---
title: "Kungsleden – a guide to Sweden's most popular long-distance trail (thru-hiking 101)"
description: "For beginner hikers the Kungsleden can be a gateway into the world of long-distance hiking trails. How do you prepare for this trail and what awaits you on it?"
canonical_url: "https://gramino.com/blog/kungsleden-guide"
last_updated: "2024-03-07"
---

# Kungsleden – a guide to Sweden's most popular long-distance trail (thru-hiking 101)

Authors: Petra Kovalčíková

Date: 2024-03-07

For beginner hikers the Kungsleden can be a gateway into the world of long-distance hiking trails. How do you prepare for this trail and what awaits you on it?

How would you sum up the Kungsleden, or the King's Trail, the best-known and most popular long-distance trek in Scandinavia, in a nutshell? It would definitely be pristine nature in the form of endless tundra and wide plains, birch forests and herds of reindeer roaming about. Also worth mentioning is the minimal availability of phone signal, the boat crossings over the lakes and the whims of the weather such as strong wind, plenty of rain, bogs, marshes and swarms of mosquitoes.

For many beginner hikers the Kungsleden can be a great gateway into the world of long-distance hiking trails. Medium length, low elevation gain, but at the same time plenty of challenges, above all in the form of unsettled weather and remoteness from civilization (and everything that comes with it). This mini-guide is meant for everyone who'd like to set out on the Kungsleden or who is hearing about this trail for the very first time (is there even anyone like that left?). Above all it will give you the basic information that may come in handy when planning. And if reading isn't your thing, you can also listen to [part 1 of our podcast](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=innfHGxx_PU&list=PLzAPgal8-IHORRPxklslItKyk_WPqlR-N&index=2) Život na treku with our ambassador Martin Benc, which was devoted entirely to this popular Swedish trail.

## **Key facts and what's in this guide**

- **Trail name:** Kungsleden (official), King's Trail (English)
- **Location:** Sweden (Lapland region, beyond the Arctic Circle)
- **Total length:** 470 km (420 km on foot, 30 km road, 20 km across lakes)
- **Total elevation gain:** 9 039 m
- **Highest and lowest point:** Tjäktjapasset (1 150 m), Kvikkjokk (305 m)
- **Duration:** 18–28 days on average
- **Direction and season:** both directions (north – south, south – north), mid-June to mid-September (summer season), the start of March to the end of April (winter season)
- **Start and finish:** Abisko (north), Hemavan (south)
- **Official source of information:** Swedish Tourist Association (STF) –  https://www.swedishtouristassociation.com
- **Planning and preparation:** permits (none), visas (none), insurance (travel), navigation and maps (mapy.cz, Cicerone, Friluftsatlas)
- **Gear:** take inspiration from the gear list of Martin Benc from DvaNaTahu
- **Logistics on the trail:** camping, resupply, water
- **Hazards and difficulty:** weather, terrain, injuries and health problems, animals, plants
- **Alternatives:** Kebnekaise (2 097 m), Skierfe (1 179 m)
- **Practical advice and closing tips**: budget, payment, phone signal, charging electronics, FB group

[Map](https://frame.mapy.cz/s/jugugedade)

## **Trail name**

The official Swedish name of the trail is **Kungsleden**, which translated literally means **the King's Trail** or **the King's Road**. Just like **translations** into other languages, the English name has never really caught on, so in every guidebook you'll primarily come across the original Swedish one. In this case you don't need to be afraid of Swedish, though (unlike other words and the names of towns and regions) – [the pronunciation](https://forvo.com/word/kungsleden/) is very simple. You can be glad that the very first historical and definitely harder-to-remember label **Alesvaggeleden** didn't stay with this trek for very long and is no longer used today.

## **Location**

Most of the Kungsleden route lies **beyond the Arctic Circle in Sweden**, in the cultural region known as **Lapland** and inhabited by the Sámi, Europe's original indigenous people. The trail doesn't pass through any other countries, nor does it run from one border to another like some other thru-hike trails. The route is divided into **5 main sections** between the settlements of **Abisko and Hemavan**. The individual sections are divided by accessibility – a road leads to their start and finish. In total the trail passes through **4 national parks** (Abisko, Stora Sjöfallet, Sarek and Pieljekaise). The route itself also crosses **7 lakes**, which have to be crossed using motor-powered or human-powered craft.

