Set out on an Arctic odyssey with Finnmarksløpet

In the vast, otherworldly wilderness of Finnmark, Norway, where the winter sun casts a silvery glow over snow-laden landscapes, an extraordinary challenge unfolds every March. Finnmarksløpet, Europe’s longest sled dog race, takes mushers and their canine companions on a gruelling journey across an Arctic dreamscape.

In Norway’s northernmost corner, there is a place where powdered mountains meet frozen fjords, and endless tundra stretches into the horizon. Home to the dancing aurora borealis, Finnmark is undeniably beautiful. Yet, beyond the initial beauty that catches the eye, the landscape is also home to a range of challenges – a biting cold, freezing winds, and some difficult terrain. Instead of shying away from the elements, Finnmarksløpet encourages taking them on head-first through Europe’s longest sled race.

Photo: Kjell O Brun

“Finnmarksløpet is a journey of survival and determination,” explains Merete Jørstad, general manager at Finnmarksløpet. “For mushers, it’s as much a mental marathon as a physical one. With little sleep, limited warmth, and every muscle aching, they push through fatigue and freezing winds, all while tending to their sled dogs with unwavering care.”

In many ways, this unique experience is not merely a race, but also a nearly week-long test of endurance, a celebration of camaraderie, and a tribute to the resilient spirit of the North.

Photo: Therese Andersen

An Arctic adventure

Born in 1981 from the vision of a few hardy souls eager to test their dogs and gear, Finnmarksløpet has evolved into Europe’s longest and most prestigious sled dog race. Finnmarksløpet slowly but surely grew from humble beginnings to the world-class event it is today, drawing participants from all around the world. The sport’s resurgence, inspired by a fascination with sled dog racing, has brought newfound energy to the event.

“It started as something local and grew, with more people joining each year. At the end of the 2000s and early 2010s, dog sledding started to gain traction. People saw Finnmarksløpet on TV,” says Jørstad. “With more media attention, businesses and other sponsors getting involved, it has turned into an international event. Last year, for example, we had registrations from 14 different countries, which is incredible.”

This Roald Amundsen-esque expedition has become a dynamic, thriving sport that continues to attract participants of all ages. Whether you’re 14 or 73, as seen in recent competitions, Finnmarksløpet is a testament to the enduring appeal of the Arctic challenge.

“But Finnmarksløpet is not for the faint-hearted,” says head of press, Trond Anton Andersen. “Because the dogs are the ones to pull the sleds, many might think that it’s not as challenging as other types of marathons, but I’d argue it’s far more difficult. On top of having to care for and prioritise the dogs and their needs over their own, mushers face subzero temperatures, harsh winds, and minimal sleep as they navigate the Arctic terrain.”

Your age, gender, or background does not matter – everyone competes side by side, and all contestants invest months into training before racing. Dogs and mushers work as a synchronized team, their bond strengthened by thousands of hours spent preparing for this monumental challenge. Mushers stand on sled runners for hours, steering their teams while fighting fatigue and the numbing cold. For days on end, they snatch only brief moments of sleep, and several previous participants even report their minds playing tricks as exhaustion blurs the lines between reality and hallucination.

“Finishing this race, whether first or last, is an achievement that few can claim. Each musher who crosses the finish line is a winner, having conquered one of the most gruelling challenges in the sports world,” says Andersen.

Photo: Finnmarksløpet

A community celebration

There is no doubt that this challenging race requires a lot of check-ins for both musher and dogs, which is why the entire community comes together to support and encourage the participants. Whether for mental support, to patch up torn clothing or broken gear, all mushers are allowed to have their own team of helpers, who can meet the participants at the different checkpoints.

The race engages over 500 volunteers and serves as a learning arena for high school and university students, offering practical skills in everything from logistics to veterinary care. “Above all, animal welfare is our highest priority,” says Jørstad. “This is a sport that involves a lot of animals, so it’s important to us that each dog undergoes rigorous veterinary checks at key checkpoints along the route.”

Finnmarksløpet is more than just a competition, it’s a community-driven initiative that unites and uplifts the region. “We’re proud of the race and want people to get involved so we can carry on this tradition for generations to come,” Jørstad adds.

Concerts, cultural events, and a vibrant atmosphere surround the race, transforming towns like Alta, Karasjok, and Tana into hubs of celebration. The event also bolsters local businesses and tourism, with thousands of spectators, locals and visitors alike, gathering to witness the spectacle.

Whether standing on Alta’s main street at the start, cheering at a windswept checkpoint, or watching the live broadcasts from afar, Finnmarksløpet is an experience that stays with you.

Photo: Mitsy Morel

Web: www.finnmarkslopet.no
Facebook: Finnmarksløpet
Instagram: @finnmarksløpet

Save the date!
14 March 2025
FL-1200: 1,200 km

15 March 2025
FL-Junior (14-18): 200 km
FL-600: 600 km