Inauguration of The Long Hike Jämtland in Surfbukten, Östersund

On Sunday, July 7th, The Long Hike Jämtland will be inaugurated in Surfbukten, Östersund. This event is the world’s longest organized hiking event for people with disabilities. The hike, which follows St. Olavsleden from Östersund to Åre, is part of a larger initiative enabling people with various disabilities to experience wilderness and outdoor life under controlled conditions.

The Long Hike concept, created during the Year of Outdoor Life 2021, involves hikes over 20 kilometers. Its purpose is to provide the target group with opportunities to experience nature and promote social relationships between participants and co-hikers, which is particularly important for a social group where isolation and physical inactivity are common.

Organizers’ Perspectives

Anders Andrae from WillUt, the initiator who began planning this year’s hike in 2023, states:

“I like challenges and work according to the motto ‘Everything is possible until proven otherwise’. I have previously rolled/hiked a lot in the Jämtland mountains, it’s a favorite area and last year’s assignment created a desire to test St. Olavsleden in a real situation. Now we will be about 10 wheelchairs plus co-hikers who will take on the route. We have received great support from both sponsors and co-organizers, otherwise this would not have been possible.”

Putte Eby from St. Olavsleden explains:

“We wanted to bring in an accessibility consultant with personal experience of disability and contacted Anders last year. The accessibility we’ve looked at is about simplifying for as many people as possible and contributing to people with disabilities being able to get out and take part in outdoor life. The advantage of St. Olavsleden is that you can easily hike or roll shorter distances and in between transport yourself by bus or train, you don’t have to take on the entire stretch of 580 km.”

Event Details

The inauguration program in Surfbukten on Sunday, July 7th includes live music, interviews with organizers and participants, and various activities such as tent demonstrations, test drives of electric all-terrain wheelchairs, and opportunities to learn about edible plants.

The entire hike consists of 8 stages, covering approximately 114 km from Frösön to Åre, concluding on July 15th with a finish at the top of Åreskutan.

This event not only promotes inclusion but also creates business opportunities for local companies. It aims to increase knowledge and awareness about the importance of accessibility in outdoor activities and tourism.

For more information about this groundbreaking event, visit the original article.