Ready for a unique winter expedition above the Arctic Circle? The King’s Trail (Kungsleden) is Scandinavia’s most iconic hiking route. During this 7-day winter trek through Swedish Lapland, you will travel from hut to hut with a pulka (expedition sled) through a breathtaking snowy landscape. Guided by experienced guides, you will discover the pure arctic wilderness between Abisko and Nikkaluokta, with an excellent chance of spotting the magical Northern Lights.

The King's Trail

Embark on a winter expedition on the legendary Kungsleden during this 7-day adventure.
Highlights
  • Discover the Swedish nature 200 km above the Arctic Circle.
  • Explore the landscape on Nordic skis or snowshoes.
  • Stay in traditional Swedish cabins
  • Warm up in the typical saunas in the evening.
  • Spot the Northern Lights

The Kungsleden

The Kungsleden, or The King’s Trail, is Scandinavia’s most iconic hiking route, and for good reason. The entire trail spans about 425 km, but we start in the northernmost village Abisko, and cover the northernmost 75 km. Located about 200 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle, this is one of the best places in the world to spot the Northern Lights. From Abisko, we trek with our pulkas to the remote Singi hut, taking a total of five days. From there, we embark on an adventurous snowmobile ride to our final destination, Nikkaluokta. This part of the route runs past Sweden’s highest mountain, Kebnekaise (2096m), and is characterized by vast, pearl-white landscapes.

The weekly schedule

Since the Kungsleden isn't always the easiest environment for organizing a winter trail on your own, we've mapped out a complete week program so you can enjoy the best of the Kungsleden in just 5 full hiking days without any worries. The route can, of course, be adjusted by our guides in case of particularly bad weather.

Practical information about The King's Trail

In this section, you'll find all the practical information about your trip. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us!

Included
  • Starting from €1550
  • February 18 – March 26

  • This price includes:

    • Fully planned route and complete travel organization
    • Professional guidance by experienced guides
    • 5 overnight stays in cozy Swedish mountain cabins and 2 nights in well-equipped mountain stations
    • Equipment rental: choose between an adventure on snowshoes or on Nordic skis
    • Detailed smartphone app where you can find all the information
    • Snowmobile transport from Singi to the endpoint
Optional
  • Round-trip flights from Brussels or Amsterdam: From €430 (incl. 23 kg checked baggage & shuttle transport)

     

    More info can be found here.

     

  • Round-trip flights from Dusseldorf: From €350 (incl. 23 kg checked baggage & shuttle transport)


    (only possible on Saturdays)

     

  • Airport shuttle: € 45 per person/shuttle
    (Included in the flight price on Saturday).

  • Survival Foodpack: Vegetarian € 115, Standard € 125
    (You can find the contents of this foodpack in the FAQs)

    • Hardshell Pants: € 70
    • Thermal Gloves: € 28
  • Only for Thursday departures:

    Extra night in Kiruna before the trip starts: €65 per person (Night from Wednesday to Thursday, breakfast and pick up at the hotel by our airport shuttle on Thursday included, 4-person rooms)

Stays
  • You’ll be sleeping in cozy cabins for a week, right in the wilderness. These cabins are maintained by the Svenska Turist Föreningen.

     

    Some of these cabins have a small shop with basic products. They come equipped with a wood stove to keep you warm, a shared kitchen, sleeping areas with bunk beds, and an emergency phone, since there’s no mobile reception in this area.

     

    In most cases, the cabins have no electricity or running water. So, we get our water from a hole in the ice near the cabins. There’s also always a compost toilet available at the cabins.

Skis or Snowshoes?
  • Nordic Skiing: Just like in the past, Nordic skiing is still the way to trek from hut to hut through deep snow in winter. The difference from regular skis is that you use a type of mountain boot with a metal attachment in the sole (included with the skis), and the skis have much better grip and are longer than normal skis. Since ski hiking can be seen more as ‘gliding through the snow,’ skiing experience is not necessary. It’s a completely different way of moving that anyone can learn in a day.

  • Snowshoeing: Snowshoes are extensions of your own hiking boots or snow boots that make it easier to walk over deep snow. They distribute the weight of the wearer over a larger surface area so that the feet don't sink into the snow due to the reduced pressure.

Our guides
  • Experienced guides are ready to help you if you need assistance or run into difficulties. Every morning, you'll receive a briefing with extra tips and tricks. You can walk at your own pace, but there will always be a guide leading the way and another guide at the rear to support anyone who encounters problems during the trail if needed. If you feel more comfortable with a guide by your side, you can always walk alongside them.

