A Hikers Guide To Kungsleden

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
Music:
A World Away - Deskant
Morning Mist - Staffan Carlen
From Epidemic Sounds.
Follow link to check it out and get your subscription.
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[@siavoshoon]

My son is currently on the Abisko-Nikkaluokta trail. He turned 18 a few weeks ago. His mobile has been unavailable for the last four days, which we expected. I am feeling a mix of jealousy, curiosity, and worry. This brought me to your video. I found it very well-produced, informative, and full of magnificent scenes. Thank you!

[@EmmaaNilss]

Thank you very much! I'm happy to hear thatyou liked it and also to hear that your son is already hear hiking it! His brave and strong and I'm sure he will come home having learned a lot of things about himself! I wish you and him the best Emma

[@frankpeisker2346]

Greetings from Germany. Very cool shots and helpful tips. Stay tuned!

[@EmmaaNilss]

Hey! Thank you so much, I'm happy to hear I could be to some help! Thanks again, cheers!

[@GeoffBeaton709]

So happy to see a new video. Beautiful visuals and camera work as usual.

[@EmmaaNilss]

So happy to read another comment from you! Thanks for watching and keep your eyes open, working on my next video already! Cheers!

[@thomasdecarlo8543]

Always look forward to a new vid … thank you

[@EmmaaNilss]

Well thanks you for being so supportive! ❤️

[@surffanatic]

😍Awesome, thank you!

[@EmmaaNilss]

Im glad you liked it! And big thanks to you for the support means more to me than you think ❤️❤️

[@trudeimmergrun396]

Hej, there is also an other very amazing Trail from Abisko to Ritsem. Called Nordkallotleden, wich I hiked end July 2023. It took me 15 Days for 230 km. I meet 10 people the came from Ritsem. Me and my friend had a very great time there. But one, no service Hut over there, just huts. So you have to carry all the food with you. 👍❤

[@EmmaaNilss]

Nordkalottenleden is also a very beautiful trail ideed! I just got back from the mountains where I spent some time on that trail but also on the Padjelantaleden which I very much recommend if you're planning to come back! Cheers ❤️

[@rbphilip]

Another fine video about my favorite part of Sweden next year, perhaps, for another trip!

[@EmmaaNilss]

Yeah right, I love life up in the North! Im happy to hear you're already planning your next adventure! Cheers!

[@andreroxhage4003]

Jättebra content och bra filmat. Snyggt jobbat Emma!

[@EmmaaNilss]

Tack André! Vad glad jag blir! Tycker du tar grymma bilder och av vad jag sett också gör bra filmer så det betyder mycket att du säger det!

[@RockyGoesHiking]

Great comprehensive guide 👍 The impressions were really fantastic as well :)

[@EmmaaNilss]

Hey thanks you so much! 💕 I wish you a beautiful day!

[@ZIAD9992000]

Greetings from Saudi Arabiea I hope one day to try this route. Thanks for your advice, Emma

[@EmmaaNilss]

Hey all the way over there! I cross my fingers that you one day get the chance to do it too! Thanks for commenting, your support means a lot! Cheers

[@frankreidy5881]

lovely video - great sounds of water and great tips

[@EmmaaNilss]

Hey Thanks! I'm happy you enjoyed it!

[@wholesomegamer]

I was hiking around Mora and in the Sonfjällets nationalpark this year - what a great country and nice people everywhere. Kungsleden looks awesome and is on my list, thank you for the video! That shot at 8:07 is just awesome 😀 What about the Mosquito population up there? There were quite a few where I was and Deet 40% proved to be pretty effective.

[@EmmaaNilss]

Hey, I'm happy to hear you went here hiking. I've actually never been to Sonfjället, how was it? Its funny that you mention that shot, its actually one of my two favourite drone shots of this project. That and when im walking over the bridge. When we arrived in the middle of july the mosquitoes where everywhere and they were many. By the time we left in the middle of August almost all of them were gone. Im happy to hear you found something effective, I just accepted my fate and got used to it :) Happy to hear from you, cheers

[@wholesomegamer]

@@EmmaaNilss Sonfjället was really nice (not as spectacular as Kungsleden though), had a 26km hike there with 850 meter height difference and up to 45° decline...that was very close to my personal physical limit at the end of the day - but great impressions and memories. The higher concentrated Deet (40 and 50%) work...they still swarm you, but don´t land 😀. Some impressions are on their way (Email).

