Solo Hiking the Kungsleden trail in Sweden

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ABOUT THE TRAIL
The Kungsleden is a hiking trail of 400 kilometers in the north of Sweden. Some 250 kilometers of the trail are located above the Arctic Circle, meaning that for much of the hike you'll cross impressive, wide open landscapes.
When I hiked the trail in August 2022 the weather was exceptionally wet, even to Arctic standards. Often, the trail was completely soaked. I hiked the 150km stretch between Kvikkjokk and Ammarnäs with completely soaked boots. The views were amazing though and I'm glad I pushed on as I was rewarded with a balmy Indian summer for the last stretch from Ammarnäs to Hemavan.
I hope this video gives you a good impression of what it's like to hike the Kungsleden.
MUSIC (in order of appearance)
Paradise by Ross Bugden
• ♩♫ Piano Music ♪♬ - Pa...
Omnia by Helmut Schenker
Available on Epidemic Sound
Sketches by Ever So Blue
Available on Epidemic Sound
Back in My Dreams by baegel
Available on Epidemic Sound
Where You Come From by Silver Maple
Available on Epidemic Sound
Castles in the Sky by Across The Great Valley
Available on Epidemic Sound
#kungsleden #hiking

[@MeditationForLifeU]

Beautiful nature trail 😊

[@hikinghermit]

Very good cinematography! Well done!

[@KeesGortPhotography]

Wow, thank you!

[@wildblissyoga]

Prachtige prestatie! Bedankt om het zo mooi vast te leggen :-)

[@KeesGortPhotography]

Awww dankjewel voor zo'n groot compliment :). Fijn dat je van de video hebt genoten! Het was me een plezier!

[@AFKexplores]

Soo surreal and calm location 💚

[@KeesGortPhotography]

Thank you, hope my video put you in a more relaxed mood :). To be honest though, there were still a decent amount of people on trail. Much less though than in the Alps or in Corsica. If you were to go off the Kungsleden, it would definitely be much more quiet!

[@ervinslens]

Simply majestic part of Northern Europe, Abisko is spectacular too! You presented this so professionally! 🔥🔥

[@KeesGortPhotography]

Thank you so much! It's a spectacular landscape indeed. My personal favorite maybe was the area around Skierfe and the fifth and final section. That's the entire trail in just 80 kilometers. Forrest, waterfalls, high fjäll and a massive U-shaped mountain valley to top it all off.

[@testing24dfas]

You are very lucky to be able to enjoy this amazing hike.

[@familywithmelody]

Wow, this video is simply amazing! The Kungsleden trail in Sweden is such a beautiful place and it's even more incredible to see it being hiked solo. Your bravery and determination is inspiring. I can't wait to plan my own solo hike on the Kungsleden trail one day. Thank you for sharing your incredible experience with us

[@KeesGortPhotography]

Thank you so much! Even though I hiked mostly solo, there were quite a few others on the trail. So don't worry about being lonely!

[@justusalbrecht5273]

Wow, Thank u for such a Wonderful Video. Now im way more hyped up for my Kungsleden adventure in 2 weeks. I wish u the best, greetings from Germany

[@KeesGortPhotography]

And? How did it go?

[@hikingthewild]

Thank you for sharing the Kungsleden with us. It a trail I hope to visit and hike. Great job capturing the trip.

[@KeesGortPhotography]

Thank you so much! I hope this video helps and hypes you up for your hike :)

[@timgroothuis1217]

It looks like a dreamscape, apart from the occasionally rainy weather. Beautiful video Kees, it seemed you had quite the journey!

[@KeesGortPhotography]

Thank you! Yeah it was awesome even if somewhat wet.

[@michaelwalter-ro3ww]

Dank voor deze mooie video! Was precies op zoek naar zoiets om een indruk te krijgen. :)

[@JB_FLYA69669]

Great video you have inspired me to go here

[@KeesGortPhotography]

Awesome! Hope you have a great hike!

[@lukasstahli]

Thank you män! I hiked it in 2021 and remembered almost everything! ❤

[@KeesGortPhotography]

Ohhh that's great to hear! It's always nice to rewatch and to relive the experience :)

[@Marcfj]

How well is the trail marked so a hiker doesn't find himself wandering off in the wrong direction?

[@KeesGortPhotography]

@@Marcfj The trail is very well marked so navigation wise it was a very easy hike. I'd recommend downloading the topographical maps on your phone and using a guide book for more info on logistics such as locations of shelter, towns, bus and boat transfers, supermarkets and other opportunities on resupply.

[@Marcfj]

@@KeesGortPhotography - Thank you for the info, it is appreciated.

[@delvecks3921]

Enjoyed the video, thanks for sharing your experience. Looks beautiful there!

[@KeesGortPhotography]

Thank you, glad you enjoyed it! It's definitely a very unique and pristine place but my heart still goes out to the Alps and the GR20 on Corsica.

[@dipjedap1]

Blown away! Gorgeous shots, so inspiring

[@KeesGortPhotography]

Such kind words, thank you! It was a beautiful hike :)

[@Sturmer69]

really enjoyed your video!!! thank you

[@KeesGortPhotography]

No problem, happy you enjoyed it!

