Kungsleden: Day 1 – From Abisko train station to the campsite in Abisko National Park

We decide not to tackle the whole stretch of the Kungsleden to the Abiskojaure hut today. However, the first stage leads through the Abisko National Park, where you can only stay overnight at one marked campsite. This camp is only about eight kilometers from the start and that’ s just the perfect distance for us to start today. But before we hit the trail, we make a detour to the Abisko Fjällstation. They have a scale with which you can measure the weight of your backpack. I have 18.5 kg, Manuel carries 22 kg and Alexander a little more than 28 kg. Unfortunately we have forgotten to weigh the dog’s bags.

STF Abisko Turiststation
Located at the northern end of Lake Abiskojaure, the Abisko Tourist Station is the starting point for many activities. From the railway station Abisko Turiststation it is a 10 minute walk to get there. There is also a road connection. A scale tells you how much weight you are about to carry on your hike!
Beds: >100
Shop: Yes
Sauna: Yes
Payment: Cash or credit card
Further information: WIFI, Rental, Café, Breakfast
www.swedishtouristassociation.com

Obviously we can’ t miss the picture of us at the portal of the Kungsleden

Quickly we take a picture at the entrance portal of Kungsleden, then we set off! Just behind the portal the mobile phone reception ends. All the way to Vakkotavare we will be without telephone and internet connection. In a way a wonderful perspective for our vacation.

Since we dawdled quite a bit at the mountain station in Abisko, the people that got off the train with us are gone. All alone we set off for our Kungsleden adventure.

A tunnel for a river? – In Abisko you will find one!

However, we leave the Kungsleden shortly after its start and follow the Abiskojåkka downstream instead of upstream for a while. You will find a small attraction to visit there: when the ore train between Luleå and Narvik was built, it was easier to blow out a tunnel for the river in Abisko than to build a bridge over it for the Malmbanan. Not far from the starting point of Kungsleden we are amazed to watch the wild river roaring out of the tunnel.

Back on the Kungsleden we hike through a small forest at the beginning, before meeting the Abiskojåkka again. Wild and unregulated and with quite a noise it flows next to us. Did anyone mention anything about silence? I can’t get enough of looking at the Abiskojåkka and wonder if it’s really only a few hours since I was standing in a town and taking the train?

Our first night in the wilderness of Lapland

As already mentioned, it is not far to the campsite in the Abisko National Park, and so our first stage is completed after about two hours. Arriving at the camp, however, we realize that it is located in a very humid area. The way to the toilet house is completely flooded. We find a nice, quiet and dry place in the woods a little bit away from the river and the other tents. It is still unfamiliar to set everything up, because our routines have not yet developed for this tour. Finally, however, the three tents are pitched and we enjoy our dinner!

Start in Abisko   

Latitude: 68° 21' 30"

Longitude: 18° 47' 00"

Description

The Kungsleden starts in Abisko at the STF Abisko Turiststation at the station of the same name. At the fjällstation there is the possibility to get everything you need to complete your supplies for Kungsleden

Campsite at Nissonjohka   

Latitude: 68° 19' 35"

Longitude: 18° 45' 15"

Description

Camping is prohibited in Abisko National Park. But at Nissonjohka there is an exception. Beside some good campsites there is a fireplace and a compost toilet.