Arctic trek on the Kungsleden, in the heart of Swedish Lapland
In summary
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Sports
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Duration7 days
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LevelAdvance
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DestinationLapland / Suede
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AgeFrom 18 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions39.86 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
English
In a few words
Embark on an unforgettable Nordic adventure in the heart of Swedish Lapland , on one of the most iconic trails in the Far North. From Abisko to Nikkaluokta , you'll trek through a mosaic of Arctic landscapes: boreal forests , glacial valleys , and wild tundras shape this grand hike. The route leads you to the Tjäktja Pass , offering breathtaking views of the vast Lappish expanse, before reaching the majestic gateway to Kebnekaise , the country's highest peak. Each day, your efforts are rewarded with stays in cozy mountain huts , sometimes enhanced by a relaxing moment in the sauna , for a complete Scandinavian immersion. This trip, where raw nature and wide-open spaces reign supreme, is ideal for passionate hikers seeking serenity , a change of scenery, and spectacular panoramas .
The highlights
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Travel 108 km in Lapland, between boreal forests, tundra and glacial valleys
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Cross the Abiskojaure valley, reindeer country, with an overnight stay in a mountain refuge and sauna.
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Cross the Tjäktja pass, the highest point of the trail, facing the Arctic tundra
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
The expert's opinion
- You practice an endurance sport for a minimum of 2 to 3 hours per week.
- You can walk 5 to 8 hours a day
- The route has little elevation gain; the difficulty lies mainly in the length of some stages.
- You are comfortable carrying your backpack during the different stages (no motorized transport is planned)
- You are comfortable on varied and technical terrain (rocky slopes, steep paths, off-trail)
- Have you ever been hiking in the mountains?
In figures
Hiking
- Average distance/day: 19 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 323 m
- Average daily descent: 3 m
Management
French
English
Being able to live an adventurous, outdoor life has always been something I dreamt about. After completing a "traditional" education and entering the workforce, I quickly realized it wasn't for me. So, I changed course. After three years in a design office, I embarked on a career change and became a guide in as many disciplines as possible that excite me: mountain guide, river guide, climbing instructor, and mountain biking instructor.
Program
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Day 1
- Activity Hiking
- Distance 14 km
- Positive elevation gain 180 m
- Negative elevation 20 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
The meeting point is set for late morning, around 11 a.m. in Abisko, where the guide will meet the group. A brief introduction will allow everyone to review the itinerary and prepare their equipment before beginning this first leg of the trek.
The trail initially follows the Abiskojokk River through a sparse birch forest, offering a gradual immersion into the Lappish landscape. The hike then leads to the Abiskojaure mountain hut, situated on the shores of the lake of the same name. The day concludes with an evening at the hut, including a shared dinner and the option to relax in the sauna at the end of the day.
Day 1 -
Day 2
- Activity Hiking
- Distance 23 km
- Positive elevation gain 350 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We leave Abiskojaure behind and enter a pristine glacial valley, its rhythm defined by winding rivers and small, crystal-clear lakes, overlooked by towering peaks. The trail crosses vast expanses of tundra, in a silent atmosphere punctuated only by the passing of reindeer and the whisper of the wind.
At the end of the day's hike, we reach the Unna Allakas refuge, a remote site offering total immersion in the landscapes of the Swedish Far North. If conditions permit, the evening can be spent observing the Northern Lights under the Arctic sky.
Day 2 -
Day 3
- Activity Hiking
- Distance 15 km
- Positive elevation gain 560 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
The day begins with crossing a panoramic ridge, offering spectacular views of the surrounding landscapes, before a gradual descent towards the shores of Lake Alesjaure. This vast Arctic fjord, with its deep blue waters, is one of the most iconic sites on the route.
The stage ends at the Alesjaure refuge, perched on a hill overlooking the lake. The more adventurous can try a swim in the cold waters, followed by a relaxing moment in a traditional Swedish sauna, for a complete Nordic immersion.
Day 3 -
Day 4
- Activity Hiking
- Distance 17 km
- Positive elevation gain 330 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We leave the shores of the lake to reach a new glacial valley, dominated by slender peaks and punctuated by hanging glaciers. The trail follows clear rivers, winding through a mineral and decidedly wild landscape.
The stage concludes at the Vistas refuge, a wooden chalet situated on the riverbank. The more adventurous can enjoy a refreshing swim at an unexpected natural beach, right in the heart of Lapland.
Day 4 -
Day 5
- Activity Hiking
- Distance 19 km
- Positive elevation gain 470 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We rejoin the historical route of the trail, heading towards the Sami village of Sälka. This section is among the most spectacular of the route, offering wide panoramas of the Lappish mountains and the vast expanses of open tundra.
