A Dream Come True

I always dreamed about visiting Alaska and I had two goals for this trip: seeing bears in the wild and witnessing the magic of the northern lights. What followed was a journey that ticked both boxes and offered so much more than I ever expected. I travelled through remote highways, flew over glaciers, spotted wildlife in their element and stayed in rustic cabins surrounded by absolute stillness. Here’s how it all unfolded.

Denali National Park: Where Wild Still Means Wild

After a quick visit to Anchorage, we hit the road and headed straight for Denali National Park. Autumn was just starting to show off, with golden birch trees, deep red tundra shrubs and long shadows cast over wide valleys. Private cars aren’t allowed past a certain point, so we hopped on the charming green bus that lets you get off and back on wherever you like. It’s the best way to explore without disturbing the park’s natural rhythm.

We did several hikes, always with bear spray in hand (an essential when you hike at Denali), although we didn’t end up needing it. Instead, we saw moose, caribou, Dall sheep, foxes and snowshoe hares, all going about their business in a landscape that hasn’t changed much in thousands of years. Along the way we skirted lakes and crossed rivers on beautiful hanging bridges, and hardly crossed paths with other people, which made it feel even more special, as if it was just us and the majestic nature. The sheer scale of the place is hard to describe, it just stretches on endlessly, and the silence is something you actually notice.

On the Road: 3,000 Kilometres of Space and Stillness

From Denali, we made our way south to Homer, a small town on the edge of Kachemak Bay known for its fishing, art scene and friendly locals. The drive was a highlight in itself. Over the course of the trip, we covered more than 3,000 kilometres, and every stretch felt like its own documentary.

There were moments when we didn’t see another car for hours. Just road, trees, the occasional glacier-fed river and mountains rising in the distance. We pulled over constantly - for moose crossing, scenic lookouts, or little roadside food trucks offering halibut tacos or reindeer sausages. Driving in Alaska isn't just about getting from A to B, it's part of the experience.

Flying to Katmai: A Window Seat to the Wild

From Homer we flew to Katmai National Park on a tiny bush plane, just the four of us and our pilot, who also doubled as a bear expert, guide and photographer. We flew low over glaciers, lakes and endless wilderness. From above, Alaska looks untouched, almost like a painting that keeps unfolding the more you look at it.

We passed over volcanoes, vast river systems and ridgelines that go on forever. No big commentary or touristy hype, just the occasional note from the pilot and the rest of us staring out the windows in complete
silence and awe.

Katmai National Park: Bears, Up Close

Katmai was everything I hoped for and more. We landed on a remote stretch of gravel by the freezing ocean, and there was no one else around, just our small group and the wild. A short walk took us to the riverbanks from where we witnessed the bears fishing for salmon. It’s exactly like the documentaries, except better, because you’re there.

They were so focused, so calm, and completely unfazed by us watching from a safe distance. The bears stood in the rushing water, fishing with unbelievable precision. It was wild, raw and strangely peaceful. There were no crowds, no fences, and no noise apart from the river and the occasional splash of a successful catch.

Cabin Life in the Wild

Most nights were spent in small cabins tucked into the wilderness. Some had no phone reception, others had a tiny wood stove and not much else, exactly what made them perfect. We cooked simple meals, sat by the fire, and read or just listened to the wind.

It was quiet in the best possible way. No traffic, no emails, just the sound of nature and the occasional crunch of something walking past outside. Morning coffee on the porch, wrapped in wool, looking out over misty treetops, that’s a memory I’ll keep for a long time.

Under the Northern Lights

One of the nights we stayed in a remote cabin, the aurora forecast looked promising. I set an alarm for midnight and was rewarded with something I’ll never forget, green and pink lights dancing across the sky, shifting shapes, fading, glowing and coming back again. It was spectacular yet quiet, almost shy. No camera can really capture what it feels like to witness such a magical moment. I just stood there, freezing, completely still, taking it all in.

Stapf on the Road: Comfort That Travels Well

Before heading off to my Alaska adventure, I packed a few pieces from our STAPF collection, and they were absolute essentials throughout the trip. The organic wool tops kept me warm on chilly mornings, layered easily under the heavier jackets, and held up perfectly through long days of travel and unpredictable weather. Made in the Alps of Austria, STAPF pieces are designed for the cold weather with practicality and comfort in mind, and it really shows. Nothing fancy or flashy, just solid, beautifully made pieces that work perfectly at a place like Alaska.

Embark on a journey through the heart of Namibia,

a land where the spirit of adventure pulsates through the arid landscapes and vibrant wildlife.

This series begins with Embracing the Spirit of Adventure: NAMIBIA

capturing the essence of a land that is as wild as it is wonderful.

Follow Nanda as she explores the breathtaking landscapes, encounters iconic wildlife, and experiences the unique cultures of this mesmerizing country.

Join us on this journey to discover the untamed beauty and enduring spirit of Namibia.