EXPEDITION SAREK | JUNE TO AUGUST 2028
Europe’s last true wilderness
Survival training in Sarek: no paths, no bridges, no huts.
The story of this expedition
From Brussels you fly to Swedish Lapland. On arrival we drive north to where the last road ends. From that moment the real work begins: Sarek has no marked paths, no bridges over the rivers and no huts to shelter in. Everything you need, you carry yourself. Everything you decide, you decide together.
We travel through an area the size of a province where not a single signpost stands. Birch forest, marshland, moraines and open plateaus alternate. No mountaineering required: this is a demanding trek with a full pack, where you set your own route and solve your own mistakes.
There are no bridges in Sarek. Every river has to be read, judged and crossed together. Where is the strongest current, where is it shallow, when would you rather wait a day? This is the moment when group decision making stops being theory and starts having direct consequences.
In summer the sun barely sets in Lapland. You lose your sense of time and start living on energy instead of on the clock. It is disorienting, liberating and one of the most remarkable experiences the far north has to offer.
We deliberately choose the summer months: the snow has gone, the rivers are fordable, the midnight sun is at its peak and the area shows itself at its very best. If you prefer fewer mosquitoes, choose the end of this window.
The story of
this expedition
From Brussels you fly to Swedish Lapland. On arrival we drive north to where the last road ends. From that moment the real work begins: Sarek has no marked paths, no bridges over the rivers and no huts to shelter in. Everything you need, you carry yourself. Everything you decide, you decide together.
We travel through an area the size of a province where not a single signpost stands. Birch forest, marshland, moraines and open plateaus alternate. No mountaineering required: this is a demanding trek with a full pack, where you set your own route and solve your own mistakes.
There are no bridges in Sarek. Every river has to be read, judged and crossed together. Where is the strongest current, where is it shallow, when would you rather wait a day? This is the moment when group decision making stops being theory and starts having direct consequences.
In summer the sun barely sets in Lapland. You lose your sense of time and start living on energy instead of on the clock. It is disorienting, liberating and one of the most remarkable experiences the far north has to offer.
We deliberately choose the summer months: the snow has gone, the rivers are fordable, the midnight sun is at its peak and the area shows itself at its very best. If you prefer fewer mosquitoes, choose the end of this window.
Self-sufficient,
but never alone
From the moment we start we are off grid. We filter water from the rivers, cook our freeze dried expedition food and pitch our camps where nature allows it.
You learn to set your own route, wade a river and decide together when to cross or wait, guided by an experienced X- Guide whom you meet well in advance during the preparation programme.
Safety & guidance
Safety is the foundation of every Element X expedition. Our X Guides are professionally trained, hold WFR certificates and have years of experience in extreme conditions.
Every expedition has satellite phones, GPS tracking, safety procedures, an evacuation plan and local support in Morocco.
Before departure we also carry out a thorough risk analysis and prepare everything down to the last detail.
Guided by real expedition leaders.
You step into nature, away from the
beaten track, but always with the certainty of experienced guidance
and safety first.
Safety & guidance
Safety is the foundation of every Element X expedition. Our X Guides are professionally trained, hold
WFR certificates and have
years of experience in extreme conditions.
Every expedition has satellite phones, GPS tracking, clear safety procedures, a detailed evacuation plan and local support in Morocco.
Before departure we also carry out a thorough risk analysis and prepare everything down to the last detail.
Self-sufficient,
but never alone
From the moment we start we are off grid. We filter water from the rivers, cook our freeze dried expedition food and pitch our camps where nature allows it.
You learn to set your own route, wade a river and decide together when to cross or wait, guided by an experienced X-Guide whom you meet well in advance during the preparation programme.
We let no one step into the unknown unprepared.
An expedition of this calibre starts months in advance. The preparation programme consists of an individual phase and a group phase.
Individual phase
Starts immediately after registration. You receive an inspiration pack with practical tips, insights and exercises to start moving like an expedition member. You gather your expedition gear using the packing list (do not buy anything yet: bring what you already have to the kick off). And you share your medical information, because the best preparation is a plan for when things go wrong.
Group phase
Starts 3 to 6 months before departure with the kick off: a full day on which you meet your team, taste the expedition atmosphere and take the first steps as a group. There we plan the follow-up moments together and the WhatsApp group starts. Training includes, among other things: getting to know the group and roles, physical screening and analysis, a personalised training schedule, technical and resilience training, gear, nutrition and sleep setup, and a final check.
Accredited service provider for the KMO-portefeuille
To help entrepreneurs and KMO leaders grow as much as possible, a leadership programme/training is linked to this expedition, which closely aligns with the adventure. This programme falls under the theme Business strategy and is eligible for subsidy via the KMO-portefeuille.
As an entrepreneur, you can receive up to 30% subsidy on the training costs of this programme. Important (!): only the training itself is eligible. Travel, accommodation, and expedition costs are not covered by the subsidy.
Accredited service provider for the KMO-portefeuille
To help entrepreneurs and KMO leaders grow as much as possible, a leadership programme/training is linked to this expedition, which closely aligns with the adventure. This programme falls under the theme Business strategy and is eligible for subsidy via the KMO-portefeuille.
As an entrepreneur, you can receive up to 30% subsidy on the training costs of this programme. Important (!): only the training itself is eligible. Travel, accommodation, and expedition costs are not covered by the subsidy.
As seen in
Picture this: rivers without bridges, valleys without paths, reindeer crossing your route and a sun still above the horizon at three in the morning.
During the Sarek Survival Training you learn what self reliance really means: no huts to fall back on, no signposting to lean on, only your team, your decisions and a landscape that forgives no mistakes.
Picture this: rivers without bridges, valleys without paths, reindeer crossing your route and a sun still above the horizon at three in the morning.
During the Sarek Survival Training you learn what self reliance really means: no huts to fall back on, no signposting to lean on, only your team, your decisions and a landscape that forgives no mistakes.
Frequently asked questions
No. You do not need to be a top athlete. Through our preparation programme (screening, training schedule and targeted training) we build your level up to expedition level in 3 to 6 months.
Very safe. We work with WFR-certified expedition leaders, satellite communication, evacuation plans and clearly outlined safety protocols.
The full expedition programme, gear, workshops, guidance, all local costs and meals are included, plus the full 3 to 6 month preparation programme. Flights, personal clothing and insurance are not included.
Frequently asked questions
No. You do not need to be a top athlete. Through our preparation programme (screening, training schedule and targeted training) we build your level up to expedition level in 3 to 6 months.
Very safe. We work with WFR-certified expedition leaders, satellite communication, evacuation plans and clearly outlined safety protocols.
The full expedition programme, gear, workshops, guidance, all local costs and meals are included, plus the full 3 to 6 month preparation programme. Flights, personal clothing and insurance are not included.
Ready for Europe’s last wilderness?
Taking an option is free and without obligation; your spot is only confirmed after the intake.
Koen De Leeuw
Expedition leader | Element X
“In terrain without paths and without bridges there is no fixed route. You set your own line and solve your own mistakes, together. That turns a group into a team that relies on each other within days.”
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