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LadyFinn
Imperial Majesty
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- Jun 22, 2007
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Aftonbladet's reporter met Victoria at the last hike.
For two years, Crown Princess Victoria has hiked in Sweden's all 25 provinces.
- It has been a fantastic experience I have been involved with. All impressions from this varied nature to all meetings with people. All the small bouquets you have received to all discussions, it has so many aspects, says Crown Princess Victoria to Aftonbladet, on her way down Fulufjället.
On all hikes, anyone who has had the desire got to come along - and many have heard the call.
On the very last hike, in Fulufjället national park in northwestern Dalarna, right on the border with Norway, Aftonbladet followed. And not only we.
Crown Princess Victoria also got an unexpected companionship by her sister-in-law Princess Sofia, who is raised in Älvdalen and wanted to go on a hike.
Just in time for the train to go from central Stockholm at 06.15 two happy and lively princesses appeared on the platform. That the night before both of them had been at the Polar Prize Gala at the Grand Hôtel is not noticed for a moment.
Now, just hours later, the fancy gala dresses were exchanged for well-made hiking boots, jeans and sports jackets.
As the only one the Crown Princess also carried the whole hike a dark blue Kånken backpack. What she had in it is nobody who knows - but it was heavy.
After a lunch out in the open, the Crown Princess tells during the hike about her vision - and why she has gone all these miles through Sweden:
- I want to highlight our nature. We need to go out and my hope is to inspire others. It's a great experience, a benefit. Sweden is amazing.
And Princess Sofia fills in:
- It does good for both body and soul. And it's available - it's for everyone, she says.
On Instagram, she thanks her sister-in-law for the hike: "It was honorable", she writes.
The group includes both nature conservationists and mountain rescuers, but the one who is most concerned about everyone in the group is Crown Princess Victoria.
- We can help to make sure that it is a good pace for everyone? she says - or:
- How are we doing?
Followed by two thumbs in the air.
She takes the time with everything and everyone and it is impressive; no schedule is too tight that she does not have time to take a selfie with anyone who wants to, watch the scouts' play, receive drawings and greet everyone and look everyone in the eyes, young and old.
To pass with a hurry is not Crown Princess Victoria's tune. She sees everyone - even out in nature.
On the way up to Old Tjikko, the world's oldest tree, it turns out who has fitness - and who doesn't.
While we are some who have full focus on surviving the steep climb and the high steps up to Fulufjället, Crown Princess Victoria and Princess Sofia walk with light steps, as they went on flat ground.
When I have to sit down and fetch my breath for a while, Victoria laughs. Just wipe the sweat in the forehead and step on, one step at a time.
Once up, we get the salary - there he stands, all alone up on the barren mountain, the knotty and ancient Old Tjikko. The five-meter-high spruce is cloned from roots that are 9 550 years old - from the ice age.
- What a place to choose to grow on, says Victoria.
Old Tjikko is Norwegian - and until the year 1644 the land we stand in there is also Norwegian.
The view of the blue mountains is miles away.
- I love these spaces, says Victoria.
It shows.
Wants to tell to Estelle
On the way down - the same way we came - Aftonbladet gets an exclusive chat with the Crown Princess. It is difficult to keep track of both feet, words and pencil at the same time, but Victoria talks about lichens, birds, trees and forest fires and how fragile our ecosystem is - it is an insight she brings with her, especially from today's hike.
When asked if it doesn't feel sad that the hikes are over, she says:
- Yes, actually. It's a little with sadness I go here. It is an end to a long project, which has given a lust for more and something to carry on. I have got to experience and learn so much, not just about nature but also about our cultural history. This is something I will pass on to Estelle, among other things.
- My big hope is that she will think it is great to stay out in nature. It has given me so much and I wish she should feel the same desire and joy.
Princess Estelle, who would have liked to accompany her on the mountain.
- Yes, she wanted to come. But now I've been scouting, so I have to take her next time.
Perhaps she will be able to redo Mom's province hikes, in 30 years or so.
Victoria laughs at the thought:
- Yeah, she'll take the celebration. Now I have scouted.
Crown Princess Victoria tells us that she would be more than happy to hike with her family, but so far it has not been so long walks, for explanatory reasons.
- It is mostly walking, but I have great thoughts and hopes about it, Oscar is a little too small yet. But really it's just to seize it, she says.
When I ask for some training tips - she laughs and knocks out with her arm:
- This is good training, she says.
And well aware of my near-death experience on the way up, she says:
- This is perhaps the most difficult interview you have made, but you have managed it wonderfully, I think.
After a visit to the mighty waterfall, it is time to go home again.
Njupeskär is Sweden's highest waterfall, 93 meters with a free fall of 70 meters - and Victoria doesn't give up until everyone has got a chance to see it up close.
Then she is satisfied.
Before the finish, she is met by violins - Linda Axelsson, Ing-Marie Bergman and Maria Nilsson from Älvdalen's folk musicians who lead her to the goal with Älvdalen's bridal march.
And there is this year's kransmas, nervous Victor Sticko, with a wreath and a Dala horse.
- Oh, oh, what a surprise, which reception, says Crown Princess Victoria and gives Victor a big hug.
He responds by inviting her to an optional start in Vasaloppet.
Both Princess Madeleine and Princess Sofia have run Tjejvasan, Sofia also Stafettvasan, but Victoria has not yet tried.
- It can be thought of, she replied, Victor Sticko says. But if she does that, I stand there with a wreath again. I promise.
Kronprinsessan Victoria har gått i mål – efter 25 landskap och 30 mil _ Aftonbladet
Expressen quotes this Aftonbladet's article
Victorias förhoppning om prinsessan Estelles framtid
For two years, Crown Princess Victoria has hiked in Sweden's all 25 provinces.
