From 20.08.2018 to 30.08.2018 Manuel, Lando and I hiked on Kungsleden between Jäckvik and Saltoluokta. We walked from south to north, against the main direction. This way you end up in Saltoluokta, with a great STF mountain station. There you can spend some spare days if you have any left. If you walk the other way around and end up in Jäckvik, there is only a gas station and a bus stop. The distance is about 169 km and we needed 9.5 hiking days plus a rest day to reach our destination. At the end we spent two more days in Saltoluokta. We travelled by plane from Germany to Sweden and within Sweden by bus or train.
Entering the Kungsleden at Jäckvik
On this section of the Kungsleden there are only a few huts
Between Jäckvik and Kvikkjokk the only possibility to stay overnight in a cabin is in Vuonatjviken. There is also an emergency hut a day’s walk from Kvikkjokk. The Tsielekjåkkstuga has two beds and an oven where you can spend the night sheltered from the weather. The section between Kvikkjokk and Saltoluokta, on the other hand, has cabins at day hiking distances.
Overall, the path was very little walked during the time we were there. I would estimate that we met about three to four people a day on average. Since we walked against the main hiking direction, I also assume that we met most of the people.
Would you like to know more about our tour on the Kungsleden? Do you like the article, but you still lack information, or have you ever been to Lapland? Then please leave us a comment! You know someone who has similar plans and could find useful information on this page? Then share our article!
List
Information
Click following button or element on the map to see information about it.
The first day: From the bus stop in Jäkkvik to the campsite at Haugajaure. You have to row about 300m. This passage cannot be bypassed, nor is there a possibility to book a boat transfer (motorboat)
Campsite at Haugajaure
Latitude: 66° 26' 12"
Longitude: 16° 59' 20"
Description
Our campground was located just some meters away from the trail. Here the ground is plain and cannot be seen from the path
The second day: after the campground at Haugajaure, we cross a saddle between Riebnesgájsse in the north and Vállåjvve down to lake Riebnes. Here it is now exactly the opposite of the previous day. The passage across the lake cannot be rowed, you have to go by motorboat. It is advisable to call Jan Johansson (+46 730 358 673) or Eva Johansson (+46 706 968 045) early (possibly even the day before) to arrange the transfer.
Accomodation in Vuonatjviken
Latitude: 66° 29' 28"
Longitude: 17° 14' 34"
Description
In Vuonatjviken you have the possibility to stay in quite comfortably equipped cabins. Using the warm shower is included in the room rate.
The third day: After a night in Vuonatjviken we first walk through flat birch forests typical for Lapland to the Barturttemassiv. Here you have to decide: really good campsites are only available before or beyond the mountain massif. Of course, if necessary, a place can be found in between. But if you know about this, you can choose one of the many really nice places before or after the Barturtte massif.
Sleeping place inside Tjäurakåtan
Latitude: 66° 39' 30"
Longitude: 17° 17' 10"
Description
In Tjäurakåtan, an abandoned reindeer guard hut, you can spend the night. It is no longer completely sealed, but provides protection against wind and most of rain. Alternatively, there is a small path in front of the lavvu that leads down to the nearby lake (about 20m). Here is a good campground.
The fourth day: After the effort we made the day before we are not completely recovered and leave late. Our way takes us first further downhill. Then it goes without significant differences in altitude through various swamplands and mountain forests. Through the latter it is partly a bit tiring. We find a wonderful campground next to Ruovddejávrre: There is drinking water from a small stream and a big stone to sit on just a few steps away from the tents.
Campsite at Ruovddejávrre
Latitude: 66° 45' 40"
Longitude: 17° 25' 34"
Description
Close to Lake Ruovddejávrre we find a flat place near the lake. It is only a few steps down to a small stream that feeds from the lake and serves as a source of drinking water. There is also a large stone by the brook, which is great for sitting.
The fifth day: Early we see the Goabddábakte. We walk steadily uphill and the panorama that opens up becomes more and more impressive every meter of altitude we gain. After leaving the Goabddábakte on a plateau with a great view, the path gently descends to the river Tsielekjåhkå. In the Tsielekåkkstugan, named after it, we find shelter from the starting rain early in the afternoon and decide to spend the night here as well.
