Kungsleden (~27 July - 4 August)

Section Distance Time (20k day) Travel to start point

Abisko - Nikkaluokta 120k 4 days

Abisko - Vakkotavare

Vakkotavare - 30k 1 day Bus potentially

Saltouokta

Saltoluokta - Kvikkjokk: ~70k 2 days The way people usually travel is by train to Gällivare and then by
Flixbus to Saltoluokta (2h ride). You can also fly to Gällivare.
Kvikkjokk has public transport connections with Jokkmokk and
Murjek (bus number 94).

Abisko - Nikkaluokta

Alternative would be to go from Singi directly towards Vakkotavare.

Section 1: Abisko to Singi - 61km (2
days)
1 - Abisko–Abiskojaure: 15 km (4h) (4h-5h)

The King’s Trail is Sweden's oldest and best-known hiking trail. It stretches from Abisko to
Hemavan.
The trail initially follows the impressive Abiskojåkka Canyon, which eventually gives way to a
more calmly flowing stream through verdant mountain birch forest. For the entire stretch you
have the so-called Abisko Alps in view. The trail is wide and easy to hike, and there are often large
numbers of hikers here. Soon after the bridge across Nissunjohka there is a resting and tent
pitching site. It is the only place in the national park where you are allowed to pitch a tent, except
for Abisko Turiststation and at the Abiskojaure Cabins.
When you have just over 3 km to go to the Abiskojaure Cabins, the stream runs into Lake
Ábeskojávri. To get to the Abiskojaure Cabins, you leave the King's Trail and cross the stream
Kamajåkka via a suspension bridge. Those carrying a tent but who do not wish to pitch it at the
cabins should continue a few kilometres on the King’s Trail to leave the national park. The whole
hiking stretch is in Abisko National Park
Surface:
Easy-to-walk path with occasional plankways.
Communications:
Abisko is about 100 km from Kiruna. Both a road (the E10) and a railway lead here. The nearest
train station is called Abisko Turiststation. From it, the gateway to the King’s Trail, the Abisko
Turiststation and Abisko Visitor Centre are all in walking distance. There are several other trails in
the national park.
2 - Abiskojaure–Alesjaure: 21 km (5h) (6-8h)

From the Abiskojaure Cabins you hike via the bridge that crosses Kamajåkka back to the King's
Trail, where you follow the signposts for Alesjaure. After a few kilometres you pass the national
park boundary, and pitching a tent is again permitted. There are excellent places to pitch a tent
just north of the suspension bridge across Šiellajohka. At the stream it is advisable to drink and
fill up with water, since there can be a shortage of water for a long way to come. There is latrine
near the bridge. Now you begin an extended climb of about 300 m called Kieronbacken slope. The
tree line is passed and on a clear day you have a fine view. The path is occasionally stony, with
willow brush alongside.
After rounding the mountain Gárdinvárri, the climb levels off and the trail continues across grassy
and brush covered moors. Three kilometres after the reindeer fence between the Sámi
communities of Gabna and Laevas there is a resting cabin just east of the trail, beside Lake
Rádujávri. Here it can be suitable to take a break. At Lake Álisjávri, boat transport is offered
during the high season (Roland Enoksson). This shortens your hike by 6 km. Otherwise, the trail
continues alongside the lake as far as the Alesjaure Cabins. The path is occasionally stony and
wet and passes through areas of willow and dwarf birch.
Surface:
Varied. The climb at the beginning of the stage is on an occasionally stony path. After that, easier
hiking on brush and grass moors. Alongside Lake Álisjávri, again varied surface, with occasional
stony and wet stretches.
Boat transport Álisjávri: Roland Enoksson, +46 (0)70-634 34 39
3 - Alesjaure-Sälka: 25 km (7- 9h)
(Alesjaure–Tjäktja: 13 km (3.5h) + Tjäktja–Sälka: 12 km (3h))

The stretch begins with easy hiking in a broad and verdant valley with abundant birdlife. At the
Alesjaure Cabins you pass Aliseatnu River via a suspension bridge and the trail then follows the
beautifully green meandering river. The trail crosses flat mountain moors where hiking is pure
pleasure. Three kilometres before Tjäktja Cabin you pass a reindeer herders’ cabin near the trail.
After that, the climb begins to the highest point on the King’s Trail, the Tjäktja Pass. The
environment becomes increasingly barren and stony the higher you climb. The small stream
Šielmmánjira is passed by simple wading and then continues to the bridge leading across the
stream Čeavččanjira at the Tjäktja Cabin.

