Hiker's bliss on the King's trail by Open Landscape by Cecilia Utas - Open Landscape by Cecilia Utas
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Hiker's bliss on the King's trail

From Kvikkjokk to Jäkkvik

Open Landscape by Cecilia Utas
By Open Landscape by Cecilia Utas

I dreaded this part of Kungsleden - from Kvikkjokk to Jäkkvik - as all accounts say that it is the least hiked part of the trail. It is poorly marked and maintained, wet, rocky and many many birchtrees. Other states that it is here real wilderness is felt, one out of three that has actually hiked it. Most hikers stop at Nikkaluokta, Saltoluokta or Kvikkjokk.

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A photo in this story
Celebrating birthday at Lusperatj

It was here, far between people with far stretching views, I found solitude, serenity and solace. I experienced hiker's bliss, if not a hiker's high 😉

Full awareness in every second. The shift of perspective from relying on external input for happiness to the realization the inner world is the most significant element for well-being. The sunny breeze is warming my soul and heigthen my senses. Just aware of the now.

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I camped at Pite-älv where it is feeding Tjeggelvas. As a child, we did a kayak tour up here, aiming to reach Pieskejavre and Sulitelma further to the west. An adventure that I still carry with me and that without a doubt influenced my being.

Here at the shore, I set up my tent - and again experienced peace and beauty.

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A photo in this story
Tjeggelvas and Pite-älv

In between streneous climbs, a cooling bath in a magic tarn - a mountain lake - made the hiking very pleasant and with the sun still setting quite late, there are just no hurry.

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This specif day, we set camp at Gasaklahko lake closer to nine in the evening - picking our place very careful.

The reindeer gathered, examining us while Niña watched them in a relaxed manner.

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Gasaklahko

The ever changing trail - nature, views, path, foundation, weather - keep us on our toes with ever new experiences and challenges.

The 5th day, the rain had no mercy, the trail invited us to do our own rowing and we arrived to Jäkkvik soaking wet - fortunately to a nice room at Kyrkans Fjällgård. We are still here, having a rest, drying up and just recovering before taking on the next stage of Kungsleden.

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A photo in this story
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Improved paths at the King's trail
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© 2025 Open Landscape by Cecilia Utas

Open Landscape was original a roadtrip in 2017 through Sápmi, the traditional land of the Samis, in north of Norway, Sweden, Finland and the Kola Peninsula (Russia).
Now, 6 years later, I will hike on foot from Abisko to Hemavan, 470 km on the King's Trail (Kungsleden). The intention is to experience and share both an inward and outer journey, where I will guide you through the changing and remarkable landscape.
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