Kungsleden – Abisko to Abiskojaure landscape

Photo: Photo by Elle Leontiev on Unsplash

Kungsleden – Abisko to Abiskojaure

~2 days · 8.7 mi · easy · Point-to-point

Quick facts

Distance8.7 mi
Days out2
Elevation gain528 ft
Gain / mile61 ft
High point1,631 ft
Difficulty index7/100

What the Kungsleden – Abisko to Abiskojaure is known for

The northern opening leg of Sweden's Kungsleden (King's Trail) in Swedish Lapland, running from the Abisko trailhead through Abisko National Park along the Abiskojåkka river valley to the mountain hut at Abiskojaure. It travels above the Arctic Circle through birch forest and open fell country and is the first day of the classic Abisko-to-Nikkaluokta route past Kebnekaise, Sweden's highest peak. It is a hut-to-hut point-to-point on well-marked tundra terrain.

Route map & campsites

Route map of the Kungsleden – Abisko to Abiskojaure on OpenStreetMap terrain Open in Planner →

Route shape from OpenStreetMap geometry. Start · End · Camp

Elevation profile

Elevation ranges from 1,217 ft to 1,631 ft over 8.7 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).

  • Uphill 1.5 mi · 18%
  • Downhill 0.5 mi · 6%
  • Flat 6.6 mi · 77%

Ridgefold breaks every route into uphill, downhill, and flat — see the full per-day breakdown in the app.

How hard is the Kungsleden – Abisko to Abiskojaure?

7 / 100

On the Ridgefold Difficulty Index, the Kungsleden – Abisko to Abiskojaure scores 7/100, a relative rating across the 569 trails we've mapped, blending distance, elevation gain, and steepness. It is a comparison within our set, not an official rating.

Best season & permits

Season: Best from late June to mid-September, once the snow has cleared and the STF mountain huts are staffed; outside this window the huts close and conditions turn wintry.

Permits: No permit is required to walk the Kungsleden under Sweden's right of public access; the STF operates the trailside huts, where you pay on arrival or book beds in advance.

Official trail & permit info

Always confirm current conditions, closures, and permit rules with the managing authority before your trip.

Frequently asked questions

How many days does the Kungsleden – Abisko to Abiskojaure take?

Most backpackers hike the Kungsleden – Abisko to Abiskojaure in about 2 days (1 nights out) over its 8.7 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.

How much elevation gain is on the Kungsleden – Abisko to Abiskojaure?

The Kungsleden – Abisko to Abiskojaure climbs roughly 528 ft total — about 61 ft per mile, topping out near 1,631 ft.

When is the best time to hike the Kungsleden – Abisko to Abiskojaure?

Best from late June to mid-September, once the snow has cleared and the STF mountain huts are staffed; outside this window the huts close and conditions turn wintry.

Do you need a permit for the Kungsleden – Abisko to Abiskojaure?

No permit is required to walk the Kungsleden under Sweden's right of public access; the STF operates the trailside huts, where you pay on arrival or book beds in advance.

Related trails

Sources & attribution

Route geometry and stats derived from OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL) — source relation. Stats are approximate and may differ from official surveys; permit rules and conditions change — verify with the managing authority before your trip. Last reviewed July 2026.

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