NORDKALOTTLEDEN: LOGISTICS AND ESSENTIALS
GETTING THERE AND GETTING OUT 
Reaching the starting point of the trail posed a significant logistical challenge. We decided against sending our food packages directly from home to Sweden, as we were concerned they might get lost along the way. Instead, we opted to hitchhike to specific locations where mailing our parcels would likely be the least problematic. We began our journey by booking a flight to Alta, where our hitchhiking adventure started. Our first destination was Kilpisjärvi in Finland, where we planned to pick up our first food parcel. This leg of the trip took nearly an entire day. The next day, we hitchhiked back to Karesuando, a town just over the border in Sweden. From there, we sent our two remaining food packages via PostNord, a Swedish postal service. We had read online that sending parcels from abroad, including from Norway, could cause complications, so we wanted to avoid that risk. After dropping off the packages, we continued hitchhiking to the starting point of the Nordkalottleden in Kautokeino. Although sending your packages from home would likely work fine if done well in advance, we didn’t want to take any chances. It’s important to note that PostNord pickup points, for example, won’t hold your package for more than 14 days. It’s wise to call a nearby hotel and ask if you can send the package there instead. If you plan to send packages to mountain huts, you’ll need to contact them in advance for specific instructions.
FOOD PARCELS 
During this trip, we sent food parcels ahead to three locations along our route. However, we ended up moving faster than anticipated, making the final parcel unnecessary, as we had plenty of food left. Our increased pace was due to the continuous daylight, eliminating the need to pitch camp before sunset. In the end, we averaged around 35 kilometers per day, hiking approximately 14 hours daily. The parcels were sent to the following locations:
Food Parcel 1: Kilipsjärvi
Before starting our hike, we hitchiked to Kilipsjärvi to drop off our first parcel at the Rakka hotel.
Food Parcel 2: Abisko
Abisko, a rather underwhelming village, has a big Mountain station. When you send your package via Postnord it will be send up to the nearby supermarket. This supermarket is a 20 minuten walk of 5 minute busride. In the supermarket there is a Postnord service desk. Do check the opening times for the supermarket as it is not opened 24/7.
Food Parcel 3: Ritsem
Our last package was send to the amazing mountain station in Ritsem. To get here you will have to take the Storlule boat which departs from Vájsáluokta. Since the boat ony departs about 3 times a day you will have to time this nicely in order to not loose day.
NAVIGATION 
Even thoug the trail was said to be well marked, we quickly found out this was not the case. Especially on mountainous terrain the markings were hard to find or non existent. That said, 80% of the time the path was straightforward, which made it easy for us to cover distance. Having a downloaded gpx on your phone (we use the app CalTopo for this) should be enough to find your way. If you are alone (and therefore do not have backup device) it is wise to think of alternatives in case of emergency (Garmin inreach, smartwatch or paper maps).
FOOD 
Besides our food system , which can be found by clicken the button below, the Nordkalottleden provided us with some nice snacks. Cloudberries, shown on the right, can be found in an abundance on the trail. When coloured orange they are ready to eat. The fish on the left, Arctic Char, can be bought in the Sami villages that you come across. We have a dedicated blog post were we tell you everything about the food we take on our hikes. Click here!
WATER SUPPLY 
There is plenty of water on the Nordkalottleden that does not need any filtering. Stretches without any streams are scarce so you could consider carrying little water and fill up as you go. if you choose to do this you will have to check your map more often to check for streams, but this should not cause any problems. Sidenote: the water is absolutely delicious!
CAMPING 🏕️
Camping on the trail did not cause any problems. In the first week, however, you may need to walk a bit further to avoid setting up camp near swamps, which are swarming with mosquitoes. Camping at a slightly higher elevation where there’s some wind can help keep these bloodsuckers away. We brought along a DNT key, which is necessary for accessing the huts in Norway. You can order the key through the DNT website and requires you to become a member of the association. Although we primarily used the huts for taking breaks, they provided a nice touch of luxury along the way.
