Cycling Arctic Circle Bikepacking Review

Bikepacking the Arctic Circle offers a unique and challenging adventure. The Arctic Post Road, a 340-kilometer gravel route from Finland to Norway, was biked by Henna Palosaari and Sami Sauri, and documented in a film by Mikko-Pekka Karlin.

This route follows remnants of the old Copenhagen-Alta post road, starting from Pallas-Ylläs National Park in Finnish Lapland and traversing the Finnmark highlands to Alta on the Arctic Ocean.

The Arctic Circle bikepacking route is known for its vast wilderness, with a reindeer-to-person ratio of 5:4, making encounters with reindeer more likely than with people.

The route is closed during late September due to reindeer herding, and the Räkkä season, when biting insects are abundant, typically starts by late June and lasts until mid-August.

Autumn, particularly early September, is a good time to bikepack in the Arctic, as the Northern Lights often appear at night.

Adventure enthusiasts have shared their experiences and tips for this route. For instance, the Polar Pedal adventure involves bikepacking and sketching the Arctic’s beauty, starting in Rovaniemi and ending in Alta, Norway.

Cyclists are advised to prepare for cold weather, potential getting lost in sparsely populated areas, and mechanical issues.

In terms of gear, proper cycling shoes are recommended over casual footwear like Converse, especially if it rains, to avoid wet feet and related issues.

Arctic Post Road: A 340-kilometer bikepacking route from Finland to Norway, following remnants of the old Copenhagen-Alta post road.

Polar Pedal: A bikepacking and sketching adventure across the Arctic Circle, starting in Rovaniemi and ending in Alta, Norway.

These routes offer a blend of adventure, remote wilderness, and cultural experiences, making them appealing to seasoned and adventurous cyclists.