The Kungsleden trail Kvikkjokk – Ammarnäs

The beautiful stretch between Kvikkjokk and Ammarnäs is the least walked part of the Kungsleden walking trail. You will encounter magnificent views, perhaps especially in Pieljekaise National Park. The route passes several smaller villages, cabins, and cottages, which give the hike a unique character, different from what you experience on other parts of the Kungsleden trail. Along this stretch, there are some longer boat transfers that can often be arranged on-site.

Hikes along the Kungsleden trail usually start or end in Abisko, Saltoluokta, Kvikkjokk, Ammarnäs, Hemavan, and Nikkaluokta. This section describes the stretch between STF Kvikkjokk Mountain Station and STF Ammarnäs Wärdshus.

Map of Kungsleden Kvikkjokk–Ammarnäs

Discover Kungsleden Kvikkjokk – Ammarnäs

The stretch between Kvikkjokk and Ammarnäs is the least walked part of the Kungsleden trail. To hike this section, you will need to camp some nights. The views along the way are magnificent, particularly in Pieljekaise National Park. The hike is relatively demanding as the trail goes up and down. There are a few hundred meters of elevation difference between the river valleys and the plateaus. Several small villages, cabins, and cottages give the area a unique character, unlike other parts of the Kungsleden trail. Along this stretch, there are some longer boat transfers, which you can arrange on-site. The final leg toward Ammarnäs is along an extended ridge, offering beautiful views of Älvdalen.

See and do along the trail

In Adolfström, there are excellent paddling waters for those who want to take a break from hiking boots for a while.

Don’t miss

If you’re interested in birds, the Svaipa Bird Protection Area is well worth a visit.

Transport to the trail

Book your train tickets through, for example, SJ. Search for your journey all the way from your departure location to the final destination, and you will always get the departures that match different modes of transport: both train and bus. You also have a travel guarantee, so any delays won’t affect your ability to reach the destination.

To get to Kvikkjokk, travel by train to Murjek, then take bus 43 to Jokkmokk and then bus 47 to Kvikkjokk. Read more at Länstrafiken Norrbotten.

Traveling to or from Ammarnäs is easiest by bus to Sorsele, and then onward to places like Umeå and Skellefteå. You can also take a bus to Östersund and from there connect to various train services.

Sections of Kungsleden Kvikkjokk – Ammarnäs

Below are descriptions of the different sections with distances, accommodations, and other relevant hiking information.

Of course, you can hike in the opposite direction from how the stages are presented.

Section 1: STF Kvikkjokk Mountain Station–Tsielekjåkkstugan

15 kilometers, 5–7 hours of hiking
Accommodation: Tsielekjåkkstugan (not STF)

You start the day with a three-kilometer boat trip across Lake Sakkat, from Kvikkjokk to Mallenjarka. Information about boat trips can be found at www.kvikkjokk-turism.se or www.battrafikikvikkjokk.se. Rowboats are not available here. You will hike through low mountains, coniferous forests, and birch forests. Tsielekjåkkstugan is not an STF cabin, but it is managed by STF.

Section 2: Tsielekjåhkå–Pite River

19 kilometers, 7–9 hours of hiking
Accommodation: Tent

The day begins with an easy hike across open mountain terrain. The trail passes through the Suoŋergårsså ravine and then reaches a point where the trails split. Here, you choose the western trail. You will then pass the impressive cliff face of Goabddábakte. Finally, you will walk through birch forests mixed with pine trees. There is no cabin for overnight stays, but plenty of great spots for camping.

Section 3: Pite River–Gásakláhko

19 kilometers, 7–9 hours of hiking
Accommodation: Tent

Your hike begins along the shore of Lake Tjieggelva. After a few kilometers, the trail climbs into the mountains, and you will hike about 10 kilometers on the open mountain plateau. Be mindful of trail markers in bad weather. Gásakláhko is situated high up and can be a good campsite.

Section 4: Gásakláhko–Vuonatjviken

13 kilometers, 4–6 hours of hiking
Accommodation: Vuonatjviken Cottage Village (not STF)

You continue across the open mountain plateau for a few kilometers, and then birch forest begins just before Lake Riebnes. You will pass the Arctic Circle just before reaching Vuonatjviken. There is a cottage village here where you can stay overnight.

Section 5: Vuonatjviken–Jäckvik

5.4 kilometers by boat + 18 kilometers, 4–6 hours of hiking
Accommodation: Kyrkans Fjällgård Jäkkvik (not STF)

You will take a boat across Lake Riebnes (read more about the boat traffic at http://www.vuonatjviken.com). After the boat trip, there is a steep climb through birch forests, followed by a few kilometers of open mountain terrain. The trail descends steeply toward Lake Hornavan. You will row across the Kapellströmmarna, a distance of 300 meters. Note that there must always be a boat on each side, which may mean the rowing trip must be made three times. Kyrkans Fjällgård Jäkkvik offers hostel accommodation and campsites throughout the summer and is open every day.

Section 6: Jäckvik–Adolfström

22 kilometers, 9–10 hours of hiking
Accommodation: Adolfström Cottage Village (not STF)

The day starts with hiking through herb-rich birch forests, up the northern slope of Mount 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 part of the trail down to Adolfström is on a gravel road. There is a café and cottage accommodation here.

Section 7: Adolfström–Sjnulttjie Rest Cabin

23 kilometers, 7–8 hours of hiking
Accommodation: Tent

This stage is long but easy to walk. The hike can be shortened by 8 kilometers by taking a boat from Adolfström to Bäverholmen, but the boat transport must be booked in advance. Most of the hike is across low mountains. A rest cabin awaits at Sjnulttjie.

A few kilometers before the rest cabin at Sjnulttjie, the trail enters the Tjålmejaure Bird Protection Area. There is a temporary access restriction during a specific period of the summer. However, you are still allowed to hike on Kungsleden, but dogs must be kept on a leash, and you are not allowed to leave the trail.

Section 8: Sjnulttjie Rest Cabin–Ammarnäs

46 kilometers, 14–16 hours of hiking
Accommodation: STF Ammarnäs Wärdshus

The day offers many beautiful views of the high mountain panorama of Vindelfjällen. The terrain is gently undulating but easy to walk. You can expect some sections to be wet. Shortly after Lake Lisvuojáyrrie, you leave Kungsleden and hike down to Ammarnäs. The trail is unmarked through the village of Ammarnäs.

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 hiking

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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