Lapland is a paradise for every nature lover. There are a great many national parks here as well as all of Sweden's highest two-thousand-meter peaks. This region and the Kungsleden trail are often talked about as **the last European wilderness**, above all thanks to the vastness of the area, its difficult overland accessibility, pristine nature, indigenous population and the unavailability of phone signal. But if you think you'll be walking through places where no human foot has yet set down and won't come across signs of civilization for whole days or even weeks, you may be a little disappointed. It is, after all, an official and today also a very popular waymarked hiking trail with a fairly large number of mountain huts along the way, wooden boardwalks built across some of the marshes and bogs, and even the reindeer will occasionally jingle their bells at you, much as we're used to with cows in the Alps. None of that takes anything away from the beauty of the trail or of Swedish Lapland – it's just up to each person what they picture under the word "wilderness".

What is certain is that on the Kungsleden you'll be feasting your eyes on breathtaking Scandinavian scenery and walking through truly varied nature, from sprawling wide plains and tundra, through lower-lying birch groves, all the way to rocky alpine terrain.

## **Total length**

Most sources give the total length of the Kungsleden as 440 km. That figure includes the sections that have to be crossed by boat, but on the other hand it doesn't include one road section between Vakkotavare and Kebnats, which most hikers cover by bus.

So let's sum it up.. The total route comes to roughly **470 km**, of which **30 km is on asphalt road** and roughly **20 km runs across lakes**. That leaves **420 km of walking**.

## **Total elevation gain**

The total elevation gain of the Kungsleden is **just 9 039 m** (according to the [Hiiker](https://hiiker.app/trails/sweden/kiruna-kommun/kungsleden-north) app – as always, this figure differs slightly between the available sources). Don't let that fool you and don't underestimate its difficulty, though, this trail will still put you through your paces. Whether it's endless hopping over rocks, sinking knee-deep into mud and wetlands, unrelenting blasts of wind and rain or endless mosquito raids, for most people it won't be a complete walk in the park. More than one tough, experienced hiker has already been taught a lesson on this trail – our ambassadors DvaNaTahu could tell you a thing or two about that!

## **Highest and lowest point**

The highest point on the Kungsleden trail lies at **1 150 m** in the mountain pass of **Tjäktjapasset**. Just before the top you've got a fairly steep climb ahead of you, but in good weather you'll be rewarded with a stunning view over two vast plateaus. In bad weather you can at least take cover up there in a small emergency shelter.

The lowest place on the trail is the small settlement of **Kvikkjokk** (305 m), which is the main access point into Sarek national park and therefore also provides basic services for visitors, including accommodation and transport connections.

- [Darn Tough Men's CDT Micro Crew Lightweight](/p/darn-tough-cdt-micro-crew-lightweight-mens.md)
- [Montane Protium Glove](/p/montane-protium-glove.md)
- [Fizan Compact Pro](/p/fizan-compact-pro.md)
- [Tidy Gear Gaiters](/p/tidy-gear-gaiters.md)
- [Gear Aid Seam Grip+WP 2x7 g](/p/gear-aid-seam-grip-wp-2x7-g.md)
- [Granite Gear Perimeter 50 Women's Fit](/p/granite-gear-perimeter-50-womens.md)
- [Hyperlite Mountain Gear Contour 35](/p/hyperlite-mountain-gear-contour-35.md)
- [Liteway Illusion Duo Tent (2024)](/p/liteway-illusion-duo-tent-2024.md)
- [Sea To Summit Alto TR1](/p/sea-to-summit-alto-tr1.md)
- [MSR Groundhog Tent Stakes (6 pcs)](/p/msr-groundhog-tent-stakes-6pcs.md)
- [Katadyn BeFree 1 L](/p/katadyn-befree-1-l.md)

## **Duration**

As with all long-distance trails, the duration of the Kungsleden trail is **individual** and depends on a lot of factors, from your physical fitness to unexpected weather traps. Most hikers manage to walk the trail in the main season within **18–28 days**, though. With good sporting form, luck with the weather and a bit of planning the trail can be walked faster. A big advantage of this trail is that you don't have to hand in your notice at work for it straight away, and at the same time it's long enough for you to get a rest from everyday hustle and worries and taste the magic of multi-week long-distance trails.

When planning the trip you do need to count on the previously mentioned **boat crossings over the lakes**, which can slow you down or hold you up somewhere if you don't reach the ferry in time or the weather is extremely bad and you have to wait a few hours or even half a day for the next boat. Even in good weather the ferries have their timetables and mostly run only a few times a day. The boats also don't run all year round and it's important to keep an eye on the start and the end of the season.

