Vindelfjallen Nature Reserve
About 550,000 hectares of mountain and forest in Vasterbotten, among the largest protected areas in Europe.
Saved in this browser only - no account, nothing sent anywhere. See your map
Vindelfjallen covers roughly five hundred and fifty thousand hectares between the Norwegian border and the forest country to the east, which puts it among the largest protected areas in Europe. Inside it are high fells, glaciated valleys, the Vindelalven - one of the four large unregulated rivers left in Sweden - birch forest, bog and lakes. Arctic fox breed here in one of the few Swedish populations, and wolverine, lynx and bear occur. Reindeer herding continues throughout. The Kungsleden's southern section runs through with touring club huts, and Ammarnas at the eastern edge is a Sami and settler village that serves as a gateway.
What you actually see
- About 550,000 hectares - among Europe's largest protected areas.
- The unregulated Vindelalven - one of four left in Sweden.
- Arctic fox breeding grounds - one of the few Swedish populations.
- The Kungsleden through it - with huts along the route.
When to go
July to September for walking; March to April on ski. Several days.
Honest expectations
Distances are large and the terrain is serious mountain country. Weather changes quickly with little shelter. Huts need booking in season. Mosquitoes are heavy in July.
Nearby
Hemavan is at the southern end; Ammarnas is east.
What to pack for Vindelfjallen Nature Reserve
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.
