Contestant info > Trail description – Updated June 24, 2026
Trail description FL-1200
| Stage | Out | In | Km |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Start Alta | Jergul | 120 |
| 3 | Jergul | Levajok 1 | 121 |
| 4 | Levajok 1 | Bonakas | 128 |
| 5 | Bonakas | Neiden 1 | 125 |
| 6 | Neiden 1 | Kirkenes | 72 |
| 8 | Kirkenes | Neiden 2 | 115 |
| 9 | Neiden 2 | Varangerbotn | 82 |
| 10 | Varangerbotn | Sirbma | 102 |
| 11 | Sirbma | Karasjok | 143 |
| 12 | Karasjok | Jotka | 82 |
| 13 | Jotka | Finish Alta | 49 |
| Total: | 1139 |
Changes to distances may happen.
Alta – Jergul (approx. 120 km)
The start goes from Markedsgata down to the Alta River. From here, the trail follows the river for about 16 km up to the Sorrisniva Bridge before leaving the river and heading onto an old tractor road up towards Detsika. From there, the ascent continues to Gamasvannet, before the terrain gradually levels out.
In this stage, the teams will climb more than 300 meters. From Gamasvannet, the trail continues over the Joatkavannene lakes before participants pass Jotka Mountain Lodge, which is the final checkpoint in the race.
About halfway through the stage, the route goes through a more sheltered small forest area, which is suitable for resting on the trail. The last part of the stage goes through a varied mix of small forest, lakes, smaller rivers, and easy plateau terrain. Here there are few major elevation changes, and the trail is relatively easy to traverse in the final stretch towards the checkpoint located at Jergul Mountain Lodge.
Jergul – Levajok (approx. 121 km)
The trail mainly follows a public snowmobile trail and goes along Iesjohka, Karasjohka, and further along the Tana River all the way to the checkpoint at Levajok Mountain Lodge. Karasjok, which is a checkpoint on the return leg, is passed on the river beneath the bridge right near the center of Karasjok.
Levajok – Bonakas (approx. 125 km)
From Levajok, the trail follows the river for the first three kilometers before rising steeply up toward the high mountains and above the tree line. After the challenging climb, the terrain levels out, and the trail passes several lakes before descending back into the birch forest. The route then continues toward Mášjokbrua and further out onto the river heading down to Bonakas.
This stage goes through an area that can be very exposed to the weather, with often strong winds and challenging conditions. The checkpoint is located at Tana videregående skole in Bonakas.
Bonakas – Neiden 1 (approx. 125 km)
The stage goes through relatively flat and gently hilly birch forest terrain all the way to Neiden mountain lodge. Along the way, several lakes are passed, with Diergajávri and Gállotjávri being the largest. In the first half of the stage, the trail in some places runs close to the E6, and on clear days, the Arctic Ocean can be seen on the horizon.
In the area around Varangerbotn and Karlebotn, weather and wind can cause snow to be blown away in some sections. Large parts of the stage follow a public snowmobile trail.
Neiden 1 – Kirkenes (approx. 72 km)
The trail goes through varied and partly hilly terrain, along rivers, over water, and through smaller mountain areas. The checkpoint is located centrally in Kirkenes at the Scandic Kirkenes.
Kirkenes – Neiden 2, (approx. 115 km)
The stage in Pasvik is a mix of beautiful old pine forest, across lakes, and hilly terrain. The highest peak in Pasvik is passed along the way; it is called Rádjoaivi. Large parts of the route follow a public snowmobile trail as well as the patrol track used by the Norwegian Armed Forces. The checkpoint is by Neiden mountain lodge.
Neiden 2 – Varangerbotn (approx. 82 km)
Large parts of this stage follow the same route as on the way to Neiden 1. In the area around Karlebotn, the trail runs close to the E6 before following a public snowmobile trail all the way to the checkpoint at Varangerbotn, which is located by the Varanger Museum and Nesseby parish hall.
