Hiking in Sweden means endless space, solitude and wilderness. This is exactly what I dreamed of when I set out with a friend to hike the Södra Kungsleden (Southern King’s Trail). In this Collection, I share my experience on the 140 kilometres (87 mi) of the Södra Kungsleden to inspire you to have your own adventure here.

Sweden is a big country with countless exciting hiking trails. So why the Södra Kungsleden? The northern part of the Kungsleden has become very popular and crowded in recent years, while the southern part is much less busy. So if you prefer to enjoy nature in solitude, this is the place to be. The season for hiking the Södra Kungsleden is also longer due to its southern location and less challenging climate. You can hike here as early as June and into October, while the hiking season further north is largely limited to July and August.

The entire Södra Kungsleden stretches 340 kilometres (211 mi) between Sälen and Storlien. This Collection covers the southernmost part of the trail between Sälen and Flötningen, which passes through the impressive plateau of Fulufjället National Park and nature reserves along the Swedish-Norwegian border. You can expect to take about seven days, depending on your fitness and motivation. You can continue northwards along the Södra Kungsleden if you wish. The next section of the trail is described in this Collection: komoot.com/collection/354.

With its wild landscapes, remoteness, and many swamps, the Södra Kungsleden is a real adventure. However, you’re also afforded a certain amount of luxury here. At the end of each stage, there’s a hut with facilities. The huts are all unattended, but they offer an outhouse, a fireplace with firewood and a roof over your head. Some allow you to stay overnight (for a small fee), while others don’t, but you’ll always find a suitable campsite nearby. These cabins were a highlight of my hike along Södra Kungsleden. I enjoyed spending my evenings around the campfire and reading the stories of other hikers in the hut's guestbook. As Sweden is a free-for-all, you can always pitch your tent on the road and wild camp if you find a nice spot.

While you have to be prepared to carry your food in your rucksack for the whole trail, as there are only two restaurants and no supermarkets along the way, drinking water is easy to find. There are streams and lakes everywhere, and you can drink filtered water without worry.

Getting to Södra Kungsleden is easy by public transport. There are regular bus services to the trailhead in Sälen from Mora, which is easily accessible by train from Stockholm. There is also a bus in Flötningen, which takes you back to Mora with a change in Idre.

Are you ready for an unforgettable adventure? Then lace up your hiking boots and head for Sweden!