Inside the Circle:
Skills, Spirits, and Scandinavian Wilds
Sweden 13-19 July 2025
Inside the Circle is a 7-day (July 13 to July 19, 2025) Arctic immersion guided by two of the world’s most experienced wilderness mentors—Michael Douglas, globally respected tracker and founder of Maine Primitive, and Toby Cowern, one of the foremost experts in extreme cold weather expeditions and wilderness survival. This is not simply a course. It is a journey through Sweden’s storied north—through rivers, forests, indigenous lands, and midnight sun.
This nomadic journey offers a rare chance to reconnect with wild landscapes, ancestral lifeways, and the skills that make us whole. Guided by two survival experts, we travel deep into Sápmi—the northern reaches of Sweden shaped by midnight sun, taiga forest, and glacial gorge. Along the way, we’ll practice traditional skills, learn directly from Sámi cultural traditions, and deepen our self-reliance through immersive, field-based experience. This isn’t just a course—it’s a journey into presence, resilience, and reverence.
Journey Info
Dates: 13-19 July 2025
Meet: Sunday 13 July 2025 Lulea at 09:00 Venue to be announced.
Finish: Saturday 19 July 2025 Lulea at 15:00
You will need to book your flight to Lulea. There are easy connections through Stockholm Arlanda or other Nordic airports.
Participants: 6 - 12
Investment: $3795 excluding international travel and insurances
Michael Douglas
Mike is a former Marine, Military Survival Instructor. Currently he is a Herbalist, Tracker, Maine Guide, Reality Television Advisor, Public Lecturer, and founder/head instructor of Maine Primitive. He has been a Skills practitioner since 1979 and professional skills instructor since 1983. Mike has mentored many individuals into finding their own voice as program facilitators and founders of schools over 35 years of mentoring.
Toby Cowern
Based in Scandinavia, and frequently working deep inside the Arctic Circle, Toby holds expertise in Extreme Cold Weather Wilderness Survival Skills, but also travels extensively to deliver applied Survival Training internationally. Subsequently Toby runs various highly applied nature immersion camps and seminars in Sweden, aimed at managing and reducing stress through nature-based therapy and healing.
The Journey Calls
To those drawn to the silence of the taiga and the stillness beneath the midnight sun.
To those ready to slow down, step outside, and let the land recalibrate what’s within.
To those searching for a more meaningful path—where connection to nature guides the next chapter.
To those who want to learn from the land itself—the land’s wildlife, ecosystems, and quiet truths.
To those who feel the spark of leadership rising and want to lead with clarity, not ego.
To those who see nature not as escape, but as inspiration—for how we live, create, and belong.
This is a journey to nourish the soul—guided by two of the world’s best, across one of Earth’s most breathtaking landscapes.
“Silence in nature is not the absence of sound—it’s the presence of everything else.”
— Erling Kagge (1963– )
Norwegian explorer and author
Discover The Spirit
There’s a spirit woven into the land up here—quiet, enduring, and deeply rooted. It’s in the shape of the rivers that still carve their way through glacial valleys. It’s in the twisted pine and lichen-covered stone, in the howls of distant wolves and the heavy breath of reindeer moving across the tundra. But it’s also in the stories—those carried for generations by the Sámi, Europe’s last Indigenous people, whose relationship with this northern land runs deeper than memory. Their lifeways are not museum pieces, but living, breathing examples of how to walk with the land, not over it. On this journey, we don’t just pass through the landscape—we meet it. We listen. We learn from the people who have called it home since time before time, and we allow that old wisdom to shape how we move, how we build, how we belong.
Discover The Scandinavian Wilds
Step into a land shaped by ice, wind, and story. Along our route, we’ll visit sacred Sámi sites and share time with reindeer herders who carry forward an ancient way of life. We’ll explore the Ajtte Museum—where the deep knowledge of the North lives on through artifacts and voices. We’ll walk among ancient burial grounds and stand in dry riverbeds carved by retreating glaciers. If the trail permits, we may visit a homestead where huskies and humans live in rhythm with the Arctic seasons. Each place holds a piece of a deeper story—one we’ll witness, not just learn.
“The wild has its own soul. It reveals itself only to those who stay long enough to listen.”
— Sven Hedin (1865–1952),
Swedish geographer, explorer, and travel writer. Known for expeditions across Asia but deeply connected to the Nordic mindset of endurance and exploration.
The Journey
Day 1
Step Into the Wild
Land in Luleå, meet your team, and set camp beside thunderous rapids.
Day 2
Move Like the Land
Movement, swimming, tracking, and Sámi skills, in the waters of Storforsen.
Day 3
Cross the Circle
Work with nets, cross into the Arctic, discover the Sámi story at Ájtte, and camp in deep forest.
Day 4
Fire, Water & Memory
Ancient grave, waterfalls, firecraft, and the stillness of Laponia.
