Hiking The Kungsleden Trail Sweden
(Kings Trail)
(450 km, 1 month
or, Abisko to Nikkaluokta: 105 km, 7 days)
The Kungsleden Trail in Sweden, known as the “King’s Trail,” is the most popular backpacking trip in Sweden. This trail runs through some of the most wild areas in Europe in Swedish Lapland and is stunning!
The full trail stretches for 450 km and takes most people about a month to complete from Abisko to Hemavan. However, you’ll find the majority of hikers do a shorter 105 km stretch from Abisko to Nikkaluokta over a week.
This famous trail was established in the early 20th century by Svenska Turistföreningen (Swedish Tourist Association). It sees hikers wind through alpine terrain, low-lying mountain birch forests, valleys used by the Sami reindeer herders and four of Sweden’s national parks: Abisko, Stora Sjöfallet, Sarek, and Pieljekaise
Accommodations are available at 16 STF cabins spaced 10-20 kilometres apart, though some sections like Kvikkjokk to Ammarnäs in the south have limited options. The trail allows wild camping (outside of Abisko National Park), is dog-friendly hiking, and has several sauna facilities.
The best time to hike these epic hiking trails is mid-July to August, with the early season (end of June to mid-July) often being snowy. September sees fewer mosquitoes and has beautiful autumnal colours. Since you’re in the Arctic Circle, expect midnight sun and northern lights in the darker months.
Unlike the Höga Kusten trail which follows the coast, the Kungsleden trail is a more mountainous trekking route in Sweden.
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The King’s Trail Sweden on a map
The King’s Trail is a very long backpacking trail in Sweden and most people hike the most popular alpine route from Abisko to Nikkaluokta over 7 days as below.
Day 1: Abisko Turiststation to STF Abiskojaure
Day 2: STF Abiskojaure to STF Alesjaure
Day 3: STF Alesjaure to STF Tjäkja
Day 4: STF Tjäkja to STF Sälka
Day 5: STF Sälka to STF Signi
Day 6: STF Signi to STF Kebnekaise
Day 7: STF Kebnekaise to Nikkaluokta
Northern Kungsleden Guide for hikers
The famous hiking trail, the Kungsleden trail, begins at STF Abisko Turiststation and sees you pass through mountain birch forests of Abisko National Park, bare plains, lakes, and flowing streams. Depending on the time of year you may meet snow on the highest passes and surely see some on the peaks!
The highest point of the trail is Tjäktja Pass with some amazing views. However, many people add a side trip onto their hike of the Kungsleden by hiking Kebnekaise — the highest mountain in Sweden.
Along the way, there are many STF accommodations on the Kungsleden, including the STF Kebnekaise mountain station.
You’ll be hiking through Sami territory and areas used for reindeer husbandry so be sure to respect this as it’s an integral part of the local culture and landscape.
Day 1 (15 km) // Abisko Turiststation to STF Abiskojaure
Starting from the STF Abisko Turiststation you’ll enter Abisko National Park.
Right from the get-go you’ll make your way through dense mountain birch forests that gradually open up to reveal breathtaking landscapes.
A high limestone rock viewpoint offers stunning views of Abiskojåkka and the trail gently ascends before flattening near a sandy beach by the cabin, perfect for a refreshing swim.
- How to get to the start: Start at the STF Abisko Turiststation and head south. You can get here by night train from Stockholm, or fly to Kiruna then train/bus to Abisko Turiststation.
Day 2 (21 km) // STF Abiskojaure to STF Alesjaure
Today you’ll start in the birch forest and then head out into tree-free mountain moorland covered in lakes and streams.
After a climb up Kieronbacken, the trail opens onto grassy, shrub-covered moorland, with views of glistening mountain lakes and high peaks.
You have the option to take a boat option over Lake Alesjaure to shorten the hike by six kilometres.
Day 3 (13 km) // STF Alesjaure to STF Tjäkja
The trail takes you through a lush delta landscape alongside the Alesätno River. The hiking is pretty easy as you cross over moorlands and meadows.
Then, the terrain becomes steeper and rockier as you approach Tjäkja Mountain Cabin.
Day 4 (12 km) // STF Tjäkja to STF Sälka
After crossing the highest point of Kungsleden, the Tjäktja Pass, at 1150 meters you’ll get to enjoy the Tjäkjavagge Valley.
The rocky terrain from the pass transforms into a greener, lusher valley landscape that you’ll walk part of today and part of tomorrow.
You’ll get amazing views of some of the highest mountains in Sweden and the STF Sälka Mountain Cabin awaits you at the end of the day.
Day 5 (12 km) // STF Sälka to STF Signi
Today, you’ll cross the widening Tjäktjavagge valley.
This is considered one of the most beautiful areas for hiking in Sweden. You’ll spend the day surrounded by stunning summits, slopes, and glaciers on this easy hiking trail.
