Hiking 440km on Kungsleden in Sweden

[@ervinslens]

Insanely beautiful cinematography my friend, shots are just spectacular as well as composition! Masterpiece!!!

[@AaronRossPhoto]

Thank you!

[@davidborgstrom]

Beautiful video. Interesting sidenote, if you did not already know: the reason the Scandinavian mountain range isn't as "alpine" as a lot of other mountains, like those in New Zeeland, are their age. They were once a part of the oldest mountain range in the world, together with what is the Scotish Highlands and the Appalachians. Way before the Atlantic Ocean split up.

[@AaronRossPhoto]

Thank you, David. I did not know that they are some of the oldest mountains in the world - that is fascinating!

[@maikenmilter4381]

Yes and shaped down by iceages

[@matsf8268]

Nice to see some genuine swedish weather and not just the sunny sunset vids 😊 Kungsleden is like the main highway for hiking swedish mountains, lots of people and huts along the way. Nice filmed!

[@AaronRossPhoto]

Thank you Mats!

[@NicoKupfer]

Aaron, this is incredible :) First of all, I'm happy to be part of this video, at 22:09, and glad to hear that the motivational boost went both ways. I was really thrilled for the rest of my trip, thanks to meeting you! At 18:01, I'm on the other side of the valley, facing you! kzbin.info/www/bejne/kH3CfHiPg5yLfrM hahaha It is also wonderful to see you walk the same path as I did, but in reverse, and notice the places where I had lunch, or slept... and how the landscape had already changed so much to autumn colors... I must also admit, I struggled to keep my video under 40 minutes (initially planned for under 30!) because I was afraid that long videos might be boring... However you have proved me wrong, by creating something twice as long and constantly engaging... Hats off to that my friend! PS: What amazes me, also, is how I still enjoyed it so much despite knowing the whole trail! ⛺

[@AaronRossPhoto]

Thank you so much Nico, your words mean so much to me. It was such a pleasure to of met you, and I look forward to our next meeting!

[@niallmccormack-teararoa]

@@AaronRossPhoto great video, love the part where you two cross paths with each other. Absolutely fantastic the way you put this together and some of the shots of the landscape are so good.

[@AaronRossPhoto]

@@niallmccormack-teararoa Cheers mate!

[@jimmyf9152]

An awe inspiring journey. Incredible shots of the landscape. Thankyou for taking us along with you!

[@AaronRossPhoto]

Pleasure! Thank you.

[@hikesome]

Wow, Aaron! Just another amazing piece of hiking-film-art. Congratulations on mastering the Kungsleden. Bravo!

[@AaronRossPhoto]

Thank you Mario!

[@katinkaridde-coffey6493]

It is beautiful and magical. As a swede living much more south I still feel ties to this area as much of my family stems from north Sweden. I walked part of Kungsleden ( aka pensionärsleden) together with sn uncle, aunt and two younger cousins when I was 14. Must have been summer but I remember it being pretty cold and raining part of the trail. Foggy and rainy once we got closer to Kebnekaise. Remember starting from close to Kiruna, taking a boat across a lake, not sure which one now. Loved it!

[@WilliamWidlund]

You really captured the beauty of Kungsleden, much appreciated. And like someone else in the comments already said, you made me appreciate my home country even more through this piece of art. Subscribed, looking forward for more content from you :)

[@AaronRossPhoto]

Thank you William, that means a lot 🙂

[@Mister0707]

Your videos never disappoint! This made me appreciate my home country even more. Next September I'm going to your home country to walk the te araroa trail, I'm really looking forward to it.

[@AaronRossPhoto]

Thank you Emil! That's awesome, good luck 😀

[@MrHumlebaek]

Everything regarding this hiking is just so spectacular! Well done on all levels!

[@AaronRossPhoto]

Cheers!

[@elliee8683]

I really appreciate your travel vlog. It's so relaxing for me, your cinematography and music, spot on. Thank you!

[@AaronRossPhoto]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@SaMmYmYt]

Great video! Definetly on my bucket list for the future. There's such a unexplainable somber but comforting vibe to this place. It's pretty raw. Thank you for sharing!

[@AaronRossPhoto]

Thank you Kay! Yes, the trail is very peaceful.

