Abisko, Sweden
Kungsleden is one of the best known wilderness walks in Sweden and takes in part of Lapland inside the Arctic Circle. The walk passes mountains, lakes, rivers, arctic tundra, and reindeer and is in a spectacular region of Europe.
Kungsleden is 440 km long and can be done in stages. The trail runs along the very spine of Scandinavia and is considered to be one of the last wilderness regions of Europe. Along the route there are mountain huts and campsites to stay and the area is home to the indigenous Sami people. As well as reindeer walkers can usually see elk, lemmings, many birds and sometimes wolverines.
The most popular section of this route starts at Abisko on Lake Tornetrsk and the trek to Nikkaluokta usually takes around a week. Kungsleden then climbs for two or three days to Tjkjavagge valley, bisecting the highest mountains in Sweden. Other trekking routes focus on the southern end of Kungsledden and there are many places to see Lapland at its best.
The route is, however notorious for mosquitoes in summer and walkers are advised to ensure they come well prepared for this and sudden potential changes in weather conditions.
Long Summer Nights