In-depth guide · CampingSpirit
From Arvidsjaur via Jokkmokk, Gällivare and Kiruna to Abisko National Park and on to Riksgränsen and Narvik: around 760 kilometres through taiga, fjäll and Sámi land, where the fuel gauge and the reindeer set the pace.
The spirit of the route
Lapland does not begin at a sign, but when the forest gets lower and the villages thin out. On the Inlandsvägen, pines, bogs and quiet lakes drift past, kilometre after kilometre with no oncoming traffic, and suddenly a reindeer cow with her calf is standing in the middle of the tarmac, looking back at you unimpressed. Shortly before Jokkmokk the road crosses the Arctic Circle, at Kiruna the ore mountain rumbles, and beyond Abisko the valley of the Torneträsk opens up: a long lake between bare fjäll ridges, where the light turns yellow in late summer and green veils dance overhead in autumn. From your sliding door you see birch forest in red and gold, patches of snow on the summits and the steam rising from your coffee. In between lie Sámi settlements, mining towns and railway lines that carry ore to Narvik. This route demands full tanks, patience and respect for a land that is home to people and reindeer alike.
Stage-by-stage plan
1Stage 1: Arvidsjaur to Jokkmokk (approx. 180 km)
- The drive
- Follow the E45 north through endless coniferous forest, past bogs and rivers, with long, open straights and few settlements. Shortly before Jokkmokk you cross the Arctic Circle. The road is well built, but from dusk onwards the risk from reindeer and elk rises sharply. Around 180 kilometres (guide value), a good three hours' driving without stops.
- Highlights & must-sees
- Lappstaden in Arvidsjaur: the old Sámi church town with preserved wooden huts, a quiet stroll.
- Polcirkeln on the E45 south of Jokkmokk: marker and rest area at the Arctic Circle, nice for a photo but no spectacle.
- Ájtte, the Swedish Mountain and Sámi Museum in Jokkmokk, with a good exhibition on reindeer herding, duodji and Sámi history.
- CampingSpirit overnight tip
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Official campsite or RV park: Camp Gielas in Arvidsjaur on the edge of town and Renvallen stugby & camping near Arvidsjaur take motorhomes; in Jokkmokk there are Arctic Camp Jokkmokk and Jokkmokks Camping Center, both with electricity and sanitary facilities. Skabram camping & stugby is a quieter alternative. Many sites close at the end of September – call ahead.
Free camping or nature tip (where legal): Along the E45 there are numerous rest areas (rastplats) run by Trafikverket. Overnighting is often tolerated wherever there is no prohibition sign; a uniform maximum stay is not confirmed, and signs and time limits apply. At Polcirkeln you should refrain from camping behaviour (chairs, awning). Allemansrätten applies mainly to tents; for motorhomes the rule is: parking yes, staying long-term on private land no.
- Insider tip for campers
- Fill up completely in Arvidsjaur, because petrol stations on the route are far apart and some only have card machines. Buy your groceries in Arvidsjaur or Jokkmokk – beyond that the choice gets thinner. Alcohol above 3.5% is sold only at Systembolaget, in Jokkmokk with limited opening hours.
2Stage 2: Jokkmokk to Gällivare (approx. 100 km)
- The drive
- Continue on the E45 through the Lule älv valley, with an optional detour to the historic power station at Porjus, then on north into the mining region around Malmberget. The road is wide, but in roadworks sections it is often single-lane with traffic lights. A good hour and a half.
- Highlights & must-sees
- Porjus power station: one of Sweden's oldest large hydroelectric plants; ask in advance whether and when tours take place (not confirmed).
- Dundret above Gällivare: a viewpoint mountain from which you can see the midnight sun at the summer solstice; the access road is winding but paved.
- Malmberget and Aitik: a view into the huge mining and open-pit landscapes; visitors should use the viewpoints and keep away from the works sites.
- CampingSpirit overnight tip
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Official campsite or RV park: Gällivare Camping near the town, according to OSM equipped with electricity, sanitary facilities, waste disposal and internet. Confirm the season and facilities with the operator in advance.
