Palnostugan Hut to Abisko
Distance: 22km
Right after finishing my yesterday's blog, a Swedish hiker, tramping around the area for the last month, enters the hut. What followed were lovely hut talks until late in the evening (it is easy to forget the time when the sun sets so late (around 23:00h)). I was feeling like a sponge, soaking up all the interesting information and also found out the fish I enjoyed the other day was an arctic char.
This morning I leave early. My goal: reaching Abisko at 14:00h, right in time for check-in at the hostel. The Holzhackerweg continues until I cross a highway. Still, the views of Torneträsk and plenty of blueberries make it an enjoyable walk.
After crossing a highway , going gets easier and historic as I follow a WW2 defense line, protecting the ore railway from the Nazis. A lot of board walk makes me feel like a train as well.
Eventually, the trail descends to Torneträsk, the views fantastic. I take a loooong break, soaking up the scenery, which reminds me of New Zealand's South Island. From there it's only a few more steps to my hostel. It's getting touristy and it suddenly feels somewhat strange to be back in civilization. The uneasy feeling of not belonging here but rather out in the wild. An ever-returning change I encounter on my hikes.
Still, after taking a long hot shower, slipping into my freshly washed clothes and some ice cream, I feel quite comfortable.
The rest of the day (yes, I checked in just before two) is spent with buying and organizing supply for the next 12 days, eating and a sauna visit - my first one!
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