KUNGSLEDEN SOUTH

Kungsleden. As one of the best known hiking routes of Europe, thousands of visitors make the journey to Sweden each year to experience the remote mountains and valleys along the northern parts of the trail. And yet, outside of Sweden, few people have heard the names of Kvikkjokk or Jäkkvik, Ammarnäs or Hemavan. Nor the name Vindelfjällen, which rolls off the English tongue like something out of antiquity. These are the names found along the southern Kungsleden.

Often overshadowed by the more popular north, the scenery of the southern Kungsleden rivals that found anywhere else along the trail, with the final days on the trail traversing the heart of the Vindelfjällen nature reserve, one of Europe’s largest protected areas. There is a sublime and wild beauty to be found among the rugged mountains, ancient birch forests, endless rivers, and quiet lakes of the southern Kungsleden.

I myself am guilty of underestimating this part of Sweden, as I was often drawn by the allure of the arctic circle further north.

Kungsleden South is a stand alone guide containing all the information necessary to hike the 200 kilometer southern half of the trail from Kvikkjokk to Hemavan, how to get there, and what you’ll need along the way. If you are reading this now, then maybe you don’t need any convincing for hiking this part of the Kungsleden or are planning a thru-hike of the entire trail. Yet, if you find yourself here, looking for somewhere to go, give it a shot. You won’t be disappointed. God Tur!