Molly Hagbrand
Above the arctic circle in the vast beauty of the Swedish Laplands lies Sweden’s national trail, the Kungsleden. Winding its way through rolling tundra, wide open glacial valleys, meadows, and along alpine lakes, this trail offers a rare mix of peaceful solitude and a rich experience of Swedish hiking culture.
Photo Credit: Molly Hagbrand
Join a group of NOLS Alumni, friends and family for a week of hiking through this sublime landscape as we traverse 65 miles from Abisko to the Nikkaluokta Mountain Station.
The Kungsleden has a rich cultural history in Sweden. The project to build the “king’s road” through the mountains began in the early 1900s and took 70 years to construct. Although it was an ambitious project, it was not a new trail but rather linked together bits of pathways that indigenous peoples and others have been walking for centuries. The trail and associated huts are open year-round, so if backcountry winter travel is more your style, check out Skiing Under Sweden’s Northern Lights- Alumni.
This trip begins in Kiruna with an orientation to review our route, check gear, and meet the group. The next morning, a two hour shuttle will take us to the Abisko mountain station where the trail begins.
Photo Credit: Sarah Fick
The first section of this hike passes through arctic birch forest. The ecosystem in these forests are unique to this region of the world earning them designation as world heritage sites.
Gentle terrain and clear trail markings mean this hike is a reasonable challenge for any fit backpacker. Additionally, we will take advantage of Sweden’s well established hut system, run by the Swedish Tourism Association, that allows travelers to explore the famed Scandinavian wilderness with a little extra comfort and lighter packs.
Photo Credit: Molly Hagbrand
The next two days cross the open tundra. Early fall is the perfect time to visit this picturesque trail. The colors of the landscape transform to reds, oranges, and yellows creating an unbeatable ambiance.
We will hike for about 5-7 hours each day on trail with hiking distances ranging from 12-21 km. The terrain features mostly small inclines and descents on well maintained trails rather than steep or rocky terrain. We will take breaks throughout the day as needed to snack, rest, and enjoy our surroundings.
Photo Credit: Molly Hagbrand
Our fourth day on trail will take us over Tjäktja Pass (3,800’), our high point for the trip. Strong winds are common on the ascent, but a stronger determination will get us to the top of the pass where we will have an excellent vantage of the Scandes Mountains.
Photo Credit: Linda Lindsey
Huts along the trail are simple but comfortable and come equipped with kitchens and cozy bunk rooms that will allow us to leave behind cook gear and tents. Huts in Sweden embrace community. You can expect to share the living environment with other hikers out enjoying Sweden's favorite hiking trail and mix with mostly Swedes and other European travelers.
Photo Credit: Molly Hagbrand
We will rotate the responsibility of hut chores such as cooking breakfasts, evening meals, hauling water, and chopping firewood so that others have a chance to relax, take a side hike or, at some huts, enjoy the sauna. Saunas are a common cultural practice in Sweden, as is taking a dip in the nearby lake to cool off afterwards.
With luck and clear skies, we will also keep an eye out in the evenings for the northern lights that paint the arctic skies in luminescent greens and pink at this latitude.
Photo Credit: Molly Hagbrand
From Tjäktja Pass, we will descend through carved glacial valleys toward the Kebnekaise Mountain Station. Kebnekaise (6,909') is Sweden’s highest peak, and we’ll spend two nights at this scenic hut, so that those interested can partake in a stunning day hike in the area.
A final hike to the Nikkaluokta Mountain Hut and a shuttle will take us back to Kiruna. A final celebratory evening together in Kiruna will cap our trip together before parting ways to travel home or onto other adventures.
Photo Credit: Howard Williams
Over this 8 day trip you'll enjoy the mysigt (cozy) joy of the backcountry in Sweden. Long conversations, shared meals, and time spent with other NOLSie's will re-acquaint you with expedition life. Sign up soon this hike is a perpetual favorite of "top hikes in the world" lists no matter whose publication you look at.
Overall Difficulty*:
*Your pack is light for a backpacking trip of this length, but mileage is significant every day with no rest days.