[@tomasjohansson7355]

Aaron, I was blown away by the fact that you traveled all the way from New Zealand. I have hiked 7 seasons on and around the Kungsleden but I would probably do the reverse trip if I had the chance to visit your beautiful mountains. Greetings from Sweden.

[@AaronRossPhoto]

It’s all worth it for the beauty of Sweden! Thanks for your comment 🙂

[@andreashokenschnieder4003]

What absolutely breathtaking footage, especially the drone shots of this amazing landscape are so beautiful. Thank you for this great, cinematic entertainment.

[@AaronRossPhoto]

Thank you so much Andreas! I greatly appreciate your support ♥

[@playlife86]

SO many good memories when thinking back on Kungsleden July 2021 in brutal heat. Thanks for sharing, beautiful footage.

[@AaronRossPhoto]

Sounds intense! Thanks for watching.

[@DragonBears]

Awesome documentary with outstanding photography! Very inspiring! Thank you!

[@AaronRossPhoto]

Thank you very much Simone!

[@theendofblue2225]

Epic video, great views, so many reminders...we've been there 4 weeks back.....thanks for the memories ;-)

[@Simply_Hiking]

I really want to hike this trail! Thanks for the awesome preview! :)

[@AaronRossPhoto]

Go for it!

[@gerwinhuizinga]

Just magnificent! Did the kungsleden last august with my brothers.. what an adventure! The scenery is even more beautiful with al these different colors. Thanks for sharing!

[@AaronRossPhoto]

Thank you Gerwin!

[@merjatarkiainen5652]

Thank you for a very fine film from your walk through Kungsleden. I liked that you had parts where you talk with locals and othe companions. I also liked the dramatic ending with the dark colurs and the U-shaped valley. You should have taken a day more in Aktje and walked up to the mountain Skjerfe to get to see the view fron there. It´s said to be the most beautiful in Sweden. Myselt I walked frpn Saltoluokta to Kvikkojokk last summer and I will never forget the views.

[@AaronRossPhoto]

Thank you for your kind words Merja! Yes, I wish I could have spent an extra day to see Skjerfe - unfortunately I did not have time. I will go back one day!

[@davesymons1]

Superb. Thankyou so much for sharing this work of art.

[@AaronRossPhoto]

Thank you for watching Dave 🙂

[@limpa81]

Magically beautifully filmed. Inspiring.

[@AaronRossPhoto]

Thank you! 🙏

[@pjsmetal73]

Another great one Aaron, I imagined i was walking this journey and reflecting on my own lifes paths, much appreciated, 👍💯😎

[@AaronRossPhoto]

Thank you very much!

[@fishdip]

Tack så mycket 🏞🏕⛰❤

[@HikingHansen]

Great journey, Aaron 👍 it looks like you had an amazing trip🥾

[@AaronRossPhoto]

Thank you very much!

[@hashemshams538]

Thanks mate for your amazing video! I am going to Kungsleden in the summer and it was really helpful

[@AaronRossPhoto]

My pleasure! Good luck on the trail!

[@thomasmullee3049]

Let the pictures speak for themselves, thats a beautiful concept of making a video

[@feelfreeification]

Thank you.

[@kirstenschweers1026]

Thanks so much for the nice pictures. I will hike Kungsleden from Hemavan to Abisko next year in Juli.

[@AaronRossPhoto]

Awesome! Enjoy 😀

[@Thomaslcpk]

Incredible, thank you. Hope to one day hike the same route..

[@AaronRossPhoto]

Thanks Thomas, go get it!

[@liljahpg]

Very nice! Thank you.

[@JPersson]

@34:00. Shame the weather wasnt on your side, otherwise a quick detour to Skierffe and the view towards the Rapadalen is usally amazing. No.1 view point in Sweden in my opinion. Amazing video thanks for sharing it!

[@AaronRossPhoto]

Yeah, pretty unfortunate - maybe next time! Thanks for watching Jonathan.

[@he4375]

👏👏👏👏 for this video. Also Thru hiked Kungsleden this summer.

[@AaronRossPhoto]

Cheers!

