Kungsleden Kvikkjokk – Ammarnäs

The stretch between Kvikkjokk and Ammarnäs is the least hiked part of the King’s Trail (Kungsleden) and offers a calm and magnificent experience. Here, you’ll find impressive views, especially in Pieljekaise National Park and the Vindelfjällen Nature Reserve, where vast mountain landscapes and deep valleys unfold.

The hike is relatively demanding, with significant elevation differences between river valleys and plateaus of several hundred metres. To complete the entire stretch, you need to be prepared to camp on some nights. The trail also passes small settlements, cabins and cottages that give the area a distinct character, different from other parts of the Kungsleden.

During the hike, you cross several lakes by boat, and on some sections you arrange transport on site or row yourself. The final stretch towards Ammarnäs follows a long ridge with beautiful views over the valley – a memorable ending to a varied mountain hike.

Hikes along the Kungsleden typically begin or end in Abisko, Saltoluokta, Kvikkjokk, Ammarnäs, Hemavan or Nikkaluokta.

Map of Kungsleden Kvikkjokk–Ammarnäs

Navigate past map or other external content. Skipped past external content, go back.

Getting to the trail

Summer season: Take the train to Murjek, then transfer to direct bus 94 to Kvikkjokk.
Winter and off-season: Take the train to Murjek, Älvsbyn or Boden. Transfer to a bus towards Jokkmokk, then change to bus 47 to Kvikkjokk. Note that the bus to Kvikkjokk runs on weekdays only.

Travel to or from Ammarnäs is easiest by bus (opens in new tab) to Sorsele, and then onwards to cities such as Umeå or Skellefteå. You can also travel by bus to Östersund and connect to various train services from there.

Search for your journey from your departure point all the way to your final destination to find the best connections combining train and bus. You’ll also have travel protection, so delays won’t affect your ability to reach your destination.

Don’t miss

In Adolfström, you’ll find excellent waters for paddling if you feel like swapping your hiking boots for a while. Bird enthusiasts should not miss the Svaipa bird protection area, which is well worth a visit.

Stages Kungsleden Kvikkjokk–Ammarnäs

Stage 1: STF Kvikkjokk Mountain station–Tsielekjåkkstugan

15 km, 5–7 hours of hiking
Accommodation: Tsielekjåkkstugan

The day begins with a 3 km boat trip across Lake Sakkat, from Kvikkjokk to Mallenjarka. Information about boat transport is available at kvikkjokk-turism.se (opens in new tab) and battrafikikvikkjokk.se (opens in new tab). There are no rowing boats available here. The hike takes you through low mountain terrain, old-growth coniferous forest, and mountain birch forest. The unstaffed Tsielekjåkkstugan is open year-round and does not require pre-booking. Facilities include a stove, outdoor toilet, and emergency phone. Bed capacity is limited.

Stage 2: Tsielekjåhkå–Piteälven

19 km, 7–9 hours of hiking
Accommodation: Camping

The day begins with an easy stretch across open mountain terrain. The trail passes through the Suoŋergårsså ravine and then reaches a junction where the summer and winter trails are separated – choose the western route. You then pass the impressive cliff face Goabddábakte. The final section leads through mountain birch forest with elements of pine forest. There are no cabins along this stage, but plenty of good camping spots.

Stage 3: Piteälven–Gásakláhko

19 km, 7–9 hours of hiking
Accommodation: Camping

The hike begins along the shore of Lake Tjieggelva. After a few kilometers, the trail climbs up onto the mountain, where you hike for about 10 km across open terrain. Be careful to follow trail markings in poor weather. Gásakláhko is at a high elevation and can be a good spot for camping.

Stage 4: Gásakláhko–Vuonatjviken

13 km, 4–6 hours of hiking
Accommodation: Vuonatjviken Cabin village (opens in new tab), non-STF

You continue across open mountain terrain for a couple of kilometers before descending into mountain birch forest near Lake Riebnes. You cross the Arctic Circle just before reaching Vuonatjviken. There is a cabin village here where you can stay overnight or put up your tent. There is also a restaurant.

Stage 5: Vuonatjviken–Jäckvik

5.4 km by boat + 18 km hiking, 4–6 hours
Accommodation: Kyrkans fjällgård Jäckvik (opens in new tab), non-STF

You take a boat across Lake Riebnes (see vuonatjviken.com (opens in new tab) for details). After the crossing, a steep uphill climb through mountain birch forest awaits, followed by a few kilometers across open mountain terrain. The trail then descends steeply towards Lake Hornavan. You row across Kapellströmmen, a 400-meter stretch. Note that a boat must always remain on each side, which may require rowing the distance three times. Kyrkans fjällgård Jäckvik offers hostel accommodation and camping throughout the summer and is open daily. There is also a grocery store in Jäckvik.

Stage 6: Jäckvik–Adolfström

22 km, 9–10 hours of hiking
Accommodation: Adolfström Cabin village (opens in new tab), non-STF

The day begins with hiking through herb-rich mountain birch forest up the northern slope of Pieljekaise. The trail is mostly easy to walk. After reaching the highest point of the stage, around 800 meters above sea level, you enter Pieljekaise National Park. The final stretch down to Adolfström follows a gravel road. Here you’ll find a café and cabin accommodation.

Stage 7: Adolfström–Sjnulttjie shelter

23 km, 7–8 hours of hiking
Accommodation: Camping

This is a long but easy stage. You can shorten the hike by 8 km by taking a boat from Adolfström to Bäverholmen – this must be booked in advance. Most of the route follows low mountain terrain. A shelter awaits at Sjnulttjie.

A few kilometers before the shelter, the trail enters the Tjålmejaure bird protection area. There is a temporary access restriction during part of the summer. You may still hike along the Kungsleden, but dogs must be kept on a leash and you must not leave the trail.

Stage 8: Sjnulttjie shelter–Rävfallsstugan

27 km, 10-12 hours of hiking
Accommodation: Rävfallsstugan (not STF)

Follow Kungsleden to Länsstyrelsens cabin Rävfallsstugan.

Stage 9: Rävfallsstugan – Ammarnäs

23 km, 8-10 hours of hiking
Accommodation: Ammarnäs Wärdshus

Follow Kungsleden along Vuotsbäcken up onto the bare mountain, then continue south towards Ammarnäs. The trail leads along a beautiful ridge with wonderful views. A shelter cabin is available along the way if you need cover. The final stretch descends along the ski slope, then you head east to reach the village.

---

Visitor calendar

Do you prefer a quieter experience in the mountains? Our visitor calendar gives you an overview of typical occupancy levels in this mountain area, helping you plan your trip during less busy periods. During quieter times, we also often offer better prices. Please note that the visitor calendar is only an indication and does not account for variations due to events or holidays.

Read more about Kungsleden