[@EmmaaNilss]

@@wholesomegamer that sure sounds like a challenging hike! The challenge is one of the things I love about hiking! Good job! All right all right, might need to look into that myself! Thanks for the tips

[@drcuni]

Thanks for the information. Greetings from Brazil.

[@EmmaaNilss]

Im happy to hear from you! Happy hiking ❤️

[@ksandersadventures]

Very interesting video! :)

[@EmmaaNilss]

Thank you! I'm happy you enjoyed it!

[@chill60dp]

Brilliant

[@EmmaaNilss]

Thank you so much!

[@dannydanger1337]

Emma! i did see you out there on THE trail. i just found this video browsing and droped some happy tears. very helpful video, i am glad i saw it after i walked Kungsleden ;D btw: she does not even stop to scoop up a cup of water say hi to Cornelius (i hope i got this right) and the Korean Chrismas Lady cheers, Dennis

[@EmmaaNilss]

Hi Dennis! What a surprise to see you here! But a happy surprise! ☀️ Both me and Cornelius ( you got it right) talked about what a lovely day we had walking from aktse to pårte! And what a nice group of people we were, joking, laughing. It also reminds me of the importance of being here and now cause one day goes and it's over. If you're ever coming to sweden again, hit us up! Cheers Emma

[@dannydanger1337]

@@EmmaaNilssits amazing how adventures like this can energize your boring days in the office too. let's get out there an play as much as possible :) hell yeah, I will! when you need to visit a medival town in northern Germany (Lüneburg) let me know! and as always sta awesome!

[@EmmaaNilss]

@@dannydanger1337 well you' lucky, we both love medival 😏 Take care and see you around

[@robvp71]

Nice and to the point video.. thinking about hiking this trail this year. If you ever need another beautiful and somewhat challenging hike try the Cape Wrath Trail in Scotland.. it is amazing! I guess I can compare them after seven months ;-) Looking forward to the Kungsleden!

[@EmmaaNilss]

Thanks for the recommendation! Been hearing about sky trail before but never this one, will definitely look into it! And hey! If you remember I wold love to hear the comparison when you have it ;)

[@z0uLess]

I hear there can be A LOT of mosquitos sometimes. I would be prepared for that. Would be nice to get some more practical info about the use of the huts for foreigners. I would say that the most challenging summer weather in this climate is the cold rain, and one that you need to invest the most weight in your clothing into. Its preferred that you have some experience in hiking in several days of rain close to freezing temperatures. Snow is no problem, since you wont get cold if you are not wet ;) I enjoy the sport of hiking fast and light weight, and I have been looking to see if I can do this trail in 12 days or so. I did the MassIV trail in Norway in that time and I want to stretch further, maybe hike the whole length of Norway in 2025.

[@EmmaaNilss]

Wow that sounds like exciting plans! We've been thinking about hiking top to bottom of Sweden but nothing decided yet. As it comes to mosquitoes, yes there is a whole bunch. It differs from year to year exactly when but I would say July is usually the worst month when it comes to amount of mosquitoes. About the cold rain. It's hard for me to answer since I'm brought up litterally in the middle of it but I will try. I would invest in a good set of rain clothes. You will still be cold but as soon as you come inside and take them of and realize you´re not wet only cold, you´re fine. You definitely need to adapt the pace and the breaks due to the weather. Is it really rainy then maybe walk faster and take less breaks is a good idea. I think you can do it in 12 days. Especially if you´re careful with how much weight you bring and stay clear of injuries. If you plan to stay inside in the huts it will pay off becoming a member of Stf. Other than that I don´t know exactly what type of info you would like about foreigners in the hut. If you can specify I will gladly answer! I wish you the best of hikes! Cheers Emma

[@Hampusdrw]

