Green Ribbon (Gröna Bandet) is a Swedish long-distance trek, which stretches from the southern border of the Scandinavian mountain range to Treriksröset, the tripoint where Sweden, Norway, and Finland meet. It covers approximately 1,300 km.
Understand
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The route is not a marked trail but rather a concept, allowing hikers to choose their own path through Sweden’s vast wilderness. The journey typically takes two to three months and passes through stunning landscapes, including national parks, alpine plateaus, and remote valleys. It is a popular challenge among experienced hikers seeking solitude and adventure in Sweden’s rugged north.
The route suggested here crosses into Norway and Finland in its northern part, between Abisko and Treriksröset. The Swedish alternatives lead east of Rostojávri in northernmost Sweden.
Some routes that can be part of a Green Ribbon journey include:
Prepare
[edit]To complete the Green Ribbon, you must be self-sufficient and prepared for remote wilderness. There are no official permits required to start, but you must sign the "Ribbon" manifest if you wish to be officially recognized. A sturdy backpack is essential, as the terrain is far too rugged for carts. While some sections offer luggage transport (mostly between mountain stations), most hikers must carry all their gear for 1,300 km.
Eat
[edit]Resupply is one of the greatest challenges of the Green Ribbon. While popular sections like Kungsleden have mountain huts with small shops, large stretches (such as the Padjelanta or parts of Jämtland) have very few services. You must carry a camping stove and several days' worth of lightweight, high-calorie food. It is common practice to send "resupply boxes" to post offices or mountain stations along the route to ensure you have enough rations for the more desolate segments.
Drink
[edit]In the high mountains, water is generally abundant and of excellent quality. You can usually drink directly from fast-flowing streams and clear lakes without treatment. However, it is wise to carry a lightweight filter or purification tablets for use near popular campsites or during unusually dry periods when water levels are low. Carry a 1-liter bottle to sip from between water sources, as you will rarely go more than a few hours without finding a stream.
Sleep
[edit]While the Swedish and Norwegian hut systems provide beds and basic shelter, they are often spaced more than a day's walk apart. A high-quality four-season tent is mandatory, as it provides the flexibility to stop when exhausted or when weather turns foul. Most hikers use a synthetic or down sleeping bag with a comfort rating of at least −5 °C (23 °F), even in summer. Wild camping is permitted – and encouraged – under Allemansrätten ("Right of Public Access"), provided you leave no trace. Electricity is non-existent between huts, so bring a high-capacity power bank or a portable solar panel.
Climate
[edit]The Arctic summer is short and unpredictable. Expect temperatures to range from 20 °C (70 °F) during sunny days to near freezing at night. Snow can fall in any month, and high winds are common on the plateaus. The route is generally only walkable from late June to mid-September; outside of these months, the trail is buried under snow, requiring skis and specialised winter survival skills. Mosquitoes and biting flies are prevalent in July, so covering clothes, a head net and repellent are highly recommended.
See Hiking in the Nordic countries.
Get in
[edit]The trail can be hiked northbound or southbound.
To reach Treriksröset, the northern tripoint of Sweden, Norway, and Finland, most travellers start in Kilpisjärvi, Finland. The easiest route involves a 30-minute boat ride across Lake Kilpisjärvi (in season only) followed by a 3-km hike. Alternatively, hike an 11-km marked trail through the nature reserve of Malla. From Sweden, you can travel via Kiruna and Karesuando, then cross the border river (by bridge) to board the Rovaniemi–Kilpisjärvi bus; the buses aren't coordinated, so you probably need to spend a night in Karesuando.
To reach Grövelsjön, travel by car or bus via Mora and Idre, the nearest town with bus connections. From Idre, a local bus or taxi covers the final 35 km to Grövelsjön. The closest train station is in Mora, with connections from Stockholm.
Walk
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Starting from Grövelsjön, hikers follow Södra Kungsleden to Storlien.
A suggested itinerary from Storlien to Klimpfjäll:
27.8 km
Starting at 1MISSING WIKILINK Storlien, ending at 2 Medstugan.
30.5 km
Following St. Olavsleden (road) partway, then turn off toward Stor-Rensjön. Ending at 1 Melen.
24.6 km
Via 2 Anjan Fjällstation and Lill-Rensjön to 3 Strydalens raststuga.
25.1 km
Crossing Skäckerfjällen with multiple stream fords and bogs. Cabin on the way at 4 Sockertoppens raststuga. The last ~7 km follows a forestry road into 3 Kolåsen.
41 km
Via Jänsmässholmen, mostly gravel roads, with the main road leading to 4 Överäng. Ends at 5 Olden. Although this route is off trail, it could be possible to walk past Mjölkvattsfjället towards the dam at 1 Mjölkvattnet dam, then crossing Offerdalsfjällen towards Rörvattnet.
22 km
Ends at 2 Fisklöstjärnen.
27.7 km
Via Ansättåleden towards 6 Rörvattnet.
36 km
Passing through 7 Rötviken and 8 Valsjöbyn, ends at 5 Vinklumpen.
32.5 km
Ends at 3 Hällingsåfallet.
28.2 km
Ends at 9 Gäddede.
33.3 km
Ends at 6 Norra Väktarklumpen. An alternative route from Gäddede goes through 4 Sör-Blåsjön and 5 Korallgrottan, which is Sweden's longest cave and has a guided tour available.
32.3 km
Passing through 6 Ankarede. Ends at 7 Tjärnbäckstugan.
25.6 km
Through the 7 Raukasjö area and over Jalketjahke's slopes. Ends at 8 Slipsikstugan.
12 km
Ends at 1 Klimpfjäll.
From Klimpfjäll, hikers can follow Lapplandsleden to Hemavan. From Hemavan, hikers can follow Kungsleden until Abisko, and from there either hike Nordkalottleden to Treriksröset, mostly through Norway, or take a trail leading east of Rostajávri.
Rostajávri is popular among fishermen and not by any road, so you should be able to find some hiking advice. The northern access to the lake is usually from Kummavuopio by the Finnish border, from where a trail forks to Treriksröset.
Stay safe
[edit]The greatest hazards are unpredictable mountain weather and extreme isolation. Hypothermia is a risk even in summer, so carry reliable waterproofs and a satellite messenger, as cell service is rare. You must be proficient with a map and compass, as fog can quickly obscure trail markers. When fording rivers, unbuckle your pack and use trekking poles for stability.
Go next
[edit]From the northern terminus at Treriksröset, you can hike to Kilpisjärvi to catch a bus further into Finland (or, in season, to Skibotn and Tromsø). If finishing south at Grövelsjön, transport links lead toward Dalarna and Stockholm. Those seeking a different challenge might consider Blå Bandet (the Blue Ribbon), which covers the same distance along the coast by kayak.