Anyone who wants a taste of the beauty of the north and doesn't have that much time can also set out to tackle just one of the sections of this trail. Probably the most popular is the northernmost stretch between **Abisko and Kvikkjokk** (approx. 210 km, 7–10 days), or just between the settlements of **Abisko and Nikkaulokta** (approx. 110 km, 3–7 days). This last section is also walked as an organized event every year as part of the [Fjällräven Classic](https://experience.fjallraven.com/classic/sweden) (heading north, finishing in Abisko). Complete beginners in particular, or people who want to meet like-minded enthusiasts from all over the world, will appreciate the organizers' facilities and support. If, on the other hand, you'd rather avoid this event, plan your start with their August dates in mind.

[Sea To Summit Head Net](/p/sea-to-summit-head-net.md)

## **Direction and season**

The starting point of the Kungsleden is the small settlement of **Abisko**, located in the north inside the national park of the same name. In the south the route ends in the settlement and well-known ski resort of **Hemavan**. Officially the route runs in this direction, and for many practical reasons the **north-to-south** direction is also the most popular. In this case you start at higher altitudes and head down into lower-lying, warmer areas. What's more, most of the huts by the lakes you have to get across on the route are placed on exactly the shore you reach from this direction, so while waiting for the ferry you can make use of their facilities and hospitality. That said, the route can also be walked in the opposite direction, **south to north**. In that case you'll probably avoid the biggest wave and bubble of hikers, but the likelihood of the weather worsening at the end of the route increases, especially as the end of the season approaches.

Although we talk about the north-to-south direction and the reverse, on the Kungsleden it isn't yet all that common or established to use the terms Nobo (from Northbound) and Sobo (from Southbound), as you may know them from other thru-hikes above all in North America ([the Pacific Crest Trail](/blog/pacific-crest-trail-pct-guide), the Appalachian Trail and so on).

The main **summer season**, when you can count on open huts, boat crossings over the lakes, available transport and relatively "good" weather (at least by Scandinavian standards), runs **from mid-June to mid-September**. Choosing a suitable date even within this window isn't entirely simple and depends above all on the weather and your tolerance of mosquitoes. Above all in the more southerly areas, where the wetlands are, the mosquito raids in June and July are downright unbearable. As the colder weather comes in, though, their numbers drop considerably. From that you'd conclude that mid-August and the beginning of September will be the most suitable period for a crossing if you want to keep your sanity, but here the weather comes back into the equation. Autumn-colored nature has an undeniable magic, yet as early as the end of August you can run into not only ground frost but even snow showers and storms. And in open areas unprotected by trees beyond the Arctic Circle that's no laughing matter.

The Kungsleden also has a working **winter season**, though, in the period **from March to the end of April**. So you can set out on this trail **on cross-country skis or snowshoes** and experience your first real polar journey. The frozen Kungsleden can be truly merciless, though, so under no circumstances underestimate preparation and planning. And if you don't yet have experience with trips like this, go there only in the company of more experienced friends or with a guided group – the Czech [Expedition Club](https://www.expeditionclub.cz/), for instance, regularly sets out on polar expeditions to these areas. Besides gaining new experience and unusual memories, you'll also have the chance to meet like-minded adventurers. You can read about the Mrož polar expedition, which part of Gramino's management and ambassadors set out on in 2022, in [this article on the blog](/blog/expedition-mroz-beyond-the-arctic-circle). For the rest of this guide we'll deal only with the classic hiking crossing of the Kungsleden trail in the main summer season.

- [Adventure Menu Chilli con Carne](/p/adventure-menu-chilli-con-carne.md)
- [REAL Turmat Taco Bowl](/p/real-turmat-taco-bowl.md)
- [Freeze-Dried String Cheese – Natural 50 g](/p/freeze-dried-smoked-cheese-strings-natural-50-g.md)
- [Drip It Tasting Pack 5× 10 g](/p/drip-it-tasting-pack-5x-10-g.md)
- [Sea To Summit Frontier UL Cutlery Set 2P](/p/sea-to-summit-frontier-ul-cutlery-set-2p.md)
- [Moonvalley Chocolate Dipped Protein Bar](/p/moonvalley-protein-bar-chocolate-dipped.md)
- [TheTentLab DirtSaw Deuce #2 UL Trowel](/p/thetentlab-dirtsaw-deuce-2-ul-trowel.md)
- [Sea To Summit Premium Aeros Pillow](/p/sea-to-summit-premium-aeros-pillow.md)
- [Sea To Summit Air Mat Repair Kit](/p/sea-to-summit-air-mat-repair-kit.md)
- [EVA Foam Pad 3 mm](/p/eva-foam-pad-3-mm.md)
- [Tyvek 150x250 cm (for 2 people)](/p/tyvek-groundsheet-250-x-150-cm.md)

