The Silent Way Guestbook is one of the things we are very glad to have. Here you can read about dogsledding adventures from people from a lot of corners in the world. Read and enjoy.


Crystal days and Northern Light I, 9-14 Dec. 2009

It is not easy to put into words such strong memories and experiences over the past days. Specially coming back from having a wonderful last dinner with Kenneth, Catrine and Sofie. Today it was Lucia (a traditional Swedish festivity) and the delicious food was fitting not only the end of a wonderful 4 days but also the celebration.
Having dreamt for many years about dogsledding, having seen all the films one can see, read all the books, I can only say that the reality was better than the dream.
Even if conditions were not perfect, Kenneth managed to find interesting routes, bring us to dream landscapes and give us a full feeling of what it is to be underway with dogs.
His knowledge of the region and his skills are hard to find. The food, extremely tasty and healthy and with enough power to tackle the uphill’s and downhill’s of Lapland.
If you are reading this before your first trip and you worry. Do not! You are in great hands. You might fall, or you certainly will. But you will get up and each time will be easier. Having seen other sled dogs which sometimes are like crocodiles, I was surprised by these dogs. They always want to pull, they never fight, you can put your hand in their food, take it away and guess what, and they are as nice as ever. And once the hard work is over they enjoy the pat and the scratch like your regular sofa dog. I cannot imagine how it is to deal with so many dogs, but one thing is for sure, fairness, consequence and discipline are needed and Kenneth keeps a perfect balance.
In summary, the dogs give themselves fully and so do Kenneth and Catrine and also Sophie. They open their heart and home and share it with you surrounded by their wonderful nature. From the bottom of my heart, Thank you! I wish you well and a lot of success in all you do. You deserve it! And hopefully see you again.

Jose Valverde – Austria

Jag har gått runt med ett pirr I magen ända sedan I somras då jag fick överta min brors vinst, denna resa. Hade ingen aning vad jag egentligen gav mig in på. Mannen fick jag lämna efter mig pga. hälsoskäl.
Har fått uppleva underbara dagar i Vindelfjällen dessa snöklädda vidder, fantastiskt utsikt, släden glider tyst. Jag har trillat hit och dit men alltid tagit mig upp. Vilka fantastiska hundar ni har, alltid villiga att arbeta. Särskilt tack till ”mitt” spann. Ledarhunden Peppar, trygg och pålitlig, och de andra Pirat, Elvis, Itzak och Jet. Tack Catte för den goda, sunda maten & Kenneth, bättre turledare kan man inte ha!
Tack för er gästfrihet!
Kommer aldrig att glömma detta äventyr. Känner mig stärkt i själ och hjärta.
Tack och Lycka till i fortsättningen!

Anneli Brodin, Stenungsund, Sverige


Crystal days and Northern Light II, 16 – 21 December 2009.

Dear Catrine, Kenneth and Eric
Thank you for providing us with an amazing, unforgettable adventure! We will talk about it for years to come. Your surroundings are really so beautiful. We hope your environment stays like this for all the time. The dogs are really great – hard workers, haapy and sweet. I thought my team of four – Sinbad, Salt, Neo & Itzak, were the best of course (Philippa). I know that I will never again think that dogsledding is a “´gentle” sport, it is vigorous and difficult – a real challenge. I am now an okay dog-sledder. I learnt so quickly from day 1 to day 4. Don learnt quickly also and had fun trying out what the sled could do!
Thank you again for the best but hardest adventure.

Love! Philippa and Don – Perth, Australia

To Boris + the rest of the magnificent 7
Brave boys + 1 lady! You did it! I am sure when you laid eyes on my large American frame, you were worried about going up into the mountains for four days. But he magnificent 7 – Momo, Chili, Balder, Tor, Boris, Snö and Shrek, did not bat an eye + charged forward as hard as they could every morning. For that, the scenery, the beauty + the memories, I thank you!
Also, a thanks to Catrine, Kenneth and Erik – a good sense of humor and the companionship of adventure has made this one of the finest experiences that I am lucky to call my own. Again, thank you to everyone and I hope to return soon for another adventure.
– 40 C. (That’s what I’m talking about!!!)

