In Hemavan, long-distance hiking trails, a botanical mountain garden and winter sports come together. The Kungsleden runs 450 kilometres from Hemavan in the south to Abisko in the north. The Lapplandsleden connects Hemavan with Borgafjäll along a 190-kilometre ski and hiking route. The trails therefore differ considerably in length and destination; seasonal conditions can also vary. When planning a stay, it is helpful to first decide whether longer hikes, individual local trails or winter activities will be the main focus.

Vindelfjällen and Naturum

Vindelfjällen is Sweden’s largest nature reserve. The Kungsleden runs through the protected area between Ammarnäs and Hemavan. On the section between the two towns, all parts of the trail except the first and last two kilometres lie within the reserve. This also helps place the route in the context of the protected mountain landscape.

At one end of the Lapplandsleden in Hemavan is the Naturum Vindelfjällen visitor centre. Family-friendly exhibitions cover the region’s animals, plants, geology and cultural history. Above Naturum, on a ridge, lies the Fjällbotaniska Trädgården, near the start of the Kungsleden and 600 metres above sea level. A gravel path runs for 400 metres through the garden. The higher summit of Murtsertoppen is 1,413 metres above sea level.

Hiking trails around Hemavan

For a hike with a stated circular route, the Storkittelrundan offers a useful guide: it is about 3.5 kilometres long, starts at the upper station of the Hemavan Gondol and passes Storkitteltjärn and a viewpoint with a wind shelter. The gondola operates seasonally; check whether it is running at the time of your visit before planning your trip. The Drottningleden starts at Naturum; alternatively, you can take the Centrumliften up.

A nine-kilometre summer route starts at Naturum and the Fjällbotaniska trädgården. At Vacker utsikt, it branches off from the Kungsleden towards Laisaliden. It continues into the high mountains via a bridge over the Mortsbäcken waterfall. These route details provide a concrete basis for planning your time, but do not replace the need to account for changing seasonal conditions.

Winter, cycling and water activities

Hemavan’s ski area has nine lifts, 36 runs, three children’s areas, two snow parks and a ski cross arena. The layout can change from one season to the next. For cross-country skiing, skating and touring, there is the Kobåsspåret: the ski trail is about ten kilometres long, and you can start at Naturum. It initially follows the start of the Kungsleden to beyond the top of the Centrumliften.

There are also various options for activities beyond hiking. Hemavan has both easily accessible fishing spots for families and more challenging waters for experienced sport anglers. For paddling, there are quiet mountain lakes and peaceful rivers; options include canoeing, kayaking and SUP. Water levels and local conditions change seasonally. Cycling options combine country roads and forest trails that eventually climb into the mountains.

Plan your stay around the season

If you are looking for accommodation in Hemavan, start by planning around your travel dates and main interests. For hiking, the routes’ destinations and seasonal conditions are relevant; in winter, the ski area and Kobåsspåret offer specific options. Check the gondola’s operating schedule and the ski area’s configuration in advance for your travel dates. This will help you choose activities that suit what you actually want to do during your stay.

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Go to the main travel overview: Storuman.