I had several ideas for tours to do this summer, each being situated further north, but evidently many other people had similar thoughts, for when the time came to decide all the trains were filled to the brim. Having done a good many trips here in Jämtland during the last few years I really wanted to go somewhere this time, so I therefore ended up turning my eyes towards Vindelfjällen, where I realized I had not actually been for 13 years.

After a few attempts I had drawn up a plan that would take me to and through new areas, some of which I had had my eye on for some time, so as not to repeat myself unnecessarily. After looking at transportation options – from Östersund the whole region is easily reached by bus – I also concluded that the best course of action timing-wise would be to start in Tärnaby and end in Hemavan.

All that remained then was a suitable weather window, and since this year's vacation period lay earlier than usual, mid-to-late July constituted the primary time to look for one. After forgoing a couple of shaky ones a much more stable high pressure was approaching from the continent, promising warmth and visibility, so I proceeded to put the plan in motion.

I asked the bus driver from Storuman to let me off at Tärnaby camping, a couple of kilometers east of the actual village, where I would spend the night; I had arrived in the late afternoon and the stages would fit better if I started the hike in the morning. I therefore got to spend a quiet evening in the camping's hostel department, where I was the only occupant, getting into the mood for the actual start the next day.

Rainbow above the camping...

...beside Umeälven

My packing list was as follows:

Plus the 525-g birch walking stick and some water in the flask.

Here, then, is the full account of what transpired during the subsequent six days. Each section has a header consisting of a short overview of the stage in question, complete with a map showing the route travelled. A ring marks the starting point, a square the lunch break location (if any), and a star the destination. Vertical distances have been calculated from the map and have an accuracy of 20 m. All breakfasts consisted of oatmeal porridge, tea and a sandwich, and all lunches of two cups of instant soup and a sandwich.