A 7-dog man Justin G. Corbitt. USA.

The Silent Way is a fantastic time. An exciting adventure I will always remember!

Ryan, USA

40 below zero. Pitch black darkness; snow in your eyes as you careen recklessly down the mountain through the woods. I can’t imagine how this could be fun, fortunately I no longer have to imagine. Thank you Kenneth, Catrine and Erik for a great time and an unforgettable experience I´ll likely never are able to replicate.

Jason, USA

Kenneth, Catrine and Erik
Thank you so much for the great hospitality and the awesome adventure dogsledding in the mountains of Sweden. My friends in America thought I was insane for going to a place that was -40C. but I had a great time and learned a lot! I´ll always remember riding my dogsled through the mountains, a pitch-black darkness, with only a headlamp as my guide. It was truly the greatest thing I have ever done, and I will always remember it, Take care of Sessan, Greta, Tiger, Loke, Henke and Jet and the rest of the dogs, I will look all of you up on Facebook.

Take Care. Jared, USA

Kenneth and Catrine
Thank you for your hospitality and guidance, for made this the best holiday I´ve ever experienced. From the home-cooked and traditional Swedish meals to the frightening, but exhilarating downhill ride in the darkness, this has been the best time of my life. Also your sense of humor and kindness brought real warmth to the trip, despite the -40 weather on the mountain. I only wish I could have this much fun all the time, but then you wouldn’t be the special people you are. I hope to see you again in the future.

Jacob Crawford, USA


Happy New Year Adventure, 28 Dec – 4 Jan 2010

Tack! Thank you so much! Muchas Gracias! Obrigada! No matter in how many different languages I say it. How many times I say it, I cannot express how thankful I am for your wonderful hospitality and all of your hard work in making the trip unforgettable. We have been talking about doing this type of the trip for the last three years and we finally did it!
Everything about it was absolutely amazing and exceeded my expectations. I’m really sad that the dogsledding adventure is soon coming to an end, tomorrow.
I will miss the great company, Kenneth, Catrine, Erik, my dogs Salt, Kanel, Cayenne, Idun and Snö, and all the other dogs, the delicious food, the homemade bread, the porridge with blueberry soup, and the fun filled daytrips with the breathtaking scenery. Lastly, thank you so much for taking such good care of us, making sure we go home with all our limbs, fingers and toes still attached. I´ll definitely try to come back! Don’t forget us! I certainly will remember you!

Sincerely, Cecilia Cheng, New York/London

Dear Kenneth, Catrine and Erik
I found The Silent Way online almost four years ago. And ever since that day it was my dream to go dogsledding. Even now I almost can’t believe that this trip has become a reality and even more it surpassed all that I thought it would be. Your passion for the dogs, the wonderful hosts you’ve been and your patience with us has been incredible. The Three of you have really made this an incredible journey that I will take with me for the rest of my life. I’m so glad we found you guys. Or maybe, you somehow found us.
The dogs are amazing. You can tell how much you all love and care for them by how well behaved they are. How happy and social they are with us and by the way they interact with you. They work so hard for us, I wish they know how grateful we are to be able to ride with each of our teams. The cabin was so much fun and seeing the sun sets as the moon rose over the lake was unforgettable. Kenneth led us through so many unforgettable trails, the mountains, 20 km lake!, the solid white mountains. By my third day I was much better at breaking downhill. Thank you for the everlasting memories and I hope I will be back again.

