The Kungsleden

Swedish Lapland is often referred to as Europe’s last great wilderness and this trek is ideal if you would like to have a real mountain experience but with relatively easy walking. Whilst the ascents are not particularly tough The Kungsleden is more suited to those with previous experience as you will carry provisions for a maximum of 2 days at a time.

Classic Routes | If you’re the active, outdoorsy type, who’s interested in taking on the great routes of the world or looking for a challenge, then our Classic Routes are for you. We’re talking the West Highland Way in Scotland, the world renown Tour Du Mont Blanc and Germany's Moselle Cycle Path, to name but a few!

Hut to Hut Walking | Walk from hut to hut, changing accommodation each night

Long-Distance Trails

The minimum age for this tour is: 18 Years

This walk is classified as moderate. The longest day covers 21km, with a maximum ascent of 430m. While the route isn’t overly challenging, it’s best suited for those with prior experience in long-distance walking and a good level of physical fitness to fully enjoy the journey.

Bag transfer services are not available on this tour, so you’ll need to carry all your belongings along with a few days’ supply of food, which will add 1-2kg to your backpack.

The trail features a mix of rocky paths, faint grassy tracks, and wooden footboards designed to traverse extensive boggy areas. While the footboards are generally well-maintained, they can become slippery in wet conditions, so caution is advised. The route also includes a few straightforward river crossings. With very few trees in the area, the trail is particularly exposed to the elements, and adverse weather such as wind or rain may slow your progress.

Remoteness

The Kungsleden trail offers a truly wild and remote hiking experience. Throughout the journey, there is no mobile phone coverage, and at times, you may find yourself as far as 50-60 km from the nearest road. While the trail is popular and you're unlikely to be completely alone, it’s essential to remember that you’ll be trekking through true wilderness. Fortunately, manned cabins equipped with rescue phones are strategically placed along the route, providing a safety net. However, hikers should be prepared for the challenges and isolation that come with exploring such a rugged, untamed landscape.

You should have previous experience with long-distance walking and be in good physical shape to fully enjoy this walk. The route takes you through a remote area, known as the last true wilderness of Europe, where there is no electricity or phone signal—an aspect that truly enhances the experience. Be prepared to navigate rugged and uneven terrain, particularly stony sections, and keep in mind that the lack of trees means the wind can be strong. Experience walking in such remote and challenging areas is necessary.

Your trip includes 7 nights of accommodation: 2 nights in shared rooms at the Abisko and Kebnekaise mountain stations, and 5 nights in shared rooms at mountain cabins along the trek. Saunas are available at select locations, including Abisko, Alesjaure, and Sälka. They also offer a great opportunity to wash yourself, as there are no showers. Taking a dip in the lake after a steaming sauna makes for an invigorating experience!

For those seeking more privacy, upgrades to private rooms at the Abisko and Kebnekaise mountain stations (at the start and end of your trip) are available upon request. These upgrades are subject to availability and can be confirmed during booking. If you’re interested in this option, please make this selection when booking.

Life in the Cabins

The mountain cabins feature mixed-gender rooms with 4 to 10 beds, equipped with mattresses, pillows, and blankets. Guests are advised to bring a lightweight sleeping bag and basic camping utensils, such as a knife, fork, and spoon. On rare occasions, particularly at the Tjaktja cabin during peak season, all beds may be occupied. In such cases, guests are provided with a comfortable mattress and space on the floor.

These cabins are clean, simple, and rustic, without electricity or running water. Guests are expected to contribute to communal tasks, such as cleaning, cooking, and waste disposal. Water is sourced from nearby lakes, and there is also wood available for fire, which is another shared responsibility. Meals are prepared on gas stoves, and cabins are supervised by a dedicated custodian.

Single Rooms 

This trip is not available to solo walkers, and as the accommodations are multi-bedded rooms, single rooms are not available.

