• The Jämtland Triangle: cozy mountain stations and reindeer encounters 🦌

    Hiking the Jämtlandstriangeln (Jämtland Triangle) is an experience that will leave you breathless. Located in the heart of the Swedish mountains, this trek takes you through some of the most stunning landscapes in the country. The Triangle is a 47-kilometer trail that takes you across three mountain stations: Storulvån, Blåhammaren, and Sylarna. We did the Jämtland Triangle in reverse, starting with the Storulvån – Blåhammaren section. Summer is the most popular season for hiking in Sweden, but personally I love being there in September, when fall starts to kick in with its warm tones and moody weather.

    Storulvån - Blåhammaren (13 km)

    On the first day of our journey, we hiked from Storulvån to Blåhammaren, covering a distance of approximately 13 kilometers. It was the shortest hike of the trip, and we stayed at Blåhammaren mountain station for the night. The weather was warm and sunny, with the fall colors of the mountains in full display. Blåhammaren was a small and cozy station, but with all the necessities for a comfortable stay.

    Blåhammaren - Sylarna (19 km)

    On the second day of our journey, we hiked from Blåhammaren to Sylarna, covering a distance of approximately 19 kilometers. It was a longer hike, but the good weather conditions made it very doable. There were the occasional muddy sections and river crossings, but overall the trails were surprisingly good. Sylarna is one of the bigger mountain stations, and it was intriguing to see that there were so many people from all directions coming together here. 

    Sylarna - Storulvån (15 km)

    On the third day of our journey, the weather changed and it became cold and moody with heavy mist and occasional rain. While the conditions added a layer of mystery to the landscape, the hike was not particularly challenging as we were descending back to Storulvån, covering a distance of approximately 15 kilometers.

    One of the highlights of the hike was the opportunity to see reindeer up close. The Jämtlandstriangeln is known for its reindeer population, and we were fortunate enough to spot several grazing along the trail. These gentle creatures are an integral part of the local culture, and seeing them in their natural habitat was a truly unforgettable experience.

    The Jämtland Triangle is an ideal choice for those who want to explore the Swedish mountains in a beginner-friendly way. With comfortable mountain stations, well-marked trails, and beautiful scenery, it offers a unique opportunity to connect with nature and experience the great outdoors. For those who want to take the adventure to the next level, bringing your own tent allows you to camp in the wilderness and explore even further. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a first-time explorer, the Jämtland Triangle is a journey you won’t want to miss!

  • An epic canoeing adventure in Norway with K-jak

    When K-jak reizen asked me to join them on an adventure on the water I didn’t have to think long about my answer. Canoeing on the Norwegian mountain lakes has always been on my list. The trip started in the K-jak basecamp, where we pitched our tent and met the other adventurers. We started planning our route, were given safety instructions and were taught the best ways to paddle, pack our canoe and how to treat the beautiful Norwegian nature in a respectful way.

    The next day we woke up, made oats and started paddling. We paddled for a few hours until the wind became too strong and we went ashore to pitch our tent. A swampy hike up the nearest mountain made a good way to spend the rest of the day.

    No wind! It promised to be a good day on the water. As we paddled through the pristine waters of the lake, we felt a sense of exhilaration and freedom that can only come from being immersed in nature. We did more than 20 km this day. We found our way through a shallow bit of water filled with rocks and transported the canoe over land to get to one of the bigger lakes. 

    When we came to a particularly swampy area, we had to disembark and carry our canoe through the thick mud and undergrowth, pushing and pulling our way through the difficult terrain. We were relieved when we touched the water again. As the sun began to set we pitched the tent, ended up making new friends and enjoyed a beautiful sunset.

    After that sunny and calm day the weather changed. It was too risky to get on the water with the amount of wind, so we stayed ashore, made a campfire and treated ourselves with some good food.

    At some point the sky cleared and we decided to make the most of the day and explore the surrounding landscape on foot. We set our sights on a nearby mountain, and after a steep climb, we reached the summit just in time for the sunset. As we gazed out across the stunning views of the surrounding lakes, we were greeted by the sight of a herd of reindeer grazing on the mountainside. It was a truly unforgettable experience, and as we made our way back down the mountain, we felt grateful for the unexpected turn of events that had led us to discover a new side of Norway’s incredible natural beauty.

    The last few days were filled with more paddles, hikes, campfires and breathtaking views on the Norwegian landscape. Canoeing in Norway was truly a chance to disconnect from the outside world and immerse ourselves in the beauty of nature. 

    As we paddled across the still, icy water of the remote mountain lakes, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of wonder and awe at the breathtaking natural beauty surrounding me. The only sounds were the gentle lapping of the water against our paddles and the occasional call of a distant bird. The sun cast a warm glow over the landscape, and I felt grateful to be alive and able to experience such a moment of pure serenity.

