KUNGSLEDEN (LA PISTE ROYALE)
It's one of Europe's most famous hiking trails. Every year, thousands of walkers survey the valleys that the trail reveals over a distance of almost 400 km. The best times to discover the Royal Trail are between June and September, to experience the midnight sun, and February and April, to ski the trail. The park is home to some rare and increasingly endangered plant species, such as the Lapland orchid.
Staying on the royal trail. There are around 15 lodges on the trail, spread out every 10 to 20 km. Here you can sleep, eat, buy provisions and sometimes even enjoy a sauna! Please note, however, that between Kvikkjokk and Aigert, there is no accommodation offered by the national park. However, you can leave the trail and stay in one of the nearby villages. We advise you to book your beds in advance during the season, as places are scarce.
As far as equipment is concerned, the www.stfturist.se website provides a list of what you need to take with you, depending on the season. Generally speaking, be prepared for anything, because even in summer, the weather is very changeable. Don't venture out on the trails if the weather doesn't allow it. It's essential to have the essentials with you, such as a map, compass, whistle, first-aid kit, survival blanket, warm, waterproof clothing, something to eat, and mosquito repellent purchased locally if you're hiking in summer. Remember to tell someone when you're leaving and where you're going.
The stages of Kungsleden
Kebnekaise lies 87 km south of Abisko and 19 km west of Nikkaluokta. Along with Abisko Turiststation, it is one of the main entrances to the Royal Trail. It offers accommodation, catering and information services.
Nikkaluokta. This village lies 65 km west of Kiruna, along Lake Laukkujarvï. It's a Saami camp, where you can stay in a national park hut and enjoy a meal. Nikkaluokta lies off the Royal Trail, 19 km east of Kebnekaise - the park's information center.
Saltoluokta is 70 km south of Kebnekaise, on the Royal Trail. The resort offers STF accommodation and catering. It lies on the shores of Lake Akkajaure, 120 km west of Gällivare, which can be reached by road.
Kvikkjokk lies 73 km south of Saltoluokta, on the Royal Trail, and 120 km west of Jokkmokk, which can be reached by road. This microscopic village of 70 inhabitants has a national park station that accommodates hikers on the Royal Trail.
Ammarnäs lies on the last part of the trail, 78 km from Hemavan, in the Vindelfjallen Mountains. Between Kvikkjokk in the north and Ammarnäs in the south, the Royal Trail stretches for more than 80 km, with no accommodation provided by the national park. It may be possible to stay in the small villages. However, the easiest option is to stay at the Ammarnäs lodge, which can be booked on the www.svenskaturistforeningen.se website
Hemavan. This is the last and southernmost stage of the Kungsleden Trail, 78 km from Ammarnas. Here, too, you'll find accommodation managed by STF (the national park). Hemavan can be reached by road from Norway (Mo I Rana is 100 km away) or by air via Hemavan Tarnaby airport, giving you the chance to fly over the superb Vindelfjallen mountain reserve.