Varangerbotn – Sirbma (approx. 110 km)
The first part of the stage goes through gently rolling birch forest before the trail reaches the Tana River. From there, the route follows the river past Tana Bridge and onward towards Mášjok Bridge. The trail partly follows the same route as the stretch between Levajok and Bonakas before turning off towards Sirma through hilly terrain.
NOTE: There may be changes on this stage.
The checkpoint is at Sirma community house.
Sirbma – Karasjok (approx. 142 km)
From Sirma, the trail climbs steeply up the mountain towards Levajok. For the first 7–8 kilometers, the route follows a public snowmobile trail before turning south and connecting with the trail from Levajok. The area is known to be very exposed to the weather.
About three kilometers before Levajok Mountain Lodge, the trail goes down to the river, which is then followed for around 85 kilometers until the bridge in Karasjok, where the route leaves the river and heads up to the checkpoint at Scandic Karasjok/Sápmi Park.
Karasjok – Jotka (approx. 82 km)
From the checkpoint in Karasjok, the trail follows the Karasjohka upstream for about 12 kilometers to Assebákti. From there, the route goes under the bridge and onto a public snowmobile trail, which is followed for a large part of the way to Alta.
Most of this stage runs through high mountain terrain over the Finnmarksvidda. Hundevidda is known as a harsh weather area, and conditions here can sometimes be challenging. Along the way, both Ravnastua and Mollisjok Mountain Lodge are passed. Both lodges are open and staffed, but they do not serve as official checkpoints.
Jotka Mountain Lodge is the race’s last checkpoint before the final stretch towards Alta.
Jotka – Alta (49 km)
The public snowmobile trail is followed for most of the distance all the way down to Detsika, approximately 30 km. The first part passes through open mountain terrain. Further down, the trail goes through birch forest, which then transitions into pine forest. There is a steep descent from Detsika down to the Alta River. The trail reaches the river at Sorrisniva and follows it downstream to Alta city center and the finish line, approximately 18 km.
The “No Man’s Land” section is from the bridge in Øvre-Alta, about 7 km before the finish. The approach to the finish is the same as the one used at the start.
ENJOY YOUR RIDE!
Trail description FL-600
| Stage | Out | In | Km |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Start Alta | Masi | 135 |
| 2 | Masi | Jergul | 106 |
| 3 | Jergul | Levajok | 129 |
| 4 | Levajok | Karasjok | 83 |
| 5 | Karasjok | Jotka | 82 |
| 6 | Jotka | Finish Alta | 49 |
| Total: | 584 |
Changes to distances may happen.
Alta – Masi (approx. 135 km)
The race kicks off with a challenging first stage from downtown Alta. From the start at Markedsgata, the route goes down to the Alta River, which is followed for about 16 km upstream to Sorrisniva Bridge. At Sorrisniva, the trail leaves the Alta River and enters an old tractor road where a steep climb of around four kilometers up to Detsika begins. Next, there are some rolling hills through the cabin area in Bollo before another climb up to Finnmarksvidda awaits.
During the first 40 kilometers, the teams will climb more than 300 meters. From Gamasvannet, the trail goes over the Joatkavattens before passing Jotka mountain lodge, which is the last checkpoint for FL-600.
From here, the stage continues through open plateau landscape, but about halfway through the stage, the trail goes through more sheltered areas with small forests. These spots offer good opportunities for those who want to let their dogs rest along the trail.
The checkpoint is by Masi school.
Masi – Jergul (approx. 106 km)
From the checkpoint in Masi, the trail goes into hilly terrain. After that, the route mostly follows rivers, lakes, and public snowmobile trails almost all the way. Only in a few places does the trail deviate from the regular route for safety reasons, such as at road crossings where the trail goes under bridges instead of over the road.
