2027 Northern Lights Walkshop
September 10 - 16, 2027 // Abisko, Sweden
The Northern Lights Walkshop will be ambitious: covering the rugged landscape of the northern Swedish Lapland terrain. One spectacular night we will leave the hotel behind and camp out under the stars (and hopefully the aurora borealis as the lights dance across the night sky). Throughout our adventure, we will explore the book “Take Less. Do More” with author himself, Glen Van Peski.
The Northern Lights Walkshop at a glance
Trail Difficulty: moderate - Advanced
This Walkshop affords our community several great opportunities to explore the wild north of the Swedish Lapland. First, we will be joined by a local mountaineering guide, the very first professional Mountain Guides in Sweden and the founder of the Swedish Mountain Guide Association. Second, we will be joined by the author himself, Glen Van Peski. He helped revolutionize backpacking by creating ultralight equipment, which allows people to take less so they can do more in the wilderness. During decades of championing ultralight backpacking, Glen became aware that “take less, do more” is more than just a hiking slogan. As he reduced his pack weight, he realized that the lessons learned applied to all areas of life. Now he wants to share the lessons he learned to help others live full and vibrant lives—lives characterized by purpose, meaning, and joy.
5 nights accommodation in regional hotel plus a camping experience under the stars and northern lights
Equipment for the overnight hike (sleeping bags, mats, tents, large backpack)
4 days of hiking, 1 day workshop focused on the lessons learned from “Take less, do more”
All meals are included (including dinners at night, snacks and meals during the days, and the campfire dinner)
Guides and transportation on hiking days
Return transfers between Kiruna Airport and Abisko
12 Leaders who will work to find and push their limits while accomplishing this experience together
September 10 - 16 2027
Price Includes:
Stay in a comfortable hotel (we won’t be changing hotels while staying in Abisko)
Breakfast every day is included
Lunches, snacks included for the hiking days
All dinners are included when we complete each day’s hike
Transfers from the Kiruna airport to our lodging and back again
Facilitation space for our workshop and a facilitator for the event
Tents, camping, and cooking equipment for our night under the stars
Private hiking guide! Our tour guide is super experienced , knowledgeable about the area, and where to capture the best photos
Hike with the author! We will be joined by the award winning author on our trip
Gain access to the Global Walkshop community (online portal, slack workspace, etc). The learning and engagement doesn’t stop when you’re off the trail - it’s just that start of your engagement with this community of executives, designers, authors, speakers, and hikers.
Price does not include:
Airfare and transport to and from Sweden will be your responsibility.
Facilitation Approach
On this Walkshop, we will discover transformative life lessons, which may go against the grain of popular thought but have been proven to change lives for the better. Participants will leave with:
Often the best strategy for achieving goals comes from subtracting rather than adding.
When your first instinct is generosity, the long-term dividends will be greater than if you strive to gain your own advantage.
Revising the stories you tell yourself about situations will reframe your life and increase gratitude.
By investing creatively in relationships, you will generate more joy in your life.
Making friends with failure will cause you to grow and improve.
Take Less. Do more.
Surprising Life Lessons in Generosity, Gratitude, and Curiosity from an Ultralight Backpacker
Here is the discussion guide of how we will explore these topics
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10th September 2027:
Arrival at the hotel, unpack and have our group’s welcome dinner. We will introduce each other, the speaker, and the key themes of the book which we will explore over the week together.
The welcome dinner is where participants still carry their normal identities and job titles into the room. The theme here is arrival itself — introducing the "take less. do more." premise not as a lecture but as an invitation, and asking what each person hopes to set down for the week. This is the only day built around talking rather than walking; use it to name intentions lightly, without forcing depth too soon. -
11th September 2027: Kärkevagge/Trollsjön hike - 12km
The first real hike, with its steady 12km push toward Trollsjön, mirrors Van Peski's founding obsession with base weight — the discipline of questioning every ounce. This day's theme is the literal and metaphorical pack: what people have brought into this season of life that they didn't consciously choose to carry, and what might be safe to leave at the trailhead.
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12th September 2027:
Hiking - chairlift to Njulla, hiking to the top of Slåttatjåkka, continuing to Kårsavagge and back to Abisko.
Riding the chairlift up before hiking across Slåttatjåkka and down into Kårsavagge gives the group a rare vantage point — literally looking back at where they've been. This day's theme is perspective and gratitude: Van Peski's belief that noticing what you already have reshapes ambition. The elevated start and long traverse make it a natural day for looking back at a career or life path from a height.
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13th September 2027: Day off from hiking / discussion day
With no hiking, this is the day the group turns toward each other rather than the trail. The theme is curiosity — the book's argument that curiosity, not networking, is what forges real relationships.
Expect deeper, less physically-tired conversation; this is the day to explore "The List" concept and how generosity has shown up (or hasn't) in participants' own lives.
