Hiking on the King's Trail from Abisko to Kebnekaise
"The service was very good and you were always available to reply to any questions. The guide was really nice, the hike itself was great...The organization was good and I hadn't any problems at any time. I had the chance to meet lovely people in the group." Laurence
Recommended by The Guardian as one of the world's "Ten Best Trips for Solo Travellers".
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Photo: STF Bildarkiv
Photos: 1,3,7:Joanna Sliwowska; 2,5:STF Bildarkiv; 4,6:Joao Trabuco
The northern section of the King's Trail ("Kungsleden" in Swedish) in Lapland is probably the most famous part of this historic 440km long-distance walking path. From its start point at the tourist station in Abisko, the trail leads south towards Kebnekaise which, at 2105m, is Sweden's highest mountain.
Along the way, the landscape is constantly changing but always spectacular, as you travel through a natural valley surrounded by mountains. The Abisko-Kebnekaise route is one of the "classic" hiking tours for walkers seeking an inspiring and uplifting mountain hiking experience without the need to be exceptionally fit. The tour is accessible to anyone in general good physical condition, though in order to enjoy the experience to its full you should be a moderately experienced hiker.
Your accommodation along the Kungsleden route will be in mountain huts. Swedish mountain huts are comfortable and welcoming places to come to after a day's walking and blend in well with the natural surroundings. In the huts there is a spirit of teamwork and you will cook your meals together with your fellow hikers and share washing up duties, etc.
Daily distances covered on this section of the King's Trail will be 12-23km, with maximum height difference on a single leg around 300m (day-tour to Kebnekaise summit 1400m). As you will be staying in cabins, there is no need for a particularly heavy backpack, and the weight of your pack should not exceed 10-12kg. In addition to the standard tours, there are also special dates for participants aged 18-35 and over 55 as well as special Midsummer and Autumn tours.
The King's Trail is Sweden's best-known long-distance hiking path, and the majesty of scenery and the beauty of this wild and open landscape provides for a unique hiking adventure.
Gather at Abisko Tourist Station at 17.00. Dinner in the station restaurant and information about the hike.
The start of your journey on Kungsleden. You follow the Abisko river to lake Abiskojaure. Distance: 15km. Height difference: +100m.
This day takes you up into the high mountains to the cabins at lake Alesjaure, with the chance for an evening sauna to soothe your muscles! Distance: 20km. Height difference: +300m.
For the age 18-35 tour (see below) you will follow a slightly different route, leaving the King's Trail for a while to see a "little extra". You will rejoin the trail again in the afternoon. Distance: 22km. Height difference: +450m, -150m.
Hiking to the mountain cabin at Tjäktja. Distance: 13km. Height difference: +200m
For the age 18-35 tour (see below) this day features a day-tour in the area around Lake Alesjaure. Depending on conditions, this may include summit tour to Kåtoktjåkka-massivet or visit to Alesjaure Sami settlement.
Crossing the Tjäkta Pass at 1140m, the way opens up into the Tjäktjavagge valley. Sauna in the evening. Distance: 12km. Height difference: +150m, -300m.
For the age 18-35 tour (see below) this day has a longer route to reach the cabins. Distance: 25km. Height difference: +450m, -300m.
Stunning views over mountain peaks and glaciers as you head for Kebnekaise Mountain Station. Distance: 23km. Height difference: -50m, +250/300m.
For the Midsummer, age 55+ and Autumn tours (see below) this day features an easy day's walk through the Tjäktja valley to the cabins at Singi, with dramatic mountain views all day. Distance: 12 km. Height difference: -100m.
Possibility to participate in guided day-tour from Kebnekaise Mountain Station to the summer of Mt. Kebnekaise, Sweden's highest mountain at 2105m (weather conditions permitting). This should be booked in advance through us. Payment to be made locally on arrival (see Optional Extras). For participants who choose not to do the summit tour, the guide will lead a less challenging day hike in the area.
For the age 18-35 tour (see below), summit tour to Kebnekaise is part of the standard tour itinerary and is included in the price.
For the Midsummer, age 55+ and Autumn tours (see below), this day takes you to Kebnekaise Mountain station, surrounded by high peaks and glaciers from morning to evening. Sauna, showers and dinner in the restaurant. Distance: 14km. Height difference: +150m, -150m.
After breakfast you will walk the 9km to lake Ladtjojaure, take a boat across the lake and then walk the final 5km stretch to Nikkaluokta for a meal at a local restaurant and the chance to take a shower. Bus to Kiruna departs around 16.00-17.00. This bus will always allow you to connect with the night train from Kiruna to Stockholm (exact timing for your tour will be given in your tour documentation). Earlier buses from Nikkaluokta may also be available - please check with us for timetable information. Distance: 14km hiking (19km including boat). Height difference: -200m.