  • MTB-ing through the Slovenian Alps with On-trek

    In September I had the honour of piloting a new adventure for On-trek. A 7-day MTB adventure through the Julian Alps. It was my first time visiting Slovenia and I didn’t really know what to expect, but wow, what a country! I am so happy I had the chance to explore this part of the Alps by bike and I can’t wait to go back some day.

    Rural Slovenia

    The drive from the airport to our first stay was already breathtaking. Within minutes we left the city and the landscape became rural. The area was close to the Austrian border and it reminded me a lot of the times I spent in the Austrian Alps. Our first night we stayed at a cosy farm, with lots of animal cuddles and astonishing views. There was a mtb park nearby and we took the bikes for a first test ride. 

    After a good night of sleep we started our journey through the Slovenian Alps. We climbed from 500 to 1300 meters and did +50km on our first day. We arrived at another farmstay and were welcomed with a warm & local meal.

    Woods & mud

    Our second day on the road was a bit bumpy. Because we were testing the trip we still had to figure out the route. We stumbled upon some paths that didn’t exist, which resulted in some adventurous manoeuvres through the woods and carrying our bikes down a steep valley. We spent all day exploring paths and roads and managed to do 35km and 600 altimeters. We decided to move closer to Triglav national park and try out a different route.

    Day 3 was a great day with 61 km and 1000 altimeters, with a few kilometers through the mud. The route was perfect and we knew we found the right trail for the trip!

    Moody mountains

    And then the weather turned. I didn’t really mind, I love the moody vibe. The temperatures were still really nice and we brought good rain jackets. We biked 55 km through the mist, crossed streams with our bikes and ascended 900 meters. At the top we found a mountain station where we dried our clothes, warmed up a little and played some chess. When we started descending about 1300 meters the weather cleared and we had a glimpse of the most beautiful rock formations I’ve ever seen.

    Day 5 started out a bit unlucky. We had to go all the way back to the nearby village because we needed new brakes for one of the bikes. Fortunately we had our very own bike repair expert with us who fixed it in no time. But then I fell a few times on some slippery single track and I had a hard time pushing my bike up some steep ascents. We did 66km and ascended 800 meters.

    Literally ups and downs, but it’s all part of the adventure. Looking back, this might have been one of the most beautiful days because I pushed through!

    Rewarding views at the top and cold dives in the valley

    Day 6 we did a total of 51km, we climbed from 175 to 1400 meters through cute villages. We played some ping pong and cuddled with the animals at a farm where we stopped to eat something. The top was another great spot for a break. Before we went back down to the valley, we had to cross some meadows with baby cows, which was my favourite part of the day. We ended again at 500 meters at a cosy apartment in one of the most outdoorsy villages I have ever seen. Biking, kayaking, hiking, fishing – the town was a paradise for outdoor lovers.

    Our last day was a chill 36km. A short but steep ascent of 800 meters and we let our bikes roll back to 500 meters. We ended at the lake of Bohinj, where we quickly took off our sweaty clothes and went for a dive in the clear mountain water. What a way to end our adventure!

  • Adventurous love story in the frozen Icelandic highlands

    On a cold november afternoon I got into my frozen car and drove one of the most icy and dangerous roads I’ve ever seen, to go on an adventure with these two. It might have been the coldest day in weeks, but seeing the sun slowly set behind the mountains was so worth it. What an experience to explore Iceland covered in snow with you, thank you dear Saga & Oddný!

    Are you ready to explore with me too? Let’s go on an adventure together!

  • Solo traveling through Iceland 02: The Land of Fire & Ice

    Iceland is a land of contrasts and extremes, where nature’s beauty and harsh conditions come together. For three weeks, I traveled through this stunning country, enjoying the moody weather and lots of rain. However, at some point, the weather changed, and the world was covered in a blanket of white snow. The landscape was transformed, and I found myself in a winter wonderland. It was as if I had stepped into a painting.

    As I set out on the roads, I quickly realised that the snow brought with it some challenges. The roads were slippery and dangerous, some of the roads were even closed due to the weather conditions. One time I ended up in a snowstorm while on the road, which was a pretty scary experience, especially with being on my own.

    Iceland’s rock formations are a result of its unique geological history. The country sits on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, a tectonic boundary where two tectonic plates are moving apart, causing volcanic activity and frequent earthquakes. The volcanic eruptions have left behind vast lava fields, which over time have been sculpted by wind, water, and glaciers, creating the diverse rock formations seen today. The basalt columns found in places such as Reynisfjara beach and Svartifoss waterfall, for example, were formed when lava cooled rapidly, causing it to contract and crack into hexagonal columns. 

    The ice caves in Iceland are some of the most stunning natural formations I have ever seen. The walls are made of shimmering ice, and the floors are slippery and cold. It was an otherworldly experience that left me in awe. As I explored the cave, I couldn’t help but think about the incredible forces of nature that created such a unique and beautiful formation.

    Iceland is home to many glaciers. They are massive, and they seem to stretch on forever. Glaciers form through a process of accumulation and compaction of snow and ice. The process of glacier formation can take thousands of years, and the result is a truly spectacular natural wonder. However, global warming is affecting the existence of these glaciers.