Best, Jolene Chen, New York

Thank you for sharing your lives, your home and your extended family (all 60 of them) with us! We´ll remember this rest of our lives…

Mike and Kimmie Pool

Dear Kenneth, Catrine and Erik
These days have been the greatest experience, full of adventure and fun. I could have not asked for more... Starting off this trip, I was very nervous about this; will I be able to stay on the sled? Will I be able to take good care of dogs etc? Kenneth and Erik was really patient with is, thought us step by step. We saw the best views out ion tour and this was all because of your hard work and preparations you guys did for us every night. Tack!
Going through the forest, going over lakes, going up and down mountains full of snow… it was like as if I was in a massive magical snow globe, it is so beautiful!
Some of the thrilling points of the trip was going downhill in the forest under the moonlight, It was hard to see, but the dogs were so good, I has to have completely trust in them. Catrine, thank you for all the delicious meals and desserts. All three of you made this trip possible, I enjoyed every moment. I will cherish these memories forever. Thank you so much!

Regards, Yuki.


Crystal lodge to lodge, 7-13 January 2010

“Sex, sailing and dogsledding” I sad to Kenneth after the first hour of dogsledding in my life. Now at the end of this fabulous trip I want to thank you and all our team for this extreme experience. Dreaming about the Yukon Quest.
Ps: Now I know why this place is called The Silent Way.

Manuel from Italy

This is my third visit to Umnäs and The Silent Way. It has also been one of the coldest but the best tours so far and has provided stunning sun rises which were just amazing. It was good to see the dogs again and watch how hard they work in front of the sled. Kenneth and Catte have worked so hard to give their customers dogs which have good temperament and are easy to handle for both novice and more experienced mushers. It is always good to bring friends along to experience the mountain tours and hope they leave with good memories. See you again next year!

Roger Bines, UK

Dear Kenneth, Catte, Erik and Elin
This was my first time dog sledging. When Roger told me about it a few years ago it sounded like fun… so I thought I would give it a go, however, I was totally unprepared for the fantastic experience that I have had this week. When I get back to UK I am going to find it hard to find the words to express for my family and friends how good The Silent Way is!
Kenneth was a great host out on the trail and he guided us safely through some of the most breathtaking scenery that I have ever seen. The dogs were a pleasure to be with, I was lucky enough to have Protes in my team.
The most impressive thing to me was watching a man have total control and command over 36 dogs out on the trail.
Thank you all for a great week.
Ps. I will be back!

Tom Charnock, UK

Thank you so much for the best week of my life. I have never been to such beautiful place or laughed so much. For that I have to thank Manuel and Kenneth!
Thank you Catrine for the most fabulous food. The best meat I have ever eaten. I really hope to come back. I don’t imagine Narnia to be as good as here. What amazing dogs you have too. They are all characters.

Naomi, London


Stars and Northern Light I, 25-31 January 2010

Dear Kenneth and Catrine
Thank you very much for giving this opportunity to be so united in this magnificent nature. Our 5 days were more an adventure than anything else. First day went fast. I was having 7 dogs and still struggling with their speed, fell three times. Second day would become a very long one. Kenneth selected a new track, which brought us in a wonderful environment. For me third day was though, lot of icing, difficult to keep my glasses clear. Next day was very cold and beautiful and without glasses I was only able to see the first two dogs. But we managed and Kenneth took great care of everybody’s health. Last day looked like holiday, beautiful sunny weather. Through the tour the dogs were great and I’m feeling sad to return home.

Ico, Amsterdam

Dear Catrine and Kenneth
We would like to thank you for this unique experience and the sound of silence in the middle of Narnia. We really enjoyed the journey into the white. We came to see the real winter and that’s what we got! -5, -20, -25, -30, -28 C) We wish you many happy guests to come and hopefully we will be one of them again!

Kristyna and Martin, Prague


Sunshine Awakening I, 11-17 February 2010

Thank you for understanding that I was unable to go through the 5 days mushing. I knew it before coming but I wanted so much to give it a try.
Thank you for both of you to arrange my coming back after 90 km.
Thank you for your kindness and hospitality which made me feels at home. Thank you Stig and Inga-Lisa who welcomed me at their home and made me meet several community members.
This life is so different from mine, so close to nature.
It is The Silent Way.

Loulou, Beirut

Dear Catrine
Thank you so much for your kind hospitality, from meeting me at the bus stop (one nervous lady travelling on her own) to the warm welcome at your home! Your cook was fantastic + all the work you do in the background is amazing.
Dear Kenneth
Thank you for sharing your passion for nature + the wonderful dogsledding adventure. Clear direction, a sense of humor – a true leader.

