Guided Autumn Trek in Sarek National Park

DAILY ITINERARY

01. Crossing Akkajaure – The Journey Begins

We arrive at Ritsem in the early afternoon. We begin the day by taking the boat together across Lake Akkajaure to Änomjálmne. Once on the other side of the lake, we hike below the tree line and pass STF Akka Mountain Lodge after about a kilometer. Perhaps we’ll say hello to the host as we pass. If we’ve planned to eat after taking the boat, the best spot to do so is after about 2 km. We cross the bridge over Vuojatädno to Ahkka. We are now at the tree line, and the trees are sparse. We continue to walk along the summer trail south towards Gisuris. The trail is frequently used during the summer, and many run or walk this popular route down to Kvikkjokk Mountain Station. We gradually adjust to the weight of our backpacks, the weather, being outdoors for an extended period and each other’s company.

As the evening approaches, we reach the meeting point of the three parks where Sarek, Stora Sjöfallet, and Padjelanta meet. Here, we will set up our tents for the night, cook or food, and perhaps take a quick dip.

Distance: ~15km. Total ascent: ~350m

02. Through Wind-Battered Forests to Open Heights

We won’t get any closer to the Gisuris cabins than this as we leave the trail between the suspension bridges at the Three Parks Meeting and head east towards Nijak. We make our way up and above the tree line via a ridge and pass through a wind-battered forest before leaving the trees behind. We follow paths made by visitors and animals over time. We pass the reindeer herders’ cabin on top of the hill and set up camp a bit further a head from it, with a view of, among other things, Kantberget and Gavelberget. If the weather allows and there is still daylight left, there is an opportunity to take an evening walk without backpacks up towards Ruohtesvárásj.

Distance: ~19km. Total ascent: ~600m

03. Waking Up in the Wild

We wake up in Ruohtesvágge, a powerful experience! Hopefully, we’ll see all the surrounding mountains unless the clouds are low. Perhaps, or more likely, there’s already snow on the high peaks around us. The mountain is covered with all the autumn colors, and it’s probably a bit frosty as we pack up for the day ahead. We continue down in the valley, walking along the paths, and if it works, along the sandbanks by the water and the vegetation beside it. We’ll cross a larger river during the day, and we’ll need to change shoes or tighten them a bit before crossing over. It feels wild, and if you haven’t experienced it before, many get the feeling of being truly out there. We round a mountainridge and lose a bit of height as we approach Skarja. We pass the outhouse and then the emergency shelter. Here, you can take shelter for a while and, if needed, leave a travel message. We don’t stop longer than to see and experience the place before we cross one of the few bridges in the area and look down at the rushing water that forces its way through the canyon. We set up camp near the watercourse Máhtumågåsj. We cook, talk about the day, and gaze out over the landscape and tomorrow’s challenging climb up to Snávvávágge.

Distance: ~16km. Total ascent: ~250m

04. Autumn’s Embrace

We hope for good weather when we wake up and set off. We follow and hop a bit between the paths as we continue towards Pielaslätten. We make a visit up to Bielavárásj, Daniel often refers to it as the coffee hill. However, it’s usually too cold to have coffee on the hill, and we often hide behind it when we eat our snack. Still magical! We gain some elevation and tackle perhaps the hardest and most challenging part of the whole adventure. It’s steep and can be slippery, so it’s important to take it slow here, but also to stop and take in where we actually are.

When we reach the top, we stop by the stream for a hearty snack before tackling the final stretch to the lake Snávvájávrre, where we pitch our tents again. It’s often noticeable here that we’ve gained altitude; it’s cold in the wind and the landscape is barren. It’s a special landscape in many ways. Late afternoon/evening, we might have a chance to take on Låddebákte, a hike that takes about 3-4 hours.

Distance: ~9km. Total ascent: ~500m

05. Tracing the Sandbanks

We do the usual morning tasks and continue walking along the lake in Snávvávágge. We might hum the meatball song (from a Swedish commercial) or “And I will walk 500 miles” or “These boots are made for walking” while our legs roll on by themselves. We’ve fallen into a rhythm, and the routines are starting to feel smoother. We approach the edge and the slope down to Rapadalen. Here, we’ll make several small stops. The first one is by a small lake.