Free camping or nature tip (where legal): In the Gällivare area the general Swedish rule applies: parking at rest areas and car parks, where permitted, is possible; observe “Förbud mot camping” signs and time limits. Near Dundret nature protection and a stay-on-the-path rule apply; no camping at the summit.
- Insider tip for campers
- Top up water, fuel and supplies in Gällivare, because only small places follow until Kiruna. The water connection at campsites in Lapland is often frost-protected and already shut off in autumn – carry a jerrycan.
3Stage 3: Gällivare to Kiruna (approx. 120 km)
- The drive
- From Gällivare take the E10 north through the ore region, with hills, forest and mining industry in the distance; shortly before Kiruna the landscape becomes more open. A good road, but with a lot of heavy mining traffic along the way. A good 1.5 hours.
- Highlights & must-sees
- Kiruna kyrka, one of the largest wooden churches in Sweden, built in 1912 by the architect Gustaf Wickman; in summer 2025 it was moved to its new site in the relocated town centre.
- LKAB mine tour in Kiruna: according to the organiser year-round, lasting around three hours, advance booking recommended.
- Jukkasjärvi with the Icehotel and the Sámi culture exhibition, east of Kiruna on the Torne älv.
- CampingSpirit overnight tip
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Official campsite or RV park: Camp Ripan in Kiruna, on the edge of town with a view, offers motorhome pitches and a campsite; ask the operator about facilities. Alternatively there are smaller sites around Jukkasjärvi. Booking is advisable in summer and during the autumn colour season (ruska).
Free camping or nature tip (where legal): Around Kiruna many rest areas and lakes are attractive for motorhomes, but free camping is not generally permitted; overnighting is taboo on private land and in nature reserves. Because of the town's relocation, car parks and road layouts in the centre are changing.
- Insider tip for campers
- Because of the relocation of the town centre (parts of the town have been moved east since the 2010s because of mining), maps and sat-navs sometimes seem out of date; follow the signposting. Empty your grey water and toilet in Kiruna before you drive into the national park area, as disposal is hardly possible there.
4Stage 4: Kiruna to Abisko (approx. 100 km)
- The drive
- Follow the E10 west along the Torneträsk. The road first runs through forest, later alongside the big lake with open views of fjäll and mountains. Occasional reindeer fences and game crossings; the road is mostly paved but often undulating and winding. A good hour and a half if driven carefully.
- Highlights & must-sees
- Torneträsk: at around 330 square kilometres one of the largest lakes in Sweden, with lay-bys for photo stops.
- Abisko Canyon (Abiskojåkka) and Abisko National Park: hiking trails at the start of the Kungsleden; the park begins directly at the Abisko Turiststation.
- Nuolja chairlift from the Abisko Turiststation to the Aurora Sky Station (Njullá) with a view over the Torneträsk valley; seasonal, check dates with STF.
- CampingSpirit overnight tip
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Official campsite or RV park: Abisko Turiststation (STF) with a campsite for motorhomes and tents, sanitary facilities, café and restaurant, right at the park. Alternatively, Björklidens Camping lies around 8 kilometres further west. Autumn opening is not confirmed; enquire with the sites beforehand.
Free camping or nature tip (where legal): Special rules apply in Abisko National Park (tents, according to Naturkartan, at designated tent sites); motorhomes belong on campsites or official car parks. Fires may only be lit at the fire pits provided. Drinking water from streams should be boiled.
- Insider tip for campers
- Fill up completely in Kiruna before setting off, because Kiruna–Abisko is around 100 kilometres and fuel options along the way and in Abisko are not confirmed. Watch out for reindeer: they cross the E10 especially in early autumn on their way to their winter grounds. The Aurora Sky Station opens seasonally according to STF (northern lights season from late August, with a break in between); check times in advance, weather permitting.
5Stage 5: Abisko to Björkliden (approx. 8 km)
- The drive
- A short stage on the E10 along the south shore of the Torneträsk to Björkliden, with wide views over the lake and the Nuolja massif. The road climbs slightly; watch for bends and reindeer. Around 10 minutes without a stop.