[@stefanstrigler425]

Hey, Aaron! Amazing video, I love it! Have hiked Kungsleden myself a couple of times, you’ve done an excellent job at catching the atmosphere especially for autumn, which is just the best time of you’re lucky enough to not get too much snow yet. Maybe you remember, I think we’ve wrote some messages back and forth over at Facebook when you were still planing for this trip. All the best, and thanks for this great piece of art!

[@AaronRossPhoto]

Hi Stefan, thanks for your help on Facebook! I really appreciate it. Yes, I loved hiking the trail in Autumn, so beautiful.

[@paulihnatolia1848]

Pure beauty

[@AaronRossPhoto]

Thank you 🙏

[@rolandk.7817]

Thanks for the great moments😊it's a dream. We are planing the Abisko tour Start for a shorter distance in 2024.

[@AaronRossPhoto]

Thank you! Good luck & have fun 😄

[@IntoForest]

wwwhoooaa the shot at 1:01:30 is a million dollar shot. and the film is spot on. great job.

[@AaronRossPhoto]

Thank you very much!

[@HikePackers]

Wow, just an amazing video

[@AaronRossPhoto]

Thank you!

[@NewTasty]

Great review

[@AaronRossPhoto]

Cheers!

[@joakimsandstrom5167]

Fantastic good work

[@markus_bee]

Nice Trip. I hiked part of the Kungsleden on my way to the North Cape. 2900 km thruhike through scandinavia. I recognized some spots in your video. Very nice thanks for your video.

[@AaronRossPhoto]

What an adventure! Thanks for watching Markus.

[@Hikaholics]

Wow Aaron! Beautiful video, maybe we even crossed paths since we were hiking on the Kungsleden in September too. We've hiked a part of it from Kvikkjokk to Saltoluokta. I see you've hiked the Te Araroa, we will be bingewatching your channel now. Thank you for sharing the beauty of hiking around the world. Maybe we'll meet one day on the trails. See ya, Deen and Alette

[@AaronRossPhoto]

Awesome to hear guys! Thank you so much for the support - keep on hiking!

[@JB_FLYA69669]

Great video you have inspired me to go here

[@PowerToolism]

I walked between Singi and Sälka this summer as part of a different hike. September is by far the best month. When I was in Singi in July, it was very very hot and teaming with mozzies, I could barely eat! I want to try September for sure, looks amazing.

[@AaronRossPhoto]

That sounds great! Agreed, September is beautiful 😍

[@RobertClaeson]

So beautiful. I walk there every year (not the whole distance in one go though).

[@AaronRossPhoto]

Thanks Robert, it truly is a stunning landscape!

[@stigfloberghagenphotography]

Beautiful video 🙂👌

[@AaronRossPhoto]

Thanks Stig!

[@henner645]

I literally shouted "nooo" in my head when you passed the sign that would have taken you to Skierfe...

[@AaronRossPhoto]

Haha, yeah - unfortunately didn’t bother visiting due to the weather; next time!

[@marklawrence7791]

Another excellent story to follow Aaron. I watched your Te Araroa story a few days ago - this one looks a lot tamer!! Keep them coming - you have a knack for giving people insights into these long distance trails.

[@AaronRossPhoto]

Thank you very much Mark, I'll try my best!

[@IwanderExploreCapture23]

cinematic ❣️❣️❣️

[@thegregescape]

I also have the GG Gorilla 40! I love it! If it had a roll top it'd probably be my main pack. Great video! I hope to hike it in the next few years...

[@AaronRossPhoto]

Agreed, such a great pack!

[@thegregescape]

@@AaronRossPhoto so far its the only pack that I can access my water bottles without having to take the pack off

[@sp20036]

Thank you for this beautiful video! Just wanted to remind us all not to wash dishes (or anything else) in the river. Just take some water and toss it out to the ground well away from the watersource. 👍

[@AaronRossPhoto]

Thank you Satu! I appreciate it. May I ask why I should not wash dishes in the river? I do not use soap, so I am genuinely curious as to why this might be a problem - cheers.