## **Start and finish**

A long-distance trail in Europe? That sounds great! You'll surely get there quickly and easily, you don't need any visas or permits, simply ideal. That's probably what everyone thinks before they find out how long a journey to Abisko/Hemavan actually awaits them. Luckily it isn't all that complicated, just **time-consuming**.

Most people set out **by plane to Stockholm**, from where it's possible to go on **and fly to the town of Kiruna**, which is just under 100 km from Abisko and has both buses and trains going there. A somewhat cheaper option is to go from Stockholm **by train straight to Abisko** (with one change in Boden, or on a direct night train – here we definitely recommend going for a sleeper compartment). This train journey takes over 16 hours, though.

From Hemavan at the finish you can get back to Stockholm again either **by air**, or **by a combination of bus and train** with a change in Umeå. Here too the overland journey takes a lot of time, so you need to count on that in advance.

You'll find prices and departure times of trains and buses at [RESROBOT](https://kopbiljett.resrobot.trainplanet.com/travel-wizard/search-tickets) or [SJ](https://www.sj.se/en), where you can also buy tickets in advance. You may also use buses during the journey on the Kungsleden trail (the 30 km asphalt section on the trail, or as an option when resupplying). You'll find more about the transport options, including links to other carriers, clearly written up [here](https://www.distantnorth.com/destinations/kungsleden-trail-how-to-get-there/).

## **Official source of information**

**The Swedish Tourist Association**, known by the abbreviation STF (Svenska Turistföreningen), is a **non-profit organization** in Sweden whose aim is to **support and develop tourism** and outdoor activities in Sweden with an emphasis on **sustainability and nature conservation**. STF runs a network of hostels, mountain stations and huts across the whole of Sweden and offers a wide range of activities and services for visitors and nature lovers, including information about hiking routes, leading hiking groups and educational programs. Both the history and the present of the Kungsleden trail are tied to STF. Right from the beginning, when it was founded at the end of the 19th century, STF's founders had the goal of creating a path across the mountains in Swedish Lapland, to make Swedish nature and culture accessible to people. The original route was meant to connect only today's Abisko and Kvikkjokk, along which the individual huts gradually started appearing in the 1920s. Later the path began to be extended, until in 1975 it was drawn out into today's form all the way to Hemavan.

So the official source of information about the Kungsleden is the **Swedish Tourist Association**. On their website [https://www.swedishtouristassociation.com/areas/kungsleden/](https://www.swedishtouristassociation.com/areas/kungsleden/) you can read **information about the individual sections of the route** – for example how to get to a given stretch, what accommodation and resupply options there are along the way, or even a short description of the terrain awaiting you on that section.

## **Planning and preparation**

#### **Permits**

On this front it's completely simple! You don't need any permit or permission to set out on the Kungsleden long-distance trail. This path is accessible to everyone without restriction.

#### **Visas**

As a citizen of an EU or Schengen country you don't need any visa or residence permit to walk the Kungsleden trail in Sweden – travelers from elsewhere should check the entry rules that apply to their own passport.

#### **Insurance**

Given that the Kungsleden is an official waymarked hiking route whose highest point only slightly exceeds 1 000 m, **standard travel insurance** without extra cover for active or risky sports will be enough for your stay in Sweden.

#### **Navigation and maps**

The Kungsleden is a reasonably **well-waymarked long-distance trail**. The route is marked with a simple **red stripe** on rocks and trees. Only at junctions do you need to pay attention to which hut you're heading for, as the word Kungsleden isn't used everywhere. The winter waymarking using an orange cross on posts and poles can be a little confusing, because in many places it runs a bit away from the hiking route, across bogs and wetlands that are frozen and snow-covered in winter.

