The experience

In September 2026 we (Erik and Kurt) are organizing another fantastic trip to Jämtland in Sweden!

True wilderness, where you're surrounded by nothing but nature in all its beauty and power. Far away from civilization, crowds, and stress. Where you encounter no one but the group and… yourself for days on end. Where it's truly dark at night. Where you hear nothing but the rustling of the wind, the babbling of a stream, a whistling bird, or… an animal making itself heard in its own authentic way. Where nothing is required and (almost) anything you feel is allowed. That unique place where you can reconnect with nature, with the frequency of the earth…

Sounds great, right? Too good to be true, perhaps? Because for many, this seems unattainable. "You'd need a tremendous amount of knowledge and experience to stay safely in such a place, wouldn't you?" And where do you find that place, because nowhere else in the world is it truly so free of civilization?

We'd love to take you to one of these places! And the best part is: this trip makes it safe and responsible to enjoy nature and all it has to offer in complete freedom.
We'll guide you to a unique wilderness area in the Swedish province of Jämtland. It's a breathtakingly beautiful journey, where you'll be captivated by one overwhelming experience after another. It's a rugged area with wild rivers, stunning vistas, rugged cliffs, bogs, and, of course, impressive flora and fauna. You'll have to do your best not to spot a moose, drink water from crystal-clear streams, and eat delicious berries and mushrooms, straight from the wild.

To give you an idea: Jämtland is three-quarters the size of the Netherlands, but only 160,000 people live there. That's just 1% of the Dutch population in the same area. In short: it's very peaceful, and the nature is stunningly beautiful!

This trip is all about getting back to basics. You'll learn to free yourself from stress, cell phones, crowds, and haste, and to fully surrender to the rhythm of nature with its almost limitless freedom and possibilities. Thanks to our experience with this type of travel and our years of experience in this region, we can offer you a safe, carefree, and unforgettable experience.

During this journey, we can also show you various possibilities and techniques to help you optimally connect with nature and yourself. We'll also show you how to continue this connection once you're back home. It will be a journey of awareness and a complete reset for your system. This edition, we'll extensively explore topics such as philosophy, consciousness, spirituality, meditation, yoga, breathwork, and cold therapy for those who want to learn more or try them. Applying these techniques in a wilderness setting is incredibly powerful, a unique opportunity to experience it.

There's also the opportunity to discuss various other topics relevant to the group, such as basic bushcraft skills, navigation, knowledge of mushrooms, plants, and trees, safety, shelters, dealing with the weather, safely pushing your boundaries, and reconnecting with nature and your inner fire and instinct. Above all, the days are primarily designed for discovery: the wilderness, yourself, the environment, the animals and plants... everything that surrounds you. And there's more than you can imagine; come and experience it!

We choose to stay at a fixed location in nature, giving you the opportunity to practice your bushcraft skills and/or thoroughly test your purchased equipment. Think, for example, of experimenting with building a shelter or perhaps even an outdoor oven and baking in it. You're free to do whatever you want, whenever you want, wherever you want, as long as it doesn't harm yourself, nature, or the group, of course! To optimally facilitate this, a fixed location is best. In addition, there's plenty of space to explore the area, either daily, alone or with a group. Special moments guaranteed!

We're incredibly proud to be able to offer this kind of nature/wilderness experience again! The various editions we've organized in the past (Jämtland – Sweden, Trandal – Norway, Atna – Norway & Ullapool – Scotland) were unforgettable. Participants discovered what freedom and wilderness mean to them and made lifelong friends. How wonderful that we can create that together again! Hopefully with you!

About your host and guide: Erik

I'll be your guide and tour leader on this wonderful journey. I'm also the founder and owner of Bushcraftshop.nl.

After extensive training at Ray Mears' Woodlore Bushcraft School in England, I decided to explore the Norwegian wilderness with a friend and put my newly acquired skills into practice. This experience was so overwhelmingly beautiful that I decided to share it with others. In 2012, I founded Moosetrail Bushcraft and, in addition to several products, offered a wilderness trip to Norway for beginners. A year later, the offerings were expanded to include various other training courses, workshops, and trips, which I then led myself.

That same year, I founded Bushcraftshop and expanded the range of products Moosetrail Bushcraft offered at the time. The webshop quickly grew into something significant, and a decision had to be made. I decided to keep the webshop going and discontinue the courses. But not for long. Two years later, new trips and special courses were developed, and a unique offering of truly inspiring activities in unique locations emerged: my trademark when it comes to offering experiences. I've since guided many people on trips to unique wilderness destinations and helped some of them overcome their fears of the wilderness in a responsible and compassionate way.

Over the years, my passion for this environment has given me extensive experience in the Scandinavian wilderness. My many solo trips into nature have allowed me to feel completely at home and in complete harmony with nature in the most remote areas.

