Hiking the beautiful Kungsleden (King’s Trail) in northern Sweden, from Kebnekaise (from Nikkaluokta) to Abisko. A journey across dramatic mountain passes, vast open valleys and elegant lakes in the Arctic Circle in early autumn.
The Kungsleden is a 440km trail stretching through the wilderness in northern Sweden. The most popular segment is the northernmost portion, from Abisko to Kebnekaise/ Nikkaluokta (~110km). It is also the segment I was to attempt, on my first serious hike in Europe. The Kungsleden is generally well marked, with cabins spaced out comfortably enough for day hikes (~10 to 20km). Starting out at Nikkaluokta, I made a couple of detours before reaching the Kungsleden at Singi, heading towards Abisko. Most people though, do it the other way, from Abisko to Nikkaluokta.
For general information on hiking the Kungsleden, checkout my other post here.
September 8th, 2016
Having survived 4 eventful, but at times really terrifying days in Swedish Lapland (in Kebnekaise and Tarfala) so far, I was glad to finally be on the Kungsleden proper. No more summit attempts, ice sheet crossings, or hours without seeing a single soul. I wasn’t expecting to see that many people on the trail though. It was late in the hiking season, and the direction I was in meant less likelihood of seeing people later in the day.
Kungsleden: Kebnekaise to Singi (Day 1)
Exiting the Tarfala Valley (8km), I arrived at the junction between the trails to Nikkaluokta, Kebnekaise and Tarfala for the third time in 4 days. It was around noon by then. I figured I’ll have just about enough time to reach Singi before sunset (16km away). If things were to go great (haven’t been in the past days), I might be able to make a dash for Salka. I was running a little late in my schedule and hope to catch up with it somehow.
Beyond the bridge, 2 more kilometers to Kebnekaise Fjällstation, where I was 2 days ago. Other hikers on the trail. Experiences such as this trip allowed me to better appreciate the presence of other human beings.
Laddjuvaggi
After 4 days of pure fear, awe, terror and amazement, I was feeling a little emotionally drained, and was almost dragging my feet through the Laddjuvaggi valley past Kebnekaise. After all, it wasn’t the first time I was seeing those mountains near Kebnekaise, but only the first time I was to walk through them. They were nonetheless spectacular, and it was an inspiring experience to be walking alongside these giants, the tallest peaks in Sweden.
After another well placed suspension bridge, over the tougher water crossings, and against a beautiful backdrop. The narrowing valley, lined by towering peaks.
Fortunately, the walk through the valley alongside Kebnekaise, Laddjuvaggi, was without too many new and exciting stimuli. It was a welcome change from the previous days, and much needed for some recovery of my sanity. Weather was also definitely much calmer.
Near the western end of Laddjuvaggi, the trail rose a little higher and got a little rockier. I had read about reindeers on the trail, and this was the first I saw!
Towards the end of the valley, I felt slightly better, physically a little tired but somehow more energetic and alert. Slowly, the awe of nature and serenity of being alone in the wilderness crept back in.
There was a shortcut to Salka, marked by this easily missed post on the ground. It was getting late in the afternoon though, and I estimated the shortcut wouldn’t be short enough for me, so I stuck to the main trail towards Singi. There weren’t many signposts along the way, this being the only one along the 14km between Kebnekaise and Singi. The trail was generally clear though, with red painted rocks indicating the path.
Singi
By then, there were nobody else on the trail towards Singi, allowing time for some introspection. Everything felt still. The air, the water, and everything else in between.
Leaving Laddjuvaggi and crossing over to Singi. Snow capped peaks reflecting off the still waters in soft dusk light.
After a long day hiking, the Singi Mountain Cabin in sight! Singi Mountain Cabin at dusk.
A little cold, a little wet from crossing shallow streams, but relieved to have completed another day. The cabin (410SEK per night with STF membership) was crowded, and felt a little cramped, but just right for a night’s rest, as I prepared for another long day tomorrow. I spoke to a few friendly travelers eager to share their stories, and whom were probably a little amused to find an Asian alone this far north in Sweden, but didn’t interact too much as I was tired and turned in early.
Kungsleden: Singi to Salka (Day 2)
I woke up early and left quietly, while most of the cabin was still asleep/ just got up. This was the day to get my schedule back on track, by skipping a cabin (Salka) and heading straight to Tjaktja. But for that to happen, I had to be on my way.
Early morning view at Singi.
The walk to Salka was short (12km), and scenery pretty much similar along the way, though no less beautiful. What better way to start the day than a morning walk through untouched valleys flowing with endless supply of fresh air and water.
Kuoperjakka
Along the route there were emergency shelters available. Kuoperjakka was somewhere midway between Singi and Salka, and also near the the point where I would have started the Kungsleden trial if I had managed to make it across the glaciers at Tarfala a few days back.
