Sofie Kindahl

Sofie gazes out over Pältsan before the very last day’s hike from Pältsastugan to Treriksröset on her White Ribbon 2022.

Completed Ribbons:
Two. Green Ribbon 2019, White Ribbon 2022.

Home:
Rätansböle, Jämtland, Sweden.

Special memory or experience:
For me, the Ribbon is very much about being present in the moment and all the encounters. The meeting with people, the meeting with nature, and the meeting with oneself. The feeling of freedom and total presence is unbeatable. It has changed me fundamentally and made me reassess my entire life. The feeling of waking up alone on a snow-covered mountain plateau, opening the tent flap, and being greeted by complete silence and the morning sun on my face. Hearing the whisper of the camp stove and sipping coffee with a view of mountain peaks and vast plateaus. All the nights under the northern lights and the evening light that tints the snow pink still make my heart swell with joy!

My greatest lesson from my journeys:
There’s not much difference between hiking 2 miles or 130 miles – the latter just requires a bit more endurance. And expect things to wear out and break along the way, so make sure to pack spare parts and repair equipment.

Favorite place / favorite section along the Ribbon:
It’s almost impossible to choose! I love both the classic and magically beautiful sections along the Kungsleden between Hemavan-Ammarnäs, as well as Vakkotavare-Abisko. In summer, the stretch from Treriksröset along the Nordkalott Trail was amazing. In winter, the section from Abisko to Treriksröset was a pleasant surprise – it offered vast, completely deserted landscapes! Then, I absolutely loved the Lapplandsleden both in summer and winter – it’s a quiet and incredibly beautiful stretch.

Tips I want to share:
Hot water bottles in the sleeping bag and a small butter tin to warm up under your armpit were fantastic in winter. During the Green Ribbon, I learned the importance of waterproof and windproof gloves the hard way. But I also learned to take it slow in the beginning. I started off strong with long stages right from the start, which led to overloaded knees. I also want to recommend allowing the hikes to take time – give yourself the opportunity to stop and enjoy! Personally, I based my planning on stopping at as many wood-fired saunas as possible along the way.

Special area of expertise I can offer tips on:
I’m happy to share my detailed route planning and my experiences with drying food and sending resupplies. I’m also a trained mountain guide, so I can offer tips related to safety and risk prevention. Most of all, I want to inspire others to take their time on the Ribbons and see it as an opportunity to gain new perspectives. If anyone wants to discuss this, feel free to reach out! 🙂

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