Camping in an Autohome Roof Top Tent in Northern Sweden

Our adventure began with a unique twist - spending the night in a rooftop tent next to the road. Under a warm and sunny evening sky, we found the perfect secluded spot by a serene river. The scene was nothing short of magical as we whipped up some mouthwatering veggie tortillas over an open fire. And what's a campfire without a sweet ending? Marshmallows, of course!

Hike to the Top of Hundberget

Our road trip wasn't just about the destination; it was about the journey itself. We made intriguing stops along the way, like Hundberget, located in Älvsbyn. A mere 20-minute hike unveiled breathtaking panoramic views that left us in awe.

Visit Grodkällan Natural Spring in Slengmyran

Then, there was Grodkällan or Tsuobbuojája in Arvidsjaur, where we found ourselves captivated by the allure of a natural spring during sunset. The water was ice-cold, and while swimming wasn't allowed, the thermic activity on the sandy bottom created a truly unique spectacle. The spring is located approx. 600m from the nearest parking so its very accessible.

Hike to Skierfe and Sarek National Park

Hold onto your hats because here's where the adventure shifts into high gear. We embarked on a bold quest to conquer Sarek National Park - an untamed wilderness where nature's grandeur reigns supreme. The challenge? A formidable hike to the towering summit of Skierfe Mountain. Brace yourself for this jaw-dropper: a staggering 50 kilometers within a mere 24 hours. Yes, you read that right! The reward? A panoramic spectacle that seemed plucked from the pages of a fantasy novel.

Sarek National Park is often hailed as Europe's final frontier of true wilderness, and it's an absolute dream for any ardent nature lover. Nestled in the northernmost reaches of Sweden, this sprawling national park boasts no road access, requiring intrepid travelers to either hike or take to the skies by helicopter.

As you step foot into this breathtaking expanse, you'll find yourself captivated by the Arctic panorama - towering, serrated mountain peaks, glaciers that glisten like diamonds, and seemingly endless tundra that stretches to the horizon. It's a wilderness of epic proportions, an expanse that thrives in isolation, radiating an undeniable sense of tranquility.

Typically, venturing into Sarek's most dramatic corners necessitates several days of hiking. Yet, there's an opportunity for a more expedited entry, a shortcut of sorts, via Sitoälsvbron.

Read my full hiking guide here.

Spending the Night in Kiruna and the Ice Hotel

Nestled in the northern reaches of Sweden, the city of Kiruna boasts global renown for its iconic Ice Hotel. But there's an entire tapestry of fascinating experiences awaiting discovery, especially in the late summer months. While my recent sojourn didn't include a stay at the Ice Hotel, but during my winter road trip escapade in Lapland – it's worth noting that this stunning marvel is open all year round, seamlessly fitting into this itinerary.

Best Things to Do in Abisko

Abisko, a gem that graced our journey, unveiled its distinct allure as we ventured into the northernmost realms of Sweden. Our arrival in Abisko was marked by a culinary indulgence that left us satiated and invigorated. Choosing to dine at Brasserie Fjällköket on Abisko Mountain Lodge, where local Northern Swedish cuisine reigns supreme, was an exquisite decision, especially after our monumental hike to Sarek. The experience was a refueling of both body and soul.

Camping by the tranquil waters, we discovered a picturesque haven that perfectly complemented Abisko's beauty. Here, we surrendered to the taste of tradition, savoring a Swedish delicacy called råraka, adorned with fish roe, onion, and creme fraiche.

Distinguished as the second northernmost national park in Sweden, Abisko blankets an area of 77 square kilometers. Beyond its expanse lies its reputation as one of Northern Sweden's most renowned national parks, sought after for its celestial displays – the Northern Lights. Free from urban light pollution, the park offers an ideal stage to witness the aurora borealis, captivating spectators from September to March.

This enclave of Northern Sweden boasts exceptional hiking trails, particularly in Abisko and Stora Sjöfallet National Park. Ranging from beginner-friendly to advanced, these trails cater to diverse levels of experience. Abisko Canyon, one of the park's enchanting features, is a testament to why this territory earned its National Park status.

For the ultimate adventure enter the legendary "Kungsleden" – the King's Path – a 420-kilometer trail stretching from Abisko to Hemavan, renowned across Sweden.

Trollsjön Hiking Guide

Our voyage guided us to one of Northern Sweden's must-see wonders Trollsjön, a jewel of crystalline clarity that crowns Sweden's lakes. Nestled amidst the mountains near the Norwegian border and conveniently located next to the E10 route, this gem is unveiled through a a 12-kilometer trek that unfolded amid nature's finest tapestry. Picture yourself amidst the delicate embrace of bluebell flowers, the grace of local orchids, majestic eagles soaring above the mountain peaks, and the silent sentinel presence of ancient boulders, guardians of time's passage.

Read more for my complete Trollsjön hiking guide.

Road Trip to Nikkaluokta

Welcome to Nikkaluokta, often hailed as the very gateway to the majestic mountains. A renowned launching point for treks to Kebnekaise, Sweden's loftiest peak, this Sámi village beckons with its own allure.

