This is a Premier Route. To claim an FKT on this route, you must meet a high standard of documentation and verification. See details here: https://fastestknowntime.com/premier-routes.
Kungsleden, (the King's Trail), between Abisko and Hemavan in the mountains of Sweden is one of the world’s most famous hiking trails, and possibly the best one. The path is more than 450 km long, and was established by Svenska Turistföreningen (STF) (the Swedish Tourist association) at the beginning of the 20th century. It has since then been visited by hikers from all over the world. Nowadays, thousands of hikers and runners are on the trail in the summer months, but even during winter it is possible to do it skiing. It has become an iconic must-do trail in the world hiking community.
The trial passes through several nature reserves and visits some of the most spectacular sites including the Vindelfjällen Nature Reserve, one of the largest protected areas in Europe. The trail follows and passes several rivers and large lakes so there is a need for planning passing these. Along the whole route STF run mountain stations (and cabins) for staying overnight and with restaurants and/or store, bathrooms and other amenities. Booking in advance could be an advantage.
We have only tidbits about FKTs on this trail:
www.jolandalinschooten.nl/category/ultralopen/kungsleden-ultralopen/: Jolanda Linschooten, September 2014, self-supported, a total of 8 days, including 11 hours of waiting for boats.
Daniel Roxvret (https://www.instagram.com/roxvret/) has done Kungsleden 480 km in 6 days 15 hours in addition to some other things.
sondreamdahl.com/2017/10/05/fastest-known-time-on-kungsleden-the-king-of-trails/: Sondre Amdahl did it in 6d2h51m in 2017. Most was with Elisabet Barnes, who quit before the end due to an ankle injury. It seems like their style was "self supported". His TR is in English.
Comments
It´s time for a new FKT on Kungsleden in 2020 as a Self-Supported attempt. We (Chris an Heiko from Germany) will try to set a new FKT beginning on 23rd of June this year from Abisko to Hemavan in under 6 days. Carrying all our stuff by ourselfes, sleeping in our tents and also eating our own food... Follow us ob Instagram @project.kungsleden.2020 and leave your comments... Thank you very much...  :-)
Coronatimes is a good excuse to try Kungsleden unsupported. Any FKT’s out there? Starting from Hemavan tonight.
ig: @IceAxeSon
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Well done Jonathan.
How did you do with all them boat rides on Kungsleden and aint there a bus-ride between Saltoloukta and Ritsem?
Sounds like external support?
Kungsleden seems hard to do unsupported...
Thanks for pointing this out. Reading Jonathan's report it is evident that his trip should be characterized as "self supported" due to taking ferry boats, a motor boat ride, and the bus. To do this unsupported one would have to use only the row boats, or swimming I guess, and walk the bus section. So, unsupported on the Kungsleden seems unlikely. I have changed Jonathan's trip to self supported. It was not the FKT, but we will leave it here for the excellent information and photos.
I'm planning an unsupported crossing this August. 7 crossings with a packraft. Always sleep in the tent and of course never resupply.
I'm adding 2 sidetrips: Kebnekaise + Skierfe. My record is 52 days unresupplied (lost 16kg) during the first winter crossing of tasmania. Here the only issue is the wind as packrafting a large lake can become dangerous. I'll have enough food to wait but I have plans to go off track and make the crossings shorter.
Fully unsupported with packraft & food & equipment, always slept in my tent. Waiting for FKT validation. I did also Skierfe and Kebnekaise North underway.
Data here: https://www.louis-philippe-loncke.com/2021/08/kungsleden-unsupported-wo…
Hello, I will be attempting the trail unsupported, starting tomorrow and following the rules set by Louis-Philippe. The only significant change is that I am going SOBO because the railway reservation system was disfunctional for the August lines. Otherwise, I would opt for a later term. Wish me luck :-)
How did it go Vojtech?
I’m leaving tomorrow and will start my unsupported attempt on thursday.
Hey, Kasper! Sorry I didn't notice your message earlier... My time was just verified. It went pretty well, though I made a few mistakes, which is the usual toll of first attempts and exhaustion. Fingers crossed!
Bonjour,Â
J'ai une question svp.
Avez vous utilisez les bateaux à moteur pour les traversées de lac ?
SportivementÂ
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Packraft only. No motorboats.
Hi there, I'm planning to backpack Kungsleden starting August 14. My goal is to establish the women’s self-supported FKT and inspire more women to get after multi-day FKTs and adventures. I will be posting updates and share live tracking at pinkfeathers.com/kungsleden. Can't wait to get out there!