GETTING TO AND FROM THE KAITUM

The Kaitum can be accessed via the Kungsleden, which has trail heads at Vakkotvarre or Nikkaloukta, the latter accessed by bus from Kiruna. The river is 160km long and can be followed all the way down to Lappesuando (linked by bus to Kiruna/ Gallivare). The hamlet of Kaitum (at the 90km mark) has a rail connection to Kiruna/Gallivare (where trains/planes connect with Stockholm). This gives a ten day trip including the walk in.

An invaluable river map produced by Kiruna LangfardsPaddlare (Kiruna Long Distance Paddlers) can be found at tinyurl.com/KaitumRiverMap

The Kaitum presents the full card of whitewater grades, ranging from Class I (Easy) to Class VI (Extreme). Keeping track of where you are on the river in relation to the rapids and their grade is critical. Take your time to scout and plan. The water flow on the Kaitum in spring can be high and fast (depending on winter snow levels).