You’ll finish the day at the STF Signi Mountain Cabin which is near the Sámi settlement Kårtjevuolle. Reindeer husbandry is often carried out here so be respectful.
Day 6 (15 km) // STF Signi to STF Kebnakaise
Leaving Kungsleden, the trail heads towards STF Kebnekaise Mountain Station, initially uphill into the Laddjuvagge Valley.
The scenery here gets even more dramatic. As you descend, the landscape opens up, offering amazing views, especially of the mountain Tuolpagorni.
The rocky terrain leads to the mountain station, equipped with a shop, self-catering facilities, and a restaurant.
If you have the time, I highly recommend adding on a day here to hike up to the summit of Kebnakaise. This is an epic hike to Sweden’s highest mountain!
Day 7 (19 km) // STF Kebnakaise to Nikkaluokta
The final leg of this section of the Kungsleden takes you from a mountain birch forest with occasionally rocky sections. You’ll be thankful for the bridges over more marshy and wet areas.
You can decide whether to shorten the hike by 6 km by opting for a boat trip over Lake Laddujavri. This is great if you’re tired from a week of hiking!
The remaining five kilometres lead to Nikkaluokta and this trail is often stony, winding through increasingly dense birch forest.
The journey concludes in Nikkaluokta, where you can indulge in local reindeer burgers at Lap Dånalds and find somewhere to rest before heading back to Abisko or Kiruna and your journey home.
Overview of the Southern Kungsleden Sections
The area south of Nikkaluokta is much quieter than the trail as outlined above. If you wish to explore it, here are some popular sections.
Nikkaluokta – Vakkotavare
Just south of the popular route above, you’ll join the Kungsleden at STF Singi cabins, passing through birch forests and beautiful valleys.
- Highlights: Boat trip option, STF Kebnekaise mountain station, STF Singi cabins, Tjäktjajåkka stream, and Teusajaure lake.
- Transport: Access via bus from Kiruna to Nikkaluokta; exit by bus to Gällivare from Vakkotavare.
- Note: Potential for multiple lake crossings by boat; the final section includes a steep uphill and downhill before reaching STF Vakkotavare.
Saltoluokta – Kvikkjokk
Approximately 70 km trail offering a blend of high mountains, forest landscapes, open moors, and lake crossings.
- Highlights: Alpine bearberries and willows, STF Sitojaure Mountain Cabin, boat trips, detours to Skierfe mountain, Aktse refuge huts, and canoe or boat trips in Tarradalen delta.
- Transport: Train to Gällivare, then Flixbus to Saltoluokta; Kvikkjokk is accessible by bus from Jokkmokk and Murjek.
- Note: The route allows for exploration into the Sarek National Park region and chances to learn more about Sámi culture.
Kvikkjokk – Ammarnäs
A less-travelled section requiring several nights of camping, with highlights in Pieljekaise National Park.
- Highlights: Varied terrain with climbs and descents, small villages and cabins, bird conservation areas, and expansive prairie-like plains.
- Transport: Bus connections are available from Murjek/Jokkmokk to Kvikkjokk and from Vännäs to Ammarnäs.
- Note: Best experienced in August and September for colourful landscapes and fewer mosquitoes; includes challenging trails and boat trips.
Ammarnäs – Hemavan
This is the southernmost section of the Kungsleden which takes you through Vindelfjällen Nature Reserve, one of Europe’s largest protected areas.
- Highlights: Diverse landscapes including heaths, forests, wetlands, dramatic valleys, and high peaks; spectacular views through Syterpasset; long bridges over Lake Tärnasjö.
- Transport: Direct flights from Stockholm to Hemavan, buses from Umeå to Hemavan via Storuman; bus access to Ammarnäs from Vännäs.
- Note: STF operates five mountain cabins along this section; the area is significant for reindeer herding, so respect for the environment is crucial.
Kungsleden Trail Cost
Food + Drink
from 100-150 SEK / day
Depending on how much you want to carry on the Kungsleden Sweden, costs can rise or decrease. Budget at least 200 SEK for each meal if eating out
Accommodation
Free (camping)
900+ SEK (cabins)
Depending on how you choose to stay. You can camp or stay in huts and cabins.
Transport
~1700 SEK (Train, both ways)
~2000 SEK (return flight to Kiruna)
We recommend taking the night train from Stockholm to Abisko and then you can get hiking right away. You can also fly to Kiruna from Stockholm Airport then take a bus/train to Abisko.
What to pack for the Kings Trail Sweden
What to pack for the Kungsleden trekking route will vary slightly depending on the type of accommodation you want to stay in and how far you’re hiking. In general, you should expect to pack the following. Consider this a basic Kungsleden packing guide.
