The Lapland Gate

Park in the free car park at the Abisko Turiststation train stop. You have to go under the railway line to get there.

(S/E) Take the path at the end of the car park that heads south-east and follow the signs for Paddus. This is marked with a blue hexagonal symbol with five white dots. After 200 m, cross the reconstruction of the camp of the Sami, the indigenous people of Lapland. Here you will find some explanations about their way of life. The path then winds through a forest of low, sparse birch trees.

(1) At the snowmobile track, turn right and then, a few dozen metres further on, turn left. Continue along the path, which climbs gradually and passes a lake surrounded by a peat bog. Keep on the main trail, which is more clearly marked than the other trails that join or branch off from it. The trail markers are always clearly visible, so keep heading south-east. Pass a second lake, then you will reach more open ground: the tundra. The slope becomes a little steeper.

(2) At the intersection, continue straight ahead to the summit of Paddus, 200 metres further on. Feel free to follow the multiple paths at the summit to enjoy the view in all directions, especially of the Lapone Gate and Lake Torneträsk.

(3) Turn back to the previous intersection.

(2) Then turn left onto a fairly flat trail. Cross a small stream and continue through the tundra. The view is now very clear. Continue until you are about 100 metres before the upper edge of a ravine.

(4) Take the first path on the right that descends gently and follows the ravine, then the river that runs through it. The tundra then gives way to a birch forest. Cross the snowmobile track and, of the two paths that start almost opposite each other, take the one on the left. Be careful, from this point on, the trail is much less marked, so keep heading northwest. At the next three-way junction, take the right-hand trail, which will take you back to the Kungsleden, which is very well marked and signposted. If you get lost at this point, keep the river as your guide: follow it and you will inevitably come across the Kungsleden.

(5) Turn right and follow the Kungsleden, which quickly joins the edge of the Abiskojokk River. Keep left when the snowmobile track branches off to the right. Climb a small hill, which offers a beautiful view of the river. Continue along the path, which is easy to follow.

(6) Turn left onto the trail marked 'Kungsleden Sommar' (only in summer, otherwise continue straight ahead). The trail then runs alongside gorges and rapids. At the bridge, turn right and head back to the car park (S/E).

Part of the route is exposed to the wind. It may be pleasant at the starting point, but quite cool higher up. And as everywhere in Lapland, there are mosquitoes in summer, so bring long sleeves and repellent.