Trekking the Kungsleden : The King's Trail through Northern Sweden

The Kungsleden, or King's Trail, stretches around 460 km (286 miles) through the vast sub-arctic wilderness of northern Sweden's Lappland, running from Abisko to Hemavan. The route crosses open fell, mountain valleys, lakes and birch forests, much of it above the Arctic Circle, offering both classic thru-hiking and flexible section walking through some of Europe's most remote landscapes. Described in 28 stages between 7 and 22 km (4–14 miles), the full route typically takes around 4 weeks to complete, while shorter sections—such as the popular Abisko to Nikkaluokta stretch—can be walked in about a week, making the Kungsleden suitable for both long-distance trekkers and those with limited time. Detailed route descriptions are provided for all sections with 1:100,000 mapping to help you navigate with confidence through key areas like Abisko, Sarek and Stora Sjöfallet National Parks. Optional side excursions include Kebnekaise, Sweden's highest peak, allowing adventurous walkers to summit a 2098m mountain as part of their trek. Accommodation details include STF mountain huts and cabins, many with shops and basic facilities, as well as guidance on wild camping and resupply along the route. Downloadable GPX files are available for use with smartphones or GPS devices, offering flexible digital navigation options. Practical planning advice covers the best time to walk the Kungsleden (late June to early September), details of average rainfall and sunlight hours, transport options, logistics, what to pack, and safety in sub-arctic conditions. This guidebook combines practical advice with cultural and natural insight, ensuring you can plan your trek with confidence and fully enjoy the beauty, solitude, and scale of Lappland.