In recent years I have also strongly developed my knowledge of spirituality, personal growth and self-development. Inspired by nature I work, sometimes in my own way, with techniques such as Yoga & Breathwork (Certified YTT200 Yoga teacher) Theta-Healing (certified Theta Healing Practitioner), Reiki (Certified Reiki Master), Dzogchen Meditation, Contemplation, inspiration from the teachings of the Tao, Male and Female Energy and the polarity between them (The Awakened Masculine Course - Lorin Kren completed and Celebration of Being - Noble Man completed), Visualization, Shamanism, Drumjourneying (Faith In Nature course), Japa Meditation, Feeling and shadow work, Men's work, member of 2 Men's Circles (NWTA, GUTS and GUTS Level-1, PIT, ST1, IGFT completed and facilitated initiation weekends for 5 men - The Mankind Project), Healthy and holistic nutrition, Ice baths and cold therapy, Holistic living, Space holder and more. Currently, to bring all this experience and my life experience together and help people with it, I'm setting up a coaching practice! It's very exciting and very fulfilling!

Besides all this wonderful personal growth, I'm also responsible for my webshop, Bushcraftshop.nl, where I offer a wide range of unique and high-quality products, with exceptional, flexible service and support for my customers. My unique vision and customer-centric approach make Bushcraftshop a highly valued company.

I'd love to take you on a journey of discovery in nature and, if you're willing and open to it, within yourself. My goal is for you to see and experience all the beauty that's around you and... within you! Will you join me?

About your co-host and guide: Kurt

Kurt has been fascinated by nature, and especially the forest, since he was a little boy. At eight, he set off alone with his grandparents' dogs through the Kempen forests in Belgium, and at 19, he moved to the Netherlands to study tropical forestry. During his studies, he lived as a shepherd in the Pyrenees and worked on reforestation projects in Ecuador.

After many wanderings and experience in the jungle of offices, Kurt has been pursuing his passion and love for years: the forest. Staying there, embracing it, listening, and living. In 2021, he sold his house in Velp to fulfill his dreams and transitioned completely to a life from the "van," living everywhere but always in or around the forest.

Even before he'd set foot in Sweden, he knew he had to go there. One day, he and Ronja (his daughter) boarded a bus, traveling through Germany, Denmark, and finally to the bridge to Sweden. A song came to mind (which he didn't even like), and that was "Coming Home" by Dotan, played at the top of the bridge. It stuck with him, and from then on, the search for a place in Sweden began.

That spot now exists, on a mountain in Värmland, in the middle of nowhere. A place without human sound, without light pollution, but with moose, wolves, and bears. And a mountain of exciting challenges! Most courses and workshops will be held there, as well as at various locations in the Netherlands and Belgium.

After several year-long training programs, including Faith in Nature and the bushcraft year-long program, a year of supporting the camp during those programs, and an expedition to Sweden without any modern tools like a knife and only homemade items like deerskin clothing, it was time for the instructor training program. Another year and a half immersed in bushcraft and primitive skills, and especially, how to teach these to others.

Kurt talks passionately about everything that comes with living with nature and he has endless patience to take you into that wonderful world.

In his endless wanderings through the woods (and offices), Kurt has not only become acquainted with the scientific world but also developed a spiritual connection with the forest. Besides facts and substantiation, you can also count on a genuine connection with the nature around you and the messages it holds for you.

Kurt: "I share my knowledge and passion for bushcraft and living in and with nature, so that people—young and old—can discover ancient skills and learn how to live in harmony with nature. By working together with what nature offers, we inspire respect, awareness, and a connection with our environment. I want to help create a world where more people are aware of their place in nature. Where ancient skills and respect for all that lives, grows, and flourishes help us live in harmony with the earth in a sustainable and simple way."“

Programme

• It's practically impossible to provide a detailed itinerary, as we're primarily guided by nature, the group, and everything that comes our way. That's just how it is when you want to be one with the wilderness. But to give you some idea:
• Tuesday, September 8th is the joint outward journey day.
  We travel together as a group from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport by plane to Stockholm and from there we transfer to a domestic flight to Östersund in the province of Jämtland.
  The journey takes approximately 5 hours.
  
  From the airport, we'll travel by transfer to a location on the edge of the wilderness. There will be a supermarket stop along the way.
  
  Near our starting location, we'll check into our rooms in an authentic mountain hotel. Here you'll meet your fellow participants and, of course, Kurt and me.
  We'll use the cooking facilities and prepare dinner individually or together. We'll also prepare our gear for the next day's departure. It's simply a pleasant evening to get to know each other better.
  
• On Wednesday, September 9th, after a short transfer, we'll depart for the wilderness. It's a challenging hike to our base camp. We'll take our time, especially enjoying the beauty around us. We'll arrive late in the afternoon, and it's time to set up base and enjoy a campfire in the wilderness in the evening.
  
