Waldemar Aspman, famous as the blond Swede who escapes his East Village apartment during weekends to live in a tent.
Indeed, camping and hiking is one of his greatest passions, ever since he joined the Boy scouts when he was 8. After living in the French Alps and Whistler, his thirst for nature only increased. He has worked for various outdoor companies such as Naturkompaniet and Fjällräven, where his knowledge of nature and wild life came in handy.
So, we asked Waldemar for his favorite hiking spots in the New York area:

1. Breakneck Ridge,
This hike is one of the most popular not only in NY State, but in all of the USA. The loop hike steeply climbs Breakneck Ridge, with many spectacular views over the Hudson River. Expect some hand-over-hand rock scrambles and wear boots that protect ankles. High winds and rain increase risk of the rocky ascent.
http://www.nynjtc.org/hike/breakneck-ridge-trail

2. Pine meadow lake, Harriman,
This trail takes you through some of the most scenic terrain of the very remarkable Harriman Park. Harriman is located just over the border in NY and has an extensive network of hiking trails. At the halfway point, Pine Meadows Lake makes for a terrific break spot.
http://www.njhiking.com/best-hikes-in-nj-harriman.php

3. Cold Spring to Beacon- across Breakneck
Great trail with excellent views of the Hudsen River and Catskills. At first, the trail is a bit intimidating, but once you get started, you don't want to stop. Hiking boots are highly recommended and bring lots of water.
http://alltrails.com/us/new-york/cold-spring

4. Lemon Squeeze on Appalachian trail
This loop hike climbs to the summits of Green Pond and Island Pond Mountains, goes through the Lemon Squeezer - a narrow passage through split rock a tenth of a mile from the summit, and crosses the Hudson River.
http://www.njhiking.com/best-hikes-lemon-squeezer-appalachian-trail.php

5. Bayard Cutting Arboretum State Park
Real beautifull place to hike. Amazing plant life, trees, flowers. Interesting mansion and barns. Formal gardens. Great views of the lower Connetquot River. If you want to view and photograph birds, ducks, and osprey this is a good place.
http://www.trails.com/tcatalog_trail.aspx?trailid=XGP034-035
Text: Hanna Aqvilin

Hiking in Sweden is for everyone: The allure of the mountains