Arctic by cycle - SANTA'S EASTERN GRAVEL LOOP
A bikepacking journey in Lapland.
Preparing the Gear
After several test runs, our setup feels ready. We opted for the Thule Chariot Sport Double over the Tout Terrain due to its generous space for both our child and luggage. It’s equipped with 50mm off-road tires, providing the comfort and durability needed for gravel tracks. We’re confident this gear will handle the demands of Lapland’s varied terrain.
Lapland Bikepacking Adventure: Day 1
Sunshine, rain, mosquitoes, reindeer, lakes, endless double tracks, and vast forests – Lapland delivered it all on our first day. It’s a place where nature reigns supreme, and every turn reveals another breathtaking view.
The highlight of the day was stumbling upon a remote, pristine hut to spend the night. In such a tranquil setting, surrounded by untouched wilderness, it’s easy to appreciate the simplicity and beauty of life.
Looking ahead, Day 2 will be a bit of a rest day due to rain. After that, the forecast promises a stretch of beautiful weather… just in time for more adventures.
Lapland Bikepacking: Days 2 & 3
Two days of intermittent rain challenged us to adapt. We had to change our planned sleeping spot for Day 2, shortening the route and ending up in a remote, unexpected location. Flexible travel often leads to surprising moments, and this was no exception. Here, reindeer wandered up to our window, and the nearest store was hours away. The lack of modern conveniences only heightened the sense of adventure.
By Day 3, the rain gave way to peeks of sunshine, and we embraced the opportunity to swim in the crystal-clear lakes along our route. These moments of joy and connection with nature make every challenge worth it.
Lapland Bikepacking: Days 4, 5 & 6
The sun returned, and with it came a newfound appreciation for Lapland’s pristine beauty. Cycling through this remote region day after day feels like a privilege. We spent two nights in Pyhä-Luosto National Park, staying at the Huttujärvi hut – an unforgettable location that became our home for a few days.
Family bikepacking is about more than just covering kilometers. It’s about slowing down, sharing adventures, making campfires, and immersing ourselves in the natural world. Watching our child’s joy and wonder adds an entirely new dimension to the experience.
Lapland Bikepacking: Days 9 & 10
Our loop through Lapland is complete, and what a journey it’s been. Perfect gravel roads, breathtakingly untouched landscapes, and the sense of togetherness made it truly unforgettable. We took it slow, covering fewer kilometers, but the scenery and memories we soaked in were worth every moment.
Final Thoughts
Lapland’s vastness, its gravel roads, and its untouched beauty have given us memories we’ll cherish forever. Bikepacking as a family has deepened our connection to each other and the world around us. As we pack up and reflect on this adventure, we’re already dreaming of the next one
About the Route: Santa’s Eastern Gravel Loop
We followed Santa’s Eastern Gravel Loop, a challenging 472-kilometer route through the heart of Finnish Lapland. Starting at Rovaniemi and circling through Kemijärvi, Pyhä, and Luosto, the loop combines high-quality gravel roads with remote single tracks and service-free stretches, making it a demanding but rewarding adventure.
The first part of the route offers regular stops for supplies and amenities, while the latter half dives deep into wilderness with no services for over 200 kilometers. Highlights include the Pyhä- Luosto National Park’s rare old-growth forests and treeless fell tops, as well as the solitude of Lapland’s endless taiga.
With its mix of technical trails, pristine nature, and cultural touches like wilderness huts and lean-tos, Santa’s Eastern Gravel Loop delivers a quintessential Lapland experience. It’s a journey of contrasts: challenging yet meditative, remote yet connected to nature’s rhythm.
more info: https://www.bikeland.fi/en/santas-eastern-gravel-loop
