeing.
Participants. Min 4 - Max 7.
Accomodation. Tent and two nights in a hotel.
Transportation. Participants will make their own way to Ivalo in Finland which has good flight and train / bus connections to Helsinki. We will meet participants in Ivalo.
Guide. Roope Roine and a second guide.
Insurance. Participants are responsible for their own insurance. Travel insurance is recommended.
Included. Two guides (BCU 4* or 5* leader), High quality canoe fitted for solo paddling, all food during trip from dinner first night to breakfast last morning, tent, transfers, hotel nights, visit to Sami museum.
Not include: Travel to Ivalo, Insurance.