Hiking on the King's Trail from Abisko to Kebnekaise
Photos: STF Bildarkiv
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.
Duration: 8 days
Dates/Period: 28.06-05.07.08, 06.07-13.07.08, 13.07-20.07.08, 24.07-31.07.08*, 01.08-08.08.08, 15.08-22.08.08**, 30.08-06.09.08***
*special tour for participants aged 18-35; **special tour for participants aged over 55; ***special autumn tour
Price: from £502/person.
Groups of min.5 can book this experience on other dates by arrangement.
Accommodation: Abisko Tourist Station, Kebekaise Mountain Station and mountain cabins along the route.
Required: You should have previous experience of walking with a backpack and be in good physical condition. Recommended min. age 16 years.
The northern section of the King's Trail ("Kungsleden" in Sweden) 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" 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.
Photo: STF Bildarkiv
Your accommodation along the 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.
Photo: STF Bildarkiv
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 a special autumn tour.
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.