     

    In case of bad weather, they will keep the group together and provide guidance. They also carry a GPS Tracker (including an emergency signal) to alert emergency services.

How do I get there?

❗️Important: try to arrive at Abisko Turiststation by 8:00 PM at the latest❗️
 

On Saturdays, you can choose to book a direct flight with us from Düsseldorf.

On Thursdays, the flights are less ideal, but you can book a direct flight with us on Wednesdays, as well as a hotel stay in a hotel in Kiruna. The next day, you will be picked up at your hotel to go to Abisko.

Below, we’ll summarize all the options for you.

IS THIS TRAIL SUITABLE FOR ME?

The difficulty level of a winter trail depends on several factors. Based on the elements below, you can assess for yourself whether this expedition is suitable for you. Thanks to the professional guidance of our guides and the comfort of the cozy mountain huts, we make this unique Arctic experience accessible for every adventurer in good shape and a strong dose of perseverance.

Join the adventure!

Sign up for The King's Trail 2027 and enjoy the following benefits:

  • Early bird prices
  • Free superflex booking conditions
Request a quote
  • Example trip
    Monday 20 Jan 2025
    Sunday 26 Jan 2025
    Available
    € 1450
    Available
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  • Example trip
    Monday 20 Jan 2025
    Sunday 26 Jan 2025
    Available
    € 1450
    Available
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  • Example trip
    Monday 20 Jan 2025
    Sunday 26 Jan 2025
    Available
    € 1450
    Available
    More info Less info
  • Example trip
    Monday 20 Jan 2025
    Sunday 26 Jan 2025
    Available
    € 1450
    Available
    More info Less info
  • Example trip
    Monday 20 Jan 2025
    Sunday 26 Jan 2025
    Available
    € 1450
    Available
    More info Less info
  • Example trip
    Monday 20 Jan 2025
    Sunday 26 Jan 2025
    Available
    € 1450
    Available
    More info Less info

FAQs

You can always email us for more information about this trip; below you'll find answers to some frequently asked questions.

What’s included in the base price?

This price includes:

  • Fully planned route and complete travel organization
  • Professional guidance by experienced guides
  • 5 overnight stays in cozy Swedish mountain cabins and 2 nights in well-equipped mountain stations
  • Equipment rental: choose between an adventure on snowshoes or on Nordic skis
  • Detailed Travelbase app where you can find all the information
  • Snowmobile transport from Singi to the endpoint

How many kilometers do we hike?

During this week, you’ll cover a total of about 75 km. The number of kilometers per day varies between 12 and 22 km. The days are well balanced in relation to the distance you’ll be covering, taking into account the elevation gain you’ll encounter.

Who is this trip suitable for?

Anyone between the ages of 16 and 65 with good fitness and a sense of adventure can walk this trail. The journey includes a solid amount of physical activity, so being in good health is a must.

Are you looking to try a multi-day hike for the first time, but have doubts about your physical capacity?

Ask yourself the following questions:

  • How often have I been physically active in the past three months?
  • What types of physical activity do I regularly do, and for how long?
  • Have I had any recent injuries that could affect my ability to enjoy this adventure?
  • Can I comfortably walk 15 kilometers over hilly terrain?
  • Can I train in the coming months to prepare myself optimally for this adventure?

If your answers give you full confidence to embark on this adventure, then this trail is definitely for you! You’ll receive a training schedule a week after booking to get you ready to tackle the path comfortably.

Still unsure and want to test yourself before heading out on the trail?

Try one of our micro-adventures like The Vosges TrailThe Mullerthal Trail, or The Packraft Trail.

Is there on-site support?

On each departure day, a team of experienced guides who know the trail very well and have chosen the beautiful routes and accommodations will join. They will also be there for support in case any issues arise during the trail itself.

What should I bring?

After your booking, you will receive a detailed packing list, carefully compiled by our experienced team. The packing list includes everything you need for your adventure, from clothing to equipment and useful extras.

I have never done a winter trail before, can I participate?

Yes, absolutely! You do not need any prior winter trail or snow-hiking experience to participate. As long as you have a good fitness level and don’t suffer from injuries, the route is completely doable.

Whether you choose snowshoeing or ski hiking, you will easily pick up the technique within your first day on the trail.

Our guides will be there to teach you everything you need to know, making it a great entry-level arctic adventure.

Curious about other travel experiences? Or would you like to join our community?

Join our Facebook group, where all the Travelbase Trailers from the past years share their love for hiking, handy tips, and experiences.

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