The stage can if wished be divided. It is possible to stay in the Tjäktja Cabin, the highest located
overnight cabin on the King’s Trail. The cabin overlooks a barren environment 1000 m above sea
level, 13 km from the Alesjaure Cabins and 12 km from the Sälka Cabins. There are also good tent
pitches practically throughout the Álisvággi Valley, north of Tjäktja (Čeakča?). From the Tjäktja
Cabin it is 4 km and an elevation difference of 150 m to the Tjäktja Pass. In the area around the
pass the snow can remain for a long time. From Midsummer (around 21 June) it is usually
possible to negotiate on foot, while some years it can be snowy and wet well into July. Around the
pass it can be difficult to find water, so remember to fill up with water beforehand. At the pass
there is resting cabin with a latrine, and a vast, breathtaking panorama in clear weather. Towards
the south extends the wide and verdant valley Tjäktjavagge (Čeakčavággi). Immediately after the
pass, the trail winds steeply down to the valley floor – a height difference of 200 m. The remaining
hike to the Sälka Cabins varies between easy-to-walk brush moor, plankways and stony paths
which are sometimes difficult to see. Keep a lookout for the red trail markings.
Surface
Highly varied. At the beginning of the hike the terrain is easy to walk and consists of brush moor,
pastures and grass moor. There are also some plankways. Where the climb towards the Tjäktja
Pass begins, the surface gradually becomes more and more stony. Around the pass, the snow
can remain as late as July. After the pass, the surface consists of varied easy to walk ground,
stony sections and plankways.

4 - Sälka–Singi: 12 km (3h) (3-4h)

The hike between Sälka and Singi is stunningly beautiful. Tjäktjavagge (Čeakčavággi) widens out
at the same time as a number of cross-valleys give new panoramas to the west and east. The trail
is flat and easy to hike, and crosses verdant grass and brush moors.

A kilometre or two from Sälka the summits of the Sälka Massif appear to the west if you look back.
During the hike you also see classic landmarks such as the Kebnekaise Massif, Drakryggen (the
Dragon’s Back), Rabot’s Glacier and Gaskkasbákti.

Half a kilometre after the suspension bridges across Gaskkasjohka the trail passes a reindeer
fence that marks the boundary between the Sámi communities of Laevas and Girjas. Just over two
kilometres farther along you cross the bridge over the beautiful Guobirjohka Canyon. This can be
a good place to rest. If the weather is inclement, an alternative is the Kuoperjåkka stopover cabin
with a latrine a kilometre further along.

Just before the Singi Cabins the trail passes above Kårtjevuolle (Goržževuolli), which is the
summer settlement of Girjas Sámi Community. There are many good resting spots and tent
pitches throughout the stage.

Surface:
Mostly easily-hiked moorland.

Section 2: Singi to Saltoluokta -

102km (3 days)
5 - Singi-Kaitumjaure: 13 km (3h) (5-6h)

From Singi, the King's Trail follows the Tjäktjavagge Valley southwards. The stage is an easy hike
with small differences in elevation, and follows Tjäktjajåkka stream all the way. The first part of the
hike is a little hilly, but after a few kilometres the terrain changes to flat moorland. Between the
mountain summits Stuor Avrrik and Stuor Jierta the valley becomes narrower with steep sides.
For those interested in flowers, a short detour is recommended up to and down from the lime rich
slopes of Stuor Jierta. After the suspension bridge across Tjäktjajåkka stream, there is a gradual
downward slope towards mountain birch forest and the Kaitumjaure Cabins. During the last
section you have a good view of the narrow mountain lake Padje Kaitumjaure (Bajip Gáidumjávri).

