04/03/2025

Nordenskiöldsloppet marathon

Participating in the world’s longest ski marathon, the Nordenskiöldsloppet, is not just about covering 220 km – it’s an invitation to a Nordic polar expedition.

You’ll get a glimpse into the life of the Sámi people, the most numerous indigenous group in Northern Europe, and experience the true feeling of being on a journey of discovery.

Friendly Sámi will welcome you at the refreshment stations, but in between, you may spend as much as 50–60 km in complete solitude, surrounded by the crisp northern wilderness. Exciting!

About the marathon

Completing the world’s longest ski marathon is a true test of endurance for any well-trained skier. Every year, around 550 brave participants take on this 220 km classic-style race through the tundra of northern Sweden. In 2026, it will be a celebrational marathon held for the 10th time – hooray! 

The origins of the race date back to 1883, when a Finnish-Swedish polar explorer Adolf Erik Nordenskiöld led an expedition to Greenland. During the journey, two Sámi men covered an incredible 460 km on skis through the icy mountain terrain, almost without any stops, in just 57 hours.

When Nordenskiöld shared their achievement, no one believed him—it was considered outright impossible. To prove it wasn’t a lie, he organized a 220 km ski race in April 1884, laying the foundation for what has now become a legendary ultramarathon in northern Sweden.

Our team has participated five times already, and over the years, we’ve built up a wealth of experience to share. From different challenges and tested solutions to handling the unexpected, we’re here to give you the best possible guidance—so that both your body and mind are fully prepared for this extraordinary journey.

About the marathon trail

The marathon route runs on the other side of the Arctic Circle. The starting shot is fired in Jokkmokk, from where participants will run to Kvikkjokk and then make a turn back towards the starting point. As has become a tradition, participants like to joke: “Turn around by the birch tree!”

The route winds through the unique landscape of Lapland, meandering along. At least half of the total length of the route is on uneven terrain – the occasional puddles run along rivers, lakes, and plains. There are a total of 18-19 aid stations along the way, which are well-stocked and always a pleasure to pass through, as the local Sámi people greet participants warmly. The start is at 5:00 in the early morning, and there is a time limit of 30 hours to complete the 220 km distance.

At times, the race truly feels like a polar expedition, as if you’re discovering new territories. You can ski for kilometers in complete silence, without seeing or hearing any signs of civilization.

This isn’t just a test of endurance in long-distance skiing—it’s also an opportunity to experience the authentic way of life of the Sámi people. It’s like being on a tour of Lapland while becoming part of the marathon’s original story from Greenland.

More information about the ski marathon you can find HERE

Based on participants’ experiences, it’s recommended to ski at least 1,000 kilometers during training in preparation for the marathon to ensure an enjoyable race. Strength training for the entire body is essential, and a special focus should be placed on double poling, as a significant portion of the course demands upper body endurance and power. 

Travel program

We arrive at the destination on Thursday night. Friday is dedicated to familiarizing ourselves with the local conditions and any necessary preparations. We will visit the marathon center, where you’ll collect your personalized race number and leave a bag with a change of clothes. In the afternoon, those interested can visit the Sámi Museum, which offers a detailed insight into their culture and the surrounding nature.

On marathon day, the race starts at 5:00 AM. Our support team will be there to cheer you on and provide assistance along the course. At the finish line, we will greet you with a warm blanket and an overwhelming sense of achievement. Our base is located right next to the finish area, ensuring you can quickly warm up and change into dry clothes.

Sunday is intentionally left as a recovery day, as experience has shown that once you return to everyday life, the usual hustle and bustle begins immediately. This way, your body and mind have a full day to recover, and we begin our bus journey towards Helsinki early Monday morning.

For those flying in, arrival in Jokkmokk is scheduled for Thursday noon, with the return to Estonia on Sunday late evening. 

Accommodation and catering

Accommodation is arranged at Arctic Camp Jokkmokk, in small cabin-style houses that can accommodate 4–5 people. Each cabin is equipped with a kitchen, toilet, and bathroom. A sauna is also available nearby, which can be used at any time. The accommodation is conveniently located just 2.5 km from the start and finish area.

All meals from Thursday dinner to Sunday breakfast are provided at the accommodation center’s restaurant. For Sunday lunch and dinner, you can either prepare meals in the camp’s kitchen or visit a local café in Jokkmokk.

Additional services

Ski preparation and waxing services are available at designated points along the course and can be booked through the event organizers. If you prefer to wax your skis yourself, maintenance rooms are available on-site.

Having participated in this marathon for five years, we know how much family and friends enjoy following the race and getting real-time updates. The official marathon organizers provide a timing service, recording split times every 15–17 km.

However, to ensure the best possible tracking over such a long distance, each participant will receive a personal GPS tracker as part of the travel package. This allows your loved ones to follow your entire journey live via a website, knowing exactly where you are at every moment and cheering you on with full excitement!

A bold challenge

Every year, nearly a couple of hundred skiers complete the world’s longest ski marathon. Will you be one of the brave ones?

Lapland’s nature

The crisp northern wilderness and the authentic way of life of the Sámi people. Be prepared—you might even spot reindeer galloping along the trail!

Experienced support team

We have participated in the same marathon for 6 years, sharing experiences and recommendations that we consciously take into account.

Meeting point of the trip

You can choose between two trip packages. A package that includes traveling by ferry from Tallinn to Stockholm where the journey continues with SportTravel bus transfer to Jokkmokk. The other option is to meet us at Jokkmokk, Sweden. 

If you choose the second option, please arrange your own flights and feel free to ask our advice regarding arriving from Lulea airport to Jokkmokk – we would be happy to help. Specific meeting times will be shared with registered participants.

Package deal by ferry Includes:

Dates: March 26-30, 2026

Package price is 1225 EUR.

EARLY bird price: if you register before December 10, 2025 (incl.), the price of the package is 1125 EUR. If you don’t want to participate in the marathon, just to come and cheer your friends, the package is priced at 810 EUR.

Package with meeting at Jokkmokk:

Dates: March 26-29, 2026

Package price is 1115 EUR.

EARLY bird price: if you register before December 10, 2025 (incl.), the price of the package is 1050 EUR. If you don’t want to participate in the marathon, just to come and cheer your friends, the package is priced at 735 EUR.

Flexible payment options: after registration, we will send you the booking invoice (€400 per person). Payment of this invoice confirms your spot in the group. You can choose how to pay the remaining balance of the package on the registration form: you can pay the full amount of the remaining cost 40 days before the trip or in two installments. In the two-installment option, 50% of the cost is due 75 days before the trip, and the remaining amount is due 40 days before the trip.

Your support team

Kristel Laurson

Kristel is a cheerful and adventurous companion who has organized hiking adventures and sports camps both in Estonia and across Europe. Her greatest passion has always been exploring the Nordic countries, a journey that began in her youth when she was actively involved in cross-country skiing. Her trips are more than just thrilling experiences—they are inspiring discoveries, both outward and inward. With her, your spontaneity and courage take on a whole new meaning!

Jüri Marcinkevicz

Jüri is an active sport enthusiast whose experience includes over 150 international marathons in various sports (skiing, running, mountain biking, road cycling, and more). He is not driven by achievements, but by the experience of pushing his limits and the opportunity to discover different countries through active movement. He definitely has a lot of tips and useful recommendations to share.