[@medeinabirgilaite1122]

Hi Aaron! Such a beautiful and very inspiring video! I've been watching it for research as I'm thinking of hiking the Kungsleden on my own as well :) And I have been in awe throughout! I have a couple of questions if you don't mind! 1. What were you guys discussing at 28:50? Seems a bit stressful :) Was it about sending food packages to yourself? Is it tough to buy proper food on the trail? 2. How did you deal with wet clothes? Seems like you had quite a bit of rain. How did you manage to get everything dry overnight in the tent? Thanks so much!

[@AaronRossPhoto]

Hi, thanks for your kind words! To answer your first question, yes, we were talking about sending food parcels. However, I only wanted to do this as I wasn’t too sure about food availability on the trail at that time (late in the season). Turns out there was still plenty of food in the mountain huts and cabins and some towns have small supermarkets, which help. So, I didn’t send any food parcels, just bought food along the trail and also made sure to stock up well when leaving Stockholm. Yeah, I had about 7 or 8 days of rain off and on, haha. I use light and generally quick drying materials for my shoes and clothes, which helps a lot. Usually my shorts were a bit damp the next morning if I stayed in the tent (is what it is), but my rain jacket would cover my upper body, so my shirt wouldn’t be wet at all. If it was a very wet day, I would try and see if there was a hut or emergency shelter that I could sleep in, which I did a couple of times. Wet socks are the worst, which I unfortunately had to deal with for a few days. Hope this helps! Have fun on trail!

[@medeinabirgilaite1122]

@@AaronRossPhoto Thanks for the reply! Who doesn't love a little challenge! :)

[@AbelandVictoria]

lots of effort put into this. nice work. Congradulations. What is plan for the next trip?

[@AaronRossPhoto]

Cheers Abel! Going to tick off some Great Walks in NZ then start working through my list of international hikes over the next 50 years, haha.

[@HolisticHikes]

Great job

[@AaronRossPhoto]

❤

[@orust71]

Fantastic film! May i ask what tent you were using and why you left didnt use the tent from the gear film of yours?

[@AaronRossPhoto]

Thank you! I was using the MSR Hubba 1 Person tent. The tent in my gear video was used on Te Araroa during the summer months in New Zealand. I opted for the MSR as it was a bit more durable, warm and because it is free-standing (internal poles instead of using hiking poles to set it up). Probably going to use the MSR on most future hikes as well from now on, as it’s still super light.

[@ronbackal]

Hi Aaron! I was planning to go in June for a week in Abisko, and stay in the hostel and make day hikes, then I saw about the Kungsleden. I am a little worried to take a challenge like that because I didn't camp much, though there's the option of huts at least in some places. How did you prepare for this journey? Thanks Ron

[@AaronRossPhoto]

Hi Ron, thanks for your comment. I knew I wanted to walk the entire trail when I was planning for the walk. I tented the whole way, not staying in huts and bought my food at the STF mountain huts and villages along the way, carrying on average around 3 or 4 days of food at a time. No need to hike the full trail if you don’t feel up for it. Abisko National Park and Sarek National Park were my favourite areas, with Abisko being a bit more popular I believe, so more people around to talk to/feel safer. I hiked in the autumn (September), as I wanted to avoid the insects that I hear can be quite bad in June-August.

[@ronbackal]

@@AaronRossPhoto Thanks for replying. I signed up for an organized tour of the northern section of Kungsleden in the end, and I am planning to come at least a week before to stay at Abisko and make day hikes. Your video is amazing, I want to take my FX3, trying to think how to keep it safe. P.S. I have in plan for the winter(your summer) to go to New Zealand or Patagonia, I didn't decide yet.

[@FOXITA85]

@Aaron amazing video! 🎉 Can I ask you the weight of your backpack 🎒 for this trip? Roughly, doesn't need to be super precise 😊 thanks so much

[@AaronRossPhoto]

Thanks! Pack weight was around 12kg (including food and 1L water bottle) for this trip.

[@FOXITA85]

@@AaronRossPhoto thanks a lot 🙏 I m planning to do a shorter version but still, your video was amazing to watch and get some extra inspiration 🎉

[@yuriideresh]

08:09 I see a man who told you how to say "thank you" in Swedish and he has a "Support of Ukraine" icon. I'm from Ukraine. The support of such people of goodwill all over the world is very important to us. I've been dreaming of doing this route for a long time and I hope when I'm in Abisko that I'll meet this man and say thank you. Can you tell me the address of that store?! Thank you.

