Arctic by Cycle: Santa's Western Gravel Loop

The Santa's Western Gravel Loop is a collection of some of the best gravel and forest roads of southwestern Lapland, starting at the Santa Claus' Village at the Arctic Circle in Rovaniemi and visiting the Ylläs fell via the villages and wilderness shelters. The 493km and 6-8 day route also connect the railway stations of Rovaniemi, Pello, and Kolari, making the route one of the easiest to get on and off in the Arctic. Overall, it offers a versatile selection of surfaces and types of nature, from crystal clear lakes, river banks, endless arctic taiga, vast moorlands, and views to some of the highest fells in the country on the north part of the route. Like many other Arctic by Cycle bikepacking routes, it's a great stand-alone tour but equally serves as a segment on a longer arctic bikepacking trip.