Trekking the Kungsleden

The Kungsleden, or King’s Trail, is one of the world’s great long-distance hiking routes, running through the vast sub-arctic wilderness of northern Sweden’s Lappland. Stretching around 460 km (286 miles) from Abisko to Hemavan, it crosses open fell, mountain valleys, lakes and birch forests, much of it above the Arctic Circle, offering both classic thru-hiking and flexible section walking through some of Europe’s most remote landscapes.

This trusted guidebook, Trekking the Kungsleden, provides the practical information and route detail needed to plan and walk the trail with confidence. Described in 28 stages between 7 and 22 km (4–14 miles), the full route typically takes around 4 weeks to complete, while shorter sections — such as the popular Abisko to Nikkaluokta stretch — can be walked in about a week, making the Kungsleden suitable for both long-distance trekkers and those with limited time.

• Detailed route descriptions are provided for all sections with 1:100,000 mapping so you can navigate with confidence through key areas like Abisko, Sarek and Stora Sjöfallet National Parks
• Optional side excursions include Kebnekaise, Sweden’s highest peak, allowing adventurous walkers to summit a 2098m mountain as part of their trek
• Accommodation details include STF mountain huts and cabins, many with shops and basic facilities, as well as guidance on wild camping and resupply along the route
• Practical planning advice covers the best time to walk the Kungsleden (late June to early September), details of average rainfall and sunlight hours, transport options, logistics, what to pack, and safety in sub-arctic conditions
• Downloadable GPX files are available for use with smartphones or GPS devices, offering a flexible digital navigation option for your adventure through northern Sweden

Walking the Kungsleden offers an unforgettable opportunity to experience Sweden’s Arctic wilderness, from serene mountain valleys to the challenge of summiting Kebnekaise. This guidebook combines practical advice with cultural and natural insight, ensuring you can plan your trek with confidence and fully enjoy the beauty, solitude, and scale of Lappland.

Seasons

Best walked between late June and early September.

Centres

Abisko, Kebnekaise Fjällstation, Nikkaluokta, Saltoluokta, Kvikkjokk, Jäkkvik, Adolfsström, Bäverholmen, Ammarnäs, Hemavan

Difficulty

The five trail sections are non-challenging and suitable for all able walkers; a thru-hike is more demanding in terms of time, commitment and planning. Many opt to make use of the huts found on three of the trail's sections to minimise weight. Some sections are suitable for family groups.

Must See

Abisko, Nikkaluokta, Lapone Mountains, Arjeplog Fells, Aktse, Syterskalet and Tjäktjavagge glacial valleys, five national parks including Sarek, Kebnekaise (Sweden's highest peak at 2098m), Hemavan

Map key

Overview map

Route summary table

Introduction

The subarctic environment

Plants and animals

Regional history

When to go

Planning your walk

Transport

Boat crossings

Accommodation

Hut life and facilities

The truth about sauna

Trail marking and access

What to take

Mapping and GPS

Communications and electronics

Resupply

Safety and wellbeing

Using this guide

Section 1 – Abisko to Saltoluokta

Stage 1 Abisko to Abiskojaure

Stage 2 Abiskojaure to Alesjaure

Stage 3 Alesjaure to Tjäktja

Stage 4 Tjäktja to Sälka

Stage 5 Sälka to Singi

Stage 6 Singi to Kaitumjaure

Stage 7 Kaitumjaure to Teusajaure

Stage 8 Teusajaure to Saltoluokta via Vakkotavare

Additional itineraries

Additional itinerary 1 Singi to Nikkaluokta (alternative finish to Section 1)

Additional itinerary 2 Kebnekaise summit

Section 2 – Saltoluokta to Kvikkjokk

Stage 9 Saltoluokta to Sitojaure

Stage 10 Sitojaure to Aktse

Stage 11 Aktse to Pårte

Stage 12 Pårte to Kvikkjokk

Section 3 – Kvikkjokk to Jäkkvik

Stage 13 Kvikkjokk to Tsielekjåkkå

Stage 14 Tsielekjåkkå to Gistojávrátj

Stage 15 Gistojávrátj to Gásakláhko

Stage 16 Gásakláhko to Vuonatjviken

Stage 17 Vuonatjviken to Jäkkvik

Section 4 – Jäkkvik to Ammarnäs

Stage 18 Jäkkvik to Luvtávrre

Stage 19 Luvtávrre to Bäverholmen

Stage 20 Bäverholmen to Tjiegnatisjávrrie

Stage 21 Tjiegnatisjávrrie to Rävfalls

Stage 22 Rävfalls to Ammarnäs

Section 5 – Ammarnäs to Hemavan

Stage 23 Ammarnäs to Aigert

Stage 24 Aigert to Serve

Stage 25 Serve to Tärnasjö

Stage 26 Tärnasjö to Syter

Stage 27 Syter to Viterskals

Stage 28 Viterskals to Hemavan

Appendix A Summary of facilities

Appendix B Useful contacts

Appendix C Summary of boat crossings

Appendix D Language