[@AaronRossPhoto]

Sure thing, this store is located at the first hut on the trail (STF Abiskojaure Mountain Cabin, N68.286147, E18.591137, about 14km south of Abisko).

[@DerKatzeSonne]

Great video! Nicely done. I’m just a bit "triggered" by the shots where I can’t stop thinking about you having to go back all the way just to pick up your camera again 😂 How did you pay for everything? Cash or card? Like did you need cash for the boat crossings and stuff?

[@AaronRossPhoto]

Thanks! Haha, it is all worth it for the perfect shot! It was a mix of cash and card. Most STF Stations took card and some of the boat rides, but it is necessary to carry cash just in case and for other boat rides that only take cash.

[@DerKatzeSonne]

@@AaronRossPhoto true! Thanks, I‘ve never been so remote in Sweden, yet and anywhere else it’s not necessary to take cash with you. Also e.g. on the Laugavegur Trail in Iceland I was surprised no cash was needed. So I didn’t want to get Swedish crowns just to find out I didn’t need them 👀 but good to know then I definitely put that on my list with things to consider! Very helpful.

[@TheCanadianXplorer]

Love your video and just discovered your channel! You can count me as new subscriber. Can you please give us your couscous receipe you did during your trek? It looks Nice. Cheers from Canada 🇨🇦 !

[@AaronRossPhoto]

Thank you! I believe it was just couscous, dried cranberries, pumpkin seeds, turmeric and occasionally tomato seasoning if I came across it in the stores.

[@andrewmacaulay1585]

Most excellent…a kiwi goes to Sweden…I look forward to watching more of your journeys. What pack and shoes were you using? Kind regards New Brunswick Canada 🇨🇦

[@AaronRossPhoto]

Cheers Andrew! I was using the Gossamer Gear Gorilla 40 and the Hoka SpeedGoat 4’s.

[@rosblackmore5422]

Another fine film Aaron! I thought the drone footage, as well as being beautiful, really helped me understand the landscape you were walking through. I love the thought of going there but I'm guessing it wasn't a cheap trip?

[@AaronRossPhoto]

Thank you Ros, I thought so too 🙂 Flights weren’t cheap, however if you tent without staying in the (expensive) STF Huts, it isn’t too bad in price.

[@marcinkowalczyk8717]

​@@AaronRossPhoto How did you obtain permit to flying drone within national park?

[@AaronRossPhoto]

@@marcinkowalczyk8717 I did not require a permit to fly my drone, as I did not fly in any restricted areas, such as Sarek National Park. I did have my drone registered though, and obeyed Swedish Drone Laws.

[@marcinkowalczyk8717]

@@AaronRossPhoto I see at least two shots made over Abisko National Park, hence my question.

[@AaronRossPhoto]

@@marcinkowalczyk8717 Yes, as far as I believe, I did not need a drone permit for Abisko National Park. I did however need to register my drone for EU airspace and follow the drone laws in Sweden (fly below 120m, stay away from airports, etc). Sarek National Park was also the only area on my drone map that was red and therefore restricted airspace and does require a permit, and that is why I did not fly there, but I did fly in other areas of Kungsleden. If you would like to know more about drone use in Sweden, I suggest googling it.

[@Milesahead7]

Thanks for sharing, incredibly well done and beautiful. ❤ I have a question, how was it to use trail runners for this hike seeing the weather and how uncompromising the mud/water can be in fjällen?

[@AaronRossPhoto]

Thank you! The trail runners have definitely proven themselves to be great hiking footwear in all conditions. While they aren’t waterproof, they do dry fast, and I prefer them over heavier footwear like hiking boots. Hope this helps answer your question 🙂

[@Milesahead7]

Thanks for taking the time to answer me. Just finished your throu hike of N.Z ❤ I’ve been there twice in an other life ( my life was surfing back then). And it brought back so many memories, thank you for such a beautiful portrait! Wish you all the best.

[@Seagull6232]

Amazing Video dear Aaron🙏 How did you manage to weigh only 13 kg including the food? I hiked the Kungsleden with 18kg. That was definitely too much... Is there a video of you with a packing list?

