Västerbotten: Hiking Trails, Coastlines and Cultural Heritage

Västerbotten stretches from the east coast along the Gulf of Bothnia to the Norwegian border in the west. The northern part between Sorsele and Skellefteå is part of Swedish Lapland. Coastlines, lakes, mountains, valleys and deep forests shape the natural landscape. Ways to experience nature in Västerbotten County throughout the year include cycling, horseback riding, hiking, skiing and kayaking.

Hiking trails between the mountains, forests and coast

The section of the Kungsleden between Ammarnäs and Hemavan passes through Vindelfjällen Nature Reserve. There are five mountain huts operated by STF along this route; their services and access may vary seasonally. Check the latest trail and bridge information before setting out. Vindelfjällen is Sweden’s largest nature reserve and one of Europe’s largest protected areas. At the Naturum visitor centres in Ammarnäs and Hemavan, you can get hiking tips; guided tours, exhibitions, maps and souvenirs are also available there. Offerings and opening hours may vary seasonally.

The 190-kilometre-long Lapplandsleden connects Borgafjäll and Hemavan and is a ski and hiking trail. There are four overnight huts along it: Arevattnet, Åtnikstugan, Tjåkkelestugan and Slipsikstugan. You’ll need a tent for a multi-day hike, as the huts are far apart. Conditions and hut availability may change. The stage locations and trail length listed here offer a different point of reference from the huts along the Kungsleden through Vindelfjällen.

A shorter route loops around Atoklimpen: the trail is just under nine kilometres long and has several information boards. Atoklimpen is a Sámi cultural landscape that shows how the nomadic reindeer-herding society used the area from prehistoric times to the present day. The geology also shapes the site. The summit consists of weather-resistant peridotite, which, among other things, forms serpentine stone. Heavy metals in the serpentine rock and the nutrient-poor soil limit the number of plant species that can survive there.

Björnlandet National Park has several marked hiking trails through a hilly forest landscape with valuable old-growth forest. The oldest pines are over 500 years old. There are also two overnight huts in the park; seasonal conditions may affect the facilities.

On the coast, Bjuröklubb offers different sections of trail: an eight-kilometre-long trail crosses Svarthällorna. Storsandsbankarna, near Grundskatan, has Västerbotten’s longest sand dunes. You can hike there over rock slabs and through sand dunes. An accessible ramp leads to the lighthouse; you can stop for refreshments in the lighthouse keeper’s house. Check seasonal offerings in advance.

Holmöarnas Nature Reserve is accessible by ferry and has several hiking trails. Check the ferry timetable and seasonal access conditions before travelling. On Holmön and Ängesön, quiet gravel roads are ideal for cycling; there is a bicycle rental service in Byviken in summer.

Cultural sites and regional history

Through exhibitions, programmes and educational activities, Västerbottens museum presents the cultural heritage of the entire region and is one of Sweden’s 24 county museums. It is located at Gammlia in Umeå and can be reached by public transport, car, bicycle or on foot. Check current routes and timetables for your journey. The Gammlia open-air museum includes around 30 buildings that were relocated there from different parts of Västerbotten. They show what the region looked like in the past and how people lived back then. In summer, Gammlia hosts events including Midsummer celebrations and dance evenings; check the summer programme for current dates.

The Sámi Week, also known as Ubmejen Biejvieh, takes place in Umeå every year in February or March. Activities include tastings and joik singing competitions. You can check dates and the programme before your trip. Bonnstan in Skellefteå offers a different historical perspective: this well-preserved collection of wooden houses has remained largely unchanged since it was built in the first half of the 19th century. Umedalen Sculpture Park is open year-round and admission is free; check for any exceptions before your visit.

Rivers and routes along the way

At Vindelforsarna, a marked trail takes about an hour to loop around the reserve and follow both banks of the river. Several rest areas are located along the trail. Other highlights include an 1888 mill, summer art exhibitions called “Konst i Kvarn” and a café in the miller’s residence that opens in summer. Vindelforsarna is near the Vindeln travel centre, which is accessible by bus and train; check current timetables. Forsknäckarna offers white-water rafting tours on the Vindelälven, including family tours. Tour formats and age requirements may change.

Route 363 is a road-trip route through Västerbotten. It runs alongside rushing rivers and expansive forests and connects travellers with local food producers. The Mårdsele rapids are along the route and can be explored via wooden bridges and well-marked trails. Trail and bridge conditions may vary seasonally.

Discover more destinations: Bjurholm, Norsjö, Vilhelmina, Vännäs, Robertsfors, Åsele, Svansele, Vindeln, Sorsele, Lycksele, Malå, Nordmaling, Dorotea, Skellefteå, Storuman, Umeå.

For the main travel overview: Sweden.