The stage ends at the Sälka mountain hut, where a shared meal provides an opportunity to continue the conversation in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. If desired, it is possible to enjoy a wood-fired sauna for a final moment of relaxation in true Swedish style.
Day 5 -
Day 6
- Activity Hiking
- Distance 26 km
- Positive elevation gain 310 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
The day unfolds across the vast expanse of the trail, amidst open landscapes blending mountains and wide valleys. The route progresses towards the Kebnekaise mountain station, located at the foot of Sweden's highest peak.
The atmosphere gradually becomes more lively, punctuated by encounters with mountaineers attempting the ascent of Kebnekaise. The day concludes with a final dinner at the mountain hut, shared in a convivial atmosphere, on the eve of the last leg of the trek.
Day 6 -
Day 7
- Activity Hiking
- Distance 18 km
- Positive elevation gain 60 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
We leave the Kebnekaise station to begin the final leg of our journey, a mostly downhill walk along a winding river through boreal forests. Gradually, the mountainous terrain fades away, giving way to vast Arctic expanses, for a gentle end to our trek.
Arriving in Nikkaluokta marks the end of the adventure. A final meal together concludes the stay before the transfer to Abisko, the starting point of this great trek in Swedish Lapland.
Day 7
Accommodation
Abiskojaure cabin.
The mountain huts offer all modern comforts. You will sleep in shared rooms with single beds. The huts will be heated by wood-burning stoves and you will have access to sanitary facilities with showers and toilets.
Unna Allakas Hut.
The mountain huts offer all modern comforts. You will sleep in shared rooms with single beds. The huts will be heated by wood-burning stoves and you will have access to sanitary facilities with showers and toilets.
Alesjaure Cabin.
The mountain huts offer all modern comforts. You will sleep in shared rooms with single beds. The huts will be heated by wood-burning stoves and you will have access to sanitary facilities with showers and toilets.
Vistas Cabin.
The mountain huts offer all modern comforts. You will sleep in shared rooms with single beds. The huts will be heated by wood-burning stoves and you will have access to sanitary facilities with showers and toilets.
Salka Cabin.
The mountain huts offer all modern comforts. You will sleep in shared rooms with single beds. The huts will be heated by wood-burning stoves and you will have access to sanitary facilities with showers and toilets.
Kebnekaise Hut.
The mountain huts offer all modern comforts. You will sleep in shared rooms with single beds. The huts will be heated by wood-burning stoves and you will have access to sanitary facilities with showers and toilets.
Access
We'll meet in Abisko at 11am on the first day. On the last day, a bus will take us back to Kiruna around 1:30pm.
Go to the starting point
Here is an overview of the route:
Departure station > Cologne
Cologne > Hamburg Station
Hamburg Station > Stockholm
From there, a direct night train connects Stockholm to Kiruna. From Kiruna, we can arrange a transfer upon request (not included in the price).
Price details
The price includes
- Supervision by a qualified mountain guide (AMM)
- Accommodation in fully staffed mountain huts with all modern comforts (wood-burning stove and some will have a sauna)
- All meals from dinner on Day 1 to the picnic on Day 7
- The return shuttle from Nikkaluokta (arrival point) to Kiruna at the end of the stay
The price does not include
- Round-trip transportation to the starting point
- Luggage transport
- Anything not listed under "Price includes"
Options
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment to bring
- Charged headlamp
- Backpack (50L) (for backpacking)
- Insurance card
- Phone and charger
- Water bottle (min 1.5L)
- Multitool / Swiss Army Knife
- A picnic
- Credit card and cash
- Passport or ID
- Book/notebook and pen
- Waterproof plastic for ID, phone, etc.
- Adhesive tape (repairs)
- Lightweight silk sleeping bag liner/down sleeping bag
- Earplugs
- Microfiber towel
- SPF 50 sunscreen
- SPF Lip Stick
- Small personal pharmacy (ampoule kit, headache/nausea medication)
- Energy snacks (bars, dried fruit, etc.)
- Reusable picnic kit (Tupperware, cutlery, fabric bag)
- Card game or small pocket game
- CAF / FFCAM / Alpine Club card (if a member)
- Toilet paper / wet wipes
- Toiletries kit (toothbrush, toothpaste)
Clothing to bring
- Technical socks
- Waterproof jacket with a "Gore-tex" type hood
- Lightweight gloves
- Balaclava / Buff
- Hat or cap
- Shorts / capri pants
- Fleece (think of multiple layers)
- Comfortable clothes for the evening + slippers
- Breathable technical T-shirt
- Sunglasses (cat. 3)
- Telescopic hiking poles
- Hiking pants
- Closed hiking boots (ideally waterproof and breathable)
- Mosquito hat (Far North)
