Line © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL), checked by Global Adventurer.
The walk
From the Låktatjåkka car park on the E10, between Björkliden and Vassijaure, the path heads south over the railway into Kärkevagge (Geargevággi), a valley strewn with huge boulders left by the ice age. It climbs gently along the valley floor, over meadows and stony ground, to Trollsjön (Rissájávri) at the head of the valley, about 800 m up. Return the same way.
It is 10.6 km there and back with 405 m of ascent; allow about 3½ hours. The grade is Moderate: stony, uneven mountain ground, wet in places, with boulder fields to pick a way through.
Kiruna Lappland says Trollsjön is normally free of ice from late June to September, and that July and August are the safest months; outside that season expect snow in the valley. The lake's water is famously clear. Please do not swim in it: the lake is fragile, and walkers are asked to keep to the path and take all rubbish home.
The car park, built by Kiruna kommun in 2022, has about 50 spaces, a wind shelter with a grill and bus stops on the E10.
Route drawn by Global Adventurer along OpenStreetMap paths (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL), with figures worked out from it. Check the forecast and the ground on the day: paths change.
Good to know
- Kärkevagge is a valley strewn with huge boulders left by the ice age, between the E10 and the lake at its head
- Trollsjön, in Sámi Rissájávri, lies at about 800 m and is known for water so clear you can see some 30 m down
- Kiruna Lappland asks walkers not to swim in the lake, to keep to the path and to take all rubbish home
- The car park, built in 2022, has bus stops and a wind shelter; Låktatjåkka railway halt is a short walk away
Getting there
Start: Låktatjåkka car park · Free parking. 68.42704, 18.32630
Places to stay nearby
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Paths change, and the weather decides the day. The line and figures come from OpenStreetMap and our own checks; take a map, check the forecast, and turn back if it isn't right.