The Kungsleden trail Nikkaluokta – Saltoluokta
This beautiful hike primarily follows the King's trail (Kungsleden), which you access at STF's Singi cabins. After the first section, you'll arrive at Kebnekaise Mountain Station. The journey continues through majestic landscapes and rolling birch forests. At Lake Teusajaure, boat transport is available during the season. From the third day onward, you walk along Kungsleden, and before reaching Saltoluokta, you will pass through Stora Sjöfallet National Park.
Hikes along Kungsleden typically start or end in Abisko, Saltoluokta, Kvikkjokk, Ammarnäs, Hemavan, and Nikkaluokta. On this page, the section between Nikkaluokta and STF Saltoluokta Mountain Station is described.
Kungsleden Nikkaluokta – Saltoluokta in short
*On the last section (STF Vakkotavare Mountain cabin–STF Saltoluokta Mountain station), there is a bus service available. This makes the total number of hiking days five.
Map of Kungsleden Nikkaluokta – Saltoluokta
This map is a planning tool and should not replace a physical map and compass. The service “Naturkartan” is operated by a company called “Outdoor map”. Please note that trail information is owned and updated by the respective trail administrator (e.g. municipality or county administrative board).
Discover Kungsleden from Nikkaluokta to Saltoluokta
Your hike begins where the road ends, in the village of Nikkaluokta. The initial part of the journey towards STF Kebnekaise Mountain station takes you through birch forests, then through the rolling heaths of the treeless highlands. If you stay a few extra days at the mountain station, there are excellent opportunities for summit tours with the station’s guides.
The trail leads you through impressive passes between steep mountain walls. Where the valleys open up, the views are absolutely breathtaking. Challenging sections alternate with easier stretches, always set in grand landscapes.
On the fifth day, you pass through Stora Sjöfallet National Park. When you reach higher ground, you can see all the way into Sarek if visibility is good. Many choose to continue to STF Saltoluokta Mountain Station after STF Vakkotavare Mountain Cabin. If you wish to continue further, hop on the bus to Kebnats, where a connecting boat awaits, always synchronized with the bus schedule.
Reindeer herding is practiced in this area, thank you for showing consideration!
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Reindeer herding is practiced in this area, thank you for showing consideration!
Learn more about how to avoid disturbing the reindeer.
See and do along the trail
The summit of Sanjartjåkka, west of STF Kaitumjaure, offers stunning views. At the top, you’ll find a summit box with a guestbook where you can write about your experiences. Ask the cabin host for directions to the summit. On the plateau in the western part of Kaukulvagge, you can find many relics from past generations of Sami people.
Don’t miss
Just before reaching STF Teusajaure Mountain Cabin, there is a waterfall that can feel almost tropical. Water cascades in veils down the mountain steps, landing amidst lush greenery.
Transport to the trail
Book your train trip through services like SJ, with Kiruna as your destination. You can book your journey from your departure point to the final destination, which in this case is Nikkaluokta. This way, you’ll find departures that suit various transport options: train and bus. You’ll also benefit from travel guarantees, ensuring that any delays won’t affect your journey. After your train trip to Kiruna, you can take a bus to Nikkaluokta with Hörwalls Buss. The ride takes about 1.5 hours, and you can find timetable information at Nikkaluoktaexpressen.
For connections to or from Vakkotavare, there is a bus service to Gällivare. You can find information about departure times and stations at roadtoritsem.com. Book your trip through SJ or Norrtåg. From Gällivare, trains run both south and northbound.
Book multiple accommodations at the same time
If you want to book multiple accommodations in one booking, the easiest way to do it is by opening each accommodation in separate tabs in your web browser. Then, choose the dates for each accommodation, the number of people, and proceed until you see that your accommodation has been added to the cart. All your selections are saved in the same cart, even if you are working in different tabs. When you are ready to pay, proceed to payment in any of the tabs, and all your selections will be included. Your selections are saved for a total of 30 minutes.
Sections of Kungsleden Nikkaluokta – Saltoluokta
Below are descriptions of various sections, with distances, accommodations, and other relevant hiking information.
Of course, you’re welcome to hike in the opposite direction of the order in which the sections are presented.
Section 1: Nikkaluokta–STF Kebnekaise Mountain Station
19 kilometers, 5–7 hours hiking
Accommodation: STF Kebnekaise Mountain Station
You’ll start your hike in the village of Nikkaluokta, where there’s a restaurant and a small shop. The trail initially runs through birch forests on a narrow tractor-like path, later transitioning to a relatively rocky and boardwalked trail. You can also opt for a boat ride that shortens the hike by 6 kilometers. From the pier, you’ll have a spectacular view of the Kebnekaise massif. Here you’ll find Enok’s Restaurant, which serves delicious reindeer burgers and cloudberry waffles for hungry hikers.
