Our journey to Sarek began with a late flight from Kraków, an overnight stay at Stockholm Arlanda and an invalid ticket that nearly stopped us before we reached northern Sweden. After rain changed our plans in Gällivare, a bus to Ritsem and a ferry to Änonjálmme brought us to the start of the trail.
From the boardwalks of Padjelantaleden we moved into bogs, unmarked paths and glacial rivers. Rubber boots became essential, while news of a swollen tributary made us prepare a retreat rather than assume the planned route would be passable. At Mikkastugan we faced a choice: continue through Sarek or turn towards the marked trails of Padjelanta.
On Day 5 we found a way across Tåggnårisjåhkå, then faced another difficult river before reaching views over the Rapaälven valley and a pass where we camped for the night. These first five stories open a 14-day expedition; they do not describe its entire route.