With offline navigation and route tracking you can be helped by [**mapy.cz**](https://mapy.cz/s/magehufono), in which the whole route is marked. You'll of course also find the Kungsleden in other hiking maps and navigation apps, such as Hiiker, AllTrails and so on. In FarOut, the app well known and popular among thru-hikers, a map of the Kungsleden trail isn't currently available. If you don't want to rely on technology alone, you can get hold of, for example, a guidebook with maps from [Cicerone](https://www.cicerone.co.uk/trekking-the-kungsleden) or a map atlas from [Friluftsatlas](https://mapscompany.com/products/atlas-de-plein-air-kungsleden-suede-calazo-friluftsatlas).

[Sea To Summit Guide TPU Map Case](/p/sea-to-summit-guide-tpu-map-case.md)

## **Gear**

If you set out on the Kungsleden in the main summer season, you'll need **the classic long-distance trekking gear**. It's worth reading up on how to build a list of ultralight trekking gear (a so-called gear list), or take inspiration from the gear of Martin Benc from DvaNaTahu, which he used on this very Kungsleden trail crossing and described in detail at the end of [this article](/blog/kungsleden-planning-tips-and-gear-list).

Given how changeable the weather is, it's definitely a good idea not to forget **waterproof clothing** – even in the summer months beyond the Arctic Circle [**waterproof socks**](/c/clothing/waterproof-socks) can come in handy. Especially if you're setting out on the trail in light, breathable trail running shoes. If you're new to the world of long-distance trails, [here](/blog/hiking-boots-or-trail-running-shoes) you can read why we've given up heavy leather hiking boots on most long-distance trails.

In June and July above all, a [**head mosquito net**](/p/sea-to-summit-nano-mosquito-headnet) will come in handy too, and **mosquito repellent**, which we recommend buying once you're there. When applying repellent, though, be careful: the most effective repellents contain the active ingredient and at the same time the pesticide DEET, which can permanently damage and eat away at your gear, such as your tent, sleeping bag, waterproof jacket and so on.

Mosquito hell can really spoil the trail, which is why even with [tents](/c/sleep/tents) we'd go rather for a **double-wall or single-wall tent with an integrated mosquito net** instead of open tarps. Given the sprawling wide plains, very often with no chance of sheltering under trees, tents are also the better choice for anchoring and pitching taut on windy evenings and nights.

- [Sea To Summit Nano Mosquito Headnet](/p/sea-to-summit-nano-mosquito-headnet.md)
- [DexShell Running Lite Sock 2.0](/p/dexshell-running-lite-sock-2-0.md)
- [Sea To Summit Lightweight Dry Bag First Aid](/p/sea-to-summit-lightweight-dry-bag-first-aid.md)
- [Sea To Summit Lightweight Dry Bag](/p/sea-to-summit-lightweight-dry-bag.md)
- [DexShell Ultra Thin Crew](/p/dexshell-ultra-thin-crew.md)
- [Liteway Lite Pocket](/p/liteway-lite-pocket.md)
- [Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2](/p/big-agnes-copper-spur-ul2.md)
- [Montane Minimus Jacket](/p/montane-mens-minimus-jacket.md)
- [Sea To Summit Ultra-Sil™ Nano™ Poncho](/p/sea-to-summit-ultra-sil-nano-poncho.md)
- [Liteway Poncho Simplex](/p/liteway-poncho-simplex.md)
- [Liteway Simplex Max Tarp](/p/liteway-simplex-max-tarp.md)
- [Fizan Compact 4](/p/fizan-compact-4.md)

And because you'll be moving beyond the Arctic Circle during the polar day, we also recommend packing **an eye mask** or **a light neck gaiter** that you can pull over your eyes, above all if you have trouble falling asleep in the light.

Don't forget to take a [**water filter**](/c/gear/water-filters) with you either. Even though the nature around you will look pristine and the water beautifully clear and clean, you never know whether a herd of reindeer went through upstream and contaminated the water source just then.

Don't forget to protect your gear either, so it doesn't get damp or even soaked through in the rain – [**waterproof drybags and organizers**](/c/gear/drybags-and-organisers) will make sure that at least your sleeping bag, down jacket and sleeping clothes always stay dry.

Given the remoteness and the unavailability of phone signal for a large part of the trail, it's an individual call whether you want to carry a satellite communicator (for example the [Garmin inReach Mini](https://www.garmin.com/en-US/p/837461)) with you in case of injury, or a personal GPS locator with an SOS option for calling help. In emergency situations there's usually a satellite phone available at the huts, which are mostly no more than a day's walk apart.

