These photographs are from a hike in Muddus National Park (or Muttos, which is the Sámi name for the area) two years ago. Old forests, rivers, wide mires, lingering spring light, and that particular northern stillness that seems to slow everything down just a little. During my 45-kilometre (about 28 miles) hike I did not see a single other person, which for someone like me felt absolutely wonderful.
Now, as winter here in Värmland is beginning to loosen its grip and give way to spring, I find myself longing very much to head out on longer walks again. There is something about being on a trail for hours, with nothing but forest, water and birds for company, that restores a sense of balance I truly miss when it isn’t there.
I hope to return to paths like these again soon.
Muddus National Park, Lapland/Lappland, Sweden (May, 2024).