I’m turning 39 this year and decided I wanted to take on something challenging—or at least something memorable—before hitting the big “4-0” next year. Conveniently, while I was weighing some options, Fjällräven sent out an email announcing tickets for the upcoming ‘Fjällräven Classic’ treks around the world. I took a chance at the ticket sale and lucked out, landing entry to both the Sweden Classic on the Kungsleden trail and the UK Classic in the Lake District of England. I felt a bit like I’d been summoned to Hogwarts but in place of an owl we’ve got an arctic fox!
About the Classics
For anyone unfamiliar with the Classic treks, they are hosted annually in an expanding list of countries. While Sweden is the original location that started it all they have now expanded to:
- The US
- Almost guaranteed to cause some nosebleeds, the U.S. Classic takes place each year in Colorado, starting at an elevation of 9,200 feet!
- Trekkers have three days to cover 49 km.
- Korea
- This year the trek is being held on Jeju island and starts at the highest mountain in Korea.
- Travel time is 3 days and 57km.
- Germany
- Starting in Oberstaufen Park, trekkers get to explore Bavaria and scenic views of the Alps.
- The trek is 3 days and 51km.
- Denmark
- This one starts on the coast in Faldsled and ends near Svendborg at the garden of Bjornmose.
- Trekkers are traveling over 3 days and 72km.
- The U.K.
- Held in the Lake District this year but last year it took place in the Scottish Highlands
- This is a shorter trek at 3 days in length and a travel distance of 50km. However the trail description notes that there are some “cheeky” climbs involved.
- Chile
- Possibly one of the most impressive treks as it’s in Patagonia starting in Dos Lagunas and winds through the mountains and glacial lakes.
- This one takes place over 4 days with participants trekking 73km.
The Challenge
However, I chose Sweden as the primary adventure! This is the longest trek with 7 days (although you can certainly finish it faster) and a distance of 110km from Nikkaluokta to Abisko… well above the arctic circle. Despite taking place in August, from the 8-14, we’re almost guaranteed questionable weather conditions but beautiful sights the whole way. As a bonus, this is Swedish Lapland, home to the Sami people and a place I’ve always wanted to explore.
While I’ve certainly hiked/camped/trekked here in the US, I’ll admit I’ve not done so overseas so prepping my pack for a remote adventure like this is a first. I’ll be doing a crash course in triple checking everything before my travel date and hoping for the best with the airlines as well. One great thing about the trek is that food and stove gas are provided on the day-of. Two things I don’t have to consider ahead of time outside of space in the bag!
Next Steps
Previous years have brought an onslaught of rain for the duration of the hike as well as storms and even snow. Between now and my flight to Sweden, I’ll be figuring out my gear (to be reviewed here: Gear Reviews) and determining what will be suitable for both this environment and that of the UK. I’m looking at taking advantage of the location and trying to swing a trip over to Lofoten in Norway for a bucketlist camping stop and then possibly revisiting Preikestolen near Stavanger before flying out. More on this to come!
Beyond the gear planning, I’m doing weekend hikes and planning some camping to get back into the groove of things. I’m planning to use this space to talk about the prep work and planning for the two Treks later this year and to document the hikes and training in the lead up. Posting here will add a degree of accountability to make sure I’m making the most of the time I have so that it’s a fun/rewarding experience and not a strenuous one. The icing on the cake is that the hike begins on the 8th and my birthday is on the 7th…
I’ll be starting 39 with an adventure to remember.
The clock is ticking. Time to get started.
Kungsleden overview, courtesy of the Swedish Tourist Association
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