Across the vast Scandinavian tundra, adventure isn’t about elevation gain, it’s about becoming one with the elements. Living in full autonomy, Charline and Lionel have traded the comfort of their cabin for the weight of a pack and the silence of the Far North. They lead us into a raw immersion, where humility is the only rule.
Two complementary approaches
Lionel and Charline take us into their vision of trekking, where adventure becomes a form of therapy, a way to explore their limits and reconnect with the living world. Charline channels this through her passion for wildlife photography, while Lionel brings his love for off-the-beaten-path exploration.
Both deeply connected to Scandinavia, they come together for a unique adventure in the Norwegian tundra, following the tracks of musk oxen and other rare species. In these vast landscapes, where the weather shifts constantly, they must adapt to keep moving forward.
In mid-September, temperatures range from 1°C at night to 5°C during the day.
Shelter or freedom
In the Scandinavian tundra, we are not at home. Lacking fur or natural protection, we are vulnerable guests in the face of temperatures that can plummet to -30°C in winter, where extreme blizzards can freeze any exposed skin in a matter of seconds.
Our daily life revolves around managing discomfort: sleepless nights in a storm-battered tent, where every action becomes a test of self-reliance.
Carrying your home on your back is a necessary challenge, allowing you to travel for miles in complete autonomy and explore without constraint.
Our travel buddies
In our packs, every item has a purpose. Against the relentless freezing wind, our windproof jackets and pants are our only protection. To navigate this endless landscape, a GPS is essential, along with insulated sleeping mats and high-performance sleeping bags.
But we also bring the objects that tell our story: a camera always at the ready, a notebook to capture our thoughts before the ink freezes, and above all, a small handmade Sámi knife, the ultimate all-purpose tool for chopping wood, fixing a strap, and more.
Dancing with the wild
Approaching animals is not a pursuit, it’s a dance. We see ourselves as observers of the living world, seeking raw, unfiltered encounters with the wild. To be accepted, we use a zigzag approach, always moving with the wind so our scent doesn’t give us away and the animals remain undisturbed. Through our binoculars, we watch for the slightest signs of stress: an ear flattening, a body tensing. If the animal relaxes, we move a few meters closer, usually keeping a distance of 40 to 50 meters.
It’s a mark of respect, we are guests in their world. Over time, a form of symbiosis emerges, and we begin to blend into the background.
Tasting the earth
To live here is to learn to gather the riches offered by the tundra in its briefest windows of abundance.
We spend hours gathering lingonberries, blueberries, and cloudberries to enrich our dehydrated meals. We make our own herbal infusions from local plants to care for our tired bodies.
One of us, Lionel, practices fly fishing—a technique that requires close observation of the living world, an understanding of insect life cycles, and syncing oneself with the rhythm of the river. Harvesting a trout becomes a rite of passage, where the sadness of taking a life merges with the feeling of being part of a greater whole. It is a way of honoring the wild by earning one's own resources through hard work, reconnecting with food far from the ease of modern consumption.
Photo credit : © Lionel Prado
Wild encounters
This commitment to the physical effort and the approach allows us to experience moments that transcend reality. Charline still remembers the gaze she shared with an old muskox at the end of its life, over 15 years old, whom she nicknamed 'Papy.' He accepted her presence for three days, conveying powerful messages, including the strength to overcome the fear of death.
Or that autumn evening when, guided by a strong intuition, Lionel led our approach through the cotton grass below a ridge. Shortly after, we found ourselves facing a herd of hundreds of wild reindeer in full rut, passing just yards away. The ground vibrated under their hooves, the air resonated with their grunts, and we witnessed raw, powerful behavior... we were in another world.
Photo credit © Charline Palomares
The power of the mind
If we were to pass on only one thing, it’s that you must learn to dare. You might be afraid, lack a sense of direction, or fear the cold, but as Charline reminds us: "Our only boundaries are in our minds"
It is essential to stay humble before nature, to accept your vulnerability, but to refuse to be paralyzed by your own barriers. You must go prepared, both physically and mentally, of course—but above all, you must dare the adventure while keeping respect for the wild at heart.
Simond’s Expert Advice: Key Insights from Charline and Lionel
• Accept your vulnerability: Stay humble and recognize that nature is in control.
• Practice therapeutic walking: Use time on the trail to process emotions, sort through your thoughts, and align body and mind.
• Remain independent: Even as a pair, carry your own essential gear (like your own tent) to remain fully responsible for your safety and autonomy.
• Build experience progressively: Don’t head into extreme conditions (blizzards, deep cold) without solid prior experience.
• Plan for navigation: If your sense of direction isn’t strong, always carry a GPS with spare batteries.
• Protect yourself from the elements: Windproof, waterproof jackets and pants are non-negotiable in the tundra.
• Carry a knife: A small knife is an essential multi-purpose tool for fire, repairs, and food prep.
• Prioritize sleep: Don’t underestimate ground insulation and a high-quality sleeping bag for sub-zero nights.
• Read stress signals: In wildlife observation, watch for flattened ears, tense posture, or lip-licking. If you see these, stop immediately.
• Be a witness, not a director: Never stage moments; the goal is to be accepted by the living world until you become part of the landscape.
Respect the territory: Keep a safe distance and remember, you are a guest in their world.
Lionel and Charline Equipment for the Tundra