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14th September 2027: This may be one of two hikes depending on weather - either a beautiful hike to Lopakte (40 km east of Abisko) a holy place for the Sámi; or hiking direct from Abisko to Nissunjåkka and Paddusdieva, which is also a holy place for the Sami.
Whichever route the weather allows, both destinations are Sámi holy sites reached only after a demanding full day of climbing. The theme is reverence — what people choose to treat as sacred once everything nonessential has been stripped away. This is the natural home for the book's deepest material: minimalism not as austerity but as making room for what actually matters.
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15th September 2027: Hiking with overnight camping in tents
A short 5km hike into overnight camping means the group is, for the first time, actually living the book's philosophy rather than discussing it — sleeping with only what they carried. The theme is embodiment: less content, more experience. This is where insight becomes something felt rather than talked about, and where commitments can start to take shape around the fire rather than in a session.
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16th September 2027:
Hiking 11km - Departure - return to Kiruna Airport.
The last 11km walk out and the return to Kiruna Airport is the integration day — turning a week of lightness into something portable back into ordinary life. The theme is translation: what will you actually take less of, and do more of, once the pack comes off for good? This is where commitments get witnessed by the group before everyone scatters.
“Individuals who spend money on experiences tend
to have greater in-the-moment happiness compared to those who focus on material items.”
Meet the facilitator
Glen Van Peski is widely recognized by the trail name “Legend” for his legendary contributions to the backpacking community. A native Californian, Van Peski grew up in the western outdoors, and when his oldest son joined Scouts, he led the Troop’s backpacking program. Through those experiences, he became intrigued by lightweight backpacking. He started sewing his own gear and eventually started his own company, manufacturing ultralight backpacking equipment. In 1998, he founded Gossamer Gear, a company dedicated to manufacturing ultralight backpacking equipment.
Glen and his company have been featured in Backpacker, Outside, and National Geographic Adventure magazines, and the New York Times. He is an internationally sought-after speaker known for his inspiring, humorous, information-packed presentations.
During decades of championing ultralight backpacking, Glen became aware that "take less, do more" is more than just a hiking slogan. As he reduced his pack weight, he realized that the lessons learned applied to all areas of life. Now, as an award winning author, he wants to share the lessons he learned to help others live full and vibrant lives—lives characterized by purpose, meaning, and joy.
Meet the trail guide
Anders Bergwall became one of the very first professional Mountain Guides in Sweden. He is also one of the founders of the Swedish Mountain Guide Association. Anders started his career in the early eighties as a skier and an alpine climber. Among many other things he performed many climbing expeditions in the Himalayas as well as skied and guided for several years in the Alps. However, his great passion and love for Polar areas drew him to even more remote Arctic mountains and in 1991 he founded Arctic Guides. The vision was the same as it is today: to excel in guiding in the Polar areas.
For over 20 years Anders has led many arctic expeditions and trips to the most remote places in Greenland, Svalbard and Baffin Island. But he nevertheless still enjoys skiing back home in Swedish Lapland .
Anders has been a member of the Swedish Police Alpine Rescue Team since 1987 and has worked in the field of mountain safety with different organizations and authorities. He has also made several expeditions to Antarctica as safety expert for the Swedish government.
Sweden Hiking Schedule
(Optional) September 6-9 in Stockholm
For those who want to explore the capital city of Sweden, a few of us will be arriving early and co-working out of Stockholm before the Walkshop. This part is entirely optional - but for those who want to see the city beforehand, we will plan great dinners and excursions in the town to take in the city and culture of Sweden before heading north to the Lapland area.
Explore the Stockholm capital
Go on organized walks throughout downtown
Check out fantastic food options across the city
Arrive by Friday September 10, 2027 in Abisko
Fly to Kiruna Airport and take a private shuttle to our lodgings in Abisko. You'll have a free afternoon to explore this quiet town before our welcoming dinner that night. The shuttle, hotel accomodation, and opening dinner are included.
Day 1 Hike on Saturday, September 11: in Kärkevagge/Trollsjön
Distance: 12km
Kärkevagge has been shaped by powerful forces over a long time and offers towering cliffs, dramatic boulder fields, and s beautiful delta. This is a fairytale-like landscape where rugged mountain terrain meets blooming meadows – a paradise for hikers. The trail winds above the boulder terrain formed during the last ice age and is lined, especially early in the season, with rich flora in shades of yellow, purple, white, red, and green. After approximately 6 km and 350 meters of elevation gain, we reach Geargejávri, also known as Trollsjön, where we marvel at the lakes clear shimmering in the sun.
Day 2 Hike on Sunday September 12: Chairlift to Njulla, hiking to the top of Slåttatjåkka
Distance: 18km
You'll start the day by riding the chairlift up out of Abisko to Njulla, which skips the toughest lower climb and drops the group straight into big alpine views over Torneträsk lake. From there you hike up to Slåttatjåkka, a broad, open fell summit that gives a wide panoramic look back at Abisko and the surrounding valleys — a real "look how far we've come" vantage point. The route then continues across the high ground into Kårsavagge, a valley known for its striking rock formations and quieter, more remote feel, before the trail brings the group back down to Abisko to close the day.
