Abisko, frozen river loop

Park in the car park at Abisko Touriststation.

(S/E) Exit the car park and take the small road opposite (without going under the railway line).

(1) At this crossroads, turn left onto the path that climbs gently into the forest until you reach a T-junction.

(2) Turn left and continue to a Y-junction.

(3) Turn left and wind your way through the hilly landscape and sparse forest. Further on, stay close to Lake Vuolip Njáhkájárvi. To the south-east, admire Lapporten (the Lapp Gate), a trough-shaped valley flanked by two mountains (a view that is often depicted in Sweden). Reach a small promontory above the Abiskojokk River.

(4) Here, the path joins the Kungsleden route, marked by clearly visible posts topped with red Xs. Turn right, heading north, along the river on its right bank. Reach a path that leaves the river and turns right. (In summer, it should be possible to follow the river to the railway line, but this route is closed in winter.)

(5) Continue to the right, on the path towards the Y-junction you passed earlier.

(3) Continue straight ahead and retrace your steps towards the station car park (S/E).

In winter, depending on snow and temperature conditions, snowshoes or crampons may be necessary.

Take a short 500 m walk to see the starting point of the Kungsleden. Pass under the railway line, cross the road carefully and, on the left, the path begins as a corridor lined with wooden fences and birch branches. This is the starting point of the famous Kungsleden (King's Trail), 460 km to Hemavan. Continue straight ahead to the underpass that crosses the road. This tunnel is decorated with frescoes depicting local animals in their natural habitat, accompanied by music that plays as you pass through. Return to the car park via the small road.

The Abiskojokk river gorge (downstream from the railway line and the E10 road) and the shores of Lake Torneträsk, one of Sweden's largest and deepest lakes.

The Sami Camp. At the end of the station car park, take the Paddus trail for 200 m, and the Sami camp is on the left. These are reconstructions of traditional Sami dwellings.