The Wilderness road – Silence outside and warmth within

Along the Wilderness Road, you won’t find any large ski resorts—only small, cozy villages filled with friendly locals ready to welcome you with open arms. Visit Norråker to experience rural winter life, or join Nordic Husky Farm for a multi-day tour across vast, snow-covered landscapes. Treat yourself and your loved one to a stay at the cozy hotel in Stora Blåsjön or a spa visit at STF Björkvattnet. Stora Blåsjön is also home to one of the region’s longest alpine ski runs, stretching 3.5 km. Another unique feature is the Frostviken freeride area, where a snowmobile day pass allows you to enjoy off-trail riding across vast expanses.

The entire Wilderness Road (Vildmarksvägen), including the section over Stekenjokk, is open during the snow-free season from June 6 to October 15. In winter, you can drive as far as Stekenjokk from the Jämtland side—specifically to Stora Blåsjön and a short distance further to a barrier. From the Vilhelmina side, you can drive as far as Klimpfjäll and a little beyond. It is the orange-red section over Stekenjokk shown on the map that is closed during winter due to the risk of drifting snow.

Karta Vildmarksvägen — Map of Vildmarksvägen (The Wilderness road)

Happy dogs at Nordic Husky Farm — Map of the Wilderness Road (Vildmarksvägen) from Strömsund–Gäddede–Stora Blåsjön–Saxnäs–Vilhelmina–Strömsund. Map: Strömsund Municipality.

Dogsled tour by the Vildmarksvägen (Wilderness road)

At Nordic Husky Farm, you can learn all about caring for sled dogs. Katerina and Jachym have over 50 huskies here that are eager to become your friends. You can choose to stay at the farm and simply cuddle with the dogs, join a shorter dog-sledding training run, or—if you are feeling truly adventurous—embark on a multi-day tour deep into the roadless wilderness alongside the Wilderness Road (Vildmarksvägen).

Winterlife in the cosy little Swedish village Norråker

In Norråker, most people know one another, yet there is always room for visitors. Become part of the community by renting a local house and shopping at the village store—which boasts a truly unique selection, including a deli corner featuring both local and international cheeses. Join Base Camp Norråker for a horse-drawn sleigh ride through the village, or head out ice fishing or snowshoeing. Go cross-country skiing on the village trails or take a dog sled ride to feel the rush of the wind against your face. You may arrive as a stranger, but you are guaranteed to leave as a friend and neighbor who is welcome back anytime.

Winter adventures in Gäddede

Happy dogs and eager tail-wags greet you upon your arrival at Nordbakks. Sleds are prepared with warm, fluffy reindeer hides and the dogs are harnessed; when it is finally time to head out, there is no mistaking the dogs’ joy and enthusiasm as they get to do what they love most—pull!

Then we set off through a snow-covered landscape—through forests, across bogs, and up onto the fells—where silence descends and only the sound of the dogs’ footsteps and breathing can be heard, and the magic takes hold. Sparkling snow on the ground and among the trees, whether in sunshine or by the light of the moon; amidst falling snowflakes or on a cold, still day—every day has its own charm. We might even be lucky enough to spot wildlife along the way. Nature is full of surprises, and no two tours are alike.

For Nordbakks, the greatest joy lies in seeing the dogs working and happy—and, of course, the joy on the guests’ faces as they experience the adventure with the dogs along the Wilderness Road.

Skoter med kälke Andreas Edholm — Snowmobile with a sled so the whole family can come along. Photo: Andreas Edholm

Unique freeriding areas for those who love snowmobiling.

In Frostviken, mile after mile of pristine winter awaits. Here, snowmobile trails wind through mountains, forests, and frozen lakes—far removed from traffic and stress—leading to truly unique off-trail riding areas. It is freedom in its purest form, where every turn reveals new vistas and the silence is broken only by the rumble of your snowmobile. You purchase a snowmobile pass to access these unique off-trail areas. Whether you are seeking speed and wide-open spaces or prefer a leisurely pace among mountain birches and cabins, you will find your winter adventure here. Frostviken is a place where nature calls the shots—and where winter never ends too soon.

Blåsjöns fjällanläggning Telemarkskidor utsikt

High five snowboard vinter Blåsjöns fjällanläggning

Blåsjön Mountain Resort

From the summit of Mesklumpen—924 meters above sea level—you are treated to breathtaking, panoramic views before heading down for a magnificent 3.5 km run, whether on the groomed slopes or in the untouched powder alongside them. A vertical drop of approximately 475 meters awaits you on the way down to the village of Stora Blåsjön, as the Blåsjön mountain resort boasts the sixth-greatest vertical drop in Sweden. The resort is also considered a true paradise for freeriders looking to carve their own path down to the village; many even compare Blåsjön to the great alpine destinations across the Atlantic. In 2024, both the Långliften and Hotelliften lifts were renovated to accommodate more skiers eager for those truly long runs.

Ett varmt välkomnande i receptionen hos Hotell Stora Blåsjön. Foto: Darren Hamlin

Middag Hotell Stora Blåsjön Darren Hamlin

Gallery: At Hotell Stora Blåsjön, the room rate includes a fantastic meal featuring ingredients from Jämtland prepared with an Italian touch. Image of a room. Photo: Lotta Falk. Images of the reception and restaurant. Photo: Darren Hamlin.

Accomodation along Vildmarksvägen (the Wilderness Road)

Hotels, cabin villages, and campsites can be found along the Wilderness Road. During peak seasons—such as the school sports holidays (weeks 7–10), Easter, and high summer—you need to book well in advance to secure your preferred accommodation.

A few examples:

Hotell Stora Blåsjön

STF Björkvattnet vandrarhem & Spa

Pilgrimshotellet i Gäddede

Jormvattnets Fiskecamp

Rid i Jorm boende

Lia Ranch Camping

Camp Stora Blåsjön

Gäddede Camping och stugby

Fler exempel på boende finns hos Vildmarksvägen, Strömsunds kommun

STF Björkvattnet Vildmarksvägen vinter — STF Björkvattnet is a hostel with a spa along the Vildmarksvägen (Wilderness Road)

Transport

By air: SAS operates flights to Åre Östersund Airport. If traveling by rental car, the Wilderness Road (Vildmarksvägen) begins 100 km to the north in Strömsund. Norråker is located a further 95 km from Strömsund, Nordic Husky Farm is 40 km away, the Frostviken freeride area is near Jormvattnet (160 km from Strömsund), and Stora Blåsjön is 176 km from Strömsund. It is also possible to travel by bus with Länstrafiken from Östersund to Strömsund, Norråker, Gäddede, Jormvattnet, Stora Blåsjön, and other locations along the Wilderness Road.

By car to Strömsund, where the Wilderness Road begins: 280 km from Umeå, 595 km from Stockholm, 875 km from Gothenburg, 1,205 km from Malmö.

Train: Take the train to Östersund with SJ, Snälltåget, or Norrtåg. You can book a rental car, but public transport to Strömsund is also available.