Recently, I received requests whether I could provide GPS tracks of my hikes in Lapland. First of all, thank you for your interest! While I’ll happily answer concrete questions regarding trip planning or possible hiking routes, I don’t want to publish any GPS tracks. Here’s why:

For safety’s sake

I don’t want to be responsible for safety issues that may arise when people follow in my footsteps. This is not hypothetical; in fact, conditions are changing a lot dependent on weather and season. While some sections may be safe in clear weather, they’re not in fog or rain. Especially river crossings can be very dangerous in the wrong conditions. It’s necessary to adapt to the current conditions or – if need be – backtrack or change plans.

I do mistakes. They’re in the recorded track data. I wouldn’t want other hikers to do the same mistakes just because they follow a track.

It’s necessary that you inform yourself thoroughly beforehand. What are possible routes? What are alternatives? What kind of terrain do I have to expect where? What is the best season? Where can rivers be forded? And so forth…

To protect nature

My hikes often traverse sensitive wilderness areas. I don’t want to attract “followers” that don’t respect nature or don’t practice leave-no-trace principles. A significant increase in traffic can severely damage the landscape as it has happened in a lot of places all over the world.

Hikers with a genuine interest will put in the effort required for planning a backcountry hike and behave responsibly. After all they’re there to admire the natural beauty! If you’re one of those, feel free to contact me if you have any questions :-)!