Backpack (50 litres if camping)
Sleeping Bag
Sleeping Mat
Tent
Waterproof Cover for Backpack
Dry Bags
Head Torch
Swimming gear
Fast-drying towel
Garmin inReach / Similar SOS device
Hiking Poles
Hiking Boots or Trail Runners (as preferred)
Hiking Socks
T-shirts (long + short sleeved)
Hiking trousers/shorts
Underwear
Waterproof jacket + trousers
Puffy insulated layer
Fleece layer
Water bottle or bladder
Stove
Cooking pots (we like Jetboil)
Camping gas
Lighter/waterproof matches
Knife
Cup
Washing up cloth + soap
Food + snacks
Rubbish Bag(s)
Mosquito net/mosquito hat, bug spray, tick remover
First aid kit
Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, plasters, toilet paper, soap, suncream, any medication)
Small Repair Kit (Needle and thread, duct tape, multitool, patches for tent and any inflatable mats)
Wallet
Phone
You can buy food at several of the STF huts along the way which include Abisko, Abiskojaure, Alesjaure, Sälka, and Kebnekaise. You will also be fed at some of the larger huts if there’s a host present and you’ve opted for that option. However, the prices at the huts are obviously higher than in the supermarkets.
What to know before hiking the trail
Accommodation
There are designated campsites in Abisko National Parka and wild camping is allowed outside of Abisko National Park. You can camp near the mountain cabins to use their toilets free of charge. To use their showers and cooking facilities, you need to pay a fee.
There are also mountain cabins which include a mattress, pillow, blanket, simple cooking facilities, and food for purchase. There are no STF huts between Kvikkjokk and Ammarnäs, other quite rustic cabins are available.
Food + Water
There’s usually plentiful food and water on the trail since there are streams and you can buy food at the huts. However, we recommend taking a Sawyer Squeeze or similar filter which allows you to filter water from streams and lakes.
Navigation
Blue signs will show you the way at the start of trails and at crossings on the Kungsleden trek. When a Summer trail and a Winter trail meet, follow the red trail crosses. Cairns also show the way.
Where to stay along the Northern Kungsleden
There are lots of accommodation options when it comes to hiking the Kungsleden. Below is an overview of the different options, with a bit more detail on the individual STF huts along the way.
- Mountain Cabins: There’s a mountain hut about every 10-20 km on this section of the trail. These cabins often include basic amenities and some have small supply stores.
- Camping: Camping is allowed almost anywhere along the Kungsleden, except within Abisko National Park. You can use the facilities at the mountain huts on the Kungsleden for a reduced fee.
- Full-Service Mountain Stations: These stations, like STF Abisko Tourist Station and STF Kebnekaise Mountain Station, offer services including restaurants, Wi-Fi, electricity, and saunas. They provide a more luxurious stay, suitable for those seeking comfort after a long day of hiking.
You can book these mountain cabins and stations through STF (the Swedish Tourist Association).
- STF Abisko Turiststation: from 1,180 SEK — Has a restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and 3-course dinner (+495 SEK), guided tours, store with rental of equipment, sauna and the chairlift up to STF Aurora Sky Station
- STF Abiskojaure Mountain Cabin: from 900 SEK — Basic services including guest kitchen, sauna and a shop
- STF Alesjaure Mountain Cabin: from 900 SEK — Basic services including guest kitchen, sauna and a shop
- STF Tjäktja Mountain Cabin: from 900 SEK — Guest kitchen
- STF Sälka Mountain Cabin: from 900 SEK — Basic services including guest kitchen, sauna and a shop
- STF Singi Mountain Cabin: from 900 SEK — Guest kitchen available
- STF Kebnekaise Mountain Station: from 1170 SEK — Restaurant, guest kitchen, shop, sauna, equipment rental, cafe, packed lunch (+160 SEK), breakfast (+ 160 SEK), 2 course dinner (+ from 470 SEK)
Responsible hiking on the High Coast Trail
- Always remember to be a responsible hiker which means leaving nothing but footprints. Always pack your rubbish out with you and ideally anyone else’s rubbish you find along the trail.
- Always be aware of any wildlife you could disturb.
- Stick to defined trails so as not to damage any additional vegetation.
- Only light campfires in designated places. Put your fire out with care! Avoid lighting campfires when the fire risk is high.
- Dogs are welcome along the trail but must be kept on a leash when hiking.
- The Right of Public Access in Sweden allows you to the Swedish countryside freely. But with this freedom comes responsibility. “Don’t disturb, don’t destroy” is the key concept to follow.
- You’ll be walking through the grazing land of fifteen Sámi communities. Be respectful of their culture and daily life, especially during reindeer calf branding and gathering.
Photos + posts from the trail
Hannah is the owner and main writer of Outdoor Sweden. Having travelled the world and documented it on ThatAdventurer.co.uk, including 6 years living in Canada, Hannah and her husband have decided to make Sweden their home for the outdoors activities Sweden offers.