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HIKING

UPDATED: Hikers found alive after going missing in Swedish wilderness for four days

Two hikers who went missing in one of Sweden's most inaccessible national parks four days ago have been found alive.

Published: 22 August 2024 10:32 CEST
Updated: 22 August 2024 15:27 CEST
UPDATED: Hikers found alive after going missing in Swedish wilderness for four days
Sarek in north-western Sweden is one of the country's oldest national parks. Photo: Gösta Reiland/imagebank.sweden.se

A massive search operation, including a helicopter, was launched after the two hikers didn’t return as planned from Sarek national park on Sunday.

But on Thursday they were found alive and well.

“They found a walkie talkie in a boat and managed to get hold of the boat driver who got in touch with us,” police spokesperson Maria Linné told the TT newswire.

The couple – a man and a woman aged around 30, from the town of Eskilstuna – had been hiking through the Rapa valley (Rapadalen or Ráhpavuobme) and found the boat at the hill of Nammásj.

It was not immediately clear why the hike took longer than expected. At the time of writing, the helicopter was on its way to their location.

Surrounded by 2,000-metre-tall mountains and more than 100 glaciers, Sarek is often described as one of Sweden’s most inaccessible national parks.

There are no roads leading up to the park, no marked trails or overnight cabins, and the only way to access the 2000 square metres it covers is by hiking or (in winter) skiing. 

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DISCOVER SWEDEN

The most common mistakes you are likely to make when camping in Sweden

The right to roam, known as allemansrätten in Swedish, allows everyone to freely explore and camp in Swedish nature. However, there are unwritten rules that should still be followed.

Published: 11 July 2024 09:45 CEST
The most common mistakes you are likely to make when camping in Sweden

Summer is the perfect season to enjoy camping trips in Sweden, a country filled with countless lakes and deep, enchanting forests.

The fact that Sweden has the concept of the right to roam, or allemansrätten, enshrined in law, guarantees everyone access to nature – albeit with some restrictions, especially when it comes to the country’s national parks or privately owned areas.

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While you exercise this extraordinary freedom, you should be aware of the unwritten rules that ensure that you stay safe and comfortable, and don’t disturb or damage the environment you’re visiting.

Don’t leave waste behind

Sweden’s right to camp comes with a sort of social contract to keep the natural landscape that you visit and use clean.

Leaving waste behind, whether trash or human waste, is one of the most inconsiderate things a camper can do.

As you won’t have access to a proper toilet, you should use a portable shovel to bury your waste at least 50 meters away from water sources to prevent contamination.

It’s also a good idea to carry a trash bag to take your litter home in, ensuring you leave the area as clean as you found it.

Proper food storage

Proper food storage is crucial not only for preserving the beauty of the landscape but also for ensuring your safety and that of the local wildlife.

When camping, always store your food in airtight containers.

This practice prevents attracting wildlife, such as foxes, rodents, and in some areas, even bears (mainly found north of Dalarna and in Gävleborg, with the highest population of bears found in Jämtland, near the border with Norway), which can become a safety hazard if they associate humans with food.

EXPLAINED:

That’s why keeping your campsite clean and free from food scraps should always be high on your list of considerations for any camping trip.

Venturing too deep into unmarked areas for wild camping

When camping, it is best to choose established spots to minimise your (inevitable) environmental impact.

Although finding a more secluded spot might be tempting, sticking to known camping areas helps protect the landscape and local wildlife.

THE LOCAL’S GUIDE: 

Established sites have been designated for a reason, often because they can handle the wear and tear of frequent use without significant damage.

Venturing into unmarked areas can lead to soil erosion, vegetation damage, and disturbance to animal habitats, which can negatively affect the local ecosystem.

Understanding Swedish fire regulations

Creating a cosy atmosphere at your campsite often involves lighting a fire, which can be useful for cooking or providing warmth.

However, doing so without knowing the rules for lighting fires can lead to severe consequences.

Open fires in nature pose a risk, particularly during dry summer months when the potential for forest fires is high. In such circumstances, even a small campfire can rapidly escalate into an uncontrollable blaze.

During periods of extreme dryness, Swedish authorities may impose a complete ban on open fires, which includes designated campfire sites.

The Swedish Environmental Protection Agency has guidelines for what is permitted in the wilderness, so it’s a good place to visit if you need to familiarise yourself with the rules.

The Local also has a guide on the key rules you need to follow when exploring Swedish nature.

Mosquito management

Mosquitoes can be a significant nuisance for campers, even though they are not as dangerous in Sweden as in other parts of the world.

Their bites can cause itching and discomfort, potentially ruining an otherwise pleasant camping trip.

There are several effective ways you can mitigate this issue.

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Firstly, wearing long sleeves and pants made from lightweight, breathable fabrics can help protect your skin from bites. Additionally, apply mosquito repellent to any exposed skin.

Another important precaution is to ensure your tent or hammock is insect-free. Before settling in for the night, thoroughly check your sleeping area for any mosquitoes that may have slipped in.

Using mosquito nets or setting up your tent in breezy areas can also reduce the likelihood of encountering mosquitoes.

Coping with extended daylight in the summer

The extended daylight hours during Swedish summers – especially in northern parts of the country – can affect your sleep, especially if you’re not used to such conditions.

In some parts of the country, prolonged daylight can make it challenging for light sleepers to get a good night’s sleep.

One effective solution is to wear sleeping masks, which can block out light and create a sense of darkness.

Additionally, consider using a tent with the capability to block light.

Forgetting to protect yourself against ticks

When it comes to ticks, forgetting to protect yourself can have serious consequences. While Lyme disease has no vaccine but can be treated, Tick-borne Encephalitis (TBE) cannot be cured, although vaccines and treatments are available.

Due to the risk of Lyme disease, it is important to take preventive measures against ticks even if you are up to date on your TBE vaccinations.

If you plan to spend time in wooded areas with long grass, wear long-sleeved clothing and tuck your trousers into your socks. Walk in the centre of paths to avoid brushing against long grasses.

After returning home, carefully check for ticks and shower soon after coming inside. This helps you spot and remove ticks before they bite.

Additionally, placing your clothes in a tumble dryer for an hour can kill all the ticks you potentially brought home from your camping trip without your knowledge.

The Local has an in-depth guide on how to avoid and protect yourself from ticks, where we cover the topic in more detail.

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