to our world. - NOLS

With remote Arctic coastlines and lush tundra, Scandinavia beckons. Your NOLS expedition along the Arctic Circle will
take you around rugged islands, in and out of fjords, and along coastal brim, the lowland area stretching from the ocean to
the steep glaciated peaks of the Scandinavian Mountains. Lying along the same latitudes as Siberia, Greenland, and Alaska,
Arctic Scandinavia will provide long summer days of midnight sun as you learn technical sea kayaking or backpacking
skills needed for an expedition anywhere in the world. From the coast to the limestone caves to forested valleys and high
peaks, this unique backcountry classroom provides ample opportunity to immerse yourself in the core NOLS curriculum.
And as one of the newest NOLS operating locations, Scandinavia will provide a sense of adventure and expedition that is
very much exploratory. You may go where no NOLS student has gone before. Whether in your boat or on your feet, you’ll
master leadership and outdoor living skills while immersing yourself in the culture and wilderness of Scandinavia.
SCANDINAVIA
Kayak the rugged coastlines of this unique territory while learning what it means to
have good expedition behavior. Salten Coast, Norway
SCANDINAVIA BACKPACKING AND SEA KAYAKING
The Kingdom of Norway is the westernmost country of the
Scandinavian Peninsula in Europe. Sea kayaking its impressive
coastline offers a mix of remote paddling without any human
encounters and days where you can purchase fresh food
in the small fishing communities that dot the rugged shores.
The Norwegian Sea has a rich marine life, abundant with cod,
herring, and halibut, and is home to the largest deepwater coral
reef in the world. Your trekking section will start in Norway at
fjord level and move to higher elevations that are remarkably
unspoiled. A mix of rolling hills and snow-covered peaks punctuated
by glaciers, this area has been home to the indigenous
Sami peoples for over two thousand years. Whichever skill you
tackle first, you’ll walk away with a comprehensive understanding
of the land, water, and culture of Scandinavia.
DETAILS
Age and Length: 18 & Over • Average age: 22 • Duration: 30 days
Tuition: $6,185
Optional College Credit: 2 hours Environmental Ethics, 2 hours Leadership Techniques,
2 hours Skills Practicum
Dates: page 108
Facing page: No, it’s not a dream. Explore all this desolate and rugged landscape
has to offer. Above Sorfjorden, Norway
Lena Conlan
SCANDINAVIA SEA KAYAKING
The Norwegian coastline is unlike any place else in the world.
Its proximity to the Arctic Circle provides long daylight hours
to witness abundant sea life and breathtaking views. From cod
to herring to halibut, fishing opportunities abound. You will
travel by sea kayak in and out of fjords, past small fishing villages,
around rugged islands, and next to land punctuated by
steep, glaciated mountains. As you explore the beautiful coast,
you’ll learn to read nautical charts, hone your paddling skills,
and navigate different wind and tidal conditions, all while having
fun and refining your leadership skills.
DETAILS
Age and Length: 18 & Over • Duration: 22 days
Tuition: $4,400
Optional College Credit: 2 hours Environmental Ethics, 2 hours Leadership Techniques,
2 hours Skills Practicum
Dates: page 108
SCANDINAVIA BACKPACKING
If you have always dreamed of hiking near the Arctic Circle,
this exploratory backpacking course will take you north into
those remote regions of Norway and Sweden. You may go where
no NOLS student has gone before. With the expert guidance of
your instructors, you’ll learn to travel and camp in areas such
as Tromsø, Finnmark, or Lyngen. With roots reaching back to
the indigenous Sami traditions as well as the migrations of the
Vikings during the late 800s, Scandinavia is a unique place rich
in culture, history, and wilderness. Here you will dive into the
NOLS core curriculum—honing your leadership skills, backcountry
navigation savvy, and Leave No Trace ethics. Students
18 and older can opt for a 30-day expedition. We also offer
a shorter, though no less intense or beautiful, 14-day trek for
students 23 and older.
DETAILS
Age and Length: 18 & Over • Duration: 30 days
23 & Over • Duration: 14 days
Tuition: $5,240 (18 & Over); $3,495 (23 & Over)
Optional College Credit: 2 hours Environmental Ethics, 2 hours Leadership Techniques,
2 hours Skills Practicum (18 & Over); 2 hours Skills Practicum (23 & Over)
Dates: page 108
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