KUNGSLEDEN WINTER TRAIL
Majestic winter adventure in Lapland
Abisko, Sweden
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Group Size
Max 7 Participants
7 participants
RED LABEL
“Expedition Challenge”
Challenging winter trek
TREK THROUGH THE WINTER DOMAIN OF THE SAMI
.
Ingredients:
Polar Winter, Mountain Range, Wilderness, Northern Lights
The Kungsleden. The Kungsleden (King’s Trail) is an icon in Sweden.
We follow the valleys that remain from the ice age.
It feels like the ice age now, though.
In the heart of winter, we are here in a vast wilderness.
Far away from civilization, but closer to yourself.
The Sami have used these valleys for centuries.
As a route for their reindeer, as a connection between settlements.
In winter, the route is quiet.
Well marked, but we are probably the only passers-by.
You’ll feast your eyes on the mountains and nature.
9-Day Expedition in Northern Lapland.
along Majestic Mountains under the Northern Lights.
- 110 km through frozen mountain valleys
- 9 days winter expedition
- Hunt for the northern lights
- Sleeping in tents and cabins
- Access by snowmobile
- Discover the Kebnekaise Massif
- Far above the Arctic Circle
- Experienced guide with local knowledge
- Maximum 7 participants
After several solo treks, I joined the Kungsleden Winter Trail 2024 with Arctic Adventure. No regrets!
It was an amazing trip!
The teams at Arctic Adventure are small, allowing you to quickly get to know each other well and truly rely on one another in the cold white world, where it is dazzlingly beautiful but can also storm fiercely at times.
Our guide Henk-Jan Geel is an experienced Polar Guide, from whom I learned an incredible amount in a short time, making me feel confident enough now to explore the High North alone next year.
He also knows how to support everyone in the right way, sometimes with an arm around you, sometimes by giving you space.
The questions he asks also create mutual connection and good group dynamics within the group.
GO ON AN ADVENTURE WITH THESE GUIDES
The Arctic Adventure A-Team
Our guides are there to guide your tour in the best way possible. They are fully part of the group and give space. Room for own initiative, own development and own opinions.
The attended first aid & guide training provide a good basis during adventure tours.
For us, it’s:”Out of your comfort zone. Within the safety zone. ”
You enter the area on skis.
As in a real expedition, you only carry what is truly necessary.
Your tent and sleeping bag. Your food is in your pulk.
During the day, we move calmly through the white snow.
In the evening, we set up our tent. Then you look up.
Your eyes search for the Northern Lights.
On the first day, we trek through the last foothills of the forests towards higher ground.
Small birch trees mark the surroundings.
Trees, they are more like shrubs at this northern altitude.
Slowly, we glide into the valley of the Kungsleden.
Flanked by majestic mountains, we continue our trek.
On the way to beauty, peace and wilderness.
In seven stages we cross the area.
Depending on the logistics, we start North or South.
Part of the route is marked.
But there is enough time and space to find our own way.
There are huts along the way where we can stay.
But the best thing is the freedom to go where we want.
That’s Sweden’s Allemansrätt. The right to freedom.
I’ve never done it before, so I think I can.
But then on an expedition with Henk-Jan!
A mighty adventure in which you make a wonderful trip alone and together with the group.
Defying the elements, step by step through a beautiful landscape.
Henk-Jan’s experience and personality make you feel at ease and get into expedition mode from the very first minute.
Henk-Jan beautifully lets you experience what an expedition is.
Highly recommended for anyone who wants the combination of nature, elements, perseverance, and going off the beaten path.
Kungsleden was an unforgettable experience.
Elevation Profile Kungsleden Winter Trail in Lapland
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A spirited ride.
This Accurately Describes the Kungsleden Trail in Winter.
During the Kungsleden Trail expedition, we will follow the authentic route of the Kungsleden. A beautiful route through the north of Swedish Lapland. Far from civilization, we are introduced to winter nature. We may see reindeer and moose. It just might. A special trip of over 100 kilometers. This is not a trip for everyone. This trek requires just a little more perseverance. But the experience, peace and satisfaction more than make up for it.
During the expedition, you will experience the best of the Arctic. We follow the flow of the landscape. Through valleys and across rivers and lakes. The trek can be quite spicy at times. We cover 15 to 20 kilometers daily. So a little bit of biting through at times.
A true winter expedition that prepares you for perhaps even greater adventures.
We spent over a week in the winter nature of northern Sweden. Here you will be introduced to winter expeditions. We are going to Abisko and will seek out the wilderness south of Abisko. In the middle of Swedish Lapland. Far above the Arctic Circle and ravaged by the midwinter night and blessed by the midsummer sun.