Please note that the programme is subject to change depending on weather conditions.
The midnight sun does not shine all summer long but it is daylight 24 hours a day from around mid May to the end of July. In August and September, bring a small torch or headlamp.
There are only emergency telephones in the cabins. The phone is directly connected to the police. Mobile phones generally do not work out in the mountains.
*special Midsummer tour; ** special tour for participants aged 18-35 (price includes guided day tour to summit of Mt Kebnekaise); ***special tour for participants aged over 55; ****special autumn tour
Prices are in British Pounds. If you wish, you are also welcome to make your payment by bank transfer in Euros or Swedish Kronor. If this would be of interest, please let us know and we will be happy to provide prices.
NB: Members of YHA/Hostelling International receive a discount of £38/person on the prices below. Please let us know at time of booking if you are a member.
*special Midsummer tour; ** special tour for participants aged 18-35 (price includes guided day tour to summit of Mt Kebnekaise); ***special tour for participants aged over 55; ****special autumn tour
Accommodation at Abisko Tourist Station, Kebnekaise Mountain Station and beds in mountain cabins along the route.
Cabins: The beds are fitted with mattresses, pillows and blankets. During the summer season you should bring a light sleeping bag or sleeping sheet. The cabins are comfortable but of basic standard and there is no electricity or running water. You will all need to help each other with domestic duties, cleaning, cooking, doing the dishes etc. Wooden fires or gas heats the cabins. The cooking is done on gas stoves. The cabins you will visit during this hike have 20-78 beds (rooms with 4-10 beds, male/female mixed). There are also extra mattresses and blankets in case the cabin gets full. Everyone will get shelter - in the event that all the beds are occupied you will get a space on the floor and a mattress. It is not possible to reserve beds in advance.
Full board accommodation at Abisko Tourist Station and Kebnekaise Mountain Station. Meals along the route and final meal in Nikkaluokta.
Food for sale: If you would like any additional snacks, etc, in Alesjaure and Sälka there are small shops where you can buy dried and canned food, drinks, snacks, etc. There is no fresh food for sale in the mountain cabins. There is also a small shop at Abiskojaure, but the range more limited than in Sälka and Alesjaure.
Boat on Lake Ladtjojuare. Bus transfer Nikkaluokta-Kiruna Centrum.
Experienced and knowledgeable local guide.
Alcoholic drinks.
You should have some previous experience of walking with a backpack and be in good physical condition. Recommended minimum age 16 years. Children aged 14-15 with suitable level of fitness accompanied by an adult are also welcome on the standard and Midsummer tours. Participants must be min. 16 to participate in summit tour of Kebnekaise.
Maximum recommended age limit 70 years, typical age range of participants is around 20-55 years.
Distances between the mountain cabins vary from 12 to 23 km. Please see itinerary above for daily height differences.
A detailed recommended equipment list will be sent with your booking confirmation.
NB: We advise you not to buy equipment or clothes for your trip or to incur other non-refundable expenses such as flights until you have received confirmation of your booking from us in writing.
Minimum 6 and maximum 10-14 participants depending on tour date. This experience is open to travellers from all over the world. Groups may be made up of participants from a number of countries, around 60% of whom are likely to be from Scandinavia.
Private groups of minimum 5 persons can book this experience at standard prices on other dates by arrangement. Smaller groups are also possible for an additional premium - please contact us to discuss your requirements.
Created by the Swedish Tourist Association at the end of the 19th century, the King's Trail was made to introduce hikers to the beauty and majesty of the Lapland scenery.
The trail runs 440km from Abisko in the north to Hemavan in the south, passing through some of the world's most spectacular mountain landscapes. Taking day-tours from the main route allows for an ascent of Sweden's highest mountain, Kebnekaise, or excursions into the pathless wilderness of the mighty Sarek National Park.
Despite the remote hiking possibilities afforded by the trail, altitude differences are relatively small, which makes the King's Trail an ideal long-distance walking path accessible to anyone in general good health.
This provider has received a prestigious Swedish Ecotourism award for its commitment to high standards to cultural and environmental sensitivity.
Detailed information on travel options will be sent with your booking documentation. We are happy to advise on suitable connections and assist you with any aspect of planning your journey.
The experience begins at Abisko Turiststation and ends in Nikkaluokta for bus transfer to Kiruna.
Fly to Stockholm or Gothenburg. Night train to Abisko Turiststation, return night train from Kiruna. You can also travel by domestic flight connection to/from Kiruna, though night train is normally the most convenient option.
Ferry from Harwich to Esbjerg (Denmark) for onward train connections to Abisko Turistation and return from Kiruna.
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