Thank you for your interest in this expedition. No dates have been set as yet as I’m just seeing who and how many are interested in this amazing opportunity to witness a true wilderness in Swedish Lapland.
You will walk, camp (or stay in a hut) along 110km of some of the most beautiful scenery of Arctic Sweden, Home to the indigenous Reindeer herders, the Sami.
It’s not the easiest route to do but it’s not the hardest.
The Plan
The plan is to fly to Stockholm and then an internal flight to Kiruna in the Arctic circle in Swedish Lapland.
We will have a night in a hostel which gives you the chance to buy food and supplies.
Day 1
Fly to Kiruna via Stockholm, stay at Spas Hostel, chance to stock up on supplies.
Day 2
Flight bags / spare clothes etc to be left at hostel or tourist information centre, bus to Nikkaluokta where the start of this 110km hike will start.
We will follow a well marked trail, taking a boat ride to break up the walk to Kebnekaise Mountain station where you can prebook a bed or wild camp close by.
Day 3
We walk to Salka mountain station following the famous Kungsleden Trail where you can stay in the mountain station or wild camp.
Day 5
A short 18km to Singi mountain station where there’s a chance to sauna and swim in the freezing river.
Day 5
24km with a steep incline up to the highest part along the Kungsleden and down the valley stay at Alesjaure mountain station.
Day 6
28km from Alesjaure to Abisko national park, train back to Kiruna and stay at Spis.
Day 7
Free day in Kiruna.
Day 8
Flight back to the UK
The trail.
The trail is well marked and well used but can be arduous in places. You will need to cross rivers and streams, some don’t have bridges but nothing more than the chance for a wet foot.
The mountain trails along the way have toilets, shops (quite expensive) and the possibility to stay in dorms. If you want to stay in the huts it’s best to book these beforehand.
Along the route you’ll see eagles, reindeer and Sami fishing camps. It is an absolutely wild and beautiful area.
You’ll walk through stunted Arctic Birch forests, across glacial boulder fields and up snowy peaks the the highest part of the Kungsleden.
Gear.
You will need to carry all your gear you require for 7 days camping / walking.
Clothing.
You will need clothing capable of keeping you warm in summer Arctic conditions. One minute it can be 21C and the next snowing.
Food.
freeze-dried meals are the best, these can be purchased in Kiruna before the start. Some of the mountain huts will stock them but they can be expensive.
Water.
Water can be drunk straight out of any stream and river, its the freshest and safest water you’ll probably ever drink!
Tents, Sleeping bags etc.
You will need a good quality 3 season tent and 3 season sleeping bag, relevant clothing, gas cooker etc. All gear will be discussed in planning meeting prior to leaving the UK.
Cost.
Flights are around £300,
Accommodation around £150
Train £40
Bus transfers £40
Mountain accommodation around £40 per night (cheaper if you become a member beforehand).
All in all £1000 would be a good amount to save for this excursion. Northern Sweden is expensive but personally, it’s worth it.
Pre-planning.
We will meet a few times to go through a more detailed plan, discuss gear, clothing, route and other questions you have.
What if I become injured or no longer wish to continue?
You will need to either walk back to the start or to the nearest mountain hut to get a helicopter back. In an emergency I will be carrying a gps beacon that can be activated to call rescue.
Any extrication will cost.
Phone signal.
There is phone signal from Nikkaluokta to Salka. From then there’s no signal until you get to Abisko.
More information can be read on this post concerning the route and the area.
PDF of the presentation can be found below.
If you are interested in taking part in this trek then please fill in the form below.