Dear Tanja, Freja, Chili, Loke, Tiger, Tor and Jet. My fantastic team! Truly “mans” best friend –never complaining, always willing – thank you so much!

With Love from Diana, Surrey, England


Sunshine Awakening II, 19-25 February 2010

Once again here in the mountains I joined forces with some old friends and made new ones.
Sadly Momo was not well enough to go out on the tour but Jet, Boris and my special friend Pumba was there.
This year was my 10th trip with The Silent Way, with Kenneth. We have been through many adventures together but his time it was colder than ever before.
Temperatures of -33 C, on some days -48 C when you add the wind chill factor, made crossing the mountains and lakes a new experience. Some days we crossed plateaus in bright sunlight with clear blue skies – it seemed that we were travelling across the roof of the world. Other days my goggles were completely frozen inside making downhill’s very challenging.
I would not be in the mountains with any other guide (well really friend) than Kenneth and would certainly not want to be out with any other dogs them those I have come to know so well over the last few years.
I have watched The Silent Way grow into what must be the best mountain dogsledding experience in Sweden. That has been achieved only through the hard work and determination that Catrine and Kenneth put into looking after us out on the tours and at their home. This year for the first time Eric joined us on the snowmobile making the starts so easy and preparing the cabin for when we arrive so that all was warm and cozy. Between them Kenneth and Eric add so much to travelling through the mountains with dogs.
I wish Catrine and Kenneth all the success they deserve for the future and hope The Silent Way will introduce many more people to the joys of travelling with dog teams through the beautiful Swedish mountain.
Best wishes!
Phil Gretton, England
P.s. Good luck in the Finnmark. We will all be sending you good vibrations!

Dear Kenneth and Catrine
Thank you for the wonderful trip and wonderful experience.
Everything was perfect and the dogs were exceptional good.
We wish you success with the race.

Annamaria and Viktor, Hungary

Dear Catrine and Kenneth
The idea to go dogsledding was born for us a few years ago when my son and I were leaving to fly fish in Scotland. We made some inquires, but the minimum age was 16. So last year when my son turned 16 we looked in more detail on the internet and The Silent Way seemed most attractive. We are very glad that we choose this company. The past days have been an amazing experience. Never realized how cold -35C really could be and how hardy the dogs could stand all this. Every day was a very different experience. Every day we thought we might eat outside, but was clear it was simply too cold and Kenneth rightly pointed out “the guests are very important, but my dogs even more…”!
A very big thanks to Catrine for the lovely food, Erik for the great support and Kenneth for his kindness and leadership out in the mountains. I do hope your eye recovers very fast, and Good luck on the Finnmark Race. Also thanks to my dogs for the week Melon, Jet, My, Greta, Freja and Protes. All the best and hope to see you again!

Henk, The Netherlands

To Catrine and Kenneth
When I was 10 years old I saw the Iditarod on television and said to myself and to my dad, one day I will be on a sled with a number of dogs pulling me. My dad than said to me, let’s go on your 16th birthday and it will be you present.
And now 6 years later I’m in Sweden and The Silent Way. Yesterday we finished our tour of 5 days in the mountains. It was one of the best experiences I ever had. My team of:
Boris, the beautiful dog who pulls a bit to the left
Tiger, the wolf
Loke, one of the kindest dogs I have met.
Smart, the silent dog.
Isa, with blue eyes.
Cayenne, small but strong
Pulled me 250 km through the mountains and through -35C. I met lovely people and was guided by Kenneth, who has a great passion for the dogs.
It was just like imagined!

Bas, The Netherlands
Ps. I’m almost 17, so… see you soon.