Good tips!! 👍👍

[@user-bv8px5sb8s]

Wow Emma! What an amazing and informative video! I have some follow up questions. I live in Sweden with a swede who is very outdoorsy but I myself am a very amateur hiker. I would love to attempt kungsleden but I wonder if there are shorter stretches, maybe 3 days max that I could do with my partner? For some background, I've hiked Grövelsjön before but that's about it. Would love any tips on how I could attempt this. Right now the stretches seem too long for me. :(

[@EmmaaNilss]

Hey thank you very much! Im happy to hear you want to go out hiking! The shortest stretch on kungsleden I would say is the most southern part, hemavan to ammarnäs. It's 6 days. With that said some days are very short, only 8km and I would believe you can do it if you only take your time, listen to your body and maybe plan a rest day after one of the longer days! I know there is shorter hikes in Jämtland but its something special with being out a bit longer! You're getting into the place of nature and thats really relaxing at least for me! I wish you the best of luck! Emma

[@angadsohal5203]

Hey Emma amazing video and great insights. I wanted to know do the boats have any time table and do they accept cards on lake crossings. Thanks and looking forward to seeing your next hikes!

[@EmmaaNilss]

Hey! Yes every boat has a time table. With that said they're very depending on season and weather so there is no need to check time tables already now. If I were you I would check with hosts when I'm starting to get closer to the boat crossing. I think almost all boats accept card although I would bring a little bit cash in case the machine is not working because it happens sometimes. But rule of thump, the bygger the boat the higher chance of there being a card machine :) I hope this was a little bit of help, happy hiking!

[@adriaanrijkse]

Great tips! Could you recommend walking kungsleden in Trail runners? The non waterproof kind. I have great waterproof boots but even comfyer trail runners..

[@EmmaaNilss]

Definitely! Im doing it myself this summer! Just be aware of that if the weather is bad you're gonna have wet and cold feet

[@nadav182]

Thank you for the video

[@EmmaaNilss]

Thank you for commenting!

[@lux5855]

Thank you for these tips! I wonder that do I need to have a fishing license if I fish?

[@EmmaaNilss]

Yes! In some cases you're able to buy licens in the closest hut but in most cases you need to buy it beforehand through the municipality

[@gromosawsmiay3000]

Hello Emma thank you for you quite interesting video. I have some questions (maybe not all related to trail): 1. Is possible to left my car in Hemavan for more that 1-2 weeks without any problems ? 2. Can I pitch a tent on any place or just only close to cabin? 3. Is beginning of June right time to start journey on trail? I'm not sure if there is still laying snow (in some places) or other obstacles - I just want to be prepared.

[@EmmaaNilss]

Hi! 1. I'm not sure, try calling stf hemavan they will probably have a good answer 2. You can pitch your tent wherever you want except for the national park where its only aloud in certain area. Pitching your tent is always for free except Close to the cabin where you need to pay a little fee! 3. It always depends on how early spring comes but usually i would say the season starts last week of june and going in beginning of june can ens up being hiking in snow. Also make sure to check when boats are starting to go. I'm pretty sure they start in end of june as well

[@MarLin1274]

Hi Emma, thanks for sharing. I'm planning to do the Kungsleden in August 2026. Now by that time I will be 60 🙂 but still in shape. Now I'm doubting to do it all on my own although being fit enough sofar. Do you have any suggestions for guided tours or forums where other hikers meet and planning tours together? Thx Marco

[@EmmaaNilss]

Hi Marco! I think that sounds like a wonderful idea and I really think you should do it! However, I know there is a few people taking groups onto kungsleden. Although I think most of them do Nikkalouta - Abisko. Hence, not all of Kungsleden. Stf do a few guided tours every season and other than that it´s just people running their own businesses which I'm not very familiar with unfortunately. It might be a really bad advise but if I where you I would just google it and see what I could find. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you and really hope that you will have a nice adventure! Cheers, Emma

[@MarLin1274]

@@EmmaaNilss thx Emma for your feedback and tips, highly appreciated

[@andreafrau9459]

Hi! I Great video! Can I ask you for some tips about the travel to Hemavan from Stockholm? Thank you😁

[@EmmaaNilss]

Hey thank you! I flew from Stockholm to Hemavan because at the time that was cheaper, but I know that its also possible to take train and then bus. Go to www.sj.se to see what train and bus options are available, good luck 😁

[@jantomaszrogala4230]

hey, thank you, very helpful, how about mosquitoes, when they are the most unbearable or when they are almost gone?