There are good tent pitches and plenty of water along the stretch.

Surface:
Slightly hilly and rocky terrain for the first kilometres –after that mostly flat moorland. There are
many plankways on this stretch.

6 - Kaitumjaure-Teusajaure: 9k (3h) (3-5h)

The stretch is one of the shortest along the King's Trail. The trail is easy to hike and mostly
crosses bare mountain, except for the beginning and the end running through mountain birch
forest. Between Gáidumjohka and Teusajaure you pass through Sjaunja/Sjávnja Nature Reserve,
which is also part of Laponia World Heritage Area. This part of the trail stretch is managed by the
Laponiatjuottjudus Foundation. On the small mountain plateau Muorki you reach the highest point
on the stretch, just over 800 m above sea level. Water is hard to find on the high plain, so fill up
before the climb. In clear weather you can see the highest summits of Sarek on the horizon. The
hike across the plateau is easy, with a gradual descent towards Lake Dievssajávri. However, the
last kilometre to the Teusajaure Cabins is steep.

There are good tent pitches above the Kaitumjaure Cabins or along Gáidumjohka and on the north
side of Muorki.

Surface:

Mostly easily hiked surface. The trail is slightly hilly and rocky in places at the beginning of the
stretch. The surface becomes smoother at the climb up to the high plateau Muorki. The final slope
down to the Teusajaure Cabins is very steep and rocky.

“When you reach the top, you can see all the way into Sarek, if the visibility is good. Many people choose to
continue to STF Saltoluokta Mountain Station after STF Vakkotavare Mountain Lodge. If you want to continue
further, hop on the bus to Kebnats and then take a connecting boat, which is always adapted to the bus
routes.”

7 - Teusajaure-Vakkotavare: 15k (4h) (5-6 h)

Teusajaure Fjällstuga– Vakkotavare Fjällstuga: 15k (4h) (5-6 h)

This stretch is a relatively easy hike, but with considerable differences in elevation. The trail
passes through Stora Sjöfallet/Stuor Muorkke National Park, and in clear weather gives you a
good view of the jagged summits of Sarek and Stora Sjöfallet.

To get across Lake Dievssajávri (Teusajaure) you can pay the fare for a passage on a scheduled
motorboat trip to the cabin warden. There are also rowing boats to borrow. Remember if you use
these boats that you must always leave a boat on each side of the crossing. This may mean that
you must row across three times. The rowing boats are the responsibility of Laponiatjuottjudus.
After the 1 kilometre boat crossing, the trail continues up a long, gradual climb through mountain
birch forest. Eventually, this gives way to brush and grass-covered moors and the hike is easy.
From the highest point of the trail in good conditions you can identify classic summits such as
Sárektjåkkå and Áhkká. The last part down to Vakkotavare and the big road is steep and winding.

You find tent pitches above Vakkotavare, above the treeline where it flattens off. Also at
Råssejåhkå stream and just south of Lake Dievssajávri there are suitable places to make camp.

Surface:
Easy hiking across grass and brush moors, except for the climb from Dievssajávri and at
Vakkotavare, where the trail winds steeply.

Communications:
Vakkotavare lies on the big road between Gällivare and Ritsem. There is a bus stop on the road
and daily bus connections during the season. There is also a car park.

Länstrafiken Norrbotten website (bus and coach operator) Boats in the mountains (Swedish Tourist
Association website)

Vakkotavare fjällstuga–STF Saltoluokta fjällstation: 30k (9/11h)

● The timetable for Flixbus (STF Vakkotavare - Kebnats) can be found here.

● Timetable and more information about the boat M/S Langas and the tour Kebnats - STF
Saltoluokta mountain station can be found here.

Section 3: Saltoluokta to Kvikkjokk -

73 km
(3 days option for 2 with stop at Skierfe and back)
8 - Saltoluokta-Sitojaure: 19km (6- 8h)

From Saltoluokta Mountain Station the trail rises steeply through pine forest. There are several
parallel paths and paths that branch off. It is easy to take the wrong path, so pay attention to the
trail markings, which consist of signposts and orange coloured markings on trees and stones.
After 1 km, a path turns off towards Lake Bietsávrre to the right as you hike. After 500 m, another
path turns off to the right, towards the ravine Áhusjgårsså. Keep left and follow the King’s Trail
signposts past these turnoffs and you will find your way.