- It has been a fantastic experience I have been involved with. All impressions from this varied nature to all meetings with people. All the small bouquets you have received to all discussions, it has so many aspects, says Crown Princess Victoria to Aftonbladet, on her way down Fulufjället.
On all hikes, anyone who has had the desire got to come along - and many have heard the call.
On the very last hike, in Fulufjället national park in northwestern Dalarna, right on the border with Norway, Aftonbladet followed. And not only we.
Crown Princess Victoria also got an unexpected companionship by her sister-in-law Princess Sofia, who is raised in Älvdalen and wanted to go on a hike.
Just in time for the train to go from central Stockholm at 06.15 two happy and lively princesses appeared on the platform. That the night before both of them had been at the Polar Prize Gala at the Grand Hôtel is not noticed for a moment.
Now, just hours later, the fancy gala dresses were exchanged for well-made hiking boots, jeans and sports jackets.
As the only one the Crown Princess also carried the whole hike a dark blue Kånken backpack. What she had in it is nobody who knows - but it was heavy.
After a lunch out in the open, the Crown Princess tells during the hike about her vision - and why she has gone all these miles through Sweden:
- I want to highlight our nature. We need to go out and my hope is to inspire others. It's a great experience, a benefit. Sweden is amazing.
And Princess Sofia fills in:
- It does good for both body and soul. And it's available - it's for everyone, she says.
On Instagram, she thanks her sister-in-law for the hike: "It was honorable", she writes.
The group includes both nature conservationists and mountain rescuers, but the one who is most concerned about everyone in the group is Crown Princess Victoria.
- We can help to make sure that it is a good pace for everyone? she says - or:
- How are we doing?
Followed by two thumbs in the air.
She takes the time with everything and everyone and it is impressive; no schedule is too tight that she does not have time to take a selfie with anyone who wants to, watch the scouts' play, receive drawings and greet everyone and look everyone in the eyes, young and old.
To pass with a hurry is not Crown Princess Victoria's tune. She sees everyone - even out in nature.
On the way up to Old Tjikko, the world's oldest tree, it turns out who has fitness - and who doesn't.
While we are some who have full focus on surviving the steep climb and the high steps up to Fulufjället, Crown Princess Victoria and Princess Sofia walk with light steps, as they went on flat ground.
When I have to sit down and fetch my breath for a while, Victoria laughs. Just wipe the sweat in the forehead and step on, one step at a time.
Once up, we get the salary - there he stands, all alone up on the barren mountain, the knotty and ancient Old Tjikko. The five-meter-high spruce is cloned from roots that are 9 550 years old - from the ice age.
- What a place to choose to grow on, says Victoria.
Old Tjikko is Norwegian - and until the year 1644 the land we stand in there is also Norwegian.
The view of the blue mountains is miles away.
- I love these spaces, says Victoria.
It shows.
Wants to tell to Estelle
On the way down - the same way we came - Aftonbladet gets an exclusive chat with the Crown Princess. It is difficult to keep track of both feet, words and pencil at the same time, but Victoria talks about lichens, birds, trees and forest fires and how fragile our ecosystem is - it is an insight she brings with her, especially from today's hike.
When asked if it doesn't feel sad that the hikes are over, she says:
- Yes, actually. It's a little with sadness I go here. It is an end to a long project, which has given a lust for more and something to carry on. I have got to experience and learn so much, not just about nature but also about our cultural history. This is something I will pass on to Estelle, among other things.
- My big hope is that she will think it is great to stay out in nature. It has given me so much and I wish she should feel the same desire and joy.
Princess Estelle, who would have liked to accompany her on the mountain.
- Yes, she wanted to come. But now I've been scouting, so I have to take her next time.
Perhaps she will be able to redo Mom's province hikes, in 30 years or so.
Victoria laughs at the thought:
- Yeah, she'll take the celebration. Now I have scouted.
Crown Princess Victoria tells us that she would be more than happy to hike with her family, but so far it has not been so long walks, for explanatory reasons.
- It is mostly walking, but I have great thoughts and hopes about it, Oscar is a little too small yet. But really it's just to seize it, she says.
When I ask for some training tips - she laughs and knocks out with her arm:
- This is good training, she says.
And well aware of my near-death experience on the way up, she says:
- This is perhaps the most difficult interview you have made, but you have managed it wonderfully, I think.
After a visit to the mighty waterfall, it is time to go home again.
Njupeskär is Sweden's highest waterfall, 93 meters with a free fall of 70 meters - and Victoria doesn't give up until everyone has got a chance to see it up close.
Then she is satisfied.
Before the finish, she is met by violins - Linda Axelsson, Ing-Marie Bergman and Maria Nilsson from Älvdalen's folk musicians who lead her to the goal with Älvdalen's bridal march.
And there is this year's kransmas, nervous Victor Sticko, with a wreath and a Dala horse.
- Oh, oh, what a surprise, which reception, says Crown Princess Victoria and gives Victor a big hug.
He responds by inviting her to an optional start in Vasaloppet.
Both Princess Madeleine and Princess Sofia have run Tjejvasan, Sofia also Stafettvasan, but Victoria has not yet tried.
- It can be thought of, she replied, Victor Sticko says. But if she does that, I stand there with a wreath again. I promise.
Kronprinsessan Victoria har gått i mål – efter 25 landskap och 30 mil _ Aftonbladet
Expressen quotes this Aftonbladet's article
Victorias förhoppning om prinsessan Estelles framtid
Last edited:
Both the Crown Princess and the media should be commended for it, and thank you very much for taking the time to inform us with these translations.
really great idea, thaf will have awesome images from Sweden (very much enjoyed the pix durinb her hikes)
