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STF Kårsavagge

This is one of STF’s oldest mountain cabins, and there are rumors that it is haunted. Whether the ghost stories are true or not, we can’t say—but on his way up to Kårsavagge, John Bauer certainly found inspiration for his trolls.

The area around the cabin offers easy hiking, but leaving the valley involves steep climbs in almost every direction, except when heading back toward Abisko. From STF Kårsavagge, there are a few challenging routes to Låktatjåkka cabin. You can also cross a mountain ridge to the southeast to reach STF Abiskojaure on the Kungsleden trail. Be sure to visit Kårsajökeln, a glacier with terminal moraines and a beautiful delta.

STF Kårsavagge makes for a great excursion from STF Abisko Turiststation. Take the cable car up to the alpine terrain, followed by an easy hike to the cabin.

Good to know about the cabin

• In summer, water is collected from the stream near the cabin. In winter, a water hole is opened in the lake east of the cabin.
• The valley has a rich flora thanks to its limestone-rich bedrock. Here, you may find alpine plants such as Dryas, mountain avens, alpine veronica, broad-leaved marsh orchid, Lapland rosebay, mountain saxifrage, Lapland lousewort, and glacier buttercup. The peak bloom occurs in July.
• Birdlife is abundant, with species such as meadow pipit, golden eagle, raven, bluethroat, Eurasian dotterel, and rough-legged buzzard. The best birdwatching period is the last two weeks of June.
• Fishing is good in the deeper parts of the streams and lakes. Skilled anglers may catch trout weighing over a kilo.

Good to know about trails and tours

• Kårsavagge is located 14 kilometers west of Abisko. Most visitors take short hikes in the area or day trips to Kårsavagge.
• A common multi-day route starts in Kårsavagge and continues to Guoblavaggi or Latnjavaggi, then on to Låktatjåkka cabin, before heading to Björkliden.
• In Latnjavaggi, by Lake Latnjajaure, the Abisko Scientific Research Station operates a research facility.
• Snowmobile traffic is minimal in Kårsavagge, as the ski trail from Abisko is closed to motorized traffic. However, some riders reach the valley via Björkliden and Låktatjåkka.
• A highly recommended day trip is westward from Kårsavagge cabin into Kårsavagge Valley, ending at Kårsa Glacier. This route offers an easy walk through lush meadows before transitioning to a high-alpine landscape near the glacier.