Kungsleden Vakkotavare – Kebnekaise
Skip to booking widgetThe Kungsleden is one of the world’s most famous hiking trails. For many, the northern section is an obvious choice, here we offer a new alternative. Starting in Vakkotavare, with the compass needle pointing north, we set off towards STF Kebnekaise.
On this route, you’ll encounter a varied and magnificent landscape filled with contrasts. We hike through quiet valleys, alongside mirror-like mountain lakes, and ascend slopes that offer breathtaking views over the roof of Sweden – the Kebnekaise massif. Along the way, we stay in four different mountain huts before reaching our destination at the Kebnekaise Mountain Station.
This is the perfect option for you who have already explored the northern section of the Kungsleden or for those seeking a slightly more relaxed hike with shorter daily stages and more time to enjoy the grandeur of the mountains then the northern trail.
On the final day, you’ll hike the last 19 km on your own on a well-marked trail that is easy to navigate, through the beautiful Láddjuvággi valley, to Nikkaluokta.
Good to know
-
4 days of hiking with a guide (4 nights). In addition, 1 day is required for the self-guided trek between Kebnekaise and Nikkaluokta.
-
69 km total from Vakkotavaare to Nikkaluokta (50 km from Vakkotavaare to Kebnekaise).
-
Gathering at 11:45 AM, when the bus arrives in Vakkotavaare. The tour ends at Kebnekaise Mountain Station after check-out on day 5. (Afterwards, hiking continues independently to Nikkaluokta).
-
Min 6 / max 10
-
Age limit: 16 years (accompanied by a guardian).
-
Good physical condition is required, along with previous experience of hiking with a backpack. You should be prepared to hike up to 19 km on the longest day, carrying a backpack weighing 10–15 kg.
-
The bus from Gällivare to Vakkotavaare must be booked in advance via falcksomnibus.se (opens in a new tab). The bus from Nikkaluokta to Kiruna can be booked via nikkaluoktaexpressen.se (opens in a new tab).
The price includes
Note that the arrangement begins with lunch on the arrival day at Vakkotavare and concludes after breakfast at Kebnekaise Mountain Station.
Before: You can take a direct bus from Gällivare to Vakkotavare on your arrival day or book an extra night beforehand at the Vakkotavare mountain cabin or Saltoluokta mountain station.
After: From Kebnekaise, you hike on your own to Nikkaluokta. The trail is well-marked and easy to follow, and you can shorten the distance by taking the boat for 6 of the 19 km.
You can book additional nights at Kebnekaise to explore the area around the Kebnekaise massif. If you would like to take the opportunity to attempt the South Peak summit or hike to the Tarfala Research Station, you can check out the guided day tours (opens in a new tab).
More information
Insurance during STF activity
If you are an STF member and take part in an activity organised by STF, you are covered by accident insurance during the activity. The insurance also applies to children accompanying a member up to and including the year the child turns 15.
Packing list multi-day hike
When hiking between mountain cabins, you don’t need to carry a tent or cooking equipment and can instead focus your energy on the experiences along the way.
