Why I Walked 110km Through Sweden (and Loved It)
Fulfilling the dream of Fjallraven’s founder Åke Nordin to get people outside, the Fjallraven Classic event celebrates 20 years of success, with the concept now featuring 7 immersive trekking opportunities across the globe. Emily from our digital team joined Fjallraven out in Sweden for 6 days of trekking along the King’s Trail ending in the Abisko National Park. Read her blog detailing her unforgettable experience in the Swedish mountains!
I hiked one of Sweden’s most iconic long-distance trails: the King’s Trail, or Kungsleden, from Nikkaluokta to Abisko. It was six days of breathtaking landscapes, aching legs, endless laughs, and quiet moments I won’t forget anytime soon.
This route is trekked all year round, but is particularly busy in August, when the Fjällräven Classic is happening. A truly unique experience, the Classic unites trekkers from all around the world every year and encourages you to detach yourself from our technological society and appreciate the nature around us.
This section of the trail - roughly 110 km - cuts through some of the most beautiful parts of northern Sweden, skirting the edge of Kebnekaise (Sweden’s highest peak), weaving through wide-open valleys, and finishing in the scenic Abisko National Park.
Not only was this an amazing opportunity to experience breathtaking landscapes and wildlife, it was also an opportunity to test out some kit! Eating Real Turmat freeze-dried meals for 6 days straight gave us all the fuel needed to keep going each day, carrying a full bag of kit each! Whilst the Blueberry Vanilla Muesli Meal breakfast was certainly a great way to start the day, I would say my favourite meal was Pulled Pork with Rice, so much flavour!
Day 1: Sun, Mountains, and a Strong Start
We set off from Nikkaluokta under a clear sky, walking through sun-drenched valleys past the Kebnekaise Mountain Station. Spirits were high, packs still manageable, it felt like a perfect first day - warm, bright, and full of possibility.
Day 2: Lakeside Moments in the Mountains
Winding between mountains towards Singi, the trail opened up into vast landscapes. At midday, we stopped for a cold but refreshing swim in a glacial lake - the kind of moment that makes you forget the weight on your back and just feel alive.
Day 3: Rain, Rocks, and the Tjäktja Pass
We passed the Sälka huts under grey skies, trudging through steady rain that only seemed to intensify. That evening, with the worst of the weather looming, we tackled the Tjäktja Pass earlier than planned to avoid the storm brewing. Every step tested our resolve but making it over felt like a shared triumph.
Day 4: Slow Start, Stormy Night
After the pass, we gave ourselves a slower morning to rest and recover. It was well needed. By late morning, we were back on the trail, pushing toward Alesjaure as rain and wind returned. That night, the stormy weather battered our tents - a true test of gear, patience and earplug quality.
Day 5: Through Rivers and Reflections
We continued towards Abisko National Park, crossing swollen rivers and taking shelter in scattered bothies and boat huts. The mood shifted - more introspective, more connected. We talked about what made us happy, what grounded us, and somehow the rain felt lighter after that.
Day 6: Reluctant Steps Toward the End
Our final day began under low clouds, which slowly cleared as Abisko drew near. Oddly, our pace slowed as we approached the finish. There was pride in finishing, but also a quiet reluctance to let it go. We found ourselves slowing down, savouring the last moments of quiet before returning to civilisation.
The mixed weather was a big part of what made the hike feel real. It reminded us that we were guests in this wild, untamed landscape. We didn’t just pass through the mountains - we experienced them on their terms.
Looking back, hiking the King’s Trail from Nikkaluokta to Abisko wasn’t just a physical challenge - it was a mental reset and a reminder of how powerful and grounding time in nature can be. The landscape was raw and humbling, the weather unpredictable, and the experience unforgettable.
A huge thank you to Fjällräven for organising and supporting such a special experience through the Fjällräven Classic. It’s rare to find an event that brings people together from all over the world in such a genuine, grounded way - where the focus isn’t competition, but connection: to nature, to others, and to yourself.
The King’s Trail gave us space to disconnect from the noise and reconnect with what really matters. And as we returned to buzzing phones and busy routines, we carried a little of that stillness with us.
For anyone considering the Fjällräven Classic: do it. Come prepared, stay open, and embrace whatever the trail throws your way. You’ll come back tired, maybe muddy, probably sore—but definitely changed, in all the best ways.
