Bárasjuhka River, near mountain Svájppá. Foto Maria Söderberg

 

Arjeplog – the least hiked part of Kungsleden

Kungsleden, The King’s Trail, is a hiking trail in northern Sweden, approximately 440- kilometre (270 mil) long, between Abisko in the north and Hemavan in the south. It passes through one of Europe’s largest remaining wilderness areas. The section between Kvikkjokk and Ammarnäs is the least hiked on Kungsleden. Perhaps because a tent is needed and the nature is comprised more of mountain birch forests and river valleys than bare mountain region. But the views over the large forests are majestic, especially in Pieljekaise National Park. August and beginning of September are the best months, when the landscape is painted a golden red and the mosquitoes disappear.

Riebnesgájsse – Kings Trail. Autumn. Foto Maria Söderberg 

The hiking can be demanding due to the path going up and down. Between the river valleys and plateaux are several hundred of altitude change. Several smaller communities, huts and cottages give the area its own character, unlike everything else on Kungsleden. This section also means somewhat longer boat transports, which you can arrange (for exampel from Voutnatjviken).

Illustration Stig Söderlind

 

There are few simpler huts, such as Tsielejåkk and Pieljakaise huts, where you can sleep if you can arrange a key. You can overnight in the village of Jäckvik, Adolfström and Bäverholm, but you will overnight most of the time in a lean-to or tent. If the weather is good, the mountain plateaux offer the best tent spots.
The Svaipa bird preservation area is worth an extra stop for ornithologists, and the hike over the prairie-like flat country of Björkfjäll expands the views.
The final run to Ammarnäs takes places over a long ridge that gives a fantastic view of the river valley.

Facts from STF‚ Svenska Turistföreningen.
You can download a brochure
in English here:
www.svenskaturistforeningen.se

Tjidtjakválle between Lake Riebnes and Saudal, Lake Hornavan. Foto Maria Söderberg

FACTS THE KING’S TRAIL (KUNGSLEDEN)
The first ideas to create a continuous hiking trail
in the mountain world of Swedish Lapland came at
the end of 1800s. As now, the Swedish Tourist Association
was the organiser. This trail would pass the most beautiful
places and thus become ‘the king of trails’ – the King’s Trail.
The stretch Kvikkjokk to Abisko was cleared during the 1920s
and today, the King’s Trail stretches ca. 430 km from
Abisko in the north to Hemavan in the south.

SÀMI WORDS
Terrain words can be spelled in many ways depending on the dialect.
bákti, pakte steep cliff
cohkka, tjåkkå peak
eatnu, ätno river, stream
gálsi, kaise steep high mountain
jávri, jaure lake
johka, jåkkå stream, creek
luokta bay
vággi, vagge valley, U-­shaped valley

Annoying mosquitoes. Foto Maria Söderberg

HOW ARE THE MOSQUITOES?
In wetlands and birch forests, the
mosquitoes can be annoying.
Especially in July. Do like the reindeer and
get up to higher ground, where the wind is cool.
Otherwise, we can thank the
mosquito because there are so many birds,
fish and other animals in the mountains.

The King’s Trail passes Bäverholm, near River Lais. Photo Maria Söderberg

 

Short facts from STF.
Also check this digital map and information:
www.outdoorkartan.se/en/

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