In late August / early September 2023, Amanda and I spent two weeks walking through Padjelanta National Park in northern Sweden. I'd been to the area a few times before (mostly around Sarek National Park), but only in Winter. Late Summer meant the colours were starting to turn, and the mosquito numbers were mercifully low.
A flight to Stockholm...
... an overnight train to Murjek
... and a couple of buses later we were in Kvikkjokk, relaxing by the river.
A short boat trip up river, and we were ready to join the trail. Staying at mostly STF and BLT huts, we were travelling light (besides the camera gear of course).
The first few days of trail are forested and follow rivers, with the trail itself well-maintained and in places boarded to prevent wear on the landscape. Recent bear activity was evident.
The cabins and bridge of STF Nunjes are just visible bottom right.
The trail climbs to its high point at Duottar, the forest giving way to more mountainous terrain.
A dusk visitor, followed by river crossings the next morning.
Descending to the settlement of Staloluokta and lake Virihaure; a handy mid-point with some options for basic re-supply.
North of Staloluokta, the trail climbs again to meet with the north-west peaks of Sarek National Park, having passed through numerous times in Winter it was novel to see this area without full snow cover!
Sunset views over BLT Låddejokk.
The final days, towards the lake of Akkajaura, pass around the formidable Akka massif.
Sami settlements around Vastenjaure.
Sunset over Nijak mountain (the header image of a previous story).
The carpet of flora and fauna throughout the park was a constant distraction.
Blueberries were abundant, and a perfect snack throughout the day. We found a handful of late-season cloudberries too (although far less talented at spotting these elusive and sought-after berries than a Swedish couple we had the pleasure of sharing a cabin with at Arasluokta; we were treated to cloudberry jam that night).
The final night on the trail, at STF Akka Fjällstuga.
Followed by a brief helicopter journey to Ritsem where we could then bus back towards the train lines, with a (frankly mandatory) stop at STF Saltoluokta for a very welcome meal.
© 2026 Greg Annandale
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