Kungsleden trail

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The Kings Trail! Crossing dramatic wild territory across Sweden’s remote northern wilds, Lapland, hikers push 440kms from to Hemavan. Four weeks walking will take you the whole length but wimps and people after a quick fix of Lapland’s wild will want the first and most northern week of walking (this stage is also frequented by day trippers.). The top of the trail is Arctic Circle wilderness. Progressing south you enter forests of flowers and birch passing glacial valleys, Sweden’s famous long skinny waterfalls and Sami Reindeer herder country. Much tamed in recent times by the Svenska Turistforeningen, friendly planks now protect walkers from the muddiest trenches, use has improved the pathways and those nice people have also built huts at what they consider appropriate day walking distances, very civilised. If you’re looking for an all inclusive finding yourself type wilderness you’ll be glad to hear you’re also welcome to pitch your tent. Or you can attempt a strolling detour through Sarek National Park, devoid of tracks or any kinds of amenities and only for real Marine types. Another detour option is an attempt at Kebnekaise, Sweden’s highest peak. Not yet quite a walk in the park don’t attempt unless you have some idea of how to behave in the wilderness and certainly only between June and September unless you want the added snow white, cold, wet challenge. Apparently if you can attempt it in winter on skis?

1 / 5 Review by expert member Kieran Hadford

‘Lapland: Regal splendour’

By Rhiannon Batten for The Independent First Published Saturday, 23 August 2008 Cresting a snow-covered pass, I climbed carefully over springy... Read more »

Review by press.