[@hanslindvall7530]

Nice upload m8, your workshop looks interesting that you have on your website as I am interested in photography, living in Sweden, never been in the northern/Sweden besides my military service 79/80, the only hikes I've done are in Bad Gastein/Austria 2019 and 2023 which was wonderful, hopefully going to Fulufjället in Sweden late August this year, take care !

[@HolisticHikes]

💪💚💚. You did an excellent job here! We are excited to see more of your journey, Cheers from the PNWUSA.

[@KeesGortPhotography]

That's so nice of you! I'll definitely shoot more hikes if I have the time and budget. I just started for myself so even if I have the time, money will be tight. I definitely want to visit the PNW one day, I've dreamed of doing the PCT for years now! On a side note: if you're coming to Europe and need some advice, feel free to contact me at [e-mail]. I'm happy to help out :)

[@HolisticHikes]

@@KeesGortPhotography Omgosh thank you for this reply! Will save your info, and your welcome to contact us here anytime for tips on the PNW. ☺️💚💚

[@hikesome]

Wow, what a wonderful adventure Kees! Great film. I thought about hiking it next year, but there might be other trails I am gonna try, as everybody hiked the Kungsleden this year ;) Beautiful shots and storytelling, fantastic!

[@KeesGortPhotography]

Thank you so much for the kind words! And believe me, you could go there and find a completely different story to tell. It's a huge and pretty place and I'll probably be back for the Abisko - Nikkoluokta circuit. I'd love to explore the Tarfalla valley as well!

[@williammclanachan7552]

Nice video planning on doing that summer 2023.

[@KeesGortPhotography]

Ooh nice, have fun!

[@walterbulkens5096]

Hallo Kees. Mooie weergave van de trail, heb met weemoed naar je film gekeken. Ik heb hem zelf ook gelopen maar dan andersom, Hemavan naar Abisko. Een van mijn mooiste tochten, maar niet de zwaarste. Als ik je een uitdaging mag aanraden, The cape Wrath trail in Schotland, van Fort William naar Cape Wrath. Vraagt meer van je navigatie skills, en is het beste te doen in de maand mei. Hoop in de toekomst ern filmpje van je te zien. Zelf kan ik door ziekte helaas geen meerdaagse hikes meer doen.

[@KeesGortPhotography]

Dankjewel voor de tip! Voor nu ligt mijn focus op fotografie maar wil in de toekomst nog wel een lange wandeling doen. Mijn droom is de Haute Route van de Pyreneeën, die schijnt ook erg zwaar te zijn!

[@jpadicecoffee9812]

It's an amazing trail with scenery. I need to look up the map on it. But I got to hike Mont Blanc first before I can think about seeing Kungsleden.

[@KeesGortPhotography]

Good choice, I love the Alps! This was a nice change of scenery though, before this trip I never hiked up north so that was nice.

[@binkao2938]

Lovely video 😊

[@priyamvada2603]

What a beautifully shot video! Came across this as i was doing my own planning for the Kungsledan :) May i ask you about what water sources you found along the way? Also, what type of food did you carry? Doing the whole trail in one-go, that's mad inspiring Kees! Kudos, and here's to more outdoor adventures! :D

[@KeesGortPhotography]

Thank you so much! You don't need to worry much about water, it's literally everywhere. Most people don't even filter it as it's one of the least polluted places on earth. I did filter my water though, you never know what animal did shit or die upstream. As for food: there are very basic supplies every other hut and in the Fjallstations. There's a large supermarket in Hemavan and in Jäkkvik and a medium supermarket in Ammarnäs. I carried lots of protein bars, cured meat, nuts, crisps and chocolate bars as I hate cooking on trail. I took a vitamin pill every day. I ate and slept at every Fjällstation. The food at Saltoluokta was really good, the food at Kvikkjokk was pretty mediocre. Next time I'll probably bring a stove though as the huts and Fjällstations mostly provided freeze dried food so without a stove my choices were very limited. Hope this helps!

[@marcorostagno_]

Ciao Kees! Bravo, complimenti, ottimo video! Vedo che anche tu cammini in solitaria proprio come me. Buon cammino amico 🥾🌍⛰️

[@JagerScot-01]

Nice vid mate. Cheers

[@KeesGortPhotography]

Thank you!

[@vojtapodliska6786]

Hi! Great video! How many days did it take you to complete the journey?

[@KeesGortPhotography]

Thank you! It took me 20 days in total, although I used two rest days. If it's your first trail I recommend taking four weeks to do the entire thing. I met a lot of new hikers who underestimated the trail and were quite beaten up. They had to skip sections or even quit due to fatigue related injuries and time pressure. If you're an experienced thru-hiker you can go much faster though. I met a guy who averaged around 50km per day, but that's just insane tbh.

[@hugogibson1370]

beautiful video! what tent did you use?

[@KeesGortPhotography]

Thank you! I use the TarptTent Stratospire Li. Imported it from the USA. Been lovin' it!

[@MichaelWeinberg]

Great video, thanks for sharing! How many days did it take you?

[@KeesGortPhotography]

All in it took me 20 days. I did take two rest days though, something I can highly recommend for long distance hikes like this.