Kuoperjakka. Firewood readily available at the shelters, or from hut nearby.
Took a breather, hid from the chill for a few minutes, then back on the trail again.
The snow covered cluster of peaks next to the trail. Not sure what these fences and gates were for, but it was kept latched (unlocked).
Sälka Fjällstuga (Sälka Mountain Cabin)
The sky was still overcast later that morning, as the monotony of the cold southern Arctic landscape in early autumn was broken by a welcome sight, the Salka Mountain Cabin. Fresh berry juice at Salka mountain cabin.
You can pay by credit card at the shop at Salka, which sells a range of food and supplies, but it is dependent on weather conditions, as with the other shops along the trail, as it is powered by solar energy. The cabin manager welcomed me to Salka and offered a delightful cup of berry juice. I didn’t buy anything though, but was able to use the cooking facilities (free for STF members) to get some lunch before I continued towards the final uphill part of the hike, across the Tjaktja Pass.
Kungsleden: Salka to Tjaktja (Day 2)
After a nice warm lunch, I was refreshed and ready to go.
This huge dog outside the cabin was looking rather bored. Lots of possible alternative trails from here, but for now, just the Kungsleden will do.
Back on the Kungsleden, 13 more kilometres for the day. Most streams had some form of bridges over them. Bye, Salka. It was a cosy looking cabin with a sauna, though much older looking inside compared to the other cabins. The triple decker beds might also be a challenge for some people.
I continued on the trail as the valley opened up, then narrowed as I approached Tjaktka Pass, the highest point of the Kungsleden.
I loved the wooden walkways (compared to the rocky/ muddy trail in most parts). A little spoilt, I know. Maybe a little debatable, but I thought the wooden walkways also complemented the open, grassy valleys beautifully. Rocky, like this. Not very kind to inappropriate footwear. I had a nice foot massage nonetheless.
Approaching Tjäktjapasset (Tjäktja Pass)
Looking back into the valley (Ceakcavaggi). Starting the final ascent towards Tjaktja.
Low clouds settling in. I could not see the top of the pass as it was fully obscured behind low clouds. A little terrifying to be walking straight towards it, fortunately made less terrifying by the occasional hiker appearing from behind the clouds, heading in my direction.
Heading above 1,000m again. Third time in 4 days, after Kebnekaise and Tarfala, now Tjaktja. Fortunately, I didn’t have to reach the snow this time. Halfway up the Tjaktja pass, overlooking Ceakcavaggi.
Tjäktjapasset (Tjäktja Pass)
The river winding its way through the valley (Ceakcavaggi), less and less visible as I climbed higher up into the clouds at Tjaktjapasset. The way up felt never ending, as the clouds hid whatever was in front, and it just kept on going up and up.
2 more hikers arrived at the shelter shortly after. I decided to make the final push towards Tjaktja Mountain Cabin after a short rest, despite it getting late by then.
Finally reaching the top of the pass, but not at the cabins yet. This was the emergency shelter. I arrived to find a Korean couple inside. They were in the opposite direction, and it was getting late to attempt to reach Salka, so I guess they would be spending the night there. I could hardly see the way forward. The fading light, low dense clouds and barren terrain made conditions just a little miserable. Or fantasy like.
The weather was visibly worse as I stepped out, the damp, wet air compounded by even denser clouds. I lost the trail for awhile and had to scramble over some steep surfaces, before miraculously stumbling back onto the path marked with red marks. By now, however, the mist was so dense that I could barely see the next red marker, and at times had to walk blindly forward for a few steps before being able to see the next marker. I felt cold, and afraid, but the thought of a warm night in a cabin not too far away kept me going.
As the trail descended and clouds cleared (just a little), I knew the cabin had to be close by.
Temporary relief (on planks). I might have missed the cabin, perched precariously on one end of Tjaktja Pass, if not for the better weather.
Tjäktja Fjällstuga (Tjäktja Mountain Cabin)
And so with the last rays of daylight slipping away, I made a detour from the trail, crossed a bridge over a partially frozen river, to get to the cabin for the night. The journey for the next day, across the open valleys that lie behind those clouds.
Tjaktjastugan (410SEK per night with STF membership) is a simple but comfortable cabin, a paradise in otherwise bleak surroundings at Tjaktja. As usual, I offloaded my stuff into the dryer room before spending the next few hours in the kitchen enjoying simple pleasures of warm instant foodstuff. With Tjatka completed, I was back on schedule to leave Lapland in 4 days. Compared to the 25km I completed today, the next day was to be relatively more comfortable, just 13km to Alesjaure. The last couple of hours had whizzed by, occasionally terrifyingly. It soon got dark, and I was glad to be able to turn in with a peace of mind, in a comfortable, warm bed.
