Hemavan: Kungsleden, the Mountain Garden and Mountain Trails
Accommodation in Hemavan
Hemavan is a southern starting point of the Kungsleden: this 450-kilometre route runs north from here to Abisko. Between Hemavan and Ammarnäs, the trail passes through Vindelfjällen, Sweden’s largest nature reserve. On this section, all but the first and last two kilometres are within the protected area. Hemavan is where a well-known long-distance trail meets a vast protected landscape.
File:Hemavan valley, base of Kungsliften.jpg
Photo: Magnus Bäck via Wikimedia Commons, public_domain
Naturum and the Fjällbotaniska Trädgården
Hemavan is home to the Naturum Vindelfjällen visitor centre, at one endpoint of the Lapplandsleden. Its 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 400-metre-long, paved gravel path leads through the garden, which is considered a place for self-guided walks. This short path offers a different scale from the long hiking and skiing routes. The higher summit of Murtsertoppen, at 1,413 metres, serves as a landmark in the mountain landscape.
Long-distance trails and shorter hikes
The Lapplandsleden connects Hemavan and Borgafjäll over 190 kilometres and is a route for skiing and hiking. Its length and activities set it apart from the Kungsleden, which runs 450 kilometres from Hemavan to Abisko. For a shorter circuit, the approximately 3.5-kilometre Storkittelrundan starts at the Hemavan Gondol mountain station. It passes Storkitteltjärn and a viewpoint with a wind shelter. Since the gondola operates seasonally, it is advisable to check the current timetable before planning your trip.
A 9-kilometre summer route starts at Naturum and the Fjällbotaniska Trädgården. At Vacker utsikt, it branches off from the Kungsleden towards Laisaliden and crosses the bridge over Mortsbäcken waterfall into the high mountains. It is longer than the Storkittelrundan and follows a different direction. The Drottningleden starts at Naturum; alternatively, you can take the Centrumliften up. Another trail starts in the centre of Hemavan, follows a stream with several small waterfalls and meets the Kungsleden near the tree line.
Winter trails, paddling and cycling
In winter, Hemavan offers both a ski area and cross-country trails. The ski area has nine lifts, 36 runs, three children’s areas, two snow parks and a ski cross arena. The facilities may change between seasons, so check the details before planning your trip. Kobåsspåret is an approximately 10-kilometre ski trail for cross-country skiing, skating and touring. You can start at Naturum. The described route initially follows the start of the Kungsleden and continues to a point beyond the top of the Centrumliften.
Water and cycling trails also expand the range of activities. In Hemavan, you can paddle a canoe, kayak or SUP on quiet mountain lakes and peaceful rivers; water levels and local conditions vary seasonally. Fishing options range from easily accessible spots for families to more challenging waters for experienced sport anglers. Check the current regulations, permits and local conditions before fishing. Cycling routes combine country roads and forest tracks, eventually climbing into the mountains.
When planning your trip, it helps to first decide what you want to focus on: long stretches of the Kungsleden or Lapplandsleden, shorter hikes, winter routes or activities on the water. The different trail lengths and starting points provide practical reference points. For routes with seasonal services or changing conditions, it is worth checking the latest information before setting out.
Discover more destinations: Gunnarn, Tärnaby, Åskilje, Grannäs, Storuman, Slussfors.
Go to the broader travel overview: Storuman.
