hiking 440 km from abisko to hemavan
KUNGSLEDEN TRAIL
In September 2009, I took my first steps south from Abisko and began my first journey along the Kungsleden. Winter had arrived early that year, with snow flurries sweeping across golden birch forests and dusting the mountain peaks. It was cold, stormy, and for ten days I saw barely a few hours of sunshine. Yet each evening, gathered around the warmth of the mountain huts, I listened to stories from hikers who had returned to the north year after year. Before I had even finished the trail, I already knew I would come back.
Stretching 440 km through the mountains of Swedish Lapland, the Kungsleden (King’s Trail) is one of Europe’s great long-distance hikes. Most visitors hike the famous northern section between Abisko and Nikkaluokta, with its dramatic alpine valleys and easy access from Kiruna. Yet far fewer continue south, beyond Kvikkjokk, where the trail grows quieter and enters vast stretches of wilderness.
This guide combines the practical knowledge needed to plan and complete the trail with the experience of nearly two decades hiking across northern Sweden. Covering the entire route from Abisko to Hemavan, it includes transport logistics, hut information, lake crossings, route descriptions, resupply advice, camping tips, and photography to help inspire your own adventure.
Whether you are planning a short section hike or a full journey across the Kungsleden, hopefully these pages will convince you that this is a trail worth experiencing.
Updated: May 2026