Day 5
Reindeer & Resonance
Connect with a Sámi herder and follow the tracks of spirit and migration.
Day 6
Survival in Practice
Reflection time
Day 7
Bring It Home
Return to Luleå with stories in your pack and the land in your bones.
The Route
The journey continues into Muddus National Park, part of the Laponia World Heritage Site, where we explore old-growth forests, deep ravines, and glacial wetlands. Along the way, we visit ancient burial sites, the Ájtte Indigenous Museum, and Hårsprångsfallet Gorge, a powerful intersection of nature and industry.
We begin on Sweden’s northeastern coast in Luleå, then head inland to Storforsen, where glacial rivers carve through dense taiga forest. From there, we drive north, crossing into Sápmi—ancestral Sámi territory—and over the Arctic Circle at Jokkmokk.
We close the loop with a visit to a reindeer corral before returning to Luleå, having traced a full circle through some of Scandinavia’s wildest and most storied terrain.
Master of the Craft
This journey is led by two of the world’s most respected voices in survival and nature-based living.
Michael Douglas, founder of Maine Primitive, is a globally recognized tracker, forager, and wilderness skills expert with over four decades of field experience. He’s trained military units, mentored survival show contestants, and lived what he teaches.
Toby Cowern brings rare expertise in Arctic survival and cold-weather resilience, developed over decades of operating in extreme northern environments. His work blends modern preparedness with ancestral knowledge, taught in the very landscapes that shaped it.
Together, they offer more than instruction—they offer access to a lifetime of hard-won wisdom, delivered with clarity, humility, and deep respect for the land.
The Tracks Lead
We’ll set out on foot to explore shifting terrain—forest, river, and stone. Along the way, we’ll practice stalking, move through water, and tune our senses to tracks and signs. Hands will meet Sámi tools and traditions, offering a glimpse into another way of knowing. If the land allows, we may end the day high above it all, with a view that speaks for itself.
Hårspranget Gorge
Hårsprånget is where the river once ran wild—carving its way through ancient stone with unstoppable force. Now quieted by dams, the gorge still holds the memory of movement. Standing here, you feel the tension between what flows freely and what has been harnessed. It’s a place that asks you to listen—to what was, and what still lingers in the rock.
The Living Thread
Inside the Circle, we move through a land still held by the Sámi people—Europe’s only Indigenous culture. Their ways are not relics of the past, but living traditions—woven into the trails, the reindeer migrations, the quiet patterns of the land. We come not to take, but to listen. To witness. To walk with respect in a place where culture and wilderness still speak the same language.
Northern Waters
To step into the waters of Storforsen is to meet the North not with words, but with your whole being. Fed by ancient snowmelt and carried through stone-worn channels, these waters move with the same quiet power that shapes the Scandinavian soul—steady, wild, and unrelenting. There’s a moment, just before you enter, when everything goes still. Then the cold takes hold—not harsh, but honest. It strips away the noise, the rush, the false weight we carry. And what’s left is simple: breath, skin, presence. This isn’t just water. It’s initiation. A baptism into the land itself. The Sámi say the rivers carry memory. When you rise from these waters, something old stirs in you—something that remembers how to be wild, awake, and whole.
Roadtrip
We follow the road north, winding deeper into Sapmi—where the trees thin, the sky widens, and time begins to stretch. Crossing the Arctic Circle is more than a moment on the map—it’s a passage, a quiet crossing into something older, wilder, and less explained. At the Ajtte Museum, we pause. The past speaks softly here, through carved antler, stitched leather, and the hush of snow in ancient photographs. From there, the land grows quieter still. We reach Muddus—vast, still, and steeped in story. Nets are set in slow, deliberate silence. Camp rises among trees that have watched centuries pass. This is not just arrival—it’s belonging.
Awareness
In the vast stillness of the North, awareness isn’t optional—it’s everything. The Scandinavian wild teaches us to slow down and tune in. Each sound, scent, and subtle movement carries meaning. A bird call. A shift in light. The silence between wind gusts. We don’t just move through the landscape—we learn to read it. To walk softer. To see deeper. Here, awareness isn’t a technique. It’s a way of being. A quiet reawakening of the instincts we were born with.
The Ancients
Quiet depth and subtle reward awaits. You might lift a net from still water, the forest holding its breath around you. You might stand among ancient Sámi grave sites, where stone and soil carry memory older than words. Muddus National Park surrounds us—untamed, vast, and sacred. Whether we walk to a hidden waterfall or follow a lesser-known trail, the land offers something rare: space to listen. We gather around fire, learning to bring flame from natural materials, even in wet conditions. And before day's end, we return to the nets once more—hands steady, senses sharper, a little more in rhythm with the wild.
