Hemavan: Mountain Nature, Trails and Active Holiday Days

Hemavan is an exciting starting point for days spent amid mountain nature, extensive trail connections and various forms of activity. The Vindelfjällen Nature Reserve, Sweden’s largest nature reserve, extends into the destination along the Kungsleden between Ammarnäs and Hemavan. The higher peak of Murtsertoppen lies 1,413 metres above sea level. For planning your trip, this means you can choose Hemavan as a base for extended hikes while also including shorter trails, nature observation and winter activities.

Mountain Nature and Orientation on Site

In Hemavan, at one endpoint of the Lapplandsleden, you will find the Naturum Vindelfjällen visitor centre. Its family-friendly exhibitions provide information about the region’s animals, plants, geology and cultural history. This makes it possible to create a varied stay even when a long route is not planned for every day.

The Fjällbotaniska Trädgården is located on a ridge above Naturum, near the start of the Kungsleden, at an elevation of 600 metres above sea level. A 400-metre-long, surfaced gravel path leads through the garden and makes an independent circuit possible. From Hemavan, the Drottningleden also starts at Naturum; alternatively, you can take the Centrumliften up. The Hemavan Gondol is intended for mountain hikers and cyclists. The approximately 3.5-kilometre-long Storkittelrundan begins at its mountain station. The circular trail passes Storkitteltjärn and a viewpoint with shelter from the wind.

Hiking on Short and Long Routes

The Kungsleden runs for 450 kilometres from Hemavan in the south to Abisko in the north. With the exception of the first and last two kilometres in each case, the section between Hemavan and Ammarnäs lies within the Vindelfjällen Nature Reserve. If you are planning a longer tour, the 190-kilometre-long Lapplandsleden connects Hemavan with Borgafjäll and is designed as a ski and hiking route.

For a hiking day with a clearly defined distance, a 9-kilometre summer route is a good option. It starts at Naturum and the Fjällbotaniska Trädgården. At Vacker utsikt, it branches off from the Kungsleden towards Laisaliden and crosses the bridge over Mortsbäcken’s waterfall into the high mountains. Another trail starts in the centre of Hemavan, follows a stream with several small waterfalls and connects with the Kungsleden near the tree line. These different starting points help you choose the right holiday apartment or holiday house according to how you want to organise your day, without limiting your trip to a single route length.

Winter, Water and Activity

Hemavan also offers several documented options for an active winter holiday. The ski area has nine lifts, 36 runs, three children’s areas, two snow parks and a ski cross arena. The approximately 10-kilometre-long Kobåsspåret is intended for cross-country skiing, skating and ski touring. It is possible to start at Naturum; the described route initially follows the beginning of the Kungsleden to beyond the top of the Centrumliften.

In summer, you can choose between various forms of activity. Hemavan offers both easily accessible fishing opportunities for families and more demanding waters for experienced sport anglers. Paddling by canoe, kayak or SUP is possible on calm mountain lakes and peaceful rivers. The cycling opportunities combine country roads and forest tracks that eventually lead up into the mountain region.

Hemavan as a Base for Your Trip

A holiday apartment or holiday house in Hemavan is particularly suitable for a trip where you want to combine different ideas for each day: family-friendly exhibitions at Naturum, independent walks in the botanical garden, trails from the centre and longer routes towards the mountains. When planning, consider which activities are most important for your group and which route length you prefer. For further regional orientation, you can also discover Storuman, Gunnarn, Grannäs, Tärnaby, Slussfors and Åskilje.

To the higher-level travel overview: Storuman.