Northern Silence I, 26 Feb – 6 March 2010

Dear Catrine, Kenneth and Erik
When we decided to make a dogsledding tour we thought the will be a nice experience. But now, being back after 5 days dogsledding through the incredible sceneries of these regional mountains with fantastic and friendly dogs, your lovely hospitality during the whole time. We only can say: Thank you so much, it was not only an experience, it was more than that, it was a dream!
We will miss you and the dogs and the “cooking-fairy” Catrine.
Thanks to you all, also to your father for catching us from Storuman and for your brother for staying in the guest-room.
We hope to come back soon, but up to that we will enjoy and remember all these nice and amazing days here in Umnäs and on The Silent Way!

Kerstin and Jörg, Steinheim, Germany.


Northern Silence Extra, 24-29 March 2010

Dear Catrine, Kenneth, Erik and all the dogs, especially Tiger, Boris, Vidar, Cayenne & Elvis. What an adventure! A dream comes true in every sense and there is no better way than The Silent Way, that’s for sure!
Thank you for all the good care and energy you spent to give us a fantastic holiday. I see why you get so many people coming back and I hope I will be one of them. Your personal touch and professionalism does the trick. I will make sure I make some good marketing for you in Holland.
Thanks again and see you again!
“get on your brakes, please”!

Marguerite Fraser, The Hague, Holland

Dear Catrine, Kenneth, Eric and our 39 dog friends.
Thank you for our glorious adventure and superb food! It was an experience unlike any other that been well documented in my 1000+ pictures. It was a pleasure getting to know my dogs and learning the art of dogsledding. I loved the wonderful meals of reindeer and moose. I even enjoyed the sideways Snow and poo duty; it was all part of a wonderful 4 days in a heavenly place with friendly welcoming hosts and dogs. Thank you for all you did for us! Special hugs to Tanja, Balder, Kanel, Isa … Greta and Pumba get an honorable mention. My lovely team!

Erin (lady long), Canada

This has always been a dream adventure and I waited 12 years until one person convinced me to do it and we found The Silent Way to be the best hosts, organizers and teachers! Thank you for this amazing trip, and I thank My, Neo, Prosit, Snö and Itzak for their patience and the power, at the same time the sweet and friendly being-together. I thank Kenneth for his guiding Eric for his enormous help and teaching and Catrine for the lovely food and taking care of equipment. I will miss all of you – and hopefully see you soon!

Ivo, Switzerland

Dear all!
Catrine stands for the perfect host, excellent cook (those moose balls!!) and an ever brilliant smile. Kenneth stands for the “Master of the dogs”, the expert musher and guide, who makes you feel secure and safe, in all weather conditions his guests will end up in. Eric stands for “if you don’t know, I’m always here to help”, always there, always busy, always active,
And of course
Ullis and Shrek, my ever patient lead dogs
Jet and Chili, dog power overtaking horse power…
Smart and Salt, who with their steering saved me many times from ending up in the deep, deep snow.
Such an experience! It’s hard to describe the professionalism of all of you.
Thanks a million times in this very Silent Way.
Love and kisses yours

Hilde, Belgium

Till varma, goa, kärvänliga Catrine, Kenneth och Erik
Tack för en fantastisk resa. Oron vi kände ersattes snabbt av enorm glädje, trygghet och lyckokänslor.
Upplevelsen av både natur och djur, det professionella handhavandet, utrustningen, den superba maten and de otroligt goa hundarna har varit helt suveränt!
Andra dagen när vi kommer upp på fjället är det solsken, vindstilla, hundarnas kamp att ta sig fram Ser vyerna och vidderna av snö och fjäll. Känner sin egen litenhet till de enorma vidderna, tystnaden. Detta gav enormt starka känslor hos oss båda. Väl uppe på fjället fick vi mätta magarna med en god lunch.
Resten blev bara bonus!
Våra medresenärer, Marguerite från Holland, Hilde från Belgien, Erin från Kanada och Ivo från Schweiz gjorde resan trevlig och rolig. Dom lämnade oss efter 4 dagar. Trevliga familjen Green från England var våra medresenärer resten av resan.
Skidturen med en draghund var en ny trevlig upplevelse tillsammans med Catrine ned från fjället som avslutning på resan.
Gemenskapen, omsorgen och den kärlek vi fick och gav till hundarna värmde!
Tack till er alla, fortsätt jobba som ni gör!
Speciellt tack till Åkes spann – Saga, Freja, Henke, Sinbad och Charlie.
Gudruns spann – Peppar, Loke, Sol, Tor och Melon.
Vi kommer att rekommendera er och The Silent Way!
Vi ses igen – nästa Sarek!!?? 50 mil!
Kramar!

