Perhaps the best way to see the natural wonders of Sweden is by hiking and trekking with a professional guide.

Pathfinders Lapland, based in Gällivare, arranges trips with a difference into Laponia. Here you can learn how to herd reindeer and help the local Sami herdsmen guide the animals safely from the woodlands where they spend the winter, to the western mountains on their spring migration. This is very much a ‘hands-on’ trip and you will be setting up camp, preparing food and tending to the reindeer.

Daily distances range between 5 km and 15 km and you sleep in tents and a Sami ‘lavuu’ (similar to North American tee-pee) is where you congregate for meal times and other get togethers. Pathfinder also arranges hiking trips where the reindeer carry equipment and supplies.

The length and breadth of Sweden there are specialist companies who provide professional guides. Look out in particular for companies with the “Nature’s Best” national quality label.

There is much to see and experience in Sweden’s great outdoors and having an experienced guide at your side makes it all the better. Local tourist offices can provide information on organisers of hiking tours as well as information on the guides in the area.