Monday, September 13th: Take Less. Do More Workshop in Abisko
Today, we will enjoy a more physically relaxed day as we recover from the trail and dive deeper into the book itself. In this book, you will discover transformative life lessons, which may go against the grain of popular thought but have been proven to change lives for the better. You’ll learn that:
Often the best strategy for achieving goals comes from subtracting rather than adding.
When your first instinct is generosity, the long-term dividends will be greater than if you strive to gain your own advantage.
Revising the stories you tell yourself about situations will reframe your life and increase gratitude.
By investing creatively in relationships, you will generate more joy in your life.
Making friends with failure will cause you to grow and improve.
Take less. do more. It’s a revolutionary idea that will transform your life and free your soul to find your purpose—and maybe a little bit of adventure too.
Day 3 Hike on Tuesday, September 14th: Holy place for the Sámi
Distance: 14km
This may be one of two hikes depending on weather - either a beautiful hike to Lopakte (40 km east of Abisko) a holy place for the Sámi; or hiking direct from Abisko to Nissunjåkka and Paddusdieva, which is also a holy place for the Sami. Both hikes are about 14 km and include quite a bit of uphill, making them full-day hikes.
Day 4 Hike on Wednesday, September 15th: Overnight wild camp
Distance: 5 km
After days of chasing distance and elevation, today asks for neither. A short 5km walk through Swedish forest leads to a clearing chosen for one reason: the sky. We will pitch our tents together, cook dinner outdoors, go for a swim, and watch the light fade into that long Nordic dusk. Then the aurora arrives — green light drifting overhead.
Thursday, September 16th: Travel onwards (fly back to Stockholm)
This morning we will do a shorter walk before taking a private shuttle back to Kiruna Airport. From there, we can fly back to Stockholm and prepare for the flights home.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's included in my ticket purchase?
Stay in a comfortable hotel (we won’t be changing hotels while staying in Abisko)
Breakfast every day is included
Lunches, snacks included for the hiking days
All dinners are included when we complete each day’s hike
Transfers from the Kiruna airport to our lodging and back again
Facilitation space for our workshop and a facilitator for the event
Tents, camping, and cooking equipment for our night under the stars
Private hiking guide! Our tour guide is super experienced , knowledgeable about the area, and where to capture the best photos
Hike with the author! We will be joined by the award winning author on our trip
Gain access to the Global Walkshop community (online portal, slack workspace, etc). The learning and engagement doesn’t stop when you’re off the trail - it’s just that start of your engagement with this community of executives, designers, authors, speakers, and hikers.
Airfare and transport to and from Sweden will be your responsibility.
What will we be eating along the way?
Breakfasts will be supplied by our hotels every day. We will have picnic style lunches provided every day. Dinners will be back in town.
Will I have private rooms for sleeping?
Yes - everyone will have a private bedroom. No sharing or roommates on this Walkshop.
What should I pack for the trip?
Backpack that can get wet and survive
Phone charger and converter
Journal
Good pens
Snacks
Lots of extra socks
Good hiking shoes (plus an extra pair of shoes)
Rain gear and extra clothing. Dressing in layers allows you to adjust to changing weather and activity levels. Two rules: avoid cotton (it keeps moisture close to your skin) and always carry a hat
Spare plastic bags (keep things dry)
Sunscreen and sunglasses
Bug spray
Band-Aids (in case you get blisters)
First aid kit
Flashlight
Whistle
Hiking poles recommended for hilly terrain
What will the weather be like?
Northern Sweden in September is transitioning into autumn — expect a real shift from summer, and pack accordingly.
Temperatures: Daytime highs typically run around 8–13°C (46–55°F), with nights often dropping close to or below freezing, especially later in the month. In Abisko and in higher elevations, it'll be noticeably colder.
Daylight: This is one of the biggest changes — days are shortening fast. Early September still has close to 14-15 hours of daylight, but by late September you're down closer to 11-12 hours, and the difference from day to day is much more dramatic than farther south.
Precipitation: September tends to be one of the wetter months, with rain fairly common. Bring solid waterproof layers.
First snow: In the high mountains, you can get the first dustings of snow by mid-to-late September. Down in the valleys and towns, it's usually still rain rather than snow.
Aurora: As nights get darker, September is actually a great month to catch the northern lights if skies are clear — the long summer light nights are over by then.
Fall colors: Late August into September is when the "ruska" (autumn foliage) season hits in the north — birch and mountain vegetation turning gold and red, which can be spectacular against the mountains and lakes.
How should I train / prepare for the hike?
Everyone should start an exercise routine several months before our trip and start increasing the amount of physical activity they experience in a typical day in anticipation of the experience.
Northern LightsWalkshop
Lapland, Sweden - 2027