[@EmmaaNilss]

Usually I would say they are worst in July, but it differs from year to year. End of August beginning of September is the safest time if you want to avoid mosquitoes and people as well for that sake! I wish you a great hike Cheers

[@jantomaszrogala4230]

@@EmmaaNilss thank you

[@HatEinenAnDerWaffel]

Thank you for this beautiful video! Next year I will go the Kungsleden til Abisko. In 2025 I am planning to go the northern Kungsleden. Do you have an advise for me? Is ist possible to find wood for a fire in the North of Kungsleden? Somebody told me where is no wood in the North so I should use gas.

[@EmmaaNilss]

Im happy you liked it! You should definitely use gas. Making a fire is going to be a really rare occasion upp here! Otherwise, have good rain gear, some clothing that is warm and a few extra days so you can enjoy your hike! Best of luck to you!

[@HatEinenAnDerWaffel]

@@EmmaaNilss Thank you very much for your reply. I went hiking for the first time this year and was travelling in Norway (near Femundsmarka), I had the X-Fire (an ultra-light hobo from Germany) with me. I loved it so much because I get cold very, very, very easily and I could sit by the fire in the evening/morning to warm up, made my food and keep the mosquitoes from eating me. It's a shame that a hobo doesn't make sense because of the lack of wood. In places where there was no wood, I made do with a spirit cooker.

[@EmmaaNilss]

@@HatEinenAnDerWaffel that sounds lovely, and I must say I love a cozy fire too, it's just that northern sweden is not the place for it. If you go further down in the country you can definitely make fires except for when it's in a nature reserve or a national park of course. Maybe you should look at bergslagsleden. I haven't done it yet, but its on the list!

[@HatEinenAnDerWaffel]

@@EmmaaNilss Thank you so much for your advise! I will look it up. :)

[@tomas4617]

Very helpful tips! Already read a lot before and watched some other videos, but they weren't as detailed about weather, trash and money. So thank you, Emma! I want to do the Kungsleden this summer with partner. How long do you think we should plan for it? We have had three 5-7 days hikes in the past 3 years, so we are beginners and ok fit (getting our cardio ready for the Kungsleden) and around 30 years of age.

[@EmmaaNilss]

Hey Tomas! I'm happy to hear that you've found the video helpful! Usually people with experience and some finess does kungleden in 17-24 days I would say, depending on weather, injuries etc. It took me 19 days to finish, then I walked everyday but without any stress. The easiest way to do it is to estimate how far you will walk each day and then plan food for at least one day extra. 25km was our avrage distance per day! I wish you the best! I will be around between kvickjokk and abisko this summer, who know maybe we'll see each other there! Cheers

[@tomas4617]

@@EmmaaNilss thank you for your response, Emma. Appreciate it!! 25km per day seems like a lot, but I guess it’s ok, when there is not as much elevation. We are very much looking forward to it.. Maybe we see each other on the trail :) Hälsningar från Tyskland

[@aaronkent1741]

Hi Emma. I'm planning on doing this towards the end of August. How much cash would you recommend taking for the trail to cover the cost of all the boats?

[@EmmaaNilss]

Hi! I'm happy to hear that you're planning a hiking trip! The price differs on some boats if you're a member of the stf or not. It also differs from boat to boat. At some spots, you can row if the weather allows. If not, then you definitely want to pay for a ride. I will say one ride is usually 500kr (little less or a little more). And there are 3 boats you need to pay for, Aktse, Sitojaure, and Saltoloukta. Let's say around 2000kr minimum. Happy hiking! Emma

[@user-xl5wb3fd9h]

Dear Emma, thank you for this wonderful video. I am considering hiking part of Kungsleden in March so I wanted to ask what the conditions would be around that time of the year? Still heavy snow? Do people even walk the trail in Spring? Thanks !