The final section towards Jergul offers a varied mix of small forests, lakes, rivers, and light plateau terrain. The stage has few major elevation changes and is considered relatively easy to travel. The checkpoint is located at Jergul Fjellstue.
Jergul – Levajok (approx. 129 km)
From Jergul, the trail follows the river down towards Karasjok before crossing under the road. After that, the route continues through a varied terrain consisting of forest areas, marshes, and some mountain regions, before descending towards Levajok mountain lodge.
This is a long stage that requires good management of both the dog team and your own energy. Especially the last part of the stretch can feel challenging before reaching the checkpoint at Levajok mountain lodge.
Levajok – Karasjok (approx. 83 km)
This is a purely river stage. The route follows the Tana River up to the confluence with the Karasjohka and continues along the river to the bridge in Karasjok. Here the route turns off, goes through the town center, and continues up to Scandic Karasjok/Sàpmi Park, where the checkpoint is located.
Karasjok – Jotka (approx. 82 km)
From the checkpoint in Karasjok, the trail follows the Karasjohka upstream for about 12 kilometers to Assebákti. From there, the route goes under the bridge and onto a public snowmobile trail, which is followed for a large part of the way to Alta.
Most of this stage runs through high mountain terrain over the Finnmarksvidda. Hundevidda is known as a harsh weather area, and conditions here can sometimes be challenging. Along the way, both Ravnastua and Mollisjok Mountain Lodge are passed. Both lodges are open and staffed, but they do not serve as official checkpoints.
Jotka Mountain Lodge is the race’s last checkpoint before the final stretch towards Alta.
Jotka – Alta (49 km
The public snowmobile trail is followed for most of the way all the way down to Detsika, approximately 30 km. The first part passes through open mountain terrain. Further down, the trail goes through birch forest, which then transitions into pine forest. There is a steep descent from Detsika down to the Alta River. The trail reaches the river at Sorrisniva and follows it downstream to Alta city center and the finish line, approximately 18 km.
The “No Man’s Land” section starts from the bridge in Øvre-Alta, about 7 km before the finish. The approach to the finish follows the same route used at the start.
ENJOY YOUR RIDE!
Trail description FL-300
| Stage | Out | In | Km |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Start Alta | Jotka 1 | 49 |
| 2 | Jotka 1 | Jergul | 72 |
| 3 | Jergul | Karasjok | 38 |
| 4 | Karasjok | Jotka 2 | 83 |
| 5 | Jotka 2 | Mål Alta | 49 |
| Total: | 291 |
Alta – Jotka 1 (49 km)
The race starts with a challenging first stage from Alta center. The trail follows the Alta River up to Sorrisniva Bridge, before turning away from the river and heading onto an old tractor road up to Detsika. From there, the climb continues toward Gamasvannet, before the terrain gradually evens out.
On this stage, the teams will have to tackle over 300 meters of elevation. From Gamasvannet, the trail goes over the Joatkavannene lakes before participants reach the first checkpoint at Jotka mountain lodge.
Jotka 1 – Jergul (approx. 72 km)
From Jotka, the trail continues across the plateau towards Jergul. Large parts of this stretch are open plateau landscapes, but the trail also goes through more sheltered areas with small forests. These spots are great for anyone who wants to let their dogs rest along the way.
The final part approaching Jergul offers a varied mix of small forests, lakes, rivers, and easy plateau terrain. There aren’t any major elevation changes. The checkpoint is at Jergul mountain lodge.
Jergul – Karasjok (approx. 38 km)
The stage between Jergul and Karasjok mainly follows the public snowmobile trail. The trail goes along the Iesjohka and then down the Karasjohka towards Karasjok.
At the bridge in Karasjok, the route leaves the river and goes up to the checkpoint at Scandic Karasjok/Sápmi Park. This is the shortest stage of the race.
Karasjok – Jotka 2 (approx. 83 km)
The race’s longest and perhaps most challenging stage starts with about 12 kilometers on the river heading up towards Assebakte. From there, the climb up to Finnmarksvidda begins.
