The King’s Trail in Swedish Lapland

The King’s Trail (or “Kungsleden” in Swedish), has always been popular among Scandinavian outdoor adventurers in the know.

In recent years, the word has spread about this stunning route, located in the far north of Swedish Lapland, and the King’s Trail now welcomes travellers from all over the world for hiking, ski touring and even dog sledding.

Named not after a king but because it is the “King of Trails”, Kungsleden stretches 440km from Abisko to Hemavan and is divided into three sections, each taking around one week to hike.

The northernmost section, from Abisko to Kebnekaise, is the best known. Here the scenery is at its most dramatic and those with energy to spare can attempt a summit hike of Kebnekaise, Sweden’s highest mountain at 2106m.

This section is easily accessed by public transport – Abisko can be reached by direct night train from Stockholm, while a bus from Nikkaloukta at the end point runs to Kiruna for the night train south.

Credit STF Bildarkiv

Apart from the glorious scenery and sense of space, what makes the King’s Trail special is the network of staffed mountain cabins along the route, spaced a day’s hike or ski (12-20km) apart.

They offer simple but comfortable bunkhouse accommodation, self-catering facilities, small stores for resupply and sometimes even a sauna to soothe tired muscles! There’s no electricity and no running water – you’ll be collecting pure, clear drinking water from the lakes and using outside toilets, but that’s all very much part of the experience.

Credit Valerie Reynaud

The cabins make it possible to enter a world-class wilderness landscape with a lighter pack than would be necessary if camping. That said, if you choose to bring your tent, you can pitch nearby and use the facilities for a day fee.

The main entry and exit points on the trail have fully-featured mountain stations, combining historical charm with such modern wonders as electricity and licensed restaurants to top and tail your trip with some luxury!

Credit Alice Courvoisier

While the King’s Trail is accessible to many with general good fitness, its remoteness and the challenges this can bring should not be underestimated. As with any mountain environment, weather conditions can be unpredictable and change rapidly. There are emergency telephones in the cabins, but little or no mobile reception on much of the route and few points with road access – in the event of difficulties, evacuation would normally be by helicopter in summer and snowmobile in winter.

Hiking from mid-June to mid-September is possible guided or self-guided. Enjoy a soft bed in the cabins or be prepared to shoulder some extra kilos and bring your tent! To do the route self-guided, you should have previous outdoor experience and be suitably equipped. On the popular sections, you will certainly meet other hikers at peak periods, but at other times may see few others on the trail.

Credit STF Bildarkiv

Winter tours on the King’s Trail are possible during the “spring winter”, from mid-February to mid-April. While some ski the trail independently, those without substantial experience of self-guided ski touring should choose a guided tour. The winter route is marked with a “kryssled”, a trail of red crosses on poles at regular intervals – but they won’t be visible in a raging blizzard!

If ski touring is not for you, dog sledding provides a wonderful alternative to experience the majesty of the King’s Trail in winter. The Abisko-Kebnekaise section is ideal for dog sledding, either from cabin to cabin or raising the level of challenge further with a winter camping tour!

Whether you choose to discover the King’s Trail in summer beneath the Midnight Sun or winter beneath the Northern Lights, whether you travel on foot, on skis or by dogsled, the beauty and wildness of Kungsleden will leave you with a lifetime of memories!

Credit STF Bildarkiv

Nature Travels offers a wide range of hiking (guided and self-guided), ski touring and dog sledding tours on the King’s Trail. For details, see www.naturetravels.co.uk