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

The Kungsleden, or King’s Trail, is one of the world’s great long-distance hiking routes, running through the vast sub-arctic wilderness of northern Sweden’s Lappland. Stretching around 460 km (286 miles) from Abisko to Hemavan, it 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. This trusted guidebook, Trekking the Kungsleden, provides the practical information and route detail needed to plan and walk the trail with confidence. 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 so you can 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 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 Downloadable GPX files are available for use with smartphones or GPS devices, offering a flexible digital navigation option for your adventure through northern Sweden Walking the Kungsleden offers an unforgettable opportunity to experience Sweden’s Arctic wilderness, from serene mountain valleys to the challenge of summiting Kebnekaise. 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.