[Sawyer Squeeze SP131](/p/sawyer-squeeze-sp131.md)

## **Logistics on the trail**

#### **Camping**

Under the Swedish law of "Allemansrätten" (the public right of access to nature) it's possible to **camp in the wild anywhere** that it isn't explicitly forbidden and where you aren't near any dwelling. Which around the uninhabited and remote Kungsleden trail isn't exactly a big problem. Occasionally, though, it can be a problem to find a suitable spot that isn't waterlogged, or a spot in the lee – on the open plains and plateaus a really strong wind can complicate pitching your tent and disturb a peaceful night's sleep.

Naturally there are **exceptions** here too, and in the case of the Kungsleden trail this concerns **Abisko national park**. On this stretch you can camp only at two designated places – by the Nissonjokk shelter (4 km from Abisko, free) and by the Abiskojauare Fjällstuga hut (14 km from Abisko, for a fee).

You can also stay directly in the **mountain huts**, of which there are about 20 along the way. With the exception of a few huts, though, don't expect any hotel luxury, even if the prices suggest rather that you'll be sleeping in a royal suite at the Hilton. You sleep on bunks in small rooms with mattresses. Electricity and hot water aren't available at most huts. There are kitchens equipped with cookware where you can cater for yourself. With the exception of two sections (Kvikkjokk – Jäkkvik, Jäkkvik – Ammarnäs) the trail could be planned with sleeping in huts only. If you decide to sleep inside in the dry, we recommend booking places in advance on the [website](https://www.swedishtouristassociation.com/) of the STF. As the trail grows in popularity, capacity in some places can be used up during the main season. At the huts it's usually possible to camp for a fee and use their facilities (bathroom, kitchen, shelter). You'll find more about sleeping in the mountain huts, including a link to prices and payment options, [here](https://www.swedishtouristassociation.com/our-accommodation-types/stay-stf-mountain-cabin/) (the information covers all the huts managed by STF, not just those on the Kungsleden trail). In the towns of Jäkkvik and Ammarnäs it's possible to sleep in affordable **hostels**, where electricity, a hot shower and possibly even laundry for a fee are also available.

Along the way you'll also come across plenty of smaller and more modest **shelters**. These are winter bivouacs and emergency cabins, which shouldn't be abused, though – sleep in them only in an emergency. In bad weather, however, they provide pleasant cover for cooking lunch or dinner, for example. You'll find most of these shelters marked in [mapy.cz](https://mapy.cz/s/magehufono).

#### **Resupply**

The resupply options on the trail are **fairly limited**, as you're in quite a remote area. Supermarkets with a wide selection and normal Swedish prices you'll find at the start and the finish of the route **in Abisko** and **Hemavan**, and then along the way only in 2 settlements, **Jäkkvik** and **Ammarnäs**, which are only in the second half of the trail, though.

You can also restock **at some of the mountain huts** along the way, but don't expect exactly a wide selection of food (compared with normal supermarkets) – on the contrary, be ready for an extreme mountain markup in the form of at least double the price. Both are down to the fact that most huts are hard to reach and supplies are brought in by helicopter, or by snowmobile in winter. The selection at the end of the season will be even more limited, because the best and most trail-suitable food will probably have been bought up by the hikers ahead of you. You can read more about the resupply options at the huts [here](https://www.swedishtouristassociation.com/stf-mountain-shops-shop-off-beaten-track/). You'll also find a little map of the huts with shops there, and examples of the food you can buy at the huts (including prices). Count on limited opening hours too – they're usually open in the morning between 8 and 10 and in the afternoon between 16 and 18.

If you're spending time in a bigger city before the trail (for example Stockholm or Kiruna), you can send yourself a **resupply package** (resupply box) to Kvikkjokk (through the company [Bussgods](https://www.bussgods.se/)). There is a small shop in Kvikkjokk, but similarly to the mountain huts its stock can be limited. You'll also find a **hiker box** there, into which hikers finishing here leave food or gas canisters they no longer need.

Another resupply option is to **use the buses from the access points** (Kvikkjokk, Nikkaluokta, Vakkotavare, Kebnats) and **go shopping in bigger villages or towns** in the wider area. This variant often eats up a large amount of time, though, depending on the transport connection and the distance from the towns. It can even amount to a whole day out.

If you're after a gas canister for cooking before the start of the trail, you can buy one at the Abisko tourist station (if you're going from the north) or in Hemavan (if you're setting out from the south). Canisters can also be obtained at some of the huts or resupply points along the way.

