Laugavegur Trail vs Kungsleden: Which Should You Hike?
Choose Laugavegur Trail if you want a compact, colorful highland trek of about 34 miles in three to four days, with unbridged river crossings as the main challenge. Choose Kungsleden if you want a longer Arctic journey of about 65 miles, typically 5-7 days, with the option of wild camping and a Kebnekaise finish.
Laugavegur Trail and Kungsleden at a glance
Laugavegur Trail runs through Iceland's Highlands from Landmannalaugar to Þórsmörk, crossing obsidian, black sand and glacial rivers on the way. Kungsleden runs from Abisko through Swedish Lapland toward Kebnekaise, mixing birch forest, open fell and boardwalk. Hikers weigh them because both are hut-to-hut thru-hikes in northern landscapes, with a short summer season and fast-changing weather.
| Laugavegur Trail | Kungsleden | |
|---|---|---|
| Place | Highlands · Iceland | Swedish Lapland · Sweden |
| Distance | ~54–55 km / 34 mi, point-to-point (typically 3–4 days) | ~105-107 km (65-66 miles) for the standard Abisko-to-Nikkaluokta thru-route, which passes the Kebnekaise area; check STF for the current route description to Kebnekaise mountain station |
| Elevation gain | ~450 m (1,480 ft) net climb from Landmannalaugar (~600 m) to the Hrafntinnusker high point (~1,050 m) on day one, then net descent to ~200 m at Þórsmörk; total cumulative elevation change across the whole route is cited anywhere from ~500 m to ~1,700 m depending on the source's method | Check the official source |
| Difficulty | Moderate to strenuous (unpredictable highland weather and multiple unbridged river crossings are the main difficulty, not the elevation profile) | Strenuous (multi-day Arctic trek; remote, with river crossings and significant weather exposure); typically hiked in 5-7 days |
| Route type | thru-hike | thru-hike (point-to-point, multi-day) |
| Official season | Roughly late June to early September (check the Icelandic Touring Association for hut opening dates) | Late June to mid-September; winter is a ski route |
| Managed by | Ferðafélag Íslands (Icelandic Touring Association) | Länsstyrelsen & STF |
Effort and difficulty
Laugavegur Trail covers about 54-55 km (34 mi), usually in three to four days. It climbs roughly 450 m (1,480 ft) net on day one, though cumulative change is cited anywhere from about 500 m to 1,700 m depending on the source. It is rated moderate to strenuous, mainly because of weather and unbridged river crossings. Kungsleden covers about 105-107 km (65-66 mi), typically in five to seven days, and is rated strenuous. Elevation gain is not published on this page, so check the official source. Kungsleden is the bigger commitment because of its length, remoteness and Arctic exposure.
Season, permits and booking
Both routes have a short summer window. Laugavegur Trail runs roughly late June to early September, and Kungsleden late June to mid-September, with Kungsleden also serving as a ski route in winter. Neither requires a trekking permit. Laugavegur hut beds and campsites should be booked through the Icelandic Touring Association. On Kungsleden, wild camping is allowed under Sweden's right of public access, and hut opening dates should be checked. Confirm current rules and dates with each managing authority before you go.
Which one is right for you?
Choose Laugavegur Trail if…
Pick Laugavegur Trail if you have a long weekend to a week and want a defined three-to-four-day trek with a clear structure. It suits hikers who are comfortable wading unbridged glacial rivers and who can build buffer days around weather- and river-dependent highland buses. Its shelter is limited to the huts, so plan bookings early and treat flexibility as limited.
How to hike Laugavegur Trail — IcelandChoose Kungsleden if…
Pick Kungsleden if you want a longer journey and are ready for a strenuous Arctic trek of five to seven days. It suits hikers who like choosing between huts and wild camping, and who may want a spare day to attempt Sweden's highest summit near Kebnekaise. Allow extra time, since Arctic weather regularly forces a pause.
How to hike Kungsleden — Abisko to KebnekaiseWhat the two have in common
Both are point-to-point thru-hikes across northern, treeless terrain, with a short summer season and weather that can change fast. Both rely on mountain huts spaced about a day's walk apart, and both involve river crossings. Navigation on each is straightforward in clear weather and harder when cloud settles. Neither requires a trekking permit.
How your choice changes what you pack
Both trips call for layers that handle cold, wind and rain, and a pack sized for several days. On Laugavegur Trail, plan for river-crossing footwear and shelter that depends on the huts. On Kungsleden, the longer route and wild-camping option mean you may carry more food and camping equipment if you skip huts, so pack for the style you choose.
Common questions
Which is harder, Laugavegur Trail or Kungsleden?
Kungsleden is rated strenuous and runs about 65 miles over five to seven days, while Laugavegur Trail is rated moderate to strenuous at about 34 miles. Laugavegur's difficulty comes mainly from weather and unbridged river crossings rather than elevation.
Which is better for a first multi-day hike?
Laugavegur Trail is shorter, at three to four days, which makes it the more manageable commitment. But its river crossings and weather still demand preparation. Kungsleden is longer and rated strenuous, so check each route's official guidance and your own experience.
Do either of these trails require a permit?
Neither requires a trekking permit. Laugavegur hut beds and campsites should be booked through the Icelandic Touring Association. Kungsleden allows responsible wild camping under Sweden's right of public access. Always confirm current rules with the managing authorities.
When is the best time to hike each trail?
Laugavegur Trail is best roughly late June to early September, and Kungsleden from late June to mid-September. Hut opening dates matter on both routes, so check with the Icelandic Touring Association and STF before planning.
Sources
- Ferðafélag Íslands (Icelandic Touring Association) — fi.is: official information for Laugavegur Trail.
- Länsstyrelsen & STF — STF (Swedish Tourist Association, hut operator): official information for Kungsleden.
Conditions, permits and access rules change without notice — confirm current information with each managing authority before you go. See our editorial policy.