The trail system in the mountain areas
The state trail system consists of approximately 5,500 kilometers of marked trails, of which 2,250 kilometers are in Norrbotten and 1,940 kilometers in Jämtland. Bridges, rest shelters, and rowing boats are also included in the state trail system. In addition to the state trails, there is a trail system of a total of approximately 2,500 kilometers around communities and tourist facilities in the mountain region.
Winter trails
The trails in the winter times are marked with poles topped with a red cross, known as trail crosses, placed at 40-meter intervals. Two crosses on one pole indicate that the trail changes direction. A few sections are marked with bunches of twigs or red road poles with reflectors. Twigs are also used when the winter trails cross lakes and watercourses.
Summer trails
The trails in the summer time consist of well-trodden paths with painted poles or stones where the path is difficult to follow. In forested terrain, the markings can be found on trees.
The summer and winter trails often follow the same route and are marked as winter trails. Some winter trails are difficult to follow in the summer because they pass through both wet marshes and lakes. Use the map and the trail signs along the routes to keep track of this.
Winter and summer trails have different markings on the map.
Rest shelters along the trails
The rest shelters that are strategically placed along the trails in the mountain areas are important for safety. They are used for breaks and in emergencies; they are not intended for overnight stays. The rest shelters are equipped with a wood stove and benches. The wood that is normally available should only be used in emergencies. Most rest shelters in the state trail system have emergency phones. At the rest shelters, there are usually dry toilets and garbage rooms.
Bridges along the trails
Where the summer trails cross larger waterways, there are bridges on the most frequented trails. Some exposed bridges are dismantled after the summer season to avoid damage from snow pressure, ice break-up, or spring floods.
Certain trails become impassable when the bridges are not in place. If you plan to hike early or late in the summer season, you should ensure that the relevant bridges are in place. Contact the county administrative board in the area you are visiting to check this.
Rowboats along the Kungsleden trail
Where the trails cross larger waterways or lakes, there are, in some places, rowing routes with at least one rowboat on each shore. These locations are marked on the mountain map. After September 20th, the rowboats are pulled ashore and locked away for winter storage.
When you use the boats, you are required to ensure that there is a boat on each side of the water. This may mean that you must row across the water three times. First, you row to the other side to fetch the second boat, then row back with it in tow, pull it up on the shore, and finally row back again to the side from which you will continue your hike. On the most frequented trails, there are three rowboats, which can save hikers from extra rowing trips. You are only allowed to use the boats for crossings. After using the boat, it should be pulled ashore and securely fastened.
Boats are available at the following locations along the Kungsleden trail:
- Aktse (Laitaure, BD10 on the Kungsleden Trail), three boats.
- Teusajaure (BD8 on the Kungsleden Trail), three boats.
The mountain management department at the county administrative board provides information on when the boats are put out and taken up. Contact them if you plan to hike early or late in the summer season to ensure that the boats are in place for use.
It is free to use the boats, and no one has the right to charge you for using them.
The rowing route Sitojaure/Kåbtåjaure (BD10 on the Kungsleden Trail) has been discontinued since 2021, and you are now referred to private boat transport.
See the county administrative board’s website for more information.
At the lakes in Aktse and Teusajaure, private motorboat transport is also available. You can get a ride during the times when the STF mountain cabins are staffed with a cabin host.
Discover more
Mountain guide
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Mountain safety
Learn about avalanches, find out how to best prevent injuries, or read about how to safely ford rivers during your hike.
Mountain hiking
The Swedish mountain range stretches from Treriksröset in the north to Dalarna in the south. Here, breathtaking landscapes and hundreds of miles of marked hiking trails await.