Description
Book SynopsisSweden's most famous long-distance trail, the Kungsleden (King's Trail) traverses the land of the Sámi people and the midnight sun, stretching 460km between Abisko and Hemavan. Around half the route lies within the Arctic Circle showcasing an ever-changing landscape of snowy mountains, deep glacial valleys, open fell, expansive lakes and verdant forest. The fully waymarked trail is comprised of five continuous and distinct sections: these can be walked individually or a thru-hike will take around a month. The guide also includes the popular Abisko to Nikkaluokta circuit, which can be completed in a week, and an ascent of Kebnekaise, Sweden's highest peak at 2098m. In addition to clear route description and mapping, you'll find a wealth of practical advice covering accommodation and facilities, equipment and resupply and detailed notes on how to get to and from the section start and finish-points. A Swedish and Fell Sámi glossary can be found in the appendix. Although there are plentiful opportunities for wild camping, three of the five trail sections are equipped with huts (many including a shop and a sauna) making them easily accessible to all. The remaining two sections have a more remote feel that will appeal to those intent on finding some solitude. To add further colour, there are seven mandatory lake crossings on the trail with the option of rowing or using the motorised service: full details are provided in the text. The Kungsleden passes through five national parks, including Sarek. Other highlights include the striking Tjäktjavagge glacial valley and the famous hay meadows of Aktse, perfectly framed by the azure Lájtávrre delta and the sheer chiselled face of Skierrffe. The Kungsleden invites you to step into a new world, and it may well prove to be the start of a long and rich association involving many repeated visits.
Table of ContentsMap key Overview map Route summary table Introduction The subarctic environment Plants and animals Regional history When to go Planning your walk Transport Boat crossings Accommodation Hut life and facilities The truth about sauna Trail marking and access What to take Mapping and GPS Communications and electronics Resupply Safety and wellbeing Using this guide Section 1 - Abisko to Saltoluokta Stage 1 Abisko to Abiskojaure Stage 2 Abiskojaure to Alesjaure Stage 3 Alesjaure to Tjäktja Stage 4 Tjäktja to Sälka Stage 5 Sälka to Singi Stage 6 Singi to Kaitumjaure Stage 7 Kaitumjaure to Teusajaure Stage 8 Teusajaure to Saltoluokta via Vakkotavare Additional itineraries Additional itinerary 1 Singi to Nikkaluokta (alternative finish to Section 1) Additional itinerary 2 Kebnekaise summit Section 2 - Saltoluokta to Kvikkjokk Stage 9 Saltoluokta to Sitojaure Stage 10 Sitojaure to Aktse Stage 11 Aktse to Pårte Stage 12 Pårte to Kvikkjokk Section 3 - Kvikkjokk to Jäkkvik Stage 13 Kvikkjokk to Tsielekjåkkå Stage 14 Tsielekjåkkå to Gistoj#xe1;vr#xe1;tj Stage 15 Gistoj#xe1;vr#xe1;tj to G#xe1;sakl#xe1;hko Stage 16 G#xe1;sakl#xe1;hko to Vuonatjviken Stage 17 Vuonatjviken to Jäkkvik Section 4 - Jäkkvik to Ammarnäs Stage 18 Jäkkvik to Luvt#xe1;vrre Stage 19 Luvt#xe1;vrre to Bäverholmen Stage 20 Bäverholmen to Tjiegnatisj#xe1;vrrie Stage 21 Tjiegnatisj#xe1;vrrie to Rävfalls Stage 22 Rävfalls to Ammarnäs Section 5 - Ammarnäs to Hemavan Stage 23 Ammarnäs to Aigert Stage 24 Aigert to Serve Stage 25 Serve to Tärnasjö Stage 26 Tärnasjö to Syter Stage 27 Syter to Viterskals Stage 28 Viterskals to Hemavan Appendix A Summary of facilities Appendix B Useful contacts Appendix C Summary of boat crossings Appendix D Language