Reindeer Company
Step into the quiet rhythm of reindeer country, guided by world-renowned tracker and expedition leader Michael Douglas. Through his expert eye, you’ll gain rare insight into reindeer behavior, movement patterns, and the language of the land itself. This isn’t textbook tracking—it’s a lived, felt experience rooted in decades of deep immersion. You’ll explore both physical and spirit tracking, learning to read signs that most pass by. To walk these migratory paths is to touch something ancient, wild, and still very much alive.
Swedish Lapland
Northern Soul Journeys offers a glimpse into a life deeply intertwined with the rhythms of nature. Here, a dedicated team lives in harmony with a pack of Alaskan huskies, embracing the challenges and rewards of Arctic homesteading.
Each day begins with attentive care for the dogs, whose strength and spirit are integral to traversing the frozen landscapes. Dog sledding isn't merely a mode of transport—it's a partnership forged through trust, respect, and shared purpose.
Visitors are invited to experience this unique way of life, where the bond between human and husky reveals the profound connections possible when we align ourselves with the natural world. It's a journey that speaks to the soul, offering insights into resilience, simplicity, and the enduring allure of the wild.
The Midnight Sun
Each camp is shaped by the land—tucked beneath pine, beside still waters, or open to endless sky. You’ll sleep in simple, well-crafted shelter, surrounded by quiet and the scent of woodsmoke.
And then there’s the light.
The midnight sun stretches each day into something timeless. Even at midnight, the forest glows. Conversations linger. Sleep comes when it must—but never in darkness.
This is not just where we rest. It’s where we begin to feel at home in the wild.
Fully present. Fully alive.
Inside the Circle.
Food & Drinks
A sustainable and healthy life goes through the stomach. We reduce our footprint by making our servings as much as possible: local, seasonal, nutritious and healthy.
Weather / Climate
In mid July, at this latitude, we enjoy the mid summer temperatures. Read on...while we hope for good temperatures it is absolutely possible for cool conditions to be encountered.
What to Bring
Pack for movement, weather, and wild beauty. Follow the layering principle and aim for durable, well-worn gear. This list keeps you comfortable, capable, and ready for the elements.
We provide …
A choice of Tents /Tarps or Hammocks
Sleeping pad
Sleeping bag
Bivvy Bag (Sleeping bag cover)
Knife
Folding Saw
Camp stove
Cordage as required
Clothing & Footwear
Appropriate outdoor clothing (layering recommended)
Waterproof outer layers
Suitable outdoor footwear (well-broken-in boots)
Lightweight footwear for around camp (Crocs, sandals, etc.)
Swimwear
Towel and wash kit (include a small mirror if possible)
Documents
Printed copy of insurance details
Emergency contact information
Personal Essentials
Notepad and pen(cil)
Sunglasses
Suncream
Insect repellent
Personal first aid kit and any medications
•Drinks container (minimum 1 liter, wide-mouth preferred)
Daypack for short excursions
Optional but Recommended
Binoculars
Digital camera (a great excuse to leave your phone off)
First steps
01
Book and Pay
02
Purchase insurance
03
Book your flights: Lulea
04
Gather Equipment
05
Join WhatsApp group for Q&A and announcements
06
Prepare your body, mind and spirit to remember, reconnect and return.
Nomadic Journey
This nomadic journey is an invitation into clarity. A rare space to unplug, reset, and re-engage your senses. Whether standing in a reindeer corral, crossing Arctic rivers, or listening to birdsong around the fire, you’ll remember what it feels like to belong to the land—and to yourself. Inside the Circle, we train the body and listen with the spirit. We return not only with stories, but with a new way of moving through the world.
Remember. Reconnect. Return.
Because the world is loud—and you’ve gone too long without quiet. This journey through Arctic Sweden is a return to something older than words. Clear rivers. Endless forests. A sun that never sets. With two seasoned guides, you’ll move by land and water. Sleep under open skies. Light fires by hand. Practice fluidity through forest and stream. Track reindeer. Share stories around the fire. This isn’t a trip. It’s a remembering. A chance to reconnect with your senses, return to what matters, and remember who you are.
Come and see what’s waiting
Inside the Circle
General Questions
What makes this Arctic Circle Survival Expedition in Sweden different from other nature-based trips?
Step into a story, not just a trip. This journey combines ancient skills, cultural immersion, and Arctic adventure—led by two of the world’s most respected survival mentors. It’s not just about where we go—it’s about how deeply we connect. Secure your seat and begin a journey that changes the way you see the world.
Is the course beginner-friendly for those without prior survival or camping experience?
Absolutely—start where you are, grow beyond what you thought possible. Whether you’ve never slept under the stars or already have a few wilderness miles under your boots, our instructors guide every step with patience, clarity, and care. All you need is curiosity—enroll and explore your potential.
How physically demanding is the course on a day-to-day basis?