We leave the backpacks here and walk up to a hill with a view of Rovdjurstorget, Rapadalen. We then head down to the tree line, and if the weather allows, we rest for a bit and enjoy the natural spectacle from the last plateaus before we’re surrounded by the birch forest. If we’re lucky, the ground will be free of snow, the wind will carry leaves from the trees, and autumn will show itself in its best light. Once we’re below the tree line, we turn left at a small intersection. We head out and follow the edge of the sandbanks in Rapaselet if the water levels are right, and finally find our intended little grassy hill by Alep Vássjájågåsj. In the evening, we have the chance to take the moose highway down to the sandbanks and watch for moose.

Distance: ~14km. Total ascent: ~250m

06. Through Forests and Streams to Stunning Views

We continue our hike in Rapadalen, surrounded by deciduous forest on small trails and possibly the sandbank. We stop to look at a waterfall and then make our way back to the trail. The trail is through dense birch forest, and the branches brush our sides as we walk between them. We round Lulep Spádnek, and after crossing a few streams, we leave the trail to gain some elevation. These streams usually mean that we take off our boots and wade in more suitable footwear. Our goal is to get above the tree line towards a peak marked with the number 1081, south of Suorkitjåhkka. We walk off-track and in a zigzag pattern. Here, we’ll camp with a fantastic view on a slightly flatter area on the slope. During one trip, we coined the expression “move slowly and steadily,” and that’s exactly what we’ll do. After our hike below the tree line and in the dense, wet vegetation, it’s nice to be back above the trees and enjoy the views as we look back from where we came, with Låddebákte in the distance.

Distance: ~12km. Total ascent: ~450m

07. A Shorter Day to the Foot of Skierfe

After climbing another hundred meters in the morning, we begin traversing toward the broad, open plateau below Skierfe. Moving carefully across the boulders, we pause often to soak in the sweeping views of Rapaselet, Skierfe, and Nammatj. Every step requires focus—slow and deliberate—on this rocky terrain, where dry ground can make all the difference.

We balance, hop, climb, and at times even use our hands to scramble up and down the slopes. When we come across small grassy patches, we give our feet a well-earned break. Once we reach the plateau, we stop for lunch before heading to our afternoon camp to pitch the tents. This day is also designed for recovery—or to catch up if we’ve fallen behind schedule.

Distance: ~6.5 km Total ascent: ~300 m

08. Via Skierfe to Svinnje – A Day of Contrasts

We start the day by following the trail that leads up to the trail fork of Skierfe. There, we leave our backpacks and continue the final stretch to the top, where we take in the breathtaking views. If the weather allows, we linger for a while, soaking in the scenery.

When it’s time to move on, we take a compass bearing toward the Kungsleden trail and continue on to Svinnje, where we set up camp for the night. Today’s goal is to reach the boat for tomorrow and to fully enjoy the unforgettable experience of Skierfe along the way.

Distance: ~15km. Total ascent: ~400m

09. From Sarek’s Challenge to Saltoluokta’s Comfort

Today, we take down the tents for the last time on this trip. We catch the morning boat to Sitojaure and then continue hiking north on Kungsleden towards Saltoluokta. We stand on the dock, waiting, hoping to get on the first boat if there are many people. After our trip in Sarek, this stretch feels relatively easy. However, we still have some distance to cover. The backpack is light now as we’ve eaten most of our food. Maybe we’ll eat our last Snickers as we stroll along? We’re expected to arrive at the mountain station around 4 PM. At Saltoluokta, a shower, sauna, room, and food await us. A cozy main building with chairs, a small shop selling postcards and perhaps salty chips.

Distance: ~20km Total ascent: ~290m

10. Time for reflection, a little bit of fun, and a relaxed farewell

We wake up in a bed after being out in the field for a longer period. Some sleep well, while others might find it strange not to have the cold air and wind right up close. Anyway! We meet in the dining room for breakfast. Maybe you’ve found some of the morning slippers to borrow, gotten stuck outside the entrance with coffee and a magical view, or perhaps we’ve agreed to take a dip by the dock before breakfast. After breakfast, we check out and leave our packs outside the reception. We take a short walk through the Sami village and old forest to give feedback and talk about the trip we’ve had while looking at the lichen and old stumps. We have lunch at the station and finally take the boat to Kebnats. It’s time to head home.