The Kings Trail (Kungsleden) - Sweden

Sweden's Kungsleden embodies a diverse and unique walking experience whether it is taken in its entirety or in part. The Kungsleden passes through four national parks: Abisko, Stora Sjöfallet, Sarek and Pieljekaise, covering a distance of 440km (275 miles). The Kungsleden is as varied as the Arctic wilderness is vast, traversing snow-topped mountain ranges, expansive open fell, verdant forests and crossing lakes both large and small.

The Kungsleden is a continuous route with five distinct sections, allowing plenty of choice when it comes to how much of the trail one wishes, or is able, to undertake. Those who are feeling truly adventurous can complete the entire trail, an undertaking requiring between four and five unhurried weeks for the average walker.

Despite the remoteness of the terrain, bridges are provided where needed by the Norrbotten and Vasterbotten local councils, as are boardwalks across the roughest and boggiest ground. For half its length the Kungsleden lies within the Arctic Circle. Along its length the Kungsleden passes through no fewer than five national parks including Sarek whose beautiful snowy mountains provide a spectacular sight in the distance.

The region of Lappland is home to a remarkable group of animals including the brown (Grizzly) bear, wolverine, arctic fox, moose and many others; all are very wary of humans and a sighting from the trail is unlikely. As compensation there are many eye catching Arctic plants to enjoy (and berries to eat) as well as waterfowl and other types of birds; if you're lucky you might catch a glimpse of otter, lemming or moose.

Stage 1: Abisko - Nikkaluokta

This route, which largely follows the Kungsleden trail, is one of the most well-known hiking trails in Sweden. The first day starts at STF Abisko Turiststation and the route passes through mountain birch forests in Abisko national park.

In this region there are high peaks. The landscape sits above the tree line, which is the edge of the habitat where trees are capable of growing. Nature is varied with wide open plains, lakes and fast-flowing streams. You will walk past green rolling hills and open grassland, barren mountainside and snow-clad summits.

Hike through magnificent landscapes towards the highest point, which lies at the Tjäktja Pass. The marked trail mainly crosses barren mountain landscape, but the first and last stages pass through mountain birch forests.

Stage 2: Nikkaluokta – Vakkotavare

This is a wonderful trail that mainly follows the Kungsleden trail, which you join at the STF Singi cabins. The trail runs between Nikkaluokta and STF Vakkotavare. Most hikers, however, end their outing by taking the bus from STF Vakkotavare to the STF Saltoluokta mountain station.

You arrive at the STF Kebnekaise mountain station at the end of the first stage. The route mainly passes through birch forest, and it is possible to take a boat trip that cuts 6 kilometres off the distance. If you spend a few days at the mountain station, there are great opportunities for summit trips with the station guide.

The route continues westwards towards the imposing passage between the steep slopes of Singitjåkka and Skárttoaivi. This valley opens just before you reach the STF Singi cabins, and the view from here is magnificent. You take the Kungsleden trail towards the Kaitum cabins, along an easy path through a magnificent landscape. The rippling stream Tjäktjajåkka runs beside the trail here.

The following day offers a hike through rolling landscape to the STF cabins at Teusajaure. This is a short stage through birch forest and across bleak mountain fells, with steep uphill and downhill stretches. The final stage at the end of the last day doesn’t start until you have crossed the lake by boat from STF Teusajaure. The boat makes the trip in the mornings and evenings. Three rowing boats are also available, but it must be remembered that one of them must always be available at Teusajaure.

This may mean that you have to row three times across the lake! If you’re lucky, however, there are two boats at the starting point, and you only need to row across once. The Stora Sjöfallet national park lies on the other side of the lake. If the weather is good, you can see right over to Sarek when you have gained some height. The hike starts with a steep uphill and ends with a steep downhill, before you reach the STF Vakkotavare mountain cabin. This is right beside the road, next to the bus stop.

Stage 3: Saltoluokta – Kvikkjokk

The Kungsleden walking trail between STF’s mountain stations at Saltoluokta and Kvikkjokk is about 70 km long. You get to enjoy exciting countryside straddled between Sareks high mountains and the forest landscape to the east. You get to cross open moors, descend through sparse mountain forests, take a boat over large lakes and can take the opportunity to make a few detours into the Sarek region.

On the way southwards from Saltoluokta, you go through a beautiful plain landscape with alpine bearberries, willows and the occasional mountain birch. At Lake Sitojaure you can sleep at the STF Sitojaure Mountain Cabin, and the next morning you can take the boat to the other side. You can also make a detour to the Skierfe mountain and enjoy an amazing view over the Rapadalen valley.

Fjällhemmanet Aktse, where STF has two mountain refuge huts, is located at the mouth of the Rapadalen valley approximately halfway between Saltoluokta and Kvikkjokk. It’s a spot that is well worth a visit, whether it’s a short one or a longer one. Make day trips into the Sarek region, learn about the Sámis and mountain farmers’ cultural history, or simply enjoy the tranquillity and beautiful surroundings.

There are plenty of lakes, barren mountain landscapes and old coniferous forests on the way to the STF Kvikkjokk Mountain Station. The Tarraälven and Kamajåkkå rivers flow together at Kvikkjokk. You can take the opportunity to hire a canoe or take some boat trips up into the Tarradalen delta.

Stage 4: Kvikkjokk – Ammarnäs

The stretch between Kvikkjokk and Ammarnäs is the least walked part of the Kungsleden walking trail. But the views along the way are magnificent – especially in the Pieljekaise National Park. August and September are the best times of the year to walk here, when the landscape is painted a glorious orange and the mosquitoes have gone.

The walk is challenging as the trail goes up and down. There are several hundred metres’ climb between the hollows and the plateaus. The area has a character all of its own, featuring a lot of smaller villages, cabins and crofts, unlike other parts of the Kungsleden trail. There are some more extensive boat trips available on this stretch, and you can book on the spot.

The Svaipa bird conservation area is particularly interesting to ornithologists, and walking over the Björkfjällets prairie-like plains does nothing if not expand your horizons. The final straight towards Ammarnäs is over a long ridge with a fantastic view over the river valley.

Stage 5: Ammarnäs – Hemavan

This is the southernmost section of the Kungsleden walking trail. The trail goes through Vindelfjällen Nature Reserve, which is one of the largest protected areas in Europe. It contains open heaths, lush mountain birch forests, wetlands and old-growth spruce forests festooned with lichen. This provides a diverse environment for a plethora of different flora and fauna.

The six stages each have their own distinctive feature. The views stretch for miles, punctuated by dramatic valleys and surrounded by steep slopes and high peaks. When you walk through the dramatic Syterpasset, you have peaks on both sides of you that are 1,700 metres above sea level. Make your way across Lake Tärnasjö over the long bridges that join up its small islets.