- Highlights & must-sees
- Fjäll walks above Björkliden with views over the Torneträsk basin.
- The “Blue Hole” above the Torneträsk valley: an area with strikingly little cloud that makes Abisko a well-known northern lights spot.
- Section of the Kungsleden from Abisko towards Abiskojaure as a day hike.
- CampingSpirit overnight tip
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Official campsite or RV park: Björklidens Camping directly on the E10 with pitches for motorhomes and sanitary facilities; according to OSM about 100 pitches. In autumn open depending on operations.
Free camping or nature tip (where legal): Around Björkliden and Riksgränsen the rest areas and car parks by the lake are heavily frequented; camping is prohibited there, and overnighting in the vehicle is only possible where parking is permitted. Do not drive onto the lakeshore.
- Insider tip for campers
- Clarify hiking and viewpoint tours in advance in case of a change in the weather, at the Naturum Abisko or the Turiststation. Bring mosquito protection if you are travelling in summer; in autumn wind protection is enough.
6Stage 6: Björkliden to Narvik (via Riksgränsen) (approx. 60 km)
- The drive
- Follow the E10 to the border at Riksgränsen at around 500 m altitude, then down through the Norwegian fjell region to Rombaksbotn and Narvik. The road is partly narrow, with tunnels and gradients; in autumn and winter snow or ice may occur. A good hour of pure driving time.
- Highlights & must-sees
- Riksgränsen: border village with a ski area and a view of the ore railway; in summer, hikes along the Rallarvägen.
- Ofotbanen: the ore railway from Kiruna to Narvik, visible from the E10 at several points.
- Narvik: war museum and harbour on the Ofotfjord; the town has been shaped by the Second World War ever since.
- CampingSpirit overnight tip
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Official campsite or RV park: In Narvik there are several campsites around the Ofotfjord, including Øyjord Camping, according to OSM north-east of the town. Check details of facilities and opening times in advance, as many sites close in autumn.
Free camping or nature tip (where legal): In Norway the right of public access (friluftsloven) permits tent camping away from houses; for motorhomes, overnighting at the roadside or in car parks is only acceptable where parking is permitted; the permitted duration is not uniformly regulated, so observe signs and the municipality. Keep your distance from houses and campsites, and do not camp in protected areas. Municipalities are increasingly taking action against wild camping.
- Insider tip for campers
- Toll stations in Norway operate electronically; for foreign vehicles there are AutoPASS agreements, so clarify details and payment methods in advance at autopass.no. Import limits and declaration requirements apply to alcohol, meat and dairy products; check quantities in advance with Tolletaten and Mattilsynet. Fuel and shopping in Norway are charged in kroner; card payment is usual.
7Stage 7: Narvik to Kiruna (approx. 190 km)
- The drive
- Back along the E10 via Riksgränsen, Abisko and the Torneträsk valley to Kiruna. The route gives you a chance to see places from the opposite direction and to catch up on photos. A good three hours' driving; watch for reindeer in the dark.
- Highlights & must-sees
- Rombaksbotn: the innermost part of the Rombaksfjord on the E10, with a view of fjord and mountains.
- Vassijaure: a small village on the ore railway just before the border, with a railway halt and hiking trails.
- Sámi cultural offerings along the route, such as visits to reindeer herders by prior arrangement.
- CampingSpirit overnight tip
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Official campsite or RV park: Back in Kiruna you stay at Camp Ripan or in Jukkasjärvi. If you want to continue south, you will find the sites mentioned in stage 1 along the E45.
Free camping or nature tip (where legal): See stage 3: rest areas along the E10 are usable where permitted, but not for longer camping. Especially in the border area, the authorities check car parks and protected areas.
- Insider tip for campers
- Plan the return journey with refuelling in Kiruna before continuing south: the Inlandsvägen towards Gällivare and Jokkmokk has long sections without a petrol station. If it snows in autumn, drive early in the day, as the snow-clearing services respond on the E10 sections.
