Guide to the Swedish mountains
The Swedish mountains follow the Norwegian border from Dalarna in the south to the Arctic north of Kiruna, and this page is the English entry point to Fjallen.nu. It explains the five mountain areas, the national parks, the best known trails, when to go and the rules every visitor needs to know about reindeer, dogs and camping.
The five mountain areas
Fjallen.nu divides the range into five areas. Norrbotten has the highest peaks, the largest national parks and the longest stretches of roadless land. Further south the mountains become lower and rounder, with more forest between the fells and easier access by car.
| Area | County | Typical starting points | Known for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Norrbotten mountains | Norrbotten | Abisko, Kiruna, Nikkaluokta, Ritsem, Kvikkjokk | Kebnekaise, Sarek, Laponia, midnight sun |
| Västerbotten mountains | Västerbotten | Hemavan, Tärnaby, Ammarnäs | Vindelfjällen and the southern end of Kungsleden |
| Jämtland mountains | Jämtland | Storulvån, Storlien, Åre, Vålådalen | Sylarna and the Jämtland Triangle |
| Härjedalen mountains | Jämtland | Funäsdalen, Ljungdalen, Vemdalen | Helags and Sonfjället National Park |
| Dalarna mountains | Dalarna | Sälen, Idre, Grövelsjön | Fulufjället, Njupeskär and Old Tjikko |
Härjedalen is a historical province inside Jämtland county. It is treated as an area of its own here because the mountains around Funäsdalen and Helags form a separate destination.
National parks
Ten of the 31 Swedish national parks lie in or near the mountain range and seven of them are in Norrbotten. Four of the northern parks belong to the Laponia World Heritage Site together with two nature reserves.
Each park has its own regulations. A rule in one park says nothing about the next, so read the rules before you plan to fish, camp or bring a dog.
The national parks page compares all ten with area, founding year and the main rules. Laponia has a page of its own.
Long distance trails
Most visitors hike from hut to hut on marked trails. The huts are run by the Swedish Tourist Association, STF, by county administrative boards and in Padjelanta by the Sami villages.
| Trail | Length | Route | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kungsleden | 450 km | Abisko to Hemavan | STF figure. Other sources give 430 to 467 km |
| Nordkalottleden | About 800 km | Kautokeino to Sulitjelma or Kvikkjokk | Norway, Finland and Sweden. 350 km in Sweden |
| Södra Kungsleden | 340 km | Sälen to Storlien | Visit Dalarna figure. 165 km from Sälen to Grövelsjön |
| Jämtland Triangle | 47 km | Storulvån, Sylarna, Blåhammaren | Three days between three STF mountain stations |
Kungsleden is divided into five sections by STF. Abisko to Nikkaluokta is the most walked and has a hut at the end of every stage, while Kvikkjokk to Ammarnäs is the least walked and requires a tent.
When to go
The hiking season in most of the range runs from late June to mid September. Snow often lies on the high plateaus well into June and the first snow can come in October, so the summer is short.
North of the Arctic Circle the sun does not set for weeks in summer. SMHI gives the first day of midnight sun as around 24 to 25 May in Abisko and 26 to 28 May in Kiruna, depending on the year. In winter Abisko has polar night from early December.
Ski touring is mainly a late winter and spring activity, from February to April, when the days are longer and the snow is often more stable. Check the daily avalanche forecasts before you go into steep terrain.
The right of public access in the mountains
The Swedish right of public access, allemansrätten, lets you walk and camp almost anywhere. In the mountains it comes with extra responsibility because the land is reindeer pasture.
- Keep away from reindeerIf the herd moves away from you, you are too close.
- Dogs on a leashThe Swedish Environmental Protection Agency advises a leash at all times in reindeer grazing land.
- Calving April to JuneAvoid reindeer grazing land during the calving period if you can.
- Camp with careChoose your tent site carefully and do not stay more than a night or two in the same place.
National parks restrict the right of public access, often for camping, fires and dogs. The Sápmi page explains reindeer herding and why the rules exist. The guidance above comes from Naturvårdsverket.
Safety
Weather changes fast and mobile coverage is weak in large parts of the range. The Swedish Mountain Safety Council, Fjällsäkerhetsrådet, publishes advice on preparation, wading and winter travel.
In an emergency call 112. Leave a route plan with someone at home and carry a paper map and compass, since many huts and trails lie far from roads.
Frequently asked questions
Where are the Swedish mountains?
Along the Norwegian border, from Dalarna in the south to the far north of Norrbotten. Fjallen.nu divides them into five areas.
What is the highest mountain in Sweden?
Kebnekaise. Stockholm University measured the north summit at 2 096.8 metres and the south summit at 2 088.4 metres in September 2025.
How long is Kungsleden?
450 kilometres between Abisko and Hemavan according to the Swedish Tourist Association. Other sources give between 430 and 467 kilometres.
When is the best time to hike in the Swedish mountains?
From late June to mid September. Snow can remain on high ground well into June.
Can I camp anywhere in the Swedish mountains?
Usually yes under the right of public access, but national parks have their own rules and many restrict camping to certain places.
Do I need to keep my dog on a leash?
The Swedish Environmental Protection Agency advises a leash at all times in reindeer grazing land. National parks often have stricter rules.
Where can I see the midnight sun?
North of the Arctic Circle. SMHI gives the first day as around 24 to 25 May in Abisko and 26 to 28 May in Kiruna, depending on the year.
Is the rest of Fjallen.nu in English?
No. Six pages are in English and the rest of the guide is in Swedish.
Sources
- www.svenskaturistforeningen.se: STF: Kungsleden, 450 km and five sections
- www.svenskaturistforeningen.se: STF: the Jämtland Triangle, 47 km
- classic.nationalparks.fi: Metsähallitus: the Nordkalott Trail, 800 km
- www.su.se: Stockholm University: Kebnekaise measurements, September 2025
- www.smhi.se: SMHI: midnight sun and polar night
- www.smhi.se: SMHI: dates for midnight sun in Abisko and Kiruna, 2023
- www.smhi.se: SMHI: dates for polar night, 2020
- www.naturvardsverket.se: Swedish Environmental Protection Agency: the right of public access in the mountains
- www.fjallsakerhetsradet.se: Swedish Mountain Safety Council: safety advice
- lavinprognoser.se: Avalanche forecasts for Swedish mountain areas
Facts checked on 6 November 2026.
English pages. Guide to the Swedish mountains, national parks, Sápmi and reindeer herding, Laponia World Heritage, mountain nature and fishing licences.
Fjallen.nu is an independent guide. Rules, opening hours, fees and trail status change between seasons and should be checked with whoever runs the trail, hut or facility. The editorial team is responsible for the content.