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. 

Kungsleden - Quick Facts

Trail name: Kungsleden (King’s Trail)
Location: Lappland, Northern Sweden
Total distance: ~460 km / 286 miles
Typical duration: ~4 weeks (full route); 7 days for Abisko to Nikkaluokta section
Start: Abisko
Finish: Hemavan
Trail type: Waymarked long-distance hiking trail
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging (varies by section; includes remote, sub-arctic terrain)
Terrain: Open fell, mountain valleys, lakes, birch forests, Arctic tundra
Navigation: Easy to follow, well-defined trail with red paint markings and signposts 
Best season: Late June to early September (long daylight, minimal snow)
Accommodation: STF mountain huts and cabins, plus wild camping and resupply points

Author Highlight

“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.  Like all long-distance trails, the Kungsleden seeks the simplest line and, in doing so, traverses the Tjäktjavagge, a 30km-long glacial valley with magnificent views along its entire length. Further south, the landscape softens to embrace open fell and the pristine lakes at Kaitumjaure and Teusajaure.”

- Mike Laing, author of Trekking the Kungsleden

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

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

August 2021

Updates

September 2020

2020 updates

September 2019

Updates

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