Meals

2 Breakfasts and 1 Dinner are included at the Abisko and Kebnekaise Mountain Stations. The rest of the time you will need to carry provisions with you (for a maximum of 2 days' worth of food at a time).

In Abisko, Alesjaure and Sälka, you will find small shops where you can buy dried and canned food, drinks and snacks. There is no fresh food for sale as there is no way to keep it fresh. Expect hearty meals centered around energy-packed and sustaining ingredients. Common staples include oaty porridge for breakfast, dried fruits, nuts, and crispbreads paired with cheese or cured meats for snacks, and dehydrated meals, risotto or pasta dishes, and soups for dinner. Many of the huts along the trail sell basic provisions such as pasta, rice, canned goods, and instant noodles, which you can prepare yourself. Budget approx 150SEK per person per day for food plus a beer in the sauna!

The Kungsleden is a well-marked and easy-to-navigate National Trail. Clear signage, painted poles, and marked stones guide hikers along less distinct sections of the path. The trail is marked with painted indicators on trees in forested areas, ensuring easy guidance throughout your journey.

You’ll receive a detailed map to help you navigate with ease. Additionally, you’ll have access to the Macs Adventure Smartphone App, allowing you to follow the route using your phone’s GPS. A real bonus is that the app works in flight mode, helping you preserve battery life. With the app and map working together, finding your way should be simple and stress-free.

This trip can begin on any day of the week between mid-June and mid-September. We recommend booking early, as accommodations tend to fill up quickly during this time.

The summer season in Swedish Lapland is brief but magical, spanning from mid-June to mid-September. For a chance to witness the enchanting 'midnight sun,' plan your visit between June and mid-July. If you’re hoping to catch a glimpse of the breathtaking northern lights, late August onwards is the ideal time to travel.

The weather along the Kungsleden trail from mid-June to mid-September offers some of the best conditions for hiking. During this period, the Arctic environment provides long daylight hours, with the Midnight Sun illuminating the trail in June and July.

Daytime temperatures typically range from 55°F to 70°F (13°C to 21°C), creating pleasant hiking conditions, though nights can still be cool. Rain showers are common, so waterproof clothing is essential. By late August into mid-September, you’ll start to notice shorter daylight hours and cooler temperatures, ranging between 40°F and 55°F (4°C to 13°C). This transition also brings stunning fall colors to the landscape, making it a particularly beautiful time to visit. Be prepared for sudden weather changes and enjoy the dynamic beauty of this season!

By Air: Kiruna Airport is the closest airport to Abisko at the start of your walk. Flights are available via Stockholm (1h30).

By Rail: You can take the train or bus from Kiruna directly to Abisko Railway Station. The journey takes approx 1.5 hrs. See https://www.sj.se/en/home.html.We recommend you check the timetables and book your tickets in advance, as depending on the time of your flight into Stockholm, you may not always find a connecting train and will have to arrange a transfer from Kiruna Airport.

By Bus: An airport bus runs between Kiruna and Abisko. See http://www.ltnbd.se/ Again we recommend you check the timetables and book your tickets in advance.

Private Transfer: Private transfers can be arranged with VisitAbisko from Kiruna to Abisko. See http://www.visitabisko.com/location/how-to-get-here for information and to book tickets.

By Air: Kiruna is also the closest airport to Nikkaluokta. From Nikkaluokta there is a daily bus which departs late afternoon back to Kiruna which takes approx 1 hour. This will get you back to Kiruna for about 6pm so depending on the time of your flight you may require to stay overnight in Kiruna. The other option is to take the overnight train from Kiruna to Arlanda International Airport (Stockholm) for onward flight connections.

Due to the remote nature of the Kungsleden, luggage transfers are not available. We strongly recommend packing light, as you’ll need to carry all your daily essentials in your backpack. To ensure comfort during your hike, aim to keep your backpack weight between 10-12kg (22-26lbs).

If you have items you won’t need during the walk, you can send them ahead to Nikkaluokta via Bussgods (a local bus service, payable on-site).