Kungsleden — Attraction in Kiruna kommun

Went here in the beginning of July 2025 for the first time, so I got up to Kiruna by car further to Nikkaluokta, parked my car (parking 40SEK/ day) and took Nikkaluoktaexpress back to Kiruna trainstation were i went to Abisko Turiststation by train (transfer were booked as a package via sj.se website and costs ~450SEK). (There are stops at both Abisko East and Abisko Turiststation).

First day was "easy", went 17km through Abisko nature preserve and found a campingspot at Šiellajohka just outside the preserve.

Second day started rough with some 220 meters incline over 4km. The start to feel small began here, were mountain tops stood high on the skyline. This day went by Alesjaure Cabins. Tented by a river made from all the melted ice and snow a few kilometers from Alesjaure towards Tjäktja cabins.

Third day started with easy hiking, the first kilometers towards Tjäktja cabins and passage was good for some pace. The shock came when the climb began to the passage, the snow was laying thick and the brigades made of snow over the rivers were risky. Well on top of the passage, i took a well-earned Fika accompied by a older couple from Denmark. We had our laughs, and I think they understood me more than I them. (Sorry! Haha!) Further I passed Sälka cabins, were I bought a beer and some beerwurst. Very good, well-deserved. Went for a couple of kilometers towards Singi cabins.

Fourth day went quickly to Singi, approx. 7km. Stopped at the cabins and talk to one of the polite cabin hosts. Even got free juice. (Maybe i looked a bit worn out..., the night sleep wasn't that great because of the weather). Further I went through the valley towards Kebnekaise station. Stopped by the reception and bought myself a softdrink (with sugar!) and some "chips". Camped the last night 2km towards Nikkaluokta.

Got back to Nikkaluokta after 5 days, with a sadness that the days passed so quickly. Awesome nature and the people that I have met along the way is indescribable. All so happy and passionate about this lifestyle.

P.s. If you are going alone or just want to feel safe, invest in a emergency transmitter such as Garmins Inreach Mini or any other.

Will definitely...

This is probably the best trail to walk with peaceful environment. Huts and shops everywhere on trail. Good for easy to moderate hikers. Get a room or in a tent, your choice. Every some kms there is a hut. There are shops with food on huts. Get a STF membership for a year and in 3 nights stay the memebership benefit cost will pay itself. Best is from south to north so that most beautiful areas are for the last leg of hike. Some places there are wooden planks kept to make the walk easier. Emergency helis available and even can get out from middle of hike to reach a bus station in some places. Reindeer herds can be seen in some places. Clean and fresh water, absolutely safe to drink is running in streams is everywhere so that may be the most positive thing for a long trail. Summer hikes with own tent is excellent and weather is best i.e. mid may onwards. June to august are the busiest and with best moderate weather. I will do this almost every year...

Hiked a part of this trail twice now from Nikkaluokta to Abisko, once in summer and once on skis in winter with the tent. Although most people go the other direction, we clearly prefer this direction, especially in winter due to the dominant wind in the back and the slightly more descents instead of ascents. Be well prepared for this trail, weather and trail conditions can deteriorate quickly. Outside the huts there's no way to contact civilization except using satellite equipment. Nature is breathtaking, make sure you show the respect it deserves. Glad to see that people here are still more in respect of the environment than on trails in let's say the Alps sometimes. Kungsleden is is NOT for beginners. But if you're up for it, it's an amazing experience. Just don't tell too many people. Let's enjoy it while it lasts, things are changing here way...