While my focus is typically on natural landscapes, the following photos shift to an urban theme, taken in my hometown of Hamburg. One early morning, I met up with two colleagues on the southern bank of the Elbe, and we were treated to a breathtaking sunrise — starting with the first subtle colors in the sky, leading up to the moment the sun broke over the iconic Elbphilharmonie.
5 years ago I did one of my most memorable solo hikes in Lapland. Last year I hiked a very similar route: Starting in Rago National Park in Norway, I crossed into Sweden to traverse the vast and remote wilderness areas of Padjelanta and Sarek National Parks, finishing in Kvikkjokk. Over the course of 16 days, I experienced wild terrain, shifting autumn weather, and the deep solitude that only these northern latitudes can offer. The following short film documents my trip:
The key difference to my hike 5 years ago is the following: in Sarek, I followed a different path via Sarvesvágge and Rapadalen, instead of the Njoatsosvágge valley from the original trip. This re-hike allowed me to see the same sights in different light, different conditions and mood. Some things were familiar, others were new and the weather makes things a different experience every time.
In the following a few images from my hike including also some documentary pictures.
Taking the trail via Litlverivatnet to Ragohytta and then to the Swedish border.
Along the northern shore of Vastenjaure to the Sáluhavvre Sami settlement (pathless) then following Padjelantaleden to Árasluokta. From there pathless hiking via Rissájávrre to the entrance of Sarvesvágge.
Following the Sarvesvágge and Rapadalen valleys to Aktse. In Sarvesvágge I climb up steeply after crossing Rijddanjunjesjågåsj to reach Dielmájávrásj and camp at Dielmábuollda for magnificent views. Then I descend into Rapdalen, cross the river (it was dangerous this time!) and follow the valley to the southeast. At some point I ascend again to walk at roughly 1000 m of elevation until reaching Skierffe.
Finally, I follow the king’s trail from Aktse to Kvikkjokk.
It’s almost summer now, and — true to form — I’m late getting this posted. Back in February a friend and I visited Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks.
In Yellowstone, we spent a week skiing from Old Faithful through Midway and Norris Geyser Basins, eventually reaching the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. The snow-covered landscapes and steaming thermal features made for an unforgettable experience. We had quite some Wildlife sightings and on the way out, we were lucky enough to witness a pack of wolves hunting. Originally planning to go cross-country, we quickly had to adapt—the snow was too soft and powdery, making off-trail skiing with pulks nearly impossible. Instead, we followed the park’s snow-covered roads
In Grand Teton, we kept things simple with day tours, scenic drives and some excursions on skis. Early mornings were especially memorable, with soft light on the peaks and a sense of stillness that’s hard to describe.
Below are a few selected images from the trip:
View the full gallery here.
I’ve just finished reviewing the photos and editing a short film from my winter trip through Femundsmarka National Park in Norway and Rogen Nature Reserve in Sweden. The ski trip, that started from Grövelsjön, lasted eight days, with plenty of sunshine but also two days of strong winds. It was a rewarding adventure in a beautiful area that I had partly explored during the summer, now transformed by the snowy season.