When we are there, the sun sets at four in the afternoon. And doesn’t get up again until eight in the morning. Time enough to hunt for the Northern Lights. There are no guarantees on seeing the Northern Lights. We are there in ideal conditions, though. Above the Arctic Circle and in winter after dark.
Under the guidance of a professional guide, we enter the winter landscape. Completely expedition style.
Daytime is all about moving. We do that with touring langlauf skis. Special cross-country skis for walking in the great outdoors.
Equipment
You get to borrow the full winter expedition equipment. Skis, sleeping bags, tent. Together with the team, we are going to enjoy and perhaps suffer for 7 days and 6 nights in the winter cold of Swedish Lapland. An experience that will stay with you for the rest of your life. Guaranteed.
We sleep in a hotel or lodge the first night and the last night.
We sleep six nights in an expedition tent.
The trip will take place when a minimum of 5 people register. Maximum number of participants is 7 people.
Program outline ‘Kungleden-Trail’ expedition in Sweden.
The magical king’s path in wintertime.
Day 1
We meet in Kiruna, Sweden. You arrange the flight yourself. After lunch the cab is already waiting for us. Today we depart for Nikkaluokta. The starting point of our trip. The two-hour drive allows plenty of time to spend the rest of the day and look around. We may already see our first reindeer. Just down the road. That would certainly be no exception.
In the afternoon in Nikkaluokta, we take the time to set up the tent, try out the cooking stoves, and take our first steps on skis.
In the evening, we prepare one last time for the route and review the weather forecast.
We sleep one last night in the warmth of a lodge. Tomorrow it will really begin.
Day 2-7
These days are all about the draw. We get up at 7 a.m. Already, then the alarm clock rings. Before you get out of your sleeping bag, you first calmly eat your breakfast. At 9 a.m. we are ready. Skis on and pulk behind us. Ready for a new day. The route we follow is the Kungsleden from South to North. Depending on the conditions, we may deviate and take a detour or a shortcut.
When the sun sets around 4-5 PM, we look for a spot for our tent. Time to start preparing dinner.
Will the Northern Lights put on their light show again tonight? That probability is high.
Day 8
The morning is like other mornings. The routine is well established and we are ready in plenty of time for the last day in the snow. By late afternoon, we see our final destination looming in the distance. The houses of the Sami village Abisko.
The last few meters we glide through a landscape with small birch trees and bushes. In the evening, there is finally that well-deserved shower. We eat at a restaurant and indulge in the many flavors of this region. It will be a late night. Full of stories and experiences, we finally crawl into bed.
Day 9
Today we get up early. Transportation back to the Netherlands. The taxi awaits us at the hotel and takes us to Kiruna airport. At the end of the day, we arrive back at Schiphol Airport tired but super fulfilled.
Preparation
We meet once before the trip. Live or digital. We pick the date by mutual agreement. Then we get to know each other. You’ll get an explanation of the materials and we’ll consider the map. With tea and coffee, we will discuss the trip and if possible set up the tent.
During the Trip
Tours with Arctic Adventure are Expedition Experiences. You experience what an expedition could be like. Sometimes spicy, sometimes easy. But always together.
We sleep in tents. You do this with someone else (or your partner) from the group. On summer trips, you can choose to bring your own tent. So then you can also sleep alone. On winter trips, at least two people always sleep in a tent for safety reasons.
Moving, cooking and navigating are done together. The beauty of small groups is that there is always a real and good group feeling. Sometimes there are friendships and reunions years later.
We keep in touch with each other before (and often after) in a WhatsApp group.
Fitness
This “Expedition Challenge” is a Red Label expedition and is challenging in design. Good fitness is necessary. Depending on the weather, it could be a spirited ride.
You don’t need to run a marathon. But assume that you should be able to walk 15 kilometers with a 15-kilo backpack at a normal pace, 15 days in a row.
Running 15 kilometers non-stop is also good. Do you have questions about this? Then contact the guide.
During the trip, there’s mainly physical stress on the knees and lower back.
Sports Medical Examination
Are you older than 55 and want to participate in this trip? Then we strongly advise you to have a sports medical examination performed. Read more about the possibilities here.
Safety
During the trip we are in uninhabited territory. In case of emergency, our position can always be reached by rescue services via snowmobile.
The guide carries communication devices and both digital (GPS) and analog (Compass) navigation.
The guide has training in Wilderness Advanced First Aid and WGA I (Wilderness Guide Association).
Packing List
After your registration (or upon request) you’ll receive a detailed packing list.