[@EmmaaNilss]

Hi! It makes me very happy to hear that you found the video helpful! Februari to april its winter season and if you want to do kungleden that time of the year you should do it on skiis. With that said its absolutely fantastic to see all the mountains covered in snow! I have a few videos from when we were working in Alesjaure at that specific time if you want to see what it looks like! I wish you the best and if you have more questions I will gladly answer them! Cheers, Emma 💕

[@Cary-cgc98]

Hej Emma. Greetings from 🇨🇦. Appreciate you sharing your experience with us. I’m hiking Kvikkjokk to Abisko in August. Are campfires permitted on trail? Tack.

[@EmmaaNilss]

Hi! I'm happy to hear that! I will be up there hiking as well july-august! Generally No. A lot of the hike goes through national parks and here campfires are not allowed. The general rule about campfires in Sweden is leave no trace which in the mountains is pretty hard which means no campfires. To be honest in a lot of spots it's not even possible to find fire wood. With this said there is spots where you're aloud and you can have a fire they're just few and far between! I wish you an awesome hike! Cheers Emma

[@Cary-cgc98]

I think the rules for fire are very good. I will be sure to watch out for you!! Enjoy your summer hike as well. Tack så mycket

[@andreasm249]

Thank you for a good guideline! I wonder how long time does it takes to walk the entire rail? I plan to walk the whole trail and wonder how much time is reasonable.

[@EmmaaNilss]

Hey I'm happy you're considering the trail, for me it took 19 days. I would say thats not quick nor slow. 17 to 21 days is the avrage time. I'm happy you enjoyed the video and if you have further question please contact me again and I will try to answer faster next time! Cheers Emma

[@andreasm249]

I wonder too much food did you bring with you during the hike? It is one of the challenges I have before the hike not to carry too much. I like to hike and enjoy the beautiful nature. Definitely looking forward to seeing what you got to experience.@@EmmaaNilss

[@EmmaaNilss]

@@andreasm249 I brought food for 7 days with me and then I sent 2 packaged with 7 days of food each to Ica in Jäckvik and to Saltoloukta Fjällstation. But remember to bring a little bot more with you then you think you will need because you never know what happens.

[@KatiH-z7h]

Thank you for the very informative video, Emma! I'm planning to hike the section between Abisko - Nikkaluokta with my mom at the end of August/early September this year. Which direction would you recommend: Abisko - Nikkaluokta or Nikkaluokta - Abisko?

[@EmmaaNilss]

Nikkalouta - Abisko for two reasons 1. Abisko is more of a "goal" than nikkalouta, you can sleep a night at a Hotel before going home or just have a shower before enterig the night train. Or you could have dinner at mountain lodge located in Abisko östra which is the best recomendstion I can give you. Me and cornelius always finishes with dinner there because in my opinion itd the best restaurant in the world! 2. Walking sälka-nallo-vistas-alesjaure is one of the most beautiful trails there is up there! It's not kungsleden, but soooooo worth it! You will understand when you're there its crazy! And walking in that direction is more scenic than ales-vistas-nallo-sälka. I hope this will help and do you have more questions just let me know and I will gladly answer!

[@KatiH-z7h]

@@EmmaaNilss Thank you so much for the wonderful tips, Emma! I have just booked our travel to Kungsleden for this summer/fall and we will do the route starting from Nikkaluokta. I can't wait :) Have a wonderful summer!

