Hemavan – Ski resort, mountain routes and Naturum Vindelfjällen

Hemavan combines a clearly described ski resort with long skiing and hiking routes as well as nature experiences in the mountains. Hemavan’s ski resort has nine lifts, 36 runs, three children’s areas, two snow parks and a skicross arena. This documents various forms of alpine winter sports in one place, without allowing any conclusions to be drawn about current opening hours or snow conditions.

Skiing options and winter routes

A separate addition to the downhill skiing options is Kobåsspåret. The approximately 10-kilometre ski trail is described as suitable for cross-country skiing, skating and ski touring. It is possible to start at Naturum; the route described initially follows the beginning of the Kungsleden to beyond the top of the Centrumliften lift. This makes a specific distinction clear when assessing a day of skiing: the ski resort represents lifts and downhill runs, while Kobåsspåret combines several Nordic and tour-oriented activities on a longer route. 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 direction, the section between Hemavan and Ammarnäs lies within the Vindelfjällen Nature Reserve. The Lapplandsleden, by contrast, is a 190-kilometre skiing and hiking route connecting Hemavan with Borgafjäll; there are four cabins along this route. The two long-distance routes therefore differ both in their stated lengths and in their destinations.

Naturum, garden and mountain landscape

Hemavan is home to the Naturum Vindelfjällen visitor centre, located at one endpoint of the Lapplandsleden. It features family-friendly exhibitions about the region’s animals, plants, geology and cultural history. Between Ammarnäs and Hemavan, the Kungsleden passes through Vindelfjällen, Sweden’s largest nature reserve. This combination of visitor centre, long-distance routes and protected area gives the choice of destination a distinctly nature-oriented aspect alongside the ski resort. The Fjällbotaniska Trädgården is located on a ridge above Naturum, near the beginning of the Kungsleden, at 600 metres above sea level. A 400-metre-long, surfaced gravel path leads through the garden. The approximately 3.5-kilometre Storkittelrundan is also relevant for a stay involving different interests. It begins at the mountain station of the Hemavan Gondol, passes Storkitteltjärn and reaches a viewpoint with shelter from the wind.

Routes for different types of days

A 9-kilometre summer route begins at Naturum and the Fjällbotaniska trädgården. At Vacker utsikt, it branches off from the Kungsleden towards Laisaliden and leads across the bridge over Mortsbäcken’s waterfall into the high mountains. Another path starts in the centre of Hemavan, follows a stream with several small waterfalls and connects with the Kungsleden near the tree line. For travel planning, short local destinations and longer routes can therefore be considered separately, without combining them into a single route. Various activities are also described in Hemavan beyond skiing. There are easily accessible fishing opportunities for families and more demanding waters for experienced sport anglers. Canoes, kayaks or SUPs can be used on tranquil mountain lakes and peaceful rivers. Cycling options include country roads and forest tracks that eventually lead up into the mountain region. At Fjällfinakåtan, there is a small usable stove and an outdoor fire pit. For comparison with another destination, you can also include [Tärnaby](Tärnaby).

To the overarching travel overview: Storuman.