Pets allowed
Allowed
Elevation Gain
984.00 ft (299.92 m)
Trail type
There-and-back
Distance
12.00 km (7.46 mi)
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

The hike through Kärkevagge to Trollsjön (or Rissajaure), the clearest lake in Sweden, follows a route through a birch forest and continues up over bare areas filled with boulder fields, surrounded by high cliffs with views of a river delta below. The hike is 12 kilometers long and one of the most popular hikes in Swedish Lapland.

Parking for this hike is located on the side of the road E10, about 20 kilometers after Bjorkliden but before Vassijaure. You will see a sign that says “Låktajokk,” and parking spaces will be on each side of the road. On the left side of the road, there are wooden signs marking the hike to Kärkevagge and Trollsjön. The hike begins here and first goes through a birch forest until you reach the Låktatjåkko train station. The trail crosses the railroad and begins to climb to Kärkevagge. The Kärkevagge is a valley shaped by the last ice age over 10,000 years ago and filled with beautiful rock formations that are scattered across the valley. There are lush meadows filled with mountain flowers, small streams, and a view of a large delta area below. After traveling through this valley, there is another short climb before arriving at Trollsjön, Sweden’s clearest lake. Many visitors enjoy lunch and a dip in the lake before making their way back to the trailhead.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Summer
Fall
Winter
Spring

Congestion

Moderate

Parking Pass

None

Open Year-round

Yes

Pros

Lake. Beautiful views. Relatively easy trail.

Cons

Parking area is too small.

Trailhead Elevation

1,640.00 ft (499.87 m)

Highest point

2,624.00 ft (799.80 m)

Features

Near lake or river
Backcountry camping
Wildlife
Waterfalls
Family friendly
Geologically significant
Big vistas

Typically multi-day

No

Suitable for

Biking

Permit required

No

Location

Nearby Adventures

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