Over the
last decade, author Peter Potterfield - National Geographic Adventures
has hiked more than 10,000
miles on six continents to research this list. We
present the world's 15 best hikes, including Patagonia,
Newfoundland, Petra, and more.
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Kungsleden, Sweden
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Abisko Mountain Station to the Saami Village
of Nikkaluokta
Round-Trip: 65
miles, 3 to 5 days
When to Go: The Europeans do it in August, when they get
holiday time, so be bold and go in early September for authentic solitude and
no bugs.
A hundred miles inside the
Arctic Circle, Sweden’s
legendary 275-mile Kungsleden (the “The King's Trail”) begins its traverse of
the last great wilderness in western Europe. This mind-blowing northernmost
section penetrates the vast Arctic landscape of Sweden
through birch forests, open tundra, and big glaciers before crossing the
shoulder of Sweden’s highest
peak, 6,926-foot Mount
Kebnekaise. Using the
comfortable huts placed about a day apart assures you have refuge in bad
weather. Sturdy suspension bridges take the danger out of the big rivers. The
vibe here is “far north,” with palpable emptiness and low-angled light that
stirs the soul.
Insider Tip: The route can be done in either direction, but do
it north to south, as that keeps the sun on your face—no small consideration in
the Arctic.