Large parts of the stage go through high mountain terrain and over the notorious ‘hundevidda,’ an area known for quick weather changes and tough wind conditions.
Along the way, you’ll pass the mountain lodges Ravnastua and Mollisjok. Both are open and staffed, but they don’t serve as official checkpoints.
The stage ends at Jotka mountain lodge, which is the race’s final checkpoint.
Jotka 2 – Alta (ca. 49 km)
The final stage follows the same route as the first stage back towards Alta. From Jotka, the track first goes over water and open mountain terrain before the descent begins.
Next comes the downhill through Detsikalia, where the steepest sections await the participants. At Sorrisniva, the track reaches Alta River again, which is followed back to the finish line in Alta city centre.
The “No Man’s Land” section starts from the bridge in Øvre-Alta, about 7 km before the finish. The approach to the finish follows the same route used at the start.
ENJOY YOUR RIDE!
Trail description FL-junior
| Stage | Out | In | Km |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Start Alta | Jotka 1 | 49 |
| 2 | Jotka 1 | Suossjavre | 48 |
| 3 | Suossjavre | Jotka 2 | 53 |
| 4 | Jotka 2 | Finish Alta | 59 |
| Total: | 199 |
Alta – Jotka 1 (49 km)
The race kicks off with a challenging first stage from Alta city center. From the start in Alta, the course drops down to Aronnesflata before crossing a fairly busy county road, where of course we have marshals. Then the course follows the Alta River for about 16 km up to Sorrisniva Bridge, where it turns away from the river and onto an old tractor road, where a steep climb of around four kilometers up to Detsika begins. After that, it’s gently rolling through the cabin area in Bollo before another climb up toward Gamasvannet, and then the terrain gradually flattens out.
On this stage, the teams will tackle more than 300 meters of elevation. From Gamasvannet, the course goes over the Joatkavannene lakes before participants arrive at the first checkpoint at Jotka Mountain Lodge.
Checkpoint Jotka is a wilderness checkpoint. Water, straw, and the option to stay in a warm tent or room are available.
Jotka 1 – Suossjavri (approx. 48 km)
From Jotka, the trail follows the main snowmobile track in a southeast direction. After about 12 kilometers, the route comes out onto Finnmark’s largest lake, Iesjávri. At Vahttaluokta, the trail turns straight south toward Ragis and Suossjávri mountain lodge, which is the second checkpoint in the race.
Suossjávri mountain lodge is one of the old institutions on the plateau and also in the Finnmark Race. Here there is a depot station, straw for the dogs, and cold water. For the mushers, there is a chance to rest a little and get something to eat.
Suossjavri – Jotka 2 (approx. 53 km)
The trail from Suossjávri to Mollisjok follows the river valley and is relatively well sheltered from weather and wind. However, the stretch from Mollisjok mountain lodge to Jotka mountain lodge is considered one of the most exposed stages in the entire Finnmark Race.
About 8 kilometers past Mollisjok mountain lodge, the trail reaches Iesjávri, Finnmark’s largest lake. The crossing over the lake is about 10–11 kilometers long before the trail goes back on land at Vahttaluokta, where it connects with the route that was previously run from Jotka.
From there, the trail follows the same route back to checkpoint Jotka 2.
Jotka 2 also has the status of a wilderness checkpoint. Water, straw, and the possibility to stay in a warm tent or room are available.
Jotka 2 – Alta (approx. 49 km)
The final stage follows the same route as the first stage back towards Alta. From Jotka, the track first goes over water and open mountain terrain before the descent begins.
Next comes the downhill through Detsikalia, where the steepest sections await the participants. At Sorrisniva, the track reaches the Alta River again, which is followed back to the finish in downtown Alta.
The “No Man’s Land” section begins at the Øvre-Alta Bridge, approximately 7 km from the finish.
ENJOY YOUR RIDE!