Lapland

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Tour description

The part of Norwegian, Sweden and Finland above the polar circle is called Lapland. This tour starts in Abisco, a place in North Sweden, nearby the border of Norwegian. It follows mainly the route known as Kungsleden , the Royal Trail. From Abisko in the north to Hemavan in the south, this classic route covers some 450 kilometres and offers many different types of nature, terrain and moods. This skitour follows only the first part from Abisko to Nikkaluokta, passing Kebnekaise. Kebnekaise is the highest mountain in Sweden, about 2120 meters. Going in southern direction has the advantage that the sun will shine in your face and the wind will blow in your back.

Kungsleden is so well marked and, in general, easy to walk that you might decide that you don’t want to count all the 3500 red crosses along this route. In that case you can clime some ski-mountains (most of the time you will have powder snow) or cross the more alpine part Kebnekaise. The best places for climbing ski-mountains and alternative routes (like the Jo-Jo-tour) are described by this Tourplan as well. All together enough possibilities for a interesting tour varying from 5 to 7 days.

The best time for skiing-tours in these mountains is between mid-March and the end of April.

Huts

The track between Abisko and Kvikkjokk have huts, operated by the tourist federation, at regular intervals.
These intervals corresponds to one day of walking. Although the huts are guarded in the touring season you have to provide and cook your own food. Some of them do have a small shop but in all cases you have to do some housework, like catching water and chopping wood. The nice thing about it is that you get in contact with the other people in the hut.