Green Ribbon Voyage Tips and guide

Green Ribbon (Gröna Bandet) is a long-distance hiking trail in Sweden that 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.

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.

Some routes that can be part of a Green Ribbon journey include:

• Kungsleden
• Nordkalottleden
• Södra Kungsleden
• Lapplandsleden

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, baby carriages, or wheelchairs. While some sections offer luggage transport (mostly between mountain stations), most hikers must carry all their gear for 1,300 km.

Resupply is one of the greatest challenges of the Green Ribbon. While popular sections like the 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.

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.

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, even in summer. Wild camping is permitted (and encouraged) under the "Right of Public Access" (Allemansrätten), provided you leave no trace. Electricity is non-existent between huts, so bring a high-capacity power bank or a portable solar panel.

The Arctic summer is short and unpredictable. Expect temperatures to range from 20°C 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 specialized winter survival skills. Mosquitoes and biting flies are prevalent in July, so a head net and repellent are highly recommended.

See Hiking in the Nordic countries.

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 summer, followed by a 3-km hike, or an 11-km trek in winter. From Sweden, you can travel via Kiruna and Karesuando, then take a bus to Kilpisjärvi.

Adventurous hikers can also reach Treriksröset via a 30-km trail from Norway’s Goldahytta. Whether hiking, skiing, or boating, the journey offers stunning Arctic landscapes and a unique three-country experience.

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.

Map of Green Ribbon

Starting from Grövelsjön, hikers follow Södra Kungsleden to Storlien.

A suggested itinerary from Storlien to Klimpfjäll:

Starting at 63.31811912.0951021MISSING WIKILINK Storlien, ending at 63.5199112.408852 Medstugan.

Following St. Olavsleden (road) partway, then turn off toward Stor-Rensjön. Ending at 63.71138412.461841 Melen.

Via 63.710812.63062 Anjan Fjällstation and Lill-Rensjön to 63.74945212.7123643 Strydalens raststuga.

Crossing Skäckerfjällen with multiple stream fords and bogs. Cabin on the way at 63.79995612.6996434 Sockertoppens raststuga. The last ~7 km follows a forestry road into 63.75055612.9566673 Kolåsen.

Via Jänsmässholmen, mostly gravel roads. Ends at 63.69555613.6408334 Olden. Although this route is off trail, it could be possible to walk past Mjölkvattsfjället towards the dam at 63.95628613.3326495 Mjölkvattnet dam, then crossing Offerdalsfjällen towards Rörvattnet.

Ends at 63.80486413.6139236 Fisklöstjärnen.

Via Ansättåleden towards 63.96282814.0614655 Rörvattnet.

Passing through 63.96666714.1666676 Rötviken and 64.06814.1367 Valsjöbyn, ends at 64.09714.3327 Vinklumpen.

Ends at 64.35068114.3909081 Hällingsåfallet .

Ends at 64.09714.3328 Gäddede.

Ends at 64.66666714.2833338 Norra Väktarklumpen. An alternative route from Gäddede goes through 64.80192614.0679089 Sör-Blåsjön and 64.86623314.0990222 Korallgrottan, which is Sweden's longest cave and has a guided tour available.

Passing through 64.81722214.23880610 Ankarede. Ends at 64.88277314.39878211 Tjärnbäckstugan.

Through the 64.93301214.5502812 Raukasjö area and over Jalketjahke's slopes. Ends at 64.98388914.71777813 Slipsikstugan.

Ends at 65.062514.8041671 Klimpfjäll .

From Klimpfjäll, hikers can follow Lapplandsleden to Hemavan. From Hemavan, hikers can follow Kungsleden until Abisko, and from there hike Nordkalottleden to Treriksröset.

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.

From the northern terminus at Treriksröset, you can hike to Kilpisjärvi to catch a bus further into Finland. If finishing south at Grövelsjön, transport links lead toward Dalarna and Stockholm. Those seeking a different challenge might consider the Blå Bandet (the Blue Ribbon), which covers the same distance along the coast by kayak.