After landing in Kittilä in Finland, the participants get into the new Audi SQ7 TDI. With 320 kW (435 bhp) of power and 900 Nm of torque it is the most powerful diesel SUV on the market and ideal for tackling snow and ice. When overtaking, participants can rely on the high pulling power, which is the result of a world first: the electric powered compressor in the V8 engine ensures an instant response while accelerating. All of which translates into a reassuring performance reserve on long journeys. On the white surface the quattro all-wheel drive is by far the best solution for all traction problems.

For four days the participants cross the fascinating landscape in the north of Finland and Norway. The expanse of the sparsely populated region and the silence of Lapland convey a sublime feeling of relaxation; the unique fjords and rock faces towering over 1,000 metres provide impressive geographic contrasts. With a clear sky the Northern lights produce a breathtaking light show in the sky.

After the first stage and a snow scooter tour the group heads north-west to Tromsø. The Norwegian city is home to the world’s most northerly university and the Arctic Sea Cathedral. It’s then on to Alta with a visit to an ice hotel, before the participants finally reach the North Cape. Between November and April the authorities only open the road to the North Cape once a day for a registered group; the route then takes this privileged few up 300 metres to the plateau. At this vantage point, there’s just 2,100 kilometres between the travellers and the North Pole. The fifth and final day of the Audi North Cape Tour takes the participants via Saariselkä in Finland back to the starting point in Kittilä.

It is not only the Audi SQ7 TDI that guarantees relaxation and comfort. The maximum 20 participants let themselves be pampered every day in select hotels. Together the teams with their ten touring vehicles reach a daily stop-off point for lunch. Having arrived at the end of the stage, participants have sufficient time to relax and explore the surroundings from the late afternoon onwards.

Dinner is the perfect opportunity to share the day’s experiences and look forward with anticipation to the forthcoming tours. Anyone that has driven with Audi to the Arctic Sea cannot fail to fall in love with this landscape.