2018 Arctic Sweden Trekking

The main objective of the expedition was to hike from the northern Swedish village of Abisko along Kungsleden (The King’s Trail), to Vakkotavare, then travelling in a loop through Sarek National Park, starting and ending at Saltoluokta. During the first 3 weeks in September, the 2-member team, comprising one Imperial student, intended to be self-sufficient for the duration of the trek, carrying all their equipment and using one food collection point along the route. They were prepared to wild camp as far as possible, and also planned to scale Sweden’s highest mountain, Kebnekaise (2,098m).

The journey started in Abisko, 250km within the Arctic Circle, passing reindeer and Sami huts, with glimpses of snow-capped Norwegian Peaks to the West. The mornings were frosty, and the early days were windy, whilst the stage to Alesjaure provided views of the Miesakjavri, Radujavri and Alisjavri lakes, which were all an amazing deep emerald colour. Travelling to Salka hut involved a barren and rocky route, passing the highest point on the Kungsleden, the Tjakta pass, (1,150m) and the Tjaktjavagge valley. It was then onto Kebnekaise, where the snowy peak was summitted, providing incredible views of Norwegian peaks, and looking down towards Nikkaluokta, many lakes. They then travelled through the impressive Kungsleden valley towards Teusajaure lake, which was crossed by boat, and then by bus to Saltoluokta, the food collection point, whilst enduring wind and rain.

Progressing to Sitojaure the pair glimpsed the mirror like Suorvajaure reservoir, before summiting Skierfe, (1,179m), where they could look down on the turquoise blue Rapa river delta and see many of the peaks in the Sarek National Park, one of Europe’s last true wilderness areas encompassing six of Sweden’s peaks over 2,000m, and over 100 glaciers. They then had to struggle through thick bushes and bog before eventually reaching the reindeer fence at Rinim, where, through the falling snow, they followed the valley path into the centre of Sarek. The hike now involved having to negotiate a difficult river crossing which was achieved by the pair taking off their trousers, but keeping their boots on, and wading up to their waists, whilst managing to cross safely without anything getting too wet. They could now progress to Slugga and then back to Saltoluokta, before journeying onto Kiruna.

During their trip the pair had to endure their tent and clothes becoming soaked, and sometimes frozen, poor weather conditions, traversing bogs and hazardous rivers, and having to plough through bush, trials which tested their limits and inspired them to keep challenging themselves. They both thoroughly enjoyed the trip and were very happy with what they had achieved during their 300km trek.