Gränsleden (“Border Trail”, Sámi: Rádjebálges) is a 62-km marked mountain trail connecting Sørfjorden in Tysfjord, Norway, to Ritsem in Sweden. Opened in 2007 and extended in 2010, the route follows traditional Sámi paths and was also used by refugees during World War II.
Understand
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- See also: Hiking in the Nordic countries
The trail begins by climbing through birch forest, wetlands, and small lakes, often marked by stacked cairns and four-colour trail posts (red, yellow, green, and blue). After approximately 23 km, it crosses the Norway–Sweden border at border stone No. 251 and remains in Sweden for the rest of the route.
Above the tree line, the trail traverses open tundra and rolling fell, offering wide panoramic views. The dramatic Áhkká massif is a constant presence on the horizon as you approach Ritsem. Gränsleden passes through remote wilderness with no villages or road access along the way. The altitude generally ranges between 600 and 900 metres, and even in summer the weather is typically cool and changeable.
The route follows traditional Sámi paths across high tundra and lakes in the Áhkká–Akkajaure area, with cairns and coloured trail markers guiding the way.
Prepare
[edit]Gränsleden is a remote trail, so you must carry all food and supplies for the entire hike. There are no resupply points between the trailhead and Ritsem. Water is generally abundant, with many lakes and ponds along the route, but small streams may run low in late summer. A water filter or purification tablets are recommended.
Bring sturdy hiking boots, rain gear, and warm clothing. Weather can change quickly, and nights are often cold even in summer. From mid-June to August, mosquitoes and black flies can be a nuisance in birch forest areas. Use insect repellent, wear long sleeves, and consider a head net.
A tent or tarp is strongly recommended. Accommodations in Sweden, reached after 24 km, consist of basic, unlocked wind shelters without doors, staff, or services. Reindeer and other wildlife are commonly seen along the trail.
In Norway, the huts at Brynvatnet, Kjeringvatnet, and Krokvatnet can be used with a DNT key or cash card (see Hiking in the Nordic countries#Sleep. For navigation, carry a detailed map and compass or a GPS device (with backup measures). Trail markers and cairns are usually clear, but fog or snow may obscure them.
No permits are required to hike Gränsleden. Camping is allowed, but follow “leave no trace” principles, especially within the protected UNESCO Laponia World Heritage area.
Get in
[edit]The trail begins at Sørfjorden, which is reached by boat from Kjøpsvik of Tysfjord. In summer, a ferry such as the MV Røysvass runs daily between Kjøpsvik and Sørfjorden; advance booking is recommended. Kjøpsvik is accessible by car or by bus (Line 100) from Narvik or Bodø. Narvik is connected by rail to Sweden via the Malmbanan (with sleeper trains from Stockholm) and also has an airport.
At the end of the hike, near Ritsem, the STF Ritsem fjällstation offers coach service to Gällivare (about 4 hr). In summer, it is also possible to take a boat across Áhkájávrre to Vássaluokta, where other hiking trails continue. Gällivare, 180 km south-east of Ritsem, is on both the Malmbanan and Inlandsbanan rail lines, with train connections to Stockholm and other destinations.
Walk
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Sørfjorden - Krokvatnet
[edit]12 km, 4-5 hr
From the Sørfjorden boat dock, the trail heads east through birch forest. It is well marked with distinctive four-colour trail markers. Along the way are wetlands, wooden benches, and views back toward Akkajaure lake. At km 4, Brynvatnet offers the first cabin shelter; Kjeringvatnet follows at km 7. The trail then climbs gently past lakes and bogs. At km 12 you reach Krokvatnet Cabin, a DNT self-service hut with nearby campsites.
- 1 Brynvatnet. Cabin at km 4. Basic DNT hut with sleeping platforms, wood stove, and outdoor latrine. DNT key or cash deposit required.
- 2 Store Kjerringvatnet. Cabin at km 7. Basic DNT hut with sleeping platforms, wood stove, and outdoor latrine. DNT key or cash deposit required.
- 3 Krokvatnet. Cabin at km 12. DNT self-service hut with 10 beds and good nearby camping spots.
Krokvatnet - Gálavárddo
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24 km, ~8 hr
The trail continues over stony tundra marked by stone cairns. At km 22 you pass Røysvatn Wind Shelter and a short side trail (1.7 km) to the Nordkalottleden hut. Around km 23.3, border cairn #251 marks entry into Sweden. The landscape flattens into rolling mires and birch groves. At km 27 is the Sårgå shelter. Cross a swampy valley and ascend gently to reach the Gálavárddo shelter (km 36) on a scenic slope facing the Åhkká mountains. Water and tent spots are nearby.
- 4 Røysvatn hytta. Unmanned DNT cabin. DNT key. 10+2 persons in two huts. Sauna. On Grensesømmen, Nordkalottleden and E1. No mobile phone coverage.
- 5 Sårgå. Three-sided log shelter at km 27 with stove area and nearby tent sites.
- 6 Gálavárddo. Basic four-walled shelter at km 36. No door or bunks. Offers views of the Åhkká range and good camping.
Gálavárddo - Sievgok
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18 km, 6-7 hr
At km 42 is Áhkkájávrres västände, a basic shelter with lake views, near a suspension bridge over the lake’s outlet. The trail then passes willow groves and grassy upland. Áhkká’s glaciated peaks dominate the horizon. At km 54, Sievgok shelter sits on a knoll above Akkajaure, surrounded by excellent tent sites.
- 7 Áhkkájávrres västände. Minimal windshelter at km 42 with lake views near a suspension bridge.
- 8 Sievgok. Basic shelter at km 54 with panoramic views and nearby tent sites.
Sievgok - Ritsem
[edit]8 km, 2-3 hr
The final stretch descends gently through birch moorland with easy river crossings and a brief spruce grove. At km 62 you reach STF Ritsem fjällstation, which marks the end of the Gränsleden trail. Beds, camping, and services are available here.
- 9 STF Ritsem Fjällstation. Accommodation at km 62 with hostel bunks, shared kitchen, sauna, shop/café, and camping. Open late June-mid-September. Phone ahead outside season.
Stay safe
[edit]Weather conditions can change quickly, even in summer. Be prepared for cold rain, fog, and strong winds, especially above the treeline, where exposure is high. Always carry extra warm clothing and choose sheltered spots to camp at night.
Snow and ice may persist on high passes until July, so check trail conditions early in the season. In warm weather, insects can be relentless in the low forest. Use insect repellent, keep hut doors closed, and bring a fine-mesh tent or head-net.
Reindeer often cross the trail. If a herd approaches, remain still and avoid disturbing them. Streams can swell rapidly after rain, although all outlets of Akkajaure are bridged.
Leave a trip plan with someone before you set out, with a hard deadline on when to call emergency services, and be aware that mobile phone coverage is nearly non-existent along most of the route.
Go next
[edit]From Ritsem you can continue exploring northern Laponia. Padjelantaleden begins here, crossing wild tundra under the Åhkká massif. Alternatively take the boat (summer only) across Áhkájávrre to Vássaluokta and hike into Padjelanta National Park. The Nordkalottleden also runs through this area. From Røysvatn you could follow it north into Norway or south toward Abisko. Coaches from Ritsem connect to Gällivare (4 hr, tickets via SJ/Resplus), from where trains and flights serve the rest of Sweden.