Those continuing on foot from the pier will face a gentle uphill stretch for a few kilometers before reaching the station. You’ll cross the bridge over the Darfáljohka River, fed by the Tarfala Valley glaciers. At STF Kebnekaise Mountain Station, you’ll find a restaurant, shop, and other services.
Section 2: STF Kebnekaise Mountain Station–STF Singi Mountain Cabin
15 kilometers, 4–6 hours hiking
Accommodation: STF Singi Mountain Cabin
Between STF Kebnekaise Mountain Station and Singi cabins, you’ll traverse the narrow, sometimes dramatic section of Laddjuvagge. The area is renowned for some of Sweden’s most classic climbing routes. After an initial rocky ascent, the trail continues westward, winding between the steep walls of Singitjåkka and Skárttoaivi.
Shortly before reaching STF Singi, the valley opens up, and you’re treated to sweeping views. From the crest, where you exit the narrow part, there are magnificent vistas in both directions. After this, the path descends past Lake Lassajaure and continues down to STF Singi Mountain Cabin, which is right on the Kungsleden.
Section 3: STF Singi Mountain Cabin–STF Kaitumjaure Mountain Cabin
13 kilometers, 4–5 hours hiking
Accommodation: STF Kaitumjaure Mountain Cabin
This is an easier section, following the Tjäktjajåkka River down to its outlet in Lake Kaitumjaure. You’re hiking through old reindeer herding territory, where traces of huts and pastures can still be seen. The terrain is initially gently rolling but soon flattens into heathland. Water sources are plentiful for the first 10 kilometers, and there are good resting spots. The terrain becomes a bit more challenging once you pass the bridge 3 kilometers north of STF Kaitumjaure, but much of the trail is boardwalked.
Section 4: STF Kaitumjaure Mountain Cabin–STF Teusajaure Mountain Cabin
9 kilometers, 4–5 hours hiking
Accommodation: STF Teusajaure Mountain Cabin
After an easy start, you’ll cross the Kaitumjåkka River. On the other side, the terrain becomes rockier. Soon, you’ll ascend into the highlands, where some areas can be wet. About 4 kilometers south of STF Kaitumjaure, there is an old hut near the trail that offers temporary shelter. A further kilometer along the trail brings you to lovely fjell heaths. Here, you’ll reach the highest point of the section at 780 meters above sea level before descending steeply towards Lake Teusajaure.
Section 5: STF Teusajaure Mountain Cabin–STF Vakkotavare Mountain Cabin
15 kilometers, 4–6 hours hiking
Accommodation: STF Vakkotavare Mountain Cabin
The day begins with a boat ride across the lake, organized by the cabin host. Strong rowers can take the rowboat, though the lake can be challenging in certain weather conditions. On the far side, you enter Stora Sjöfallet National Park. The hike is generally easy, but with significant elevation changes. After an initial climb through birch forest, you’ll reach open highlands after 5 kilometers. There, you’ll find a ravine that provides shelter. Beyond this, the slope levels out and the trail crosses large heathland areas before descending in switchbacks through birch forests to STF Vakkotavare Mountain Cabin and the main road between Ritsem and Gällivare.
Section 6: STF Vakkotavare Mountain Cabin–STF Saltoluokta Mountain Station
30 kilometers, 9–11 hours hiking (Bus also available)
Accommodation: STF Saltoluokta Mountain Station
The final section between STF Vakkotavare and STF Saltoluokta is a long hike along one of Sweden’s most scenic roads, surrounded by grand mountains and majestic views. This section is often split over two days due to its length. Alternatively, you can take the bus (Flixbus) from Vakkotavare to Kebnats. From Kebnats, you’ll cross by boat to STF Saltoluokta Mountain Station, with the boat ride taking about 15 minutes.
Timetable for Flixbus (STF Vakkotavare – Kebnats) can be found here.
Trail markers
In the mountains, you need to be aware of which trail markers apply. There are various markers to consider, depending on the area and season.
More about mountain hikingAccomodation along Kungsleden Nikkaluokta – Saltoluokta
Visitor calendar
Do you enjoy the tranquility of the mountains? With our visitor calendar, you can get an overview of the general occupancy in this mountain area, giving you the best possible conditions to plan your visit during less busy periods. During times with fewer visitors, we often offer better prices as well. Please note that the visitor calendar only provides an indication and does not account for deviations such as events or holidays.
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