Sweden and in particular Lapland is famous for its constant day light and midnight Sun during the summer months of June and July. The area is also home to one of Europe’s largest wilderness areas, and this is where you find the Kungsleden otherwise known as the “Kings trail”, a 440Km-long hiking trail. Kungsleden is a perfect natural escape destination taking you away from the hustle and bustle of city life or if you are a walker and relish the challenge then this is for you.
Getting to the Kungsleden is via Stockholm from there you take the train to the beginning of your trek. The route goes up to the northerly point of Abisko, from there it winds back South to Hemavan, a route featuring several weeks of trekking.
A great time to visit June – July, at that time you get constant day light - the snow is almost melted and the nature of spring is at its highest. The lemmings are more active; birds are out as well as large bumble bees.
You have the option of staying in a Salka hut, manage by the STA (Swedish Tourist Association) in an environmentally friendly way; here they dispose of their waste in an eco-friendly manor. There is no electricity anywhere along the route, no mobile reception and water is drawn from nearby streams. For entertainment you have follow travellers to talk to and take in its natural beauty.
The hardened walker would love it here even those looking for somewhere to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. It is can trek here with just a light backpack given that every two days you’ll encounter a little shop at a hut selling basic food provisions. The relaxed pace, lack of intrusion from the outside world and steady outdoor exercise in the fresh air are a balm for the frazzled soul.
After the long walk you can stay at the swanky mountain station hotel at Saltoluokta. Its wood panelled interiors date back to the 1918 and it has become a haven for stressed Stockholmers – maybe you could recommend the Kungsleden trek to them.