Tsielekjåkkstugan
Latitude: 66° 50' 41"
Longitude: 17° 35' 21"
Description
The Tsielekjåkkstugan is equipped simple: two wooden platforms to rest on, a iron stove for heating (use only if really necessary) and a satellite phone in case of emergency. Additionally you can find some information about the boatcrossing to Kvikkjokk at the notice board. Beside the cabin there is also a toilet.
The sixth day: Right at the beginning we cross the Tsielekjåhkå over a bridge. Afterwards we walk moderately uphill. This is followed by an approximately 6 km long descent down to lake Sakkat. On the shore there is a cabin which offers protection from the weather. On the wall hangs a telephone with two buttons. You can use it to call Björn or Helena, who organize the boat transfer over Sakkat. Rowing is not possible due to the strong currents.
STF Kvikkjokk Fällstation
Latitude: 66° 57' 14"
Longitude: 17° 43' 10"
Description
The STF Kvikkjokk Fjällstation offers some comfort: electricity, running water, mobile phone service, Wifi, hot showers, sauna, restaurant and much more. Here you can recover from the strains of the mountain and refill your supplies. The restaurant is not quite cheap, but definitely worth a visit!
The eighth day: At first we go uphill for a while in a varied mixed forest with spruce and birch trees. Repeatedly the forest widens and offers great views. To get to Pårte Fjällstuga you have to leave the Kungsleden for a few meters. Behind the turnoff there are many suitable camping sites in the forest, so that you can easily walk a little further. We camp near the bridge over the Gállaktjåhkå a few meters off the trail.
Campsite at Gállaktjåhkå
Latitude: 67° 03' 57"
Longitude: 17° 58' 43"
Description
After crossing the Gállaktjåhkå over a red metal bridge we find a protected campground a little off the trail. We easily can get water from the river.
The ninth day: After we have waited in the tent until the rain stopped, we hike uphill almost 300m on the first 2.5km in dry weather. The trail leads between the peaks of the smaller Huornnásj in the south and the higher Favnoajvve in the north. From here it continues downhill almost all the way to the banks of the Laitaure, sometimes more, sometimes less gently. We cross the lake by motorboat, which by chance reaches the southern shore almost at the same time as us. The last meters we walk on wooden planks up to STF Aktse Fjällstuga.
STF Aktse Fjällstuga
Latitude: 67° 08' 55"
Longitude: 18° 18' 21"
Description
We camp close to the STF Aktse Fjällstuga. A visit to the sauna is definitely worth the overnight fee for us. In the small shop of the cabin you can also stock up on supplies if needed.
The tenth day: The way from Aktse to Sitojaurestugorna leads over the back of the Njunjes. We ascend the first 3.2 km about 400 m and then start the descent to Gåbddåjávrre. When we arrive here, we first stop at the shelter and then take the motorboat to STF Sitojaurestugorna. The rowing passage, which we didn’t do, is considered extremely long and strenuous. The hut keepers tell us that they regularly have to help hikers in trouble.
STF Sitojaurestugorna
Latitude: 67° 13' 55"
Longitude: 18° 26' 26"
Description
In the Sitojaurestugorna we find shelter in the dog room. With us there is an older Swedish woman with her dog Caspar.
Day 11: Sitojaurestugorna - Saltoluokta Fjällstation
The eleventh day: Todays final section of our tour leads us from the Sitojaurestugorna to the Saltoluokta Fjällstation. Most of the 19.5 km long trail has no significant ascents. Only at the beginning we have to climb a few meters up into a long valley. The descent to Saltoluokta is about 2.5 km long and we found it quite exhausting.
STF Saltoluokta Fjällstation
Latitude: 67° 23' 38"
Longitude: 18° 31' 13"
Description
Saltoluokta is a great place to end a hike in the fjäll. We recommend the excellent breakfast and the absolutely fantastic dinner!
Hello! Glad you found this blog. I am Katharina and with my articles I would like to give you an impression of my tours. If you have any questions about planning your next tour, about my equipment or about hiking and travelling with dogs, just contact me!