Åke och Gudrun Lidfalk, Sweden


Family tour, 26 March – 3 April 2010

Thank you Kenneth and Catrine for a fantastic week. We were here 3 years ago and had a great time we wanted to return with our children. Last time -32C – this time, -15 - +2C, wind, snow and rain. No one was disappointed, we all gained lots in the wonderful Swedish mountains. The food was fantastic, even gluten free cake! The boys slept in a snow cave; they dug on the last evening.
Your hospitality and leadership has made this week a great break for us all. Now we look forward to a longer tour!
A kiss to my team Snö, Chili, Cayenne, Henke, My and Protes.

Karen Green, UK

Thanks you for another “cold” welcome and sharing more time in very special arctic mountains, If felt very good to be back with friends and although some of our old four legged friends are missing there are lots of new friendly faces – the dogs are still Superstars!. If only more people could be so friendly, loyal and willing to help! Your company, cooking and hospitality were again excellent. The whole family had a fantastic time – we need to come back!

Mike Green, UK

Kenneth + Catrine
What a brilliant experience! Despite some bad luck with the weather I had such a great time. The surroundings were stunning, the food very welcome and delicious and the dogs were just great! Thank you Elvis, Tiger, Boris, Cayenne, Freja and Vidar as I couldn’t have had such a good holiday without them!
Thanks again!

Joe Greene, UK

5 amazing nights… (Well maybe except the one spent in the snow hole… but I have learnt, what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger) Thank you for a truly amazing experience e which I will remember for a very long time. Goodbye and thank you to you and all the dogs.

Ben Greene, UK


Across The Arctic Circle and Two Nationalparks, 10 – 21 April 2010

Kenneth + Catrine
Thank you so much for a magical 10 days in the mountains. Catrine, your cooking is amazing. You fuelled my passion for wild meat and even made my husband try things he won’t eat at home! Kenneth, your skill in the mountains is much admired. Cool, calm and collected in all situations and injecting some humors in the stickiest of situations. Without your optimism, I doubt Matt would have been on a sled 2 days after dislocation his shoulder on our arrival in Umnäs! Between us, I think we discovered almost all ways possible to wipe yourself out on a dogsled and, although not much was said at the time, your uncanny ability to recall each detail days later was amazing! You have given us some very fond memories. You have both worked so hard to create the amazing tours you offer and the time you put into creating outstanding, friendly, well mannered dog teams does not go unnoticed, Thank you both for memories that will never leave us. (And we hope we also shared some tips (go the PaPaw cream!))

Matt and Katrina, Cairns, Australia

When we left Umnäs 10 days ago, Berry was a young dog not really learned how to handle the lines and his work as a pulling dog. After 10 days hard pulling through beautiful landscapes, changing weather, fresh snow and crusty ice, berry is a dog that proved his value and knows who he is. Thank you for this tour, Swedish wild nature and mountains, Big thanks to Kenneth, Catrine, Tiger, Itzak, Vidar, Idun, Prosit and of course Berry.

Françoise, France

Hey, hey Kenneth and Catrine
This was the second wonderful tour you gave me. I’m not a man of many words, so I’ll just say what Kenneth says a lot – Amazing!!
I don’t have to write much more because I know I will be coming back for I don’t know how many times. See you guys and girls next year! Thank you!

Sam, Belgium

The second time around was even more beautiful than the first. Many thanks for the wonderful tour to Catrine and Kenneth and of course to my dream team; Smart, Snö, Pippin, Arwen, Tor and Balder.
And as Schwarzenegger would say “I’ll be back!”

Ludo, Belgium

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