The Scandinavian mountains run through Sweden and Norway for over 1300 km and are considered the last true wilderness in Europe with unpredictable weather, lots of water and sheer endless vastness and solitude. Bliss and despair often lie close together for adventurers here.
In 1997, Torkel and Annica Ideström (S) created the green and white band (Gröna / Vita Bandet) on their expedition around Sweden with a simple set of rules and six compulsory stops along the way, which can be completed either from the southern end of the mountain range in Grövelsjön to the northern border point Treriksröset in Lake Golddajári or vice versa. Treriksröset also marks the border triangle of Sweden, Norway and Finland.
The six compulsory stations must either be run through or passed on their western side to avoid leaving the mountains.
The exact choice of route is up to you and is the biggest challenge in the planning phase, as there are very few official trails, which often only consist of markings, especially in the north. The generally harsh weather can also cause snow and temperature drops, fog or even days of rain at high altitudes in summer - while mosquitoes and swampy ground make progress difficult on warmer days.
Performing high mileage every day in such an environment is extremely challenging.
The FKT
Only a handful of trail runners have conquered the Gröna Bandet so far, compared to several hundred hikers who have successfully completed their route. But many have not.
Although the Gröna Bandet is not about the time, but about the experience in the wilderness, a performance-oriented longitudinal crossing of the Scandinavian mountains has clearly already been the goal for some. The current fastest time, set in 2021 by Simon Österlin La Mont over his 1274 km route:
21 days 7 hours 38 minutes
Our goal is to beat this record with an FKT running time of 20 days. What sounds absolutely feasible under normal conditions takes on a different dimension in the wilderness. A lack of trails, the necessary navigation, rivers and swamps that are difficult or impossible to cross due to the weather will accompany us every day and push the pace.
There is no official timekeeping. The running time is documented by GPS tracking every few minutes and transmitted via messenger over the Iridium satellite network. In order not to reveal all the work that goes into planning the route, only the jury and our family members know exactly how the route goes. Who knows whether it will be necessary to improve the record at some point later and learn from mistakes.
The rules and regulations
- The run remains within the mountains of Sweden/Norway.
- Touching the “blue door” of the STF mountain station at the destination Grövelsjön on arrival.
- Wearing an approved GPS tracker with transmission via a satellite network
- Running through or west of the following intermediate stations: Torneträsk (eastern tip), Nikkaluokta, Saltoluokta, Jäckvik, Håkafot, Undersåker
- Otherwise you are free to choose your own route.
- Comply with all regulations for border crossings, nature reserves, environmental protection etc. pp.
- Travel under your own steam. Boat crossings are permitted.
- The route is run in its entirety and without interruption. In the event of injury/illness, continuation from the point of interruption is permitted - the time continues to run.
- Accommodation in tents or mountain huts, but not in hotels.
- External support such as the transportation of equipment or food is not permitted. Sending parcels to depots is permitted, as is shopping en route.
Route planning
The route planning took several weeks with countless changes and corrections. We then started a meticulous Excel spreadsheet that recorded all the relevant waypoints, emergency and mountain huts, supply options and, above all, mountain stations.
An important point, because carrying supplies for 20 days plus emergencies would have made the rucksacks too heavy for walking. After several tests, the planning (as of June 2025) envisages a maximum weight of 9 kg per person.
The route planning assumes two days of self-sufficiency in most sections. Intermediate supply options are a nice add-on with treats.