[@Blowfish1972]

Greetings from Småland! Hur stort problem är myggor och i så fall vilka är dina rekommendationer för att minska irritationen 😊

[@EmmaaNilss]

Hej! Myggor finns det gott om. Mest under perioden juli-augusti skulle jag säga. Jag har två tips på hur du bäst hanterar dem. Tips 1: åk senare på säsongen typ slutet av augusti- början på september. Det kommer vara kallare, lite regnigare men absolut mindre mygg och ett väldigt vacker höstlandskap! Tips 2: Om du fortfarande känner att du vill åka mitt i sommaren när dagarna är längre och klimatet lite varmare då får du helt enkelt bara acceptera läget. För mig tog det några dagar att göra detta men när jag väl accepterade att muggen kommer vara överallt hela tiden och det finns ingenting jag kan göra åt det så blev det mycket lättare att hantera. Ett ordentligt myggnät att ha över huvudet är också guld att ha! Jag hoppas att du är nöjd med svaret och så önskar jag dig lycka till med turen! Emma

[@Blowfish1972]

@@EmmaaNilss Tack Emma!

[@zanedreimane4374]

Hi, I’m planning on visiting this beautiful trail next year. At the moment we are planning on finishing the whole trail. Our concerns are about food packages and prepared melas. We haven’t found any information yet on how to deliver the food packages to the nearby cities/viliges so that we wouldn’t have to carry them with us for the whole 20 days. It would also work for us even if we could carry the food suplies for example 7 dats and then pack them again. Do you have any suggestions for us about where can we find any information?

[@EmmaaNilss]

Hey! I'm happy to hear you're thinking about hiking this beautiful trail! About the food, most people send boxes with bussgods. On their website www.bussgods.se you can see all the different offices they have and where you can drop off the boxes and where you can pick them up. When I hiked kungsleden I dropped my boxes in Stockholm and picked one up in jäkkvik and one at saltoloukta mountain station. Here is some information from stf as well about sending boxes www.svenskaturistforeningen.se/boende/stf-saltoluokta-fjallstation/fragor-svar/ I hope this will help you otherwise dont hesitate to cantact me again! Cheers

[@zanedreimane4374]

@@EmmaaNilss THANK YOU FOR THE ANSWER :)

[@EmmaaNilss]

@@zanedreimane4374 always my friend ❤️

[@saratuneKS]

Do you not have to filter your drinking water in Sweden? Isn't there the risk of some sort of waterborne illness if you don't?

[@EmmaaNilss]

Hey, Sara. Exactly that's one of the big benefits of hiking in northen Sweden. I've never been filtering my water and I've never been sick from it. With that said we had a bacteria in the water this summer. First time ever. It's not 100% sure yet what it came from but the chances are big that it came from the emergency toilets they had to fly in and out from Kebenekaise. I'm sure there is a bunch of news articled about it in case you're curious. However, the bacteria that was in the water you couldn't filter away so even people with filters got sick. But then again, this is a thing that has happened once and once only. The water is usually not only fine but very cold and refreshing! Cheers, Emma

[@saratuneKS]

@@EmmaaNilss Wow, that's amazing! I truly hope I can hike the Kungsleden, or at the very least visit northern Sweden someday to taste your amazing water. ☺

[@cyclonemouse]

Jag träffade dig i somras!

[@EmmaaNilss]

Är det sant! Vad roligt! Välkommen till kanalen! Var träffades vi, kanske kommer ihåg dig om du beskriver lite :)

[@cyclonemouse]

@@EmmaaNilss Du var stugvärd, jag hade en stor grön ryggsäck och vandrade med en svartvit ganska stor hund och funderade lite på hur det såg ut på leden ner mot Nikkaloukta och om jag skulle ta mig hela vägen till Kvikkjokk då min mat bara skulle räcka till 4 dagar till.

[@EmmaaNilss]

@@cyclonemouse ja men hej! Det kommer jag ihåg, hur gick det för dig?

[@cyclonemouse]

@@EmmaaNilss Vi tältade vid bron ovanför Vakkotavare och sen tog vi bussen hem dagen efter :) Tack för ett fint bemötande och kul att ha träffat en youtube kändis ;)

[@EmmaaNilss]

@@cyclonemouse Hahaha ja det är ju inte varje dag man gör det ;) roligt att du hittade hit, vem vet vi kanske ses igen

[@muzammilhussain7377]

Please arrange a beautiful female partner for me same as you because I wanna live there with her whole life

[@EmmaaNilss]

If I could I would! But I'm sending you all my hopes so that you can arrange this for yourself! ❤️