Welcome to Abisko

Have you ever tried to describe something so beautiful that no words can really do it justice? You search and search, but none of the words you know seem to fit because what you are trying to describe shouldn’t automatically fall into a category with other things you have called beautiful before. I wish I could make a new word for each time I found something that was beautiful in its own way. To spare you from my made-up words, I’ll settle for using words we already know instead. Just know, nothing compares to seeing this place with your own eyes.

I knew I was heading to the right place before I even took off. Every person boarding the plane was clad in hiking boots, flannels, and outdoor packs with Teva sandals hanging from the straps. I already felt more at home than I did in four years in Massachusetts (don’t worry, I grew to love you all the same, Massachusetts). Needless to say, Abisko, Sweden is land of my dreams. Home to one of the nine national parks in Sweden, Abisko is composed of rolling green hills, snow capped mountains, fast moving rivers, deep valleys, and icy blue lakes. Hikers, fishermen, and nature enthusiasts alike flock to Abisko- especially this time of year when the trails are still snow free and the cooler temperatures keep the swarms of mosquitos at bay (I really can’t escape the monstrous bugs, its seems). And, as it turns out, I arrived at just the right time to explore this incredible park. This summer in Abisko has been, for the most part, cold and rainy. However, during my first week I have been blessed with sunny 20 degree days (my transition to Celsius has been abrupt) perfect for exploring. I won’t go into the details about every hike and every wonderfully vibrant piece of nature I have explored, for that I might have to write a book, but I will share a couple pictures from some of the neatest places so far.  

Hands down, the Abisko River canyon is my favorite find. Picture fast moving, blue and turquoise waters slashing their way through steep khaki-gray walls scattered with tufts of green shrubs peaking through the cracks. It’s hard not to be drawn to the power and intensity of the rushing waves of the river as it works its way from the roaring waterfall to the clear blue lake in the distance. Easy to say this canyon made into my top five favorites (yep, I have a canyon list, as you all should).

Looking down on the green-blue waters of the Abisko River

Following alongside the Abisko River is my second favorite part of the park, the Kings Trail (Kungsleden). The Kungsleden is one of the most popular trails in the park and it is easy to understand why when it starts at the canyon and extends for kilometers all the way into Norway, weaving its way through valleys and birch forests and over mountains ranges. A couple of day hikes on this trail has me hooked already. So if there are any backpackers out there, reserve some time off for August 2016 ;) 

One of many breath-taking views from the King's Trail

However, don’t start to think my time in Abisko has just been a hike through the park. I have had my far share of struggles too. They mainly manifest in the form of identifying foods in the grocery store, but it’s a struggle all the same. I have slowly started to learn some common Swedish words for food, and when that fails I try to decipher the pictures on the sides of the containers. This is not always the best method, as you can imagine, so food items have made a quick mov to the top of my Swedish vocab list (where they should be).

Oh, I’m also here to do some science. More on that next week! Until then, look at these pretty pictures. 

One of the many waterfalls in the Abisko area.

A shameless selfie, because, the background totally makes it worth it (some of those mountains are in Norway!).

A high up view of the small town of Abisko with the striking blue Tornetrask to the left. 

Kenzie

This site is not an official Fulbright Program site. The views expressed in this site are entirely those of its author and do not represent the views of the Fulbright Program, the U.S. Department of State or any of its partner organizations.