Hiking in Lapland from Riksgränsen to Abisko (Sweden)

Camping equipment and use of facilities at the cabins included

High-quality tents, sleeping bags, sleeping mats and cooking equipment are all included. In addition, when camping at the mountain cabins, access to the facilities there is also included:

• Kitchen for self-catering and socialising.
• Dry, outside toilet.
• Wood-fired sauna (available at three of the four cabins). There really is no better way to end a hard day of trekking in the wilderness than with a sauna!
• While the expectation is that you will spend all nights under canvas, you may also choose to sleep inside the cabins if you wish (for additional charge payable locally).

You'll be carrying everything with you for your hiking tour in this remote region. Photo: WH.

There will be dramatic views of endless horizons, mountains, lakes and waterfalls, some tiring ups and downs, and perhaps a river crossing or two. While nights at the cabins will offer an opportunity to meet and socialise with fellow hikers, you're likely to feel you have the world to yourself for much of the time.

There will be plenty of opportunities to enjoy the views in between the hard work of hiking! Photo: WH.

An adventurous trek for solo travellers, friends or groups

Hiking in Lapland from Riksgränsen to Abisko is suitable for adults (min. age 16) with a general high level of fitness and experience of multi-day hiking with a backpack. Public tour dates are offered in August, which is late summer and a perfect time for hiking in this area. The experience is ideal for solo travellers or guests travelling as two or more persons, and tours are guaranteed to run from the first booking.

Space, freedom and some of the cleanest air in the world - what better way to a spend a week! Photo: WH.

Groups can also arrange private on other dates between July and September. When the skies become dark enough from late August onwards, the Northern Lights become visible, perhaps adding a magical dimension to camping under the night skies of Swedish Lapland!

Included

Accommodation:

Sleeping accommodation is shared on all nights. Everyone assists with tasks such as preparing food, washing up, etc. Solo travellers will share 2-person tent with other same-gender guest.

• Days 1-6: Six nights' wild camping in shared 2-person tents. Solo traveller will share tent with other same gender participant.
• Days 3-6: You will normally be camping outside STF mountain cabins on these nights. This offers the opportunity to make use of the cabin facilities including kitchen for self-catering, dry outside toilet, sauna and shop (see under "Itinerary" for particular facilities available at each location). Use of these facilities is included in the price of your tour. Some of the cabins have small stores from which you can purchase additional snacks, but all main food for the tour will be carried from the start.
• Days 3-6 (optional): If wished, you may choose to sleep inside the STF cabins in shared rooms as an alternative to camping for these nights. Additional charge is payable to the cabin host locally. Charges may vary but are typically around 500 SEK (about £40)/person for members of STF/Hostelling International. Higher rates apply for non-members. Beds cannot be reserved in advance but a sleeping space will always be offered if needed. Additional mattresses can be placed on the floor to accommodate extra guests.

Meals:

All meals are included from dinner on arrival day to lunch on departure day. The group will cook and eat together. As dehydrated camping foods are often used during the tour and cooking facilities are simple/shared, common dietary requirements such as vegetarian, vegan, or lactose free can be accommodated, but opportunities to accommodate more restrictive diets (such as gluten-free, particular allergies) may be limited. Please advise any dietary needs in advance and contact us to discuss your requirements.

Equipment:

• Camping equipment: Sleeping bag with liner and foam sleeping mat; tent (shared one per two persons).
• Cooking equipment.
• Camping plate/bowl, mug and cutlery.
• Toilet paper.

Guide:

Experienced and knowledgeable guide.

Not Included

• Travel: We do not arrange flights or domestic travel, but are happy to advise on suitable connections and assist you with any aspect of planning your journey. See under "Getting There" for general travel information.
• Alcoholic drinks.
• Lunch at Abisko Mountain Station Day 1.
• Train between Abisko and Riksgränsen Day 1.

Required

Health requirements/experience:

Min. age 16 (when travelling with adult 18+). Suitable for adults with high level of fitness and stamina who are used to multi-day hiking in mixed terrain and weather conditions with a backpack of typical weight 15-20kg.

You should have previous experience of camping, be used to the outdoors and comfortable living in close proximity with others. Experience of wild camping will be an advantage.

The terrain can be challenging and you may be hiking away from trails for much of the tour.

What makes this "Hard"?

The Abisko region offers remote and challenging hiking terrain and weather conditions can change quickly. You will be carrying everything needed for the tour with you and camping wild along the way.

The tour is based on camping wild on all nights, but on four of the six nights of the tour, you will normally have the option to sleep inside the cabins (at additional cost, payable locally) if you wish. These nights also give the opportunity to use the facilities at the cabins (self-catering kitchen, dry outside toilets and in some cases sauna and small shop).

NB: Perception of difficulty is very subjective. What is hard to one person may be easy for another and vice versa, depending on factors including level of fitness, age and previous experience. Weather conditions/temperatures can also dramatically affect the actual level of challenge encountered.

Equipment/clothes needed:

For information on any equipment and/or clothing included as standard for this experience, please see under "What's Included".

A detailed recommended packing list for personal items to bring will be sent with your booking documentation.

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. Note of course that the most appropriate clothing to use as well as the level of challenge experienced during any outdoor activity may vary significantly depending on factors such as the time of year and the particular weather/temperature conditions during your trip.

Preparing for your trip:

For further reading, we also have a number of general information articles to get you ready for your trip, covering a wide variety of topics from what to do on a city break before/after your tour, advice on packing, eyewear for winter and considerations for female travellers.

Minimum number:

No minimum required. Tours are guaranteed to run from the first booking.

Groups

Max. group size 8 participants for scheduled dates. For private tours, groups of more than 8 persons may be possible by arrangement. Please contact us to discuss your requirements.

Eco Info

This provider has a detailed written environmental policy.