Kungsleden - hikewithmies.com

The Kungsleden is the longest and most famous hiking trail in Sweden. The entire route takes about a month to walk, but because it is divided into separate sections, you can easily adjust the length of your hike. The most popular section, which stretches between Abisko and Nikkaluokta, is approximately 105 km long. You will walk through vast open areas, along many lakes and streams, and past some of the highest mountains in Sweden, which are still covered with snow even during the warm summer months.

Our Experience

We went for a weekend hike trip from Luleå to Abisko. During this trip we stayed two nights in the Abiskojaure Emergency hut (as we went off season – end of October). Note: off season it’s not possible to buy any snacks on the trail as nothing is open, but you will have the mountains all to yourselves.

Day 1: Abisko Turiststation – Abiskojaure hut

We took the train to Abisko Turiststation (this is not the same as Abisko Östra station). When we arrived we had to look for the starting point of the Kungsleden as this was not clearly pointed out at first. You’d have to go to the other side of the railway, where you will find the entrance and signs. It was a beautiful hike along the river. There are clear directions (red dot or signs with ‘Kungsleden’) and it’s well maintained. Whenever there is a gap / water, there will be wooden pathways that guide you. We passed the Kamajåkka on a hanging bridge near the end of this day hike. Around 5PM we arrived at the Abiskojaure hut, where we prepared ourselves to the cold night to come. We created a fire, warmed our dinner on our little stove, and made the bunkbeds in the hut.

Day 2: Loop towards Alesjaure

We woke up early after a chilly night, still clad in our thermal clothing, and noticed frost outside the window. Ready for day 2: a loop in the direction of Alesjaure.

We hiked up the mountain, above the clouds and arrived at a meditation space (photo with the stone). Closely after, we passed a Sami village and saw many reindeer. Halfway the route we had our lunch, and then took the same route back to Abiskojaure as we had to take the train the next day.

Day 3: Abiskojaure hut – Abisko Turiststation

Over the night, everything turned white. As soon as the sun appeared from behind the mountain, all the frost started melting. The sunlight glistening on those icy leaves was a delightful gift from nature. We enjoyed our hike back to Abisko Turiststation as it felt like an entire new surrounding compared to the views on Day 1.