Kungsleden Trek - The Kings Trail of Sweden
- Walk the finest trek in Sweden and climb the highest peak
- Guided ascent of Kebnekaise
- Experience the delights of the midnight sun
- Spectacular Arctic Circle landscapes
- One of the wildest and most remote trekking holidays in Europe
Sweden's 'King's Trail' or 'Kungsleden' is one of Europe's wildest and most remote treks. It is situated 200 kilometres/ 130 miles north of the Arctic Circle in Swedish Lapland. In summer, the approach to Kebnekaise (2117m / 6945ft) Sweden's highest mountain, crosses an unspoiled land of flower-carpeted birch forest and spectacular glacial valleys where the indigenous Sami people tend their herds of reindeer. Starting out alongside the Abisko River, we trek to the wonderful viewpoint of the T'tja Pass (1100m /3608ft) and continue via the impressive waterfalls of the Tj'ktajakka Valley. Carrying light backpacks, we overnight at a series of comfortable mountain huts, some of which have saunas to help soothe the limbs after a day's walking. Upon reaching the Kebnekaise Mountain Station, we have time for a glacier trek and for the ascent to the exposed and snowy summit of Sweden's highest peak. Superb trekking and the unforgettable experience of daylight at midnight makes this a unique adventure holiday.
Is this holiday for you?
The days on the King's Trail (excluding the ascent of Kebnekaise) involve straightforward walking on well-defined paths. However some of the days are reasonably long with the longest being 25 kilometres. Additionally, you will need to carry all of your personal equipment and a minimal supply of the communal food. For this we recommend that you take a comfortable 50-60 litre backpack. We estimate that you should be able to keep the weight of your pack to no more than 10-12 kgs, since you will not be carrying either a sleeping bag or a camping mattress. The modest altitudes attained on this holiday will not have an effect on the strenuousness of the hiking. The longest and most strenuous day of the trekking holiday will be on the ascent of Kebnekaise. Group members will be issued with a climbing harness and a climbing helmet. With the local guide leading, the group will be roped together when crossing the lower glacier and on any snow-slope sections of the route. Because this route is regularly climbed there are usually big foot-steps in the snow to follow. Sections of the route involve easy scrambling, with the assistance and security of fixed ropes, which you will clip in to. The ascent of Kebnekaise is entirely optional.
You may also be interested in...
Iceland - Trek the Land of Extremes - Iceland, Trek & Walk 8 days
Traverse of the Jotunheimen of Norway - Norway, Trek & Walk 9 days
Inside the Arctic Circle - Skiing the Kings Trail - Sweden, Ski Touring 9 days