Perched beside the milky turquoise waters of Paittasjärvi, a lake nourished by the embrace of surrounding glaciers, Nikkaluokta unveils a tranquil haven. Here, our journey was punctuated by the delectable joy of cloudberry-laden waffles, a sumptuous breakfast buffet, and a taste of local delights, courtesy of Nikkaluokta Sarri Station.

While my teenage years were marked by a weeklong sojourn in Kebnekaise, this venture had different aspirations. The renowned ascent to Sweden's pinnacle remained uncharted this time. Instead, a fresh adventure had captivated my attention, adding yet another layer of allure to the region's mystique.

Kayaking the Vistasjohka River in Vistasdalen, Kebnekaise

Neither designated national parks nor classified as nature reserves, both Kebnekaise and the Vistas Valley reside within a realm of contested ownership. While the Swedish state asserts its dominion over these lands, the indigenous Sami people present a counterclaim. This divergence hinges primarily on issues of hunting rights, reindeer herding, and the broader rights of historically marginalized indigenous communities.

Nestled well above the Arctic Circle, the Vistas Valley radiates a unique allure. It stands as one of the most awe-inspiring places I've ever set foot in. Surrounded by Sweden's loftiest peaks adorned with glaciers and verdant alpine meadows, a meandering river completes this picturesque landscape.

Amid the grandeur of the Kebnekaise Massif, we awaited a calm weather window, an essential prerequisite for our imminent kayaking expedition. Rainstorms had fiercely swept the region, prompting a temporary retreat to Abisko. This pause not only stoked our anticipation but also swelled the currents of the Vistas River with surging water levels. As the sun finally emerged, accompanied by gentle winds, we seized the golden opportunity to navigate the enchanting Vistas Valley. Equipped with our trusty inflatable Kokopelli kayak, we embraced the challenge of taming the demanding river's course.

Our destination, a 12-kilometer paddle upstream, revealed a welcoming beach, albeit a tad diminished by the heightened waters. Here, we established our campsite, a cherished sanctuary amidst the surrounding splendor. With the dawn of the following day, our downstream journey beckoned. Guided by favorable winds and currents, our kayaking was remarkably effortless, halving the time of our return trip.

Full guide here:

Road trip to the High Coast "Höga Kusten"

Nestled in Ångermanland, by the Gulf of Bothnia, the High Coast is a UNESCO site, with the world's highest coastline at 286 meters. Driven by post-glacial land uplift, it rises 8 millimeters annually, in contrast to Finland's Kvarken archipelago.

This wonderland boasts a dramatic UNESCO heritage landscape, complete with a stunning archipelago. It's a year-round playground for diverse outdoor activities like hiking, climbing, watersports, and skiing. The towns of Kramfors, Härnösand, Örnsköldsvik, and Sollefteå each offer unique experiences.

Yet, our journey took us further, descending from the heights to our final destination. As we ventured to Höga Kusten, the bottviksberget mountain in Örnsköldsvik beckoned. This scenic gem was our playground, seemingly ours alone. In this area, civilization re-emerged, and a well-maintained trail, a mere 1.5 kilometers in length, welcomed us. A brief yet rewarding journey.

And so, our odyssey concluded with the embrace of the Höga Kusten bridge, our campsite for the final leg. A final breakfast marked the end of our journey, enriched by the High Coast's natural grandeur.

Adding Your Twist and Flexibility of the Northern Sweden Route

Now, here's the beauty of this road trip - you can customize it to suit your preferences! The order can be shuffled, and you can allocate more time to Höga Kusten or venture into Lofoten and Senja from Abisko. It's all about creating an adventure that speaks to you.

Final Words

As our journey through the heart of Sweden's natural wonders comes to a close, I find myself reflecting on the truly rejuvenating experience it has been. The High Coast, Vistas River, and the untamed beauty of Sarek National Park have gifted us moments of both awe and introspection.

What makes this adventure truly exceptional is the escape from the modern world's constant buzz. In the embrace of these remote landscapes, phone signals are a rarity, and the company of fellow travelers is sparse. It's a sanctuary of stillness, where the symphony of nature takes center stage – the gentle rustling of leaves, the soothing flow of water, and the occasional whisper of wildlife.

The quietude of places like Vistas River is a paradox of emotions – a mix of serene calmness and a hint of exhilarating uncertainty. Being there, surrounded by untouched nature, knowing that we are the sole observers of such beauty, invokes a sense of peaceful isolation that is both humbling and empowering.

Interestingly, as we ventured into these distant corners of Sweden, the concerns of daily life seemed to melt away. Worries that usually cling to our minds lost their grip, leaving space for the tranquility of the landscapes to seep in. It's a transformative feeling, one that not only relaxes the body but also rejuvenates the soul.

As I wrap up this chapter of exploration, I'm already filled with anticipation for the next adventure. The allure of untouched realms like Padjelanta, Vadvetjåkka, and even a return to Kebnekaise beckons. These destinations, rich in their own mysteries and splendors, promise more moments of calm reflection and the thrill of stepping off the beaten path.

So here's to the places that remind us of the harmony between the human spirit and the natural world. Here's to the journeys that let us escape, unplug, and find solace in the embrace of true tranquility. Until next time, I eagerly await the call of the wild, ready to immerse myself once again in the unparalleled beauty that only these distant landscapes can offer.

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