• From Wednesday evening, September 9th, to Monday morning, September 14th, we'll be in the wilderness, experiencing nature in all its facets. This is a space to connect with nature, yourself, bushcraft and spiritual techniques, and above all, to completely immerse yourself in the peace and quiet of the Swedish wilderness.
  
• On Monday, September 14th, we'll leave our spot behind, following the "Leave No Trace" principle, and walk back to civilization. Late in the afternoon, we'll arrive back at the mountain hotel for a final night, chatting, reminiscing, and undoubtedly exchanging photos and contact information.
  This evening we will enjoy a well-deserved, special and exclusive farewell dinner, with local products, at the mountain hotel, offered by Bushcraftshop.
  
• Tuesday, September 15th, is time for yourself again. We'll transfer back to Östersund Airport, and from there, the entire group will fly independently back to Stockholm and on to Amsterdam. 
  
  In short: you will effectively be in the real wilderness of Sweden for 6 days, of which 2 hiking days and 5 nights.

Practical information

• Dates: Tuesday 8 to Tuesday 15 September 2026
• Required prerequisites: at least basic bushcraft knowledge or comparable outdoor experience. (You are able to build your own shelter and stay safely in the wilderness for several days. You can make a fire, prepare food on an open fire or gas burner, work safely with a knife and saw, know the principles of dressing in layers, and know how to stay dry, warm, well-fed, and sufficiently hydrated.)
• If you're unsure about your experience, please contact us! We can discuss the possibilities and determine whether participation is safe.
• Required equipment: a complete set of camping gear, suitable for a multi-day wilderness stay, carried in one (1) backpack. We're happy to advise you and/or check with you whether your current equipment is adequate or if you need to replace some items.
• Required physical condition: You must be reasonably fit, able to walk approximately 15 km with a full pack in your backpack over hilly terrain, off-road, and be physically stable and balanced. You should also be aware that medical assistance is not readily available in the area. If you have a known (chronic) medical condition that could hinder your participation or pose a risk to yourself or other participants, you cannot participate. Please consult with us beforehand to determine whether participation is safe if you have a medical condition or a weaker physical/mental condition.
• Number of participants: Maximum 15 (Minimum age 18+) 
• The journey always continues!
• Cost: € 1299,- (Or € 1199,- Early Bird until May 1, 2026) So be quick!
• If you arrange your own travel to Sweden and do not fly with us, a €200 fee will be deducted. Please note: this also cancels the transfer from the airport to the meeting point. Public transport is only available once per day for the last approximately 80km.
• A packing list will be sent after registration.

Included

• Heen- en terugvlucht vanaf Schiphol Amsterdam, via Stockholm naar Östersund v.v. (optioneel)
• Full personal guidance beforehand when planning your trip and assembling your equipment, and any associated purchasing assistance.
• First and last night stay in a mountain hotel (basic rooms (2 persons per room) or shared wooden stuga (cabin))
• Joint closing dinner incl. 2 drinks of your choice (light alcoholic, coffee, tea, soft drink)
• Stay in a unique location in the Swedish wilderness
• Local transfers in Sweden
• Full tour guidance from Schiphol Airport by Erik, and in Sweden also by Kurt, throughout the entire stay, both in the hotel and for the first night, and in the wilderness until the return to Östersund Airport.
• In case of emergency, you are assured of good contact with the local rescue organization through a GPS emergency beacon and contacts.
• Please note: you must be insured for rescue during outdoor activities (risky sports) through travel insurance.

Not included

• Complete camping equipment suitable for this trip
• All meals and drinks throughout the stay (except for the joint closing dinner) (you can make your own purchases in Sweden before we enter the wilderness; alcohol and drugs are not permitted) 
• Insurance and personal expenses/necessities.

Information

Want to know more or have any questions? Please contact Erik van 't Padje: erik@bushcraftshop.nl or send a WhatsApp message to +31(0)70-56.90.887

Necessary equipment (Minimum basis!)

• Suitable tent or tarp
• Sleeping bag
• Insulated sleeping/inflating mat 
• Cutlery, Plate, Bowl and Cup
• Water bottle
• Folding saw (Silky)
• Bushcraft knife (Mora)
• Suitable clothing for every season; preferably wool layers, no jeans!
• Waterproof and windproof jacket and wool or fleece sweater
• Suitable shoes/boots. 
• Rain gear (jacket and trousers)
• Headlamp (extra batteries)
• Personal hygiene and medication
• Notebook, pen and pencils
• Phone and power bank
• Outdoor food
• Seating mat/stool

You can always contact Erik directly: (erik@bushcraftshop.nlDuring a personal consultation, we can, if you'd like, go over your camping gear together beforehand to see if it's suitable and sufficient for this trip. Good basic equipment doesn't have to be expensive. We're happy to help you find an excellent set that fits your budget!

Additional Information
Want to know more or have any questions? Please contact Kurt: kurt@hogda-wilderness-wisdom.com or +46 (0) 767640782.