Camping practice & local rules
Wild camping & overnight parking
- Sweden: The right of public access (allemansrätten) mainly permits tent camping for one to two nights away from houses. It does not apply across the board to motorhomes; parking is allowed where parking is allowed, and overnighting at rest areas is usually tolerated as long as there is no prohibition sign. On private land, in nature reserves and in Abisko National Park, separate rules apply.
- Abisko National Park: do not leave the paths, keep dogs on a lead, take your rubbish with you, light fires only at designated places, and do not drive off-road. Tents, according to Naturkartan, at designated tent sites (for example at the Abisko Turiststation); check the current rules with Naturum Abisko and Länsstyrelsen Norrbotten.
- Norway: The right of public access permits tent camping at a distance from houses; motorhomes may overnight in car parks where parking is permitted, and the duration is not uniformly regulated. From 15 April to 15 September a fire ban (bålforbud) applies in forest and fields. Be mindful of proximity to campsites.
- Apps: use park4night, Campercontact and the websites of Länsstyrelsen and Naturkartan to find rest areas, campsites and petrol stations. Sámi settlements and reindeer pastures are not camping grounds.
Waste disposal & supplies
- Disposal: in Sweden the station is called “tömningsstation”, and guest harbours and pitches often offer one; in Norway “tømmestasjon”. Grey water only at the station. In the north, connections freeze in autumn.
- Drinking water: tap water is good in Sweden and Norway; water from mountain streams should only be drunk boiled.
- Gas: German cylinders are not exchanged; Sweden and Norway use their own connections. Autogas (LPG) is rare in the north. Bring enough gas with you in advance or get an adapter; check refilling with a local dealer.
- Fuel: between Arvidsjaur, Jokkmokk, Gällivare, Kiruna and Abisko there are sometimes 100 kilometres without a reliable petrol station; top up by the time the tank is half full at the latest. Many stations are card machines.
- Shopping: alcohol above 3.5% is sold only at Systembolaget, in Norway at Vinmonopolet; it is best to buy groceries in Arvidsjaur, Jokkmokk, Gällivare or Kiruna.
Vehicle size & traffic rules
- Sweden: motorhomes up to 3.5 t generally follow the car limits (70–120 km/h depending on signage, on the Inlandsvägen mostly 80–100); over 3.5 t lower limits apply (mostly 80 km/h); vehicles with trailers mostly 80 km/h. Observe the signage.
- Dipped headlights must be on during the day in Sweden and Norway. The alcohol limit in Sweden is 0.2 per mille.
- Reindeer accident: according to the police, you should report collisions with reindeer too. In case of danger or injuries call 112, otherwise the police on 114 14. Carry a warning triangle (compulsory in Norway) and a high-visibility vest.
- Winter: from 1 December to 31 March winter tyres are compulsory in Sweden in winter conditions; in autumn snow and ice can occur earlier. Studded tyres are permitted in Sweden from 1 October to 15 April.
- Tolls: in Sweden there is no vignette on this route. In Norway, electronic toll stations; payment via an AutoPASS agreement, details at autopass.no. Maximum vehicle width: Sweden 2.60 m, Norway 2.55 m; note the height and length limits of the destination region.
- Sámi culture: reindeer are the property of reindeer herders. Do not feed them, hunt them or drive into herds; close fences and gates; ask before photographing people, settlements and duodji. Prefer Sámi souvenirs bearing the Duodji label.
CampingSpirit packing & preparation checklist
- Extra jerrycans (diesel/petrol) or water cans – petrol stations and frost-free water connections are rare in autumn.
- Mosquito net and mosquito spray: from mid-June to August mosquitoes and horseflies are a serious issue in the north.
- Warm layers, hat, gloves and walking boots: in the Abisko area temperatures quickly fall below zero in autumn.
- Torch with red light and a tripod for the northern lights (Sept–March), plus a camera with a longer exposure time.
- Hi-vis vest, warning triangle and a powerful hand torch within reach: wildlife accidents with reindeer often happen at dusk.
- Printed-out campsite reservations and route sketches in advance, as mobile coverage is patchy on parts of the route.
As of 2026-09. Closures, fees and booking rules change: check official sources before you go.
