Kungsleden
Useful & Inspiring Information
During my preparation for and research into the Kungsleden trail, I have come across many useful videos, books and websites.
For those who are also interested in hiking the Kungsleden trail, I have created a list of everything that I found useful and/or inspiring. I hope it helps you, too!
Videos about Kungsleden
These are some of the videos I watched in preparation for my adventure of hiking Kungsleden in North Sweden. They all cover the Kungsleden trail. Other videos I watched will be added under a separate topic later, because they cover the broader subject of (ultralight) long-distance hiking and the gear required for it.
Hiking Kungsleden in Sweden
by Swedish Lapland TV
Kungsleden, the King's trail runs from Hemavan to Abisko in the Swedish mountains and is one of the world's most popular hiking trails. On its way, it passes the summer grounds of fifteen “samebyar” (Sámi communities), organized through the reindeer husbandry act. This is Sápmi, a slowly changing cultural land, so always show respect and care for the reindeer – especially the little calves. The 450-kilometre long trail will take you through the Vindelfjällen nature reserve, the Laponia World Heritage, four national parks and the headwaters of Sweden’s four remaining national rivers. This is the most beautiful hike up north, covering some vast and wild land.
The Ultimate Guide to Kungsleden
by Wilderness Stories
A complete guide to hiking Kungsleden, or "the Kings Trail" - a route close to 450 km long through the exceptional 400-million-year-old mountain range of Northern Europe. "The Ultimate Guide to Kungsleden" is, as the name suggests, a guide to one of the world's most famous and scenic hiking trails. Follow Swedish adventurer and mountain leader Linda Åkerberg on her hike along the trail a let her tell you everything there is to know about hiking the trail and in the Swedish mountains in general. Let yourself be inspired for new adventures!
A Hiker's Guide to Kungsleden
by Emma Nilsson
Considering Hiking Kungsleden? Watch this before you go! It's a guide to northern Sweden's most famous hiking trail; Kungsleden. A video covering good to know things before your hike. I will go through things like: *Rocks *Water *Weather *Phone Signal *Cash *Trash And last but not least to *Take your time
In 2018, Emelie Forsberg went back to her homeland to attempt a Fastest Known Time (FKT) in the Kungsleden Trail, a hiking trail in the Swedish Lapland that boasts spectacular wilderness and is usually crossed by hikers in no less than 15 days. She completed the 450km trail in 4 days and 21 hours, beating the current FKT, held since 2017.
Websites about Kungsleden
These are the websites where I learned more about the Kungsleden trail and found practical information about the hike, such as the STF huts, membership to the STF, the 5 major stages of the trail, rules on the trail, etc.
Kungsleden Guide
by The Swedish Tourist Association (STF)
The Kungsleden Trail, the King's Trail, between Abisko and Hemavan is one of the world’s most famous – and perhaps finest – long-distance hiking routes. Stretching just over 450 kilometers, it was established by the Swedish Tourist Association (STF) in the early 20th century.
The idea was for the trail to pass through the most beautiful areas the Swedish mountains had to offer, hence the name – the King of Trails. Since then, it has attracted hikers from all over the world.
Kungsleden on Wilderness Stories
by Linda Åkerberg
Wilderness Stories was founded in early 2016 and is a site for those who are interested in and curious about nature and adventure. Here you can be inspired and motivated by various stories from the wilderness, but also find the information you need to go on your own adventures!
The page is run by Linda Åkerberg. She started her adventure path in 2015 and have since climbed peaks around 6000 meters, hiked through the jungles of the Himalayas and completed the 428 km long Pacific Crest Trail in the USA. In 2019 she was named Adventurer of the Year for her 486 km long adventure, on foot, by bike and kayak through all the landscapes of Sweden and in 2021 the book Expedition Sverige was released about the same journey.
Hiking the King's Trail (Kungsleden)
by VisitSweden.com
The Kungsleden Trail, the King's Trail, between Abisko and Hemavan is one of the world’s most famous – and perhaps finest – long-distance hiking routes. Stretching just over 450 kilometers, it was established by the Swedish Tourist Association (STF) in the early 20th century. The idea was for the trail to pass through the most beautiful areas the Swedish mountains had to offer, hence the name – the King of Trails. Since then, it has attracted hikers from all over the world.
Books about Kungsleden
These are the books that have inspired and/or informed me about the Kungsleden trail.
Trekking the Lungsleden by Mike Laing
The King's Trail through Northern Sweden
Guide to the Kungsleden (King's Trail), Sweden's premier long-distance trek. Lying mostly within the Arctic Circle, the 460km route across Lappland is presented in 28 stages but can be walked in shorter sections if preferred. Includes an optional ascent of Kebnekaise, Sweden's highest peak, plus notes on huts and wild camping.
Buy through Cicerone (the publisher)
Noorderlichtlopers
Wandelen over de Kungsledentrail in Lapland by Tim Voors (in Dutch only)
Rendieren, het Noorderlicht en magische avonturen: inspirerend wandelen met Tim Voors door Lapland
In zijn derde boek reist Tim Voors niet naar de andere kant van de wereld, maar bezoekt hij het laatste stuk echte wildernis van Europa. Op nog geen vier uur vliegen vanaf Schiphol begint hij met wandelvriendin Sunny aan de Kungsledentrail, een route van ruim 400 kilometer door Lapland. Op hun pad treffen ze rendieren, zien ze het noorderlicht en ontmoeten ze bijzondere mede-hikers met elk een eigen verhaal. In woord en beeld neemt Tim de lezer mee op deze magische reis door Noord-Zweden en inspireert tot het zetten van die eerste stap op weg naar vrijheid en avontuur.