Vuoggatjalme at the Arctic Circle: Hiking and Winter Trails

Vuoggatjalme lies at the Arctic Circle amid an unspoiled mountain landscape. When choosing your travel dates and daily activities, it is worth considering the different trails and activities: in summer, hiking trails run through the area; in winter, options include cross-country skiing, snowmobiling and ice fishing. The routes vary in length, markings and course.

Hiking on marked and unmarked trails

Several hiking trails run through Vuoggatjalme in summer. The Silvervägen/Guoledisjávrre–Guijaure–Vuoggatjålme trail is 52 km long. A marked route through Sieldutvagge also starts in Vuoggatjalme and continues via Juoron to Mavas. On the hiking trail to Gujjávrtjårro, the first 16 km are clearly marked; after that, an unmarked hike leads to the summit. If you plan this route, take the transition from the marked section to the unmarked continuation into account. There is also an old mountain hut on a marked hiking route north of Vuoggatjalme.

The Jurun–Vuoggatjålme hiking trail also starts in Vuoggatjalme. A bus runs from Arjeplog to the Polcirkeln stop on road 95 (Silvervägen); Vuoggatjalme is 3 km from there. Allow for this distance when you arrive and check the bus timetable.

Cross-country ski trails and snowmobile routes

There are two groomed cross-country ski trails near the Vuoggatjalme farm, measuring 2.5 and 4.4 km. This gives you a choice of two different lengths. As grooming can vary by season, check conditions before setting out. A well-maintained network of trails also extends around Vuoggatjalme, making daily outings by snowmobile and skis possible.

Snowmobile routes from Vuoggatjalme head towards Tjidtjak/Gardaure, Tjådnejaureh, Tjärnberg, Arrajaure and up Sildutdalen. Not all routes are groomed at all times, so check conditions before departing. One route to Laisstugan passes under Polcirkelbron, then follows Nasaleden before branching off to Laisstugan. Another runs along Sieldutjåkkå through Sieldutvagge and onwards to Mavasleden. Conditions on both routes depend on the weather and snow conditions.

The snowmobile rental service in Vuoggatjalme offers several models for rides in deep snow and on marked trails. As the selection may change, ask in advance which models are currently available. The Arctic Circle Snowmobile Tour starts in Vuoggatjalme and travels through an alpine mountain landscape; check the latest tour details when planning.

Summer activities include sightseeing flights by helicopter and flights that drop guests off in the mountains so they can hike back. This option adds another way to experience the mountain landscape during your stay.

Mountain lakes and fishing opportunities

The lakes around Vuoggatjalme are home to Arctic char and trout and are suitable for ice fishing. This includes the lake just below the farm. Boats can also be rented at the Vuoggatjalme farm and at selected mountain lakes. The two activities differ in focus: ice fishing is specifically mentioned for the cold season, while boat trips offer a different way to explore the lakes.

Guoletisjaure is best reached by boat and is suitable for day trips from Vuoggatjalme focused on the mountain landscape and fishing. Ikkesjaure is also best reached by boat and is one of the fishing waters associated with Vuoggatjalme for day trips. Skidnakjaure, east of Vuoggatjalme, has good stocks of trout and Arctic char.

Cultural history and getting your bearings locally

The area around Guijaure contains archaeological traces of old settlements, hearths, trapping pits and at least one older grave. Guijaure is also a historic meeting place for reindeer herders, hunters and fishers. The area is also connected with the transports to the mine at Nasafjäll, which began operating in 1635. The surroundings thus combine traces of earlier settlements with a history shaped by routes and activities in the mountain landscape.

A protected area stretches east of Vuoggatjalme towards Sielutdalen. Near Vuoggatjalme, an information sign indicates that you have crossed the Arctic Circle. There is an accessible dry toilet at the rest area. These landmarks provide concrete points of reference when planning routes around the area.

The Vuoggatjalme restaurant serves homemade meals made with fresh ingredients from farms in Norrland. Nearby, Guijaurestugan has a room for day visitors as well as two locked twin rooms. If you are considering staying overnight there, check current availability in advance.

Discover more destinations: Arjeplog, Slagnäs, Laisvall, Jäckvik, Mellanström, Jutis.

Go to the main travel overview: Arjeplog.