[@AaronRossPhoto]

Hi, thank you! There is a link to my gear list in the description of the video. I carried usually no more than 2 or 3 days worth of food at a time and have reasonably light gear.

[@Seagull6232]

Thank you Aaron. I will check it.

[@robertmullen5762]

Great vlog, especially liked the aerial shots. Congrats on rock’n the trail in the fall. One small question…how’d you like the tights in the wet weather? Brand?

[@AaronRossPhoto]

Thanks Robert. Loved the tights - the brand is Skins. They add a small layer of warmth in the wet and cold weather and reduce the amount of scrapes you get when walking through tall brush. In general, I just like the feel of them 🙂

[@robertmullen5762]

@@AaronRossPhoto Thanks

[@Jason1990C]

Amazing video! I'm planning on doing a section of Kungsleden in September, can I ask how cold it got while you were there in September?

[@AaronRossPhoto]

Thanks Jason! September is a beautiful month in Sweden - the average temperature during the day was anywhere between 6 - 10 degrees celsius and 0 - 6 at night.

[@henner645]

how did you pick up the sound and dialogues so flawlessly?

[@AaronRossPhoto]

Thank you. I used the Rode VideoMic GO II - really great microphone!

[@crosscountryexpeditions5425]

Hi Aaron Very, very well done! I whish I could do something similar. Both in terms of hiking and producing a film from it. I have just started my journey as an amateur videografer but I very much enjoy it. Take care and have a good one. Next time in Sweden, lets go for a kayak trip in the Stockholm archipelago. /Cheers

[@AaronRossPhoto]

Thank you and best of luck to you! That sounds great 🙂

[@Cubanbees]

wow, just wow! I planned on hiking in italy end of summer, but this video really got me thinking and inspired me to do this instead! @Aaron how do you deal with trekking poles and flying? any tips?

[@AaronRossPhoto]

I'm glad you feel inspired! I did not use trekking poles for this hike because I felt for me personally they were not necessary - also, I wanted to stay light weight. What do you mean about flying, if I may ask?

[@Cubanbees]

@@AaronRossPhoto Well I use a trekking pole tent and would neet to fly to atleast somehwere in Sweden, that's why I was asking :) Looking forward to digitally join your next adventure!

[@AaronRossPhoto]

@@Cubanbees I see. I also thought that trekking poles might be a bit difficult to bring on an international flight, and that is part of the reason I did not bring them.

[@aniston73]

Fyi, flying a drone in a national park is forbidden, but maybe you had a permit ?

[@timshields8720]

Man you guys put ALOT of work into these vids. Thanks for sharing!!! I could never fundamentally walk the trail twice with all that backtracking to collect the camera. Big ups.

[@AaronRossPhoto]

Cheers Tim - backtracking is a good workout!

[@timshields8720]

@@AaronRossPhoto YES and I also applaud you for doing these walks without sticks. A terrible invention in my humble opinion.

[@mr.dedsec6449]

Man..I remember you back from the 2018 twenty one pilots hiatus days…how you been man

[@AaronRossPhoto]

Hey! I’ve been good, thanks 🙂 Changed direction with the channel a bit though, thanks for sticking around.

[@Fjallkloka_Aventyr]

13:50, many lakes and WHAT ?

[@AaronRossPhoto]

Sorry?

[@Fjallkloka_Aventyr]

@@AaronRossPhoto i dont understand your second word there

[@AaronRossPhoto]

@@Fjallkloka_Aventyr My apologies, I said: "Many lakes and tarns". A tarn is a small alpine lake/pond.

[@salineerattanaphan9035]

👌🏼

[@AaronRossPhoto]

🙌

[@user-xp1mr4gd4c]

😮😮😮💛💙

[@thomasmullee3049]

ok, before visiting a country learn "thank you" and "hello" and "godbye" ;-)

[@magnushenriksson8852]

In general a nice video, BUT you make a BIG NO NO! The pointy emergency huts are only for short breaks and emergency situations, basically if your life is in danger or you risk being injured. If you walk Kungsleden in september rain and bad weather is just what you can expect, not an emergency. Please remove these cuts from the video.