Cross-Country Skiing
Do you want to read more (everything) about cross-country skiing? Because that’s what we’ll be doing during this expedition. Then read it on the site of toerlanglauftochten.nl.
Participants for the Trip from March 24 – April 1, 2026 (Guide: Pandora Van Rees)
Participant 1: Available
Participant 2: Available
Participant 3: Available
Participant 4: Available
Participant 5: Available
Participant 6: Available
Participant 7: Available
The trip will proceed with 5 participants and is full with 7 participants.
There are now 7 spots available for this trip.
Participants for the Trip from March 15 – 23, 2026 (Guide: Pandora Van Rees)
Participant 1: male, 52
Participant 2: Female, 44
Participant 3: Male, 22
Participant 4: Male, 68
Participant 5: Male, 69
Participant 6: Male, 62
Participant 7: Male, 62
The trip is confirmed with 5 participants and is full with 7 participants.
There are no places available now for this trip.
Participants for the Trip from February 6 – 14, 2026 (Guide: Henk-Jan Geel)
Participant 1: Female, 54
Participant 2: Female, 43
Participant 3: male, 39
Participant 4: Female, 35
Participant 5: Male, 39
Participant 6: Male, 30
Participant 7: Female, 24
The trip will proceed with 5 participants and is full at 7 participants.
For this trip, there are no more spots available.
Who Joins our Adventures?
Participants in our trips often sign up alone.
It happens that couples sign up.
The age of most participants is between 30 and 50 years.
There are certainly exceptions. The youngest participant was 23 and the oldest 66.
The male-female ratio is 50/50. The more challenging treks attract slightly more men. 60/40. But often the distribution is nicely balanced.
Travel Dates
February 6 – 14, 2026
March 15 – 23, 2026
March 24 – April 1, 2026
Trip Start
February 6, March 15, or March 24, 2026
Meet the guide in Kiruna city center at 12:00 PM at Malmfältens Folhögskola
Trip End
February 14, March 23, or April 1, 2026.
Departure from Abisko around 7:30 AM. Arrival at Kiruna airport at 9:30 AM
The return flight at 10:25 AM is feasible with this.
You book flights yourself.
You can also come to Sweden by train or car.
Total Trip Cost
€ 1,987
This Includes:
- All transfers in Sweden
- Airport/train station transfer in Sweden
- Transfer by snowmobile on the Kungsleden
- Professional guidance by a certified guide
- 2 nights in a hotel or lodge
- 6 nights in an expedition tent
- 7-day touring langlauf expedition
- All meals from dinner on the first evening to breakfast on the last morning
- Group equipment (Tent, cooking stove, fuel, navigation tools, communication devices, First Aid)
- Winter equipment (-25 expedition sleeping bag, winter sleeping mat, touring cross-country skis, backcountry ski boots, ski skins, ski poles, pulk, harness)
- Down jacket can be rented for €50 if needed
- Contribution to the VZR guarantee fund
- Booking fees
Participants
Maximum 7
This Excludes:
- Flights, train journey to the destination
- Travel insurance with winter sports coverage
- Cancellation insurance
- Drinks personal expenses
- Personal equipment (see packing list tab)
Please Note.
If during the trip it is collectively decided to undertake extras (Excursions, overnight stays, meals), these costs will be divided among the participants.
We Provide
- Touring cross-country skis
- Cross-country ski boots
- Gaiters
- All food
- -25 Expedition Sleeping Bag
- Sleeping mats
- Ski skins
- Ski poles
- Sled and towing harness
- Luggage bag
- Tent bag
- Dinner mug
- Stove
- Fuel
- Pans
- Expedition tent
- Emergency bivouac
- Maps
- Compass
- GPS
- Communication devices
- First Aid
You Provide
Food
- 2 Thermos flasks
- Spoon, mug
Sleeping
- Sleeping bag liner
- Headlamp
Hygiene
- Personal medication
- Toiletries
Clothing
- Socks
- T-shirt
- Down slippers
- Underwear
- Long underwear
- Fleece pants/leggings
- Windshell pants
- Long thermal shirt
- Fleece sweater
- Fleece jacket
- Windproof jacket
- Down jacket
- Pair of gloves
- Thick wool mittens
- Outer mittens
- Hat
- Buff / Balaclava
- Glacier sunglasses
- Ski goggles
You will receive a detailed packing list after your registration, or upon request.
Rent / Buy
An expedition down jacket can be rented through Arctic Adventure for €50
As a participant in our trips, you receive 10% discount in Bever stores.
So make use of this if you still need to purchase equipment.
Please contact us if you have questions about the equipment.
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