HEMAVAN NEAR TRAILS

Here we have collected our best tips for shorter and longer day hikes in Hemavan. To make it easier when you are here, you have Naturkartan, which contains a map, pictures and short descriptions of our hiking trails.

1. KUNGSLEDEN

Tourist Association in the early 1900s. Kungsleden is also perfect for those who want to try mountain hiking for the first time. Start your hike at Naturum in Hemavan, or let the Hemavan Gondola take you part of the way, where Kungsleden will greet you as you step off at the top station. From the gondola’s top station, there are many great options where you can choose how far you want to hike along Kungsleden. We personally believe that the first 8 km from the gondola to Syterskalet is one of the most beautiful stretches of Kungsleden.

Interesting facts you might not know about the southern part of Kungsleden:

  • After hiking approximately 8 km from the Hemavan Gondola’s top station, you’ll reach Syterskalet, considered by many to be one of the most beautiful sections of Kungsleden. Here, those with extra energy can also take a side trip to Norra Sytertoppen, Västerbotten’s highest peak at 1,767 meters above sea level.
  • Kungsleden passes through the Vindelfjällen Nature Reserve, one of Europe’s largest protected areas.
  • The area is home to one of the country’s strongest populations of Arctic foxes.
  • The Swedish Tourist Association (STF) operates 5 mountain cabins along the trail in the region: Viter, Syter, Tärnasjön, Serve, and Digert, making it possible to hike with a “light pack” as provisions can be purchased at all the cabins.

NATURE MAP

2. STORKITTELRUNDAN

The Storkittel Loop is a circular trail of about 3.5 km, perfect for adventurers of all ages or those looking for a simpler summit hike. The trail starts at the Hemavan Gondola’s top station and winds its way upward from there. A first stop can be made at Storkitteltjärn, where the brave can take a refreshing dip, and the more relaxed can enjoy a fika with a magnificent view at the wind shelter. If you have extra energy, you can take a detour along the Kungsliften’s top trail, which leads you to the ski area’s highest point—Storkittelhobben, 1135 meters above sea level. From Storkitteltjärn, also known as Pulktjärn by the locals, you then follow a marked trail at the tarn’s northwestern end, which takes you down over rolling mountain heaths and connects to the Kungsleden trail. You then follow Kungsleden back to the Hemavan Gondola, where you can either take the gondola back to the village or end the day with a good lunch or fika at Björk—Top Restaurant & Mountain Bar.

Length: 3.5 km
Difficulty: Blue/Moderate
Elevation Gain: 195 m
Time: 2-3 hours

NATURE MAP

 

3. LENNY LÄMMELS SUMMER SUMMIT 835 MÖH

The children’s own mountain peak. The hike begins at the Hemavan Gondola’s top station and follows the Kungsleden trail for a short distance. After about 300 meters, you turn off the trail, and after another 100 meters, you’ll reach the summit at 835 meters above sea level! At the top, you’ll find Lenny’s beautiful summit sign and a summit box where you can write your name and draw a picture for Lenny. Feel free to take a photo of yourself by the sign. If you show the photo at the gondola’s valley station after your hike, we offer all children up to 12 years old a free ice cream!

Length: 1 km
Difficulty: Green/Easy
Elevation Gain: 50 m
Time: 1 hour

 

4. BJÖRKLEDEN

This trail leads you to Hemavan’s most spectacular restaurant, Björk – Top Restaurant & Mountain Bar. The trail, which is a gravel path, starts (or ends) at the Hemavan Gondola’s valley station and goes all the way up to the gondola’s top station. Along the way, you’ll pass both the warming hut and the fire pits at Mellanmålet, as well as the spectacular Björk, which serves delicious lunch and fika throughout the summer when the Hemavan Gondola is open. Björkleden is suitable for hikers, cyclists, and strollers (it’s recommended to use strollers with larger wheels, as parts of the trail have coarse gravel, and some sections lower down can be wet).

5. DROTTNINGLEDEN / QUEENS TRAIL

The trail is relatively easy to hike without losing the mountain experience, making it suitable for hikers of all ages. It’s also popular for trail running. In Hemavan, the trail starts at Naturum and the Alpine Botanical Garden. A few kilometers up Kungsleden, at the “Beautiful View” point, the summer trail branches off towards Laisaliden. It first descends to the bridge over Mortsbäcken’s waterfall and then ascends to the open mountain terrain. If you prefer a slightly easier start, it’s recommended to begin at Laisaliden, as you will almost immediately find yourself in the open mountain terrain.

Length: 9 km
Difficulty: Blue/Moderate
Elevation Gain: 250 m
Time: 1-4 hours

NATURE MAP

6. LAPPLANDSLEDEN

The Lappland Trail is a 190-kilometer-long ski and hiking trail that connects the stretch between Hemavan and Borgafjäll. One starting point of the trail is in Borgafjäll, where the landscape of Lappland has its southern border. In Hemavan, the Kungsleden trail takes over and continues all the way to the northernmost parts of the region. This new trail makes it possible to hike or ski along a continuous route through the entire Lappland mountain range, from Borgafjäll in the south to Abisko in the north. However, if you’re looking for a shorter or longer day trip, the Lappland Trail is still an excellent option. There are several access points to the trail, allowing you to break up and customize the hike to suit your needs. A day trip on the Lappland Trail is therefore on our list of the best local trails in Hemavan!

For more information, visit the County Administrative Board’s website or read about the Lappland Trail in Utemagasinet.

7. KVARNBÄCKSLEDEN

The trail starts behind Berglund’s Iron store in the center of Hemavan, where you can also find the remains of water-powered grindstones at the beginning of the trail. Follow the yellow markings along the trail, which follows the stream with beautiful small waterfalls. Cross the stream over the bridge and continue up to connect with the Kungsleden trail at the tree line, or turn east towards Hemavan’s High Mountain Hotel before the bridge.

Length: Optional
Difficulty: Blue/Moderate
Elevation Gain: 200 m to the tree line
Time: Optional

8. KUNGSLEDEN TO VACKER UTSIKT

Begin the hike at the starting point of the Kungsleden trail, located right next to Naturum Vindelfjällen Hemavan and the Alpine Botanical Garden. The entire Kungsleden is 450 kilometers long, but a simple and short trip is to follow the trail for the first section, 1 kilometer to Vacker Utsikt (Beautiful View), and then return the same way. This hike is also suitable for low shoes in dry weather.

Length: 2 km round trip
Difficulty: Green/Easy
Elevation Gain: 50 m
Time: Max 60 minutes

9. FJÄLLFINAKÅTAN & KOBÅSET

Fjällfinakåtan is a perfect excursion destination for those hiking with children. Start at Naturum Vindelfjällen Hemavan and follow the blue-marked trail straight up from the Alpine Botanical Garden, or follow Kungsleden up to the top of Centrumliften. Turn off Kungsleden at the sign for Kobåset and follow the blue-marked trail northeast past the wind shelter at Holmlund’s Memory. Use the bridge to cross the stream and then continue on the blue-marked trail up to the kåta. The kåta is open and has a small stove that can be used, as well as a fire pit outside. If you are part of a larger group or wish to stay overnight in the kåta, contact Hemavan Fjällstation. You can also continue the trail past the kåta, over Kåtahobben, and further into Kobåset. Along Kobåsbäcken, there is much to discover for both adults and children, and there are often snowfields remaining, perfect for snowball fights!

Length: 4-5 km round trip to Fjällfinakåtan and about 10 km round trip to Kobåset
Difficulty: Green/Easy
Elevation Gain: 250 m
Time: 2-3 hours to Fjällfinakåtan, 3-4 hours to Kobåset