The popular 139km-long Padjelantaleden (Padjelanta Trail) can be hiked in seven to 10 days (use Fjällkartan BD10 and Fjällkartan BD7). You'll need a boat ride at both ends – to/from Ritsem at the northern end and to/from Kvikkjokk at the southern end. There are huts along the length of the trail where hikers can sleep and cook, some selling provisions.
At the northern end (by Akkajaure), you can start at either of the STF huts, Vaisaluokta or Áhkká (the latter is easier). STF also runs the Såmmarlappa, Tarrekaise and Njunjes huts at the southern end of the trail, and STF Kvikkjokk Fjällstation.
To reach the northern end of the trail, take bus 93 from Gällivare to Ritsem (200kr, 3¼ hours, mid-June to mid-September) and connect with the STF ferry (www.swedishtouristassociation.com/facilities/stf-ritsem/boat-traffic; late June to mid-September) to Vaisaluokta and Änonjálmme, 1.5km north of the Áhkká STF hut. For details of boats from the end of the Padjelantaleden to Kvikkjokk (late June to mid-September), check with Båttraffik i Kvikkjokk.
Fiskflyg, with its base in Porjus, between Gällivare and Jokkmokk, has daily helicopter flights (late June to late August) for the Padjelanta Trail. It flies Ritsem–Staloluokta–Ritsem (adult/under seven years 1250/625kr) and Kvikkjokk–Staloluokta–Kvikkjokk, (adult/under seven years 1250/625kr) stopping at the Njunjes, Tarrekaise and Sommarlappa STF mountain huts. Staloluokta is about halfway on the trail.
