PJ and I had planned to leave Kiruna after the first week of April, after which we would take the road through Norway to Oslo over the course of a week. However, due to unforeseen circumstances we had to leave earlier, as our situation at work was no longer sustainable and we decided to leave.… Continue reading The Road through Norway, Part I: Lyngen Alps & Tromsø
Reinsfjell is a tent model just on the edge between a three- and four-season one. After finishing Te Araroa with the Helsport Storsylen tent we wanted something lighter, especially since we were going to Australia next, without compromising too much on durability and comfort. We wanted exactly the same for our trip across the Nepal Himalaya… Continue reading Helsport Reinsfjell Superlight 2
There are few things more satisfactory in life than enjoying lunch in the sun on top of a remote alpine pass. Waiau Pass Track is my number one favourite track on the TA so far. It's landscapes are high up with the other highlights, with the wonderful addition that it is a quiet place. Rugged… Continue reading Nelson Lakes National Park: Waiau Pass Track
Nice as it was, the Queen Charlotte Track was merely a warm up to the rest of the South Island, an easy stroll along the coastline leading us to the mountains ahead. This is it. The 700 roughest, wildest, most physical kilometres of our journey across New Zealand. It's exciting, slightly intimidating, somewhat astonishing that… Continue reading Pelorus River and the Richmond Ranges
The Tararua Ranges are the first real mountain section of the trail before starting the South Island. They are notorious for their rapidly detoriating weather, their steep ridges, and their high amount of altitude difference along the path. Almost bordered by the sea and overlooking the southern half of the North Island it is a beautiful… Continue reading Traversing the Tararuas
The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is one of the absolute highlights on the trail and a stretch I was most looking forward to. We had been talking about it for ages, keeping a close look on the weather forecast hoping for that sunny day to come. I was really, really wishing for it to be nice… Continue reading The Tongariro Alpine Crossing, Mount Doom and a TA Christmas
Besseggen is one of the most famous day walks in all of Norway. It is situated on the edge of Jotunheimen national park, one of the prime alpine areas in the country. The walk is surrounded by a sort of national nostalgia and most Norwegians will probably walk it (or at least attempt to) once… Continue reading Besseggen
The mountains surrounding these fjords count as some of the most dramatic in Norway. From the fjord, they rise up to 1800m high, creating some of the most beautiful landscapes in the country. Therefore several hundreds of thousands of tourists visit the region every year. Luckily these mountains provide and easy escape from the crowds… Continue reading Peaks of Aurlands- and Nærøyfjorden
Folgefonna is famous for its proximity to the sea and its several 'fjord to glacier' hikes. It's Norway's third biggest glacier, covering an area of 207 square kilometres. The glacier offers ice climbing, blue ice walks and a hike straight across between the Fonnabu and Holmaskjer cabins. I opted for the last and this turned… Continue reading Folgefonna National Park
Both times I went on a longer mountain tour in Norway I got close to having an accident that could have led to at least a serious injury. Both situation involved rocks falling or sliding in my direction. Knowledge on mountain safety is important for mountain hiking. Having the proper first aid equipment with you,… Continue reading Mountain Safety
Team Belgica 