Life as a cabin host in the Swedish mountains

Life’s puzzle can be difficult to piece together—especially as a parent. Personal dreams are often set aside or postponed to a “later” that may never come. Time for oneself is pushed aside in favor of responsibilities and obligations. But does it really have to be that way? Managing to regularly carve out time for yourself is something few people succeed in. Alexandra is one of them. With strong support from her partner and family, she has been able to follow her dreams and allow herself the valuable personal time we all need.

Just outside Östersund, by Lake Önsjön, lives Alexandra Hägglund. We met her on a crisp autumn evening in the environment she thrives in most—outdoors, in front of a fire, with a warm cup of tea. We talk about life, outdoor living, and above all, her experiences as a cabin host in the mountains over the past few years. Working as a cabin host during the summer provides a contrast to her job as a youth investigator with the police—a role that involves meeting people who are sometimes struggling and have taken a wrong path in life. Alexandra believes more people would benefit from spending time in nature and experiencing its calming effect.

Her interest in outdoor life and love for being outside began early in childhood, when she spent her days at her grandparents’ farm near Sunnansjö in Västerbotten. She preferred eating her breakfast sandwich with hot chocolate behind the milk tank, where it was warm and cozy.

“We went on lots of little outings with my grandmother during the days. In winter, we went skiing, and she was the one who taught me how to ride a bike. Since they had a farm to take care of, we always stayed close by. But you don’t have to go far to experience adventure.”

Everyday adventures—and adding a touch of something special to daily life—are still things Alexandra values highly. She often heads out on small adventures around Jämtland together with her partner and their two children.

“I can be a bit impatient sometimes and want things to happen. That’s why I like to treat myself to something like a Monday evening campfire—to add a little extra sparkle to everyday life.”

The days as a cabin host can vary depending on the location, but they often start around seven or half past seven in the morning. That’s when you say goodbye to guests who have stayed overnight and offer tips for their upcoming hikes. If there’s a shop in the cabin, it opens early as many visitors want to buy supplies before heading out. Then it’s time for the daily tasks—cleaning rooms and toilets, chopping wood, and taking care of waste. After that, there’s often some free time, and if there are multiple hosts, they take turns heading out on their own trips in the mountains.

“Both Sofie, who I worked with this summer, and I enjoyed running, so we explored the area in our running shoes. And when we got back, we often took a swim in a nearby lake or showered under a waterfall close to the cabin.”

When asked what the best part of being a cabin host is, Alexandra doesn’t hesitate:

“It’s all the encounters with new people! Both the guests who visit the cabins, but also the amazing fellow hosts I’ve worked with. I’ve been incredibly lucky to meet such wonderful people. I didn’t know the people I worked with last year—or Sofie this year—beforehand, but both summers have been absolutely fantastic. You grow very close to each other, which of course could go wrong, but I’ve had such great colleagues, and that makes the whole experience truly special.”

The amount of time spent as a cabin host can vary greatly. Those who have the opportunity can stay for most of the summer. Alexandra spent a month in Teusajaure her first year, and this year she spent two weeks in Tjäktja. Leaving her family for that long was a difficult decision the first time. She describes feelings of guilt and many tears—but also emphasizes that her family has been her greatest support.

“There were people who questioned how I could leave my family for that long. I think it’s hard for many to understand—especially when you’re a mother—that you can go away and leave your children. It’s tough to deal with that kind of judgment, especially when you already feel guilty. It was really hard being away from them for so long. But my partner is incredibly supportive, and I know the kids are doing great while I’m away. They go on fun trips and visit my grandparents—they hardly have time to miss me. And I really try to remember what a colleague once told me: that I’m inspiring my children to follow their dreams and showing them that anything is possible if you truly want it.”