Nikkaluokta - Ritsem

A nice alternative to the tour between Nikkaluokta and Abisko is to turn westward towards the Norwegian border. You reach Lake Sitasjaure, on the same latitude as Nikkaluokta, via Lake Hukejaure. The tour is approximately 75 kilometres long and goes through some of the highest sections in the Lappland mountains.

The eastern and western sections differ in character. When you leave the mountain birch forests of Nikkaluokta, “Sweden’s roof” rises in front of you.  Stay as long as you wish at the Kebnekaise Mountain Station. If the weather is good, the southern peak should at least be climbed. Jagged peaks like Tuolpagorni enclose the narrow valley as you continue eastward. When you turn north at STF Singi, the landscape opens up, though the mountain is still high.

So far, you have been following Kungsleden (Royal Trail). But halfway towards the Sälka huts, you take a left onto the Nordkalotten Trail in the Čuhčavaggi valley. You walk westward towards Norway. When you have left the Sälka massif behind you, the landscape becomes flatter, drier and with few species. You also meet fewer people here.

Lake Hukejaure, with STF huts nearby, is known for its fine fishing. Rolling plateaux and a great deal of wetlands are all around. The tour begins in a Sami camp and ends in another – Lake Sitasjaure. The motor road to Ritsem is gated and with little traffic, but you can sometimes get a ride if you do not want to hike out the last section.

Link to map