By Peter
Potterfield ; Executive summary by darmansjah
Abisko Mountain Station to the Saami
Village of Nikkaluokta
Round-Trip: 65 miles, 3 to 5 days
When to Go: The Europeans do it in August, when they get holiday time,
so be bold and go in early September for authentic solitude and no bugs.
A hundred miles inside the Arctic
Circle, Sweden’s legendary 275-mile Kungsleden (the “The King's Trail”) begins
its traverse of the last great wilderness in western Europe. This mind-blowing
northernmost section penetrates the vast Arctic landscape of Sweden through
birch forests, open tundra, and big glaciers before crossing the shoulder of
Sweden’s highest peak, 6,926-foot Mount Kebnekaise. Using the comfortable huts
placed about a day apart assures you have refuge in bad weather. Sturdy
suspension bridges take the danger out of the big rivers. The vibe here is “far
north,” with palpable emptiness and low-angled light that stirs the soul.
Insider Tip: The route can be done in either direction, but do it north
to south, as that keeps the sun on your face—no small consideration in the
Arctic.
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