Sweden - Becky Ohlsen [247]
There’s also a route around Abisko canyon and a 39km-long Navvy Trail to Riksgränsen, alongside the railway line.
If you can invest the time, there’s a highly recommended 100km trek from Abisko to Nikkaluokta that runs via the STF lodge Kebnekaise Fjällstation Click here.
For hikes in this area, employ the map Fjällkartan BD6 (Skr110 to Skr120, available at the STF lodge, Naturum and most sporting-goods stores). For more information on the Kungsleden trail Click here.
Across the highway from the STF Turiststation, a chair lift (one way/return daytime Skr140/175, late night Skr175/220; 9.30am-4pm, also 10pm-1am Tue, Thu & Sat mid-Jun–mid-Jul) takes you up the neighbouring Mt Nuolja (1169m), where those without vertigo can enjoy epic views from the deck of the Panorama Café (9.30am-4pm). In summer this is a prime spot from which to see the midnight sun. Tickets are sold at the STF reception desk.
In Björkliden, 8km northwest of Abisko, you will find Hotell Fjället (641 00; www.bjorkliden.com; s/d from Skr750/1100), which offers various summer and winter activities, including hiking and caving (spelunking). There’s a well-trodden walking path from behind Abisko tourist station to Björkliden.
The unique and highly rated Björklidens golf course (0980-641 00; info@bjorkliden.com; 8am-4.30pm Apr-Sep) is the world’s northernmost golf course – and as a result has a fairly short season (it is covered in snow for most of the year).
Sleeping & Eating
Abisko Fjällturer (401 03; www.abisko.net; dm Skr175) Just behind the town, this is a backpacker’s delight. The small hostel has basic comfortable accommodation and a wonderful wooden sauna, but the treat is in the reasonably priced activities on offer, especially during the winter. Brothers Tomas and Andreas keep a large team of sledge dogs; one package on offer includes a night’s accommodation plus the chance to drive your own sled, pulled by dogs, for about 10km. There are also very popular week-long sled trips (around Skr8000), which include all of your meals and accommodation – you will need to book very early for these. During summer you can take mountain walks with the dogs. To find the place, follow signs from Abisko Östra to the ‘Dog Hostel’.
STF Abisko Turiststation/Abisko Mountain Lodge (402 00; www.abisko.nu; dm Skr210, hotel s/d from Skr690/1190, hostel s/d from Skr450/680; 8am-9pm 22 Dec–3 Jan, 15 Feb–4 May, 6 Jun–21 Sep) This huge place, which also serves as a local information centre, has 300 beds in various configurations, kept to the usual high STF standards. In winter, when the lake freezes, the Turiststation opens its new Abisko Ark Hotel, which consists of fishing hut–style cabins and a sauna built directly on the ice – popular for those hoping to glimpse the northern lights (book in advance). Trekking gear can be hired here, and there’s a variety of guided tours each day. There’s also a shop with basic groceries. Breakfast/lunch/dinner (Skr80/80/290) is available (lunch from noon to 2pm, dinner from 6pm to 8pm and à la carte from 8pm to 9pm).
STF huts (bed Skr215-260, nonmembers additional Skr50-100) These self-service huts along the Kungsleden trail are spread at 10km to 20km intervals between Abisko and Kvikkjokk; you’ll need your own sleeping bag. Campers are charged Skr40.
Kebnekaise Fjällstation (0980-550 00; kebnekaise@stfturist.se; dm Skr310, s/d from Skr810/1080; Mar-Apr & mid-Jun–mid-Sep) Meals are available here, and guided tours to the summit of Kebnekaise are offered. Buses go to Nikkaluokta, a 19km hike away.
Lapporten Stormarknad (9am-8pm Mon-Fri, shorter hours Sat & Sun) In Abisko village this grocery store also carries a range of outdoor supplies, such as batteries, candles, insect spray and basic camping gear.
Getting There & Away
In addition to trains (stations at Abisko Östra and Abisko Turiststation) between Luleå and Narvik, bus 91 runs from Kiruna to Abisko (Skr107, one hour 20 minutes).
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RIKSGRÄNSEN
0980
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