#### **Water**

Water on the Kungsleden trail is **no problem at all**. You may even have rather too much of it, because it'll probably leak into your shoes or your backpack more than once. That said, the system of all the streams, rivers and lakes on this trail is really excellent, so you don't even need any big capacity for carrying water (for most people that'll be max. 3 liters).

Even though the water looks clean and crystal clear, for safety reasons we always recommend using a [water filter](/c/gear/water-filters).

[HydroBlu Versa Flow Water Filter Package](/p/hydroblu-versa-flow-water-filter-package.md)

## **Hazards and difficulty**

#### **Weather**

What can you expect from Scandinavian weather in summer? Absolutely everything! Snow included, easily. The weather tends to be **changeable** and often also **rainy with strong wind**. You can get lucky and enjoy two weeks of blue sky without a single cloud, or it can rain on you the whole way. But it'll probably be something in between. From September at the latest, count on a marked drop in temperatures, ground frost and possible snow showers and storms.

Given that there's very little phone signal on the trail, you probably won't have the option of checking the forecast daily. At the huts, though, you'll usually find **the current forecast posted** for the coming days, or you can ask the hut staff.

#### **Terrain**

A beautifully maintained, well-trodden path, wooden walkways, bridges over streams and rivers, but also rocky terrain, bogs and wetlands. On the Kungsleden trail you'll get a bit of everything. Thanks to the good waymarking and the low elevation gain **this isn't a technically demanding trail** – you won't be passing through any exposed or dangerous sections.

Along the way you've got **7 lake crossings** ahead of you. Some you can get across **under your own power** using rowing boats that are available free of charge. There's a rule there, though, that at least one boat has to stay on each shore. So if you're on a shore where only one boat is available and there are two on the opposite side, you'll have to cross the lake 3 times, so that you also tow one boat from the other side back to the shore you started from. The whole situation can be complicated by strong wind, rain and the distance between the shores (up to several kilometers).

With the exception of the first lake (Tjarvekallegiehtje, distance 500 m, 3 km past Jäkkvik) there's the option of using **crewed motorboats** for transport, but these aren't free and mostly run only **a few times a day**. Adding a little to the confusion is the fact that some crossings can be paid for only in cash and some only by card. Count on a price of 150–400 SEK for a one-way trip. You'll find more information about transport across the lakes [here](https://www.swedishtouristassociation.com/boats-in-the-mountains/).

On one 30 km section of the Kungsleden trail you'll probably use **bus transport** like most hikers. It's the part between Vakkotavare and Kebnats, from where a boat crossing over the lake to the harbor of Saltoluokta connects directly to the bus. The bus runs 1–2x a day (depending on the season). What's more, the bus stops for half an hour in Stora Sjöfallet, where there's a small restaurant and a little shop with the option of charging electronics.

- [Yate Emergency Blanket Silver](/p/yate-emergency-blanket-silver.md)
- [Hyberg ZIP Bag Lite](/p/hyberg-zip-bag-lite.md)
- [Liteway Wash Bag](/p/liteway-wash-bag.md)
- [Sea To Summit Wilderness Wash 100 ml](/p/sea-to-summit-wilderness-wash-100-ml.md)
- [EuroSchirm Swing Liteflex Silver](/p/euroschirm-swing-liteflex-silver.md)
- [Darn Tough Women's Bear Town Micro Crew Lightweight](/p/darn-tough-bear-town-micro-crew-lightweight-womens.md)
- [Darn Tough Women's Critter Club Micro Crew Lightweight](/p/darn-tough-critter-club-micro-crew-lightweight-womens.md)
- [Darn Tough Men's PCT Micro Crew Lightweight](/p/darn-tough-pct-micro-crew-lightweight-mens.md)
- [Nitecore NU33](/p/nitecore-nu33.md)
- [Nitecore NB Air](/p/nitecore-nb-air.md)
- [Flextail ZERO pump](/p/flextail-zero-pump.md)

#### **Injuries and health problems**

On the Kungsleden trail injuries or health problems can happen to you just **as anywhere else**. You can get injured from overloading, tripping, falls, while fording streams and so on. Resolving the situation can be complicated by the remoteness of the trail and the unavailability of phone signal, when without a satellite phone or locator you can't call for help yourself.

In cold weather you need to watch out for the symptoms of **hypothermia**, which is a whole-body, life-threatening state of being chilled.