When you reach the bare mountain the trail flattens off and leads across easily hiked moorland.
The view towards Lulep Gierkav and Lake Langas is stunning. About halfway to the Sitojaure
Cabins in the wide valley lies the overnight cabin Autsutjvagge. The hike ends with a gradual
descent towards the Sitojaure Cabins, the last kilometres through birch forest.

You find tent pitches along the whole hiking stretch.

Surface:
Very easy-to-hike trail stretch. The climb from Saltoluokta Mountain Station up to the bare
mountain and the Ávtsusjvágge Valley, however, is fairly steep. Once up on the bare mountain
you hike on relatively flat moorland and along esker ridges.

You get to Kebnats by car or bus via the big road between Gällivare and Ritsem. There are daily
bus connections during the season, and a car park at Kebnats. From Kebnats there are daily boat
rides across Lake Langas to Saltoluokta Mountain Station.

Länstrafiken Norrbotten website (bus and coach operator) The boat M/S Langas (Swedish
Tourist Association website)
9 - Sitojaure-Aktse (stop at Skierfe) : ~15k incl. Skierfe

(11.5 km 4-5 h excluding Skierfe)

Potentially stop at Skierfe for the night and see the sunrise from there before going down to
Aktse.
Info about Stijaure-Aktse (no Skierfe) (11.5km 4-5 h)
The stage begins with boat transport across the lakes Gasskájaure and Gåbddåjávrre. You can
pre-book boat transport with Sitojaure båttransport, +46 (0)73-079 96 03, +46 (0)70-277 66 88. If
hiking from the south, please call to book your boat shuttle when you depart from Aktse. There is
no cellphone coverage at the Svijnne berth. From 2021 there are no rowing boats.

From the boat jetty and stopover cabin at Svijnne the hike is easy. The trail passes through
mountain birch forest and on plankways across wetlands. Just before the steep climb up towards
the bare mountain you pass a stream. Do fill up with water here – there is not much water along
the coming stretch over the mountain. At the highest point of the hike you have a view of the Rapa
Valley (Ráhpavuobme), the glacial lake Laitaure and the famous Skierffe Cliff. If you want to climb
Skierffe there is a trail towards the cliff, marked with a wooden signpost. However, please
remember that dogs cannot accompany you, since the trail goes partially through Sarek National
Park. The descent towards Aktse is steep and passes through mountain birch forest which
eventually has elements of spruce.

There are few tent pitches on the bare mountain, because the supply of water is limited. You can
find tent pitches in the forest down closer to the Aktse Cabins and at the turn off towards Skierffe
Cliff.

Surface:
A fair number of plankways across wetlands in the first section of the trail from the jetty at
Svijnne. Steep, tiring climb up to the bare mountain and also a steep slope down to the Aktse
Cabins.

Communications:
Boat transport: Sitojaure båttransport, +46 (0)73-079 96 03, +46 (0)70-277 66 88

(potentially to go back to Saltoluokta (total of 2 days on the section)

10 - Aktse-Pårte: 23 km (8-10 h)

The stretch is long, demanding and varied, and you are walking in Sarek National Park practically
the whole time. The stage includes a boat transport, and hiking both on bare mountain and in
virgin coniferous forest. From the Aktse Cabin, a 1 km plankway leads to the boat jetty on Lake
Lájtavrre. To get across the mountain lake by motor boat transport you can pay the cabin warden,
who serves this stretch to a timetable. There are also rowing boats to borrow, and a rowing route
marked with white signs. Remember that if you use the boats there must always be a boat on each
side of the crossing. This can mean rowing the stretch three times. Remember that the lake is
exposed and it can get very windy here. The rowing route and rowing boats are the responsibility
of the County Administrative Board.