[@brianggabromo]

What an amazing experience and a wonderful video too. A bit question, How long did it take for you to complete the whole trail? Also, thank you for sharing

[@KeesGortPhotography]

Awww that's nice to hear. In total it took me 21 days to complete the trail. I hiked for 19 days and took two rest days. If you're new to long distance hiking, I recommend planning 28 days. If you're already experienced, 21 days is perfectly doable.

[@brianggabromo]

@@KeesGortPhotography Thanks for the reply! Looking forward to seeing new videos!

[@sfinnera1]

Great shots mate. What lenses did you take with you?

[@KeesGortPhotography]

Thank you! I brought the Fujfilm X-H2s and the XF10-24 f4 WR with me. Great combo for these kinds of hikes!

[@jantomaszrogala4230]

hey nice watching, thanks. Im going this year, still thinking about the tent. How well your stratospire did? It is quite big, did you experience any problems with finding a places to pitch it? how did it do in the strong winds?

[@KeesGortPhotography]

For me the size was perfect. I found plenty of places to pitch. Due to the dcf floor, you can easily pitch in wet grass and keep a dry inner tent. The tent also performed very well in high wind. Bare in mind that you have to put the groundpegs in well tho, as they are the ancors for your tent. I use a combination of MSR Groundhogs and rock pens.

[@jantomaszrogala4230]

@@KeesGortPhotography thanks

[@KeesGortPhotography]

@@jantomaszrogala4230 Yeah no worries, have fun!

[@pharestino]

Great video and beatiful pictures, very inspiring, thank you for sharing. My wife and I are planning to hike the kungsleden next year. May I ask, what camera you used to film?

[@KeesGortPhotography]

Of course you may! I shot with the Fujifiilm X-H2s and the new 10-24mm f4 with weather sealing. I used a variable ND filter to manage my shutterspeed. It's an excellent camera and excellent lens, I use them professionally as well.

[@KeesGortPhotography]

Anyway, have fun on the Kungsleden. It's a beautiful trail and I hope you have a great time with your wife :)

[@pharestino]

Thank you very much for your reply! :-) Looking forward to the Kungsleden!

[@creeks-and-peaks]

Beautiful! What are you filming on?

[@KeesGortPhotography]

I shot this on a Fujifilm XH2s with the 10-24mm f4 WR lens. I colour graded everything in Davinci Resolve, using the Kodak 2383 film LUT as the base for my look.

[@Roccopatruno]

Hi, thanks for the great video! do you have the gpx tracks of the route and the description of the stages? thanks

[@KeesGortPhotography]

I don't, though I'm planning to post some information on my hiking blog if I have the time. I used the Sweden topo app for navigation and the (outdated) guidebook by Cicerone press for logistics, combined with a bunch of online trip reports. In any case, the route is very well signed so the trail is easy to follow.

[@bbckoester]

Hi, nice video, im bout to do the same thing next year and wanted to kindly ask wich tent you were using and if it was durable enough for the swedish climate?

[@KeesGortPhotography]

Hi! I used the Tarptent Stratospire Li. I really loved the tent. It's designed to withstand high wind and deal with lots of rain. It's also lightweight and spacious. That being said, proper storms are commonplance on the Kungsleden. It's best to keep an eye out on the forecast and don't camp on exposed spots if the weather goes crazy.

[@Xxnedra]

Will do the section from saltoluokta to jäkkvikk this year. is this a tarptent you had with you? i am still trying to decide if i can take my aeon li or need to go for a heavier one.

[@KeesGortPhotography]

I brought the Stratospire Li. Loved the extra space and performance in wet weather but it's a bit heavier than the Aeon!

[@MisterJingo93]

Did it last year as well. Stil not really back.

[@KeesGortPhotography]

Yeah it's a place you tend to linger on for a long time!

[@LeTubeLookerXXL]

Really funny to see that you slept on a lot of places I have slept too last summer. You only hiked it the other way around

[@KeesGortPhotography]

Awesome! They were often the most logical place to camp. How was your hike?

[@LeTubeLookerXXL]

@@KeesGortPhotography True. It was really nice but the musquitoes were really bad. Furthermore the weather was great. Had maybe 6 or 7 days of rain. The end (so the last 5 huts from the end) it became really cold at night

[@KeesGortPhotography]

@@LeTubeLookerXXL Good to hear you had great weather. I had lots of rain - only 6 days of sun. The mosquitos were not that bad though. Guess you can't have both ;)

[@fanrik9583]

Bro do you have a gearlist you could share? Are you ultra liter?

[@KeesGortPhotography]

I don't have a gearlist at the moment. I'd say I was fairly light on this trip, although I did bring extra clothes because I'm cold quite easily. The camera gear was a few extra kilo's though and I had over 10 kilo's of food with me in the beginning!

[@_loss_]

Looks like death stranding

[@KeesGortPhotography]

Well luckily I made it out alive ;)

[@SecretHikerX]

Great hike and video! 😊 My channel is also about hiking 🚶‍♂️👍

[@robertfarrell3735]

you got the alfalfa thing going on with your hair ha ha'