Södra Kungsleden is a hiking trail that runs through Sweden's southern mountain region, in Dalarna, Härjedalen and Jämtland, near the border to Norway. It officially extends for about 360 km between Sälen in the south and Storlien in the north, but the name is mainly used in Dalarna (180 km).
Understand
[edit]The trail is a southern extension to the older and more famous Kungsleden, and part of the E1 Long Distance Path. It was laid out in the 1990s.
Södra Kungsleden passes, among other things, Transtrandsfjällen, Fulufjället National Park with Sweden's highest waterfall Njupeskär and the oldest tree in the Word!, Drevfjällen, Grövelsjön and Långfjället. In Härjedalen, for example, the Rogen area is crossed and in Jämtland, among other areas, the high mountains of Sylarna.
For a mountain trail, Södra Kungsleden is relatively easy to walk. Wheeled motor vehicles are prohibited. Snowmobiles should follow designated tracks. Keep distance to reindeer.
Prepare
[edit]Get in
[edit]The trail leads between the ski resorts Sälen in the south and Storlien in the north.
Road 66 leads by the village and through the ski resort of Sälen. It comes in from Malung in the south, on E45, and continues to Norwegian road 25, in turn coming in from Elverum in the west. Scandinavian Mountains Airport (Sälen Trysil Airport SCR IATA), between Sälen and the border to Norway, 20 km from Högfjället, has domestic and international flights during winter and spring, and some domestic flights in summer. The nearest year-round international airport is in Oslo. Oslo is 220 km from Sälen, drive via Elverum.
Storlien has night trains from Stockholm, Gothenburg and Malmö. It is 73 km from Trondheim, which has an international airport.
The trail starts at Högfjällshotellet in Sälen, at the ski resort. The village Sälen is down in the valley.
Walk
[edit]
Sälen to Gördalen
[edit]- Distance
- 88 km
Starting the Southern Kungsleden Trail from Sälen Högfjellshotel (0 km), hikers traverse a mix of forests, wetlands, and open highlands. The first major stop is Närfjällsstugan (20.6 km), a basic shelter in a remote setting. Continuing along the trail, hikers reach Björnholmsstugan (45.0 km), another simple cabin offering a place to rest. The landscape begins to open up as the trail approaches Tangsjöstugan (67.1 km), where hikers may experience more exposed terrain with views of surrounding peaks.
A notable highlight along the route is 1 Njupeskär 
, Sweden's highest waterfall, located near Rösjöstugorna (76.5 km). The area surrounding the waterfall features well-marked paths and is part of a protected nature reserve, offering an impressive sight before continuing the journey. From here, the final stretch of the trail leads to the village of Gördalen (88.4 km), marking the end of this section.
- 1 Sälen Högfjellshotel.
- 2 Närfjällsstugan.
- 3 Björnholmsstugan.
- 4 Tangsjöstugan.
- 5 Rösjöstugorna.
- 6 Gördalen.
Gördalen to Fjällnäs
[edit]- Distance
- 181 km
Continuing along the Southern Kungsleden Trail, hikers depart from Gördalen towards Id-Persätern (106.2 km), a small resting cabin. The trail between these points passes through forests and open meadows, providing a mix of landscapes. The next stop is Busjön raststuga (123.0 km), a modest shelter near a quiet lake, a good place to rest before continuing. From there, the path leads to Flötningen (136.0 km), a small settlement near the Norwegian border with access to essential supplies.
From Flötningen, the trail continues to Skärvagan wind shelter (157.1 km), where hikers will find a simple wind shelter in a remote area. Further ahead is Guttudalskojan (167.3 km), a basic cabin located in a forested setting. The trail then reaches Grövelsjön Mountain Station (187.7 km), a larger facility offering lodging and supplies, as well as access to nearby outdoor activities. Moving on, hikers pass Storrödtjärn Mountain Cabin (208.1 km), a small shelter in a quiet, natural setting. Shortly after, the trail crosses into Jämtland County, where the surroundings transition into a mix of birch forests and open highlands.
Next up, you will reach Rogen Mountain Cabin (223.6 km), situated in Rogen Nature Reserve, an area with lakes and rocky terrain. The final stretch leads to Skedbro Mountain Cabin (241.5 km). Finally, the trail ends at Fjällnäs (269.6 km).
- 7 Id-Persätern.
- 8 Busjön raststuga.
- 9 Flötningen.
- 10 Skärvagan wind shelter.
- 11 Guttudalskojan.
- 12 Grövelsjön Mountain Station.
- 13 Storrödtjärn Mountain Cabin.
- 14 Rogen Mountain Cabin.
- 15 Skedbro Mountain Cabin.
- 16 Fjällnäs.
Fjällnäs to Storlien
[edit]- Distance
- 100 km
Embarking from Storlien, hikers traverse the Southern Kungsleden Trail towards Ramundberget (289.4 km), a notable ski resort offering various amenities. The journey continues to Fältjägare Mountain Cabin (306.2 km), providing a rustic shelter for rest.
Next, adventurers reach Helags Mountain Station (318.4 km), situated near Sweden's southernmost glacier, offering lodging and supplies. The trail then leads to Sylarnas Mountain Station (338.0 km), a hub for mountain enthusiasts.
Progressing further, hikers arrive at Blåhammarens Mountain Station (356.2 km), known for its panoramic views and accommodations. The expedition concludes at Storliens Fjällgård (Storvallen) (369.5 km), a welcoming retreat in the village of Storlien.
This segment of the trail encompasses diverse terrains, from alpine landscapes to serene valleys. Hikers should be prepared for varying weather conditions and ensure they carry appropriate gear and provisions, as some sections have limited facilities. Familiarizing oneself with local regulations and trail conditions is advisable for a safe and enjoyable experience.
- 17 Ramundberget.
- 18 Fältjägare Mountain Cabin.
- 19 Helags Mountain Station.
- 20 Sylarnas Mountain Station.
- 21 Blåhammarens Mountain Station.
- 22 Storliens Fjällgård (Storvallen).