You can also be hit by **digestive problems from unfiltered water**, or **noroviruses** can spread among hikers as a result of worsened hygiene habits and shared communal spaces in the huts.

#### **Animals**

Animals on the Kungsleden trail aren't a problem – on the contrary, watching the enormous **herds of reindeer** is one of the highlights of the whole trail.

That said, Lapland is home to moose, wolves, lynx and bears, among others. Given how shy they are and the enormous uninhabited space available to them, you can only really encounter them very rarely. **Moose** are common throughout Lapland and although they're usually harmless, they can be aggressive if they feel threatened (especially females with young). **Brown bears** also occur in the area, but they aren't known to have ever approached people looking for food. On the Kungsleden trail it's neither a condition nor a custom to store food in bear canisters (plastic containers a bear can't get into) or to hang food bags in a tree (mostly there's nowhere to hang them anyway).

#### **Plants**

There are no dangerous plants on the Kungsleden trail that would be lethally poisonous or cause aggressive skin irritation. Even so, it's better to avoid eating any berries, wild fruit and mushrooms you don't know and can't identify safely.

## **Alternatives**

A short way from the Kungsleden trail lies **Sweden's highest mountain** **Kebnekaise** with a summit at **2 097 m**. Two access routes lead to the top from the Kebnekaise Fjällstation hut. The mountain itself is formed by a snow-covered, glaciated ridge with two summits. The western access route goes over the summit of Vierrarvárri and isn't too technically demanding, but it is long and exhausting. The eastern access route across the Björlings glaciar glacier is technically far more demanding, with objective risks such as falls into a crevasse or off a rock ledge. The fixed ropes on the final climb aren't there just for decoration. If you decide to climb Sweden's highest mountain as part of the Kungsleden trail, we recommend choosing the western route, allowing yourself enough time for it and heading for the summit only in favorable weather. The staff at the Kebnekaise Fjällstation hut can also give you more information.

A popular detour from the Kungsleden trail in the south-eastern part of Sarek national park is also **Mount Skierfe** (1 179 m), with a beautiful view down into the valley over the Rapa river and the Laitaure delta. The route to the summit isn't considered demanding and in nice weather you definitely won't regret climbing a few hundred extra meters.

## **Practical advice and closing tips**

**Budget:** The budget, as on all long-distance trails, is highly individual and depends on the level of comfort you want to give yourself along the way. That said, the Kungsleden generally isn't among the cheapest long-distance trails. As for transport, count on a plane, trains and buses to the start and the finish of the trail, at least one bus in the middle of the trail and paying for the crossings over the lakes. You can save on accommodation if you sleep only in a tent and don't use the expensive mountain huts. Even camping by a hut costs money. You can bring food for the start of the trail with you, or buy it more cheaply (by Swedish standards) at a supermarket in a bigger town before the start of the trip. That said, you probably won't avoid buying food, or at least a small resupply, at the overpriced mountain huts along the way.

**Payment:** Cashless payment is common all over Sweden and it's no different on the Kungsleden trail. At some huts it's even the only payment option, which can be surprising for a lot of people when the huts don't even have electricity. That said, it's a good idea to always have some cash on you too, for possible payments for boat transport.

**Phone signal:** Mobile coverage on the Kungsleden trail is very low. Above all in the northern part of the trail between Abisko and Kvikkjokk the coverage is almost zero (apart from a few places). The further south you get, the more often you'll come across signal, above all at higher elevations.

**Charging electronics:** Most huts don't have electricity, so it isn't possible to charge your phone, power banks, headlamp and so on in them. Only at a few better-equipped huts is this service available. Electronics can also be charged on the bus, in hostels or restaurants in the bigger settlements (Abisko, Jäkkvik, Ammarnäs, Hemavan) and so on. Given the absence of phone signal we recommend keeping your phone in airplane mode and saving battery. It's also worth having a reliable [power bank](/p/nitecore-nb20000-power-bank-gen3) with enough capacity with you.

**FB group:** If you want to find partners for the trail or you're stuck with something regarding the Kungsleden trail, try searching the history or asking other hikers in the Facebook group [Kungsleden / King's Trail](https://www.facebook.com/groups/1152014041572055). The group is fairly active and there's bound to be someone who has already dealt with a similar problem. In the comments you'll often also find useful tips and advice from people who have already completed the trail successfully.

Photos by: Jiří Novák, Martin Benc

This post is also available as [HTML](/blog/kungsleden-guide).

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