From the boat jetty and Laitaure stopover cabin, the flat and easily hiked trail passes through
birch and spruce forest until the bridge across Suobbatjåhkkå stream. After the bridge, the trail
leads steeply up to bare mountain, where the panoramas are vast. After half the hike you come to
the stopover cabin Jågge, where it can be suitable to rest if the weather is poor. Not far after the
stopover cabin the trail becomes stony, and after the pass between Favnoaivve and Huomnásj
also very steep down towards the Pårte Cabin. The last stretch you hike through untouched virgin
coniferous forest with abundant wildlife.

There are good tent pitches along this stretch, even on the bare mountain.

Most of the trail is maintained by Laponia.

Surface:
A 1-km plankway at the beginning of the hike, followed by an easily-hiked trail. A steep climb up to
bare mountain and then the trail is an easy hike for a few kilometres after the stopover cabin
Jågge. The trail then becomes rocky, and after the high ground of Huomnásj again steep, down to
the Pårte Cabin.

Communications:
Boats in the mountains (Swedish Tourist Association)
11 - Pårte-Kvikkjokk: 17 km (5-8 hours)

You hike through montane forest for the whole stretch. The trail is mostly easy to walk and
gradually descends towards Kvikkjokk. There are rockier sections at the beginning of the hike,
and for a few kilometres after the trail leaves Lake Stuor Dáhta. This stretch along the lake is
beautiful, with views of the Tarrekaise massif among other things. A few kilometres before
Kvikkjokk the trail passes the Tingstall Stone (Diggehájkgallo), an ancient counsel site. On the
very last section, the King’s Trail follows a gravel road. Hikers on the King’s Trail on their way
north, from Kvikkjokk to Pårte, sometimes miss the turning off the gravel road. So pay attention to
the signposting at the beginning if you are hiking towards Pårte.

There are tent pitches along the whole stretch.

Surface:
Easily hiked stage except for the first section and a few kilometres after Lake Stuor Dáhta, where
it is rocky. Quite a lot of plankways along the trail.

Communications:
You get to Kvikkjokk by car or bus. There are daily bus connections between Jokkmokk and
Kvikkjokk during the season. There is a car park at the start of the trail.
From Kvikkjokk you take bus 43 with Länstrafiken to Jokkmokk and bus 47 onto Murjek. In Murjek
there is a train connection.
Additional information

The most common locations to start or end a hike along Kungsleden are Abisko,
Vakkotavare, Saltoluokta, Kvikkjokk, Ammarnäs and Hemavan.

Important to see: Sarek and Rapariver are between Saltoluokta and Kvikkjokk

Most important: Sarek and Rapariver (Skierfe mountain and enjoy an amazing view over the
Rapadalen valley) are just after Saltoloukta on the way to Kvikkjokk.
Saltoluokta - Kvikkjokk: ~70k

Transport to Saltoluokta - Night train

Night trains from Stockholm are operated daily, and right now it is VY trains that operate the
Stockholm-Gällivare route. You get off in Gällivare. Make sure your arrival matches with the
Ritsem bus, which runs 1-2 times per day depending on the season. If you take the train, it is
absolutely best to also book the bus trip from Gällivare through the train company. The terminus
is called Kebnats/Saltoluokta, and if you book the journey all the way there, the train company is
responsible for missed connections between train and bus. If you only book to Gällivare, you may
have to stay one night in Gällivare to take the bus the next day if there are any delays.

Transport to Saltoluokta - Bus

During the summer, Gällivare – Kebnats is served by bus. The bus matches the arrival of the night
train from the south. In low season, the bus departs once a day, in high season it departs twice a
day. Bus tickets are most easily purchased together with the train ticket. Search for the station
"Kebnats/Saltoluokta". The bus timetable can be found here.

To/from Vakkotavare

To get to or from Vakkotavare there is a bus connection with Gällivare. Information about
departure times and stations can be found on roadtoritsem.com. You make the booking via your
preferred booking channel, such as VY, SJ or Norrtåg. From Gällivare, there are trains both south
and north.

Saltoluokta - home

Boat to Kebnats. Bus from Kebnats to Gällivare