Challenge yourself in all the right ways. This is not a boot camp, but a flowing journey through beautiful terrain—with movement built into each day. You’ll hike, craft, and engage your senses, but always at a pace that respects the group. Come ready to feel alive.
What kind of survival skills will we be learning and practicing during the week?
Light fires in the rain. Track with your eyes closed. Weave nets from nature. This course blends ancestral skills with modern application—firecraft, tracking, fishing, shelter-building, tool use, awareness, and food sourcing. Come learn what your hands and instincts already know.
Will there be time and space for personal physical routines like daily runs or yoga?
Yes—bring your rhythm into the wild. The expedition schedule respects personal space and integrates seamlessly with individual wellness practices. Forestry roads and scenic trails await your morning runs. Stretch, breathe, and move as you reconnect with the land.
Group & Experience
How many people will be in the group, and what is the participant dynamic typically like?
Expect 10–12 like-hearted adventurers. Small groups ensure intimacy, safety, and deep connection. You won’t get lost in a crowd—you’ll become part of a traveling tribe. This is your chance to form lasting bonds through shared wild experience.
How do you accommodate different levels of fitness or outdoor experience within the group?
We adapt, not expect. With decades of experience guiding all ages and abilities, we tailor the experience to ensure every participant grows, learns, and thrives. Trust that we meet you where you are—and walk with you forward.
Is this course suitable for couples or families with older children?
Absolutely—share something meaningful. Couples strengthen connection through challenge and stillness. Mature teens (age 16+) with a hunger for adventure are welcome with a guardian. This is more than a vacation—it’s a story you’ll tell together.
How much one-on-one time or mentorship will there be with Michael Douglas or Toby Cowern?
Plenty—this isn’t a lecture series, it’s an immersive mentorship. Both instructors are fully present throughout the week—guiding, teaching, answering questions, and joining in daily experiences. Come with questions, leave with clarity and confidence.
What does a typical day look like on the expedition?
Awake to Arctic light. Move, make, track, taste, and reflect. Mornings often start with movement or mindfulness, followed by skills instruction, hiking, cultural visits, or foraging. Evenings bring storytelling, campfire reflection, and rest. Every day is a chance to grow.
Safety & Comfort
What safety measures are in place for rafting, camping, and other outdoor activities?
We prioritize your safety without compromising your experience. With expert risk assessment, satellite communication, and decades of field expertise, we ensure that every activity is as secure as it is thrilling. Adventure safely—explore with experts.
Will we be sleeping outside every night, and what kind of shelters or tents are provided?
Yes—and it’s unforgettable. You’ll sleep under the midnight sun in high-quality expedition shelters or tents. It’s part of the magic. Rest where reindeer roam and rivers hum—join us.
How do you handle inclement weather or cold temperatures, even in summer? Adaptation is part of the lesson—and the thrill. We teach and equip you to handle Scandinavian weather with grace and confidence. Gear is provided, fires are lit, and spirits stay high. Come weather-ready and leave weather-wise.
What kind of toilet and hygiene facilities can we expect in camp?
Clean, simple, and back-to-basics. Camps have field sanitation systems that prioritize environmental ethics and comfort. You’ll stay clean and feel refreshed, even off-grid. Experience nature without sacrificing dignity.
Food & Cultural Integration
Are meals provided, and will there be opportunities to learn about foraging or cooking in the wild?
Yes—and you’ll help create them. Meals include fresh, foraged ingredients, local fare, and field-prepared dishes. Learn to catch, cook, and craft food with meaning. Nourish body and soul in the wild.
Will we get to interact with Sámi culture or visit local landmarks and cultural sites?
Absolutely—this is cultural immersion, not tourism. Visit reindeer herders, sacred sites, and Sámi museums. Understand the landscape through Indigenous eyes. Step into a deeper story—register now.
Can dietary preferences or restrictions (e.g., vegetarian, allergies) be accommodated?
Yes—just let us know in advance. We’re happy to accommodate most dietary needs and will work with you to ensure your meals are both safe and satisfying. Let nothing hold you back from this experience.
Logistics & Preparation
What gear should we bring, and what will be provided?
We’ve got the essentials covered—you bring the spirit. We provide tents, tools, cooking gear, and more. You’ll receive a detailed kit list to pack your personal items. Get equipped, stay focused, and travel light.
What are the arrival and departure logistics—where do we fly into and out of, and how do we get to the starting point?
Fly into Luleå, Sweden—step into another world. We’ll greet you at the airport and handle all ground travel. Just get yourself there—we’ll take it from the edge of the runway into the heart of the wild.
Is there a pre-trip briefing or packing list to help us prepare?
Yes—we guide you every step of the way. Once you register, you’ll receive a full briefing, packing list, gear guidance, and optional Q&A sessions to prepare. Say yes now—and start your preparation with confidence.