Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE
ABISKO
9
By train
Arriving by train from Kiruna, get off at Abisko
Turiststation (not the first stop, Abisko Ö).
Destinations
Gällivare (5 daily; 2hr 20min); Kiruna
5 daily; 1hr 20min); Narvik (2 daily; 1hr 30min);
Riksgränsen (2 daily; 40min); Stockholm (1 daily; 18hr).
ACCOMMODATION
Abisko Turiststation
T
0980 402 00,
W
abisko.nu.
A
superbly located STF lodge beside the vast Torneträsk Lake.
There are 300 beds in both private rooms and two-berth
cabins, a great basement sauna suit
e, and a
restaura
nt and
bar with views over the lake. Dorms
360kr
, doubles
890kr
Riksgränsen
From Abisko and Björkliden, the train line and the E10 continue on to
RIKSGRÄNSEN
, 34km from Abisko, a self-contained mountain ski and spa resort
400km north of the Arctic Circle in the shadow of the Norwegian border. The
proud claim of Riksgränsen is that plentiful precipitation means there's never any
need for artificial snow; you can ski and snowboard until midsummer. Although the
minuscule settlement consists of barely a couple of houses supplemented by a
top-notch
hotel
it's the chance to explore the only high alpine area in Sweden
- sixty peaks over 1350m - that brings trainloads of people here, predominantly
during the winter season (mid-Feb to late June). During the summer months,
there's some great
fishing
and
hiking
to be had in these parts; the youth hostel (see
below) can supply detailed information as well as rent
mountain bikes
(350kr) for
cycling along the Rallarvägen (see p.345) or
canoes
for use on the lake here (350kr).
Bear in mind, though, that Riksgränsen is one of the wettest places in the entire
country in summer, subject to frequent heavy downpours due to its proximity to
the mountains that form the border with Norway.
ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE
RIKSGRÄNSEN
By train
The train station lies immediately to the south of
the E10, beside the minor road, Riksgränsvägen, which
leads down into the village itself.
Destinations
Abisko (2 daily; 40min); Gällivare (2 daily;
3hr); Kiruna (2 daily; 2hr); Narvik (2 daily; 1hr); Stockholm
(1 daily; 19hr).
ACCOMMODATION
Riksgränsen
Riksgränsvägen 15
T
0980 400 80,
W
riksgransen.nu.
This luxury hotel certainly buzzes in
season: it's one of the Swedes' favourite ski destinations.
The hotel also boasts a well-appointed spa centre complete
with five massage rooms, gym, jacuzzi and outside hot tubs
from
where t
here are breathtaking views over Vassijaure
Lake.
2000kr
Riksgränsen hostel
Riksgränsvägen 4
T
0980 430
88.
Open all year, there's quality accommodation here in
nicely appointed double rooms with private facilities as
well as access to no fewer than three kitchens for self-
caterin
g. A go
od pla
ce, too, for hiking advice. Dorms
350kr
, doubles
700kr
Along the Kungsleden trail
As Sweden's premier hiking trail, there is no doubt that the
Kungsleden
, particularly its
northern stretches, can be busy with trekkers. However, it's not difficult to get away
from the crowds. Most people start the trail at Abisko, but it's equally feasible to begin
further south - see box, p.345.
The ground is easy to walk, with bridges where it's necessary to ford streams; marshy
ground has had wooden planks laid down to ease the going, and there are either boat
services or row-boats with which to get across several large lakes. The route, which
passes through the national parks (see p.335), is traditionally split into the five stages
described below. For the distances between the places mentioned on each segment, see
the map on p.344; the best map to have of the entire area is Lantmäteriet Kartförlaget's
Norra Norrland
(scale 1:400,000).