    Sólheimajökull, one of the most popular glaciers in Iceland, has retreated by over 1 kilometer in the past decade alone and lost more than 20 meters of ice thickness due to global warming. The glacier’s retreat has been increasing, with an average rate of 100 meters per year. Other glaciers in Iceland, including Vatnajökull, have also been significantly affected, with an average retreat of 100-200 meters per year. The melting ice has also caused an increase in water flow, leading to flooding and erosion in some areas. If current trends continue, Iceland’s glaciers could disappear within the next few decades. These numbers serve as a sobering reminder of the devastating impact of climate change and the urgent need for action to protect our planet.

    Walking on glaciers can be extremely dangerous. Glaciers are constantly moving, making the ice unstable and unpredictable. Crevasses, which are deep cracks in the ice, can be hidden beneath the surface, making it difficult to detect them. In addition, the melting of glaciers due to global warming has made the ice more prone to collapse. It’s important to have the proper equipment and training when venturing onto glaciers and to always seek the guidance of experienced guides.

    Iceland is a land of old, and the harsh conditions have shaped the land into what it is today. The rocks, mountains, and glaciers have been there for thousands of years. I felt privileged to be in the presence of such natural wonder.

  • Solo traveling through Iceland 01: Moody skies & epic rock formations

    I had always dreamed of exploring the untamed beauty of Iceland, and finally, I had the opportunity to fulfill that dream. I packed my bags and set off on a solo journey that would last three weeks. I encountered some of the most beautiful and serene landscapes I had ever seen. As I returned home, I was filled with a sense of accomplishment and gratitude. I had faced challenges and overcome them, and I had discovered the beauty of Iceland in a way that I never could have if I had traveled with others. It was a journey I would never forget and one that I would always cherish.

    Iceland is known for its moody weather and breathtaking natural beauty. The island is home to epic rock formations and magnificent waterfalls that embody its rugged character. The ever-changing weather patterns create a sense of mystery and drama. Most of the days that I was in Iceland it was quite stormy, the landscapes were shrouded in mist and fog, creating a dramatic and moody atmosphere, which to be honest, I loved the most!

  • Trekking in the Lake District: Breathtaking views & countless sheep

    In May, I took a train to London, picked up a friend and we went on a four-day hiking adventure in the Lake District. Despite me feeling a little under the weather, we were determined to discover the incredible nature of the UK.

    Each day, we faced the rolling hills and crystal-clear lakes head-on. I was so surprised by the breathtaking views and peaceful surroundings of this area. Sleeping in a tent, eating adventure meals and being surrounded by the sounds of nature (mostly sheep), was a welcome respite from the city and allowed us to fully embrace the beauty of this nature area.

    The first day we traveled by train and bus from London and arrived in the afternoon in Buttermere. We decided to follow a trail next to a stream and hiked for about 8km.

    Waking up in our tent the next morning was like a dream. The sun hit the hills and the horizon was dotted with majestic peaks. We fueled up with a bowl of oats and hit the trails. We hiked more than 20km south, came across the cute Grange in Borrowdale, but instead of staying in the village, we went into the hills again and made camp close to a river.

    On day 3 I had to exchange my Fjällräven hiking pants for shorts. It was unexpectedly warm and sunny. We hiked 14km. From towering peaks to gentle valleys, every view was more breathtaking than the last. We crossed babbling brooks and marveled at crystal-clear lakes.

    Most of the trails were really good, but at some point we came across a swampy area. Before I knew it, my whole leg disappeared in the mud and I became stuck. Fortunately my friend managed to pull me out. Although I was covered in mud and a bit shaken up, I was grateful to have made it out of the swamp unharmed. This sudden adventure taught us the importance of being prepared for the unexpected in the great outdoors.

    We had a delicious meal in a pub in Grasmere and decided to stay in the village for the night, to dry our shoes and get some rest.

    Despite the illness, which got worse on day 4, I was determined to push through and make the most of our adventure. We left the hills and swampy areas behind us and found our way through rocky terrain and around small lakes. After another 9 km of hiking we reached Ambleside and took a train back to London.

    No matter how you may feel, the beauty of the great outdoors has a way of rejuvenating the soul. So if you’re feeling under the weather, don’t let it discourage you from going on an adventure.

    After this trip, I can’t wait to see more of the UK. If you ever have the chance to explore the Lake District, prepare to be awed by the stunning landscapes and breathtaking views. For those who love the great outdoors, it is a must-visit destination! 

  • Intimate fall wedding in the Austrian Alps

    Are you ready for a true fairytale wedding? It starts with an epic story: an American and an Austrian falling in love and starting their adventure together. C&M had such a wonderful day: this dreamy location on the edge of the Austrian Alps, a close group of family and friends from all over the world and the best wedding gift from mother nature: the autumn sun warming up the earth.

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