Strömsund is the gateway to Vildmarksvägen. Here, the journey begins by Vattudalen towards the mountain world of Frostviken and continues over the spectacular mountain plateau Stekenjokk—a landscape as grand as it is peaceful.
Summer by the wilderness road (vildmarksvägen)
Unique experiences and natural phenomena await along the way. Discover the mighty Hällingsåfallet waterfall, visit the Sami church village in Ankarede, and explore the legendary Coral Cave (Korallgrottan). You will travel through a living reindeer husbandry area and one of Sweden’s most bear-dense landscapes, where the silence provides space for reflection and presence.
There are plenty of opportunities to experience nature in your own way. Ride Icelandic horses in Jorm, meet cuddly huskies in Vedjeön, hike in Bjurälven nature reserve, or take part in local life in Norråker. The journey along Vildmarksvägen offers a quiet yet warm and authentic experience.
Vildmarksvägen is Sweden’s highest paved road, reaching 876 meters above sea level. It crosses the Stekenjokk plateau between Jämtland and Lapland, where the road goes straight across the bare mountain, allowing you to experience the wilderness on four wheels (for those who don’t want to leave the comfort of their car) in the middle of the Sami cultural landscape. The fastest route around is 500 kilometers, slightly more when you choose to visit all the gems along the way.
See and do by the Wilderness Road:
- A journey through a Sami cultural landscape.
- Fantastic waterfalls, including Hällingsåfallet.
- Nature and culture exhibitions at Gäddede Tourist Information.
- Ankarede Sami church village with a museum and church.
- Bjurälven nature reserve with a river that flows both above and underground.
- Guided tours in the Coral Cave (Korallgrottan).
- Flora and fauna, including guided arctic fox tours.
- Mountain fishing in fantastic waters.
- Mountain riding and the possibility of hosting your own Viking-style feast.
- Views and snow walls to fill your social media channels.
- Mountain hiking, e.g., to the mountain tops Mesklumpen and Klumplidklumpen.
Destinations in connection with a trip along the Wilderness Road:
Östersund – The regional center with Jamtli (three museums in one), military history at Teknikland, the artist home Sommarhagen, lookout towers, Frösö church, Sweden’s northernmost runestone, Storsjöbadet water park, major events, and a wide range of shops. The city has been a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy since 2010, featuring fantastic food artisans, cafés, and restaurants.
Ragundadalen – Home to Geopark Indalsälven, including Döda fallet (The Dead Waterfall), which was created by a mistake made by the man known as “Vildhussen.” The Thai Pavilion in its golden glory, the haunted vicarage in Borgvattnet, fishing in the Ammerån river, and wilderness tours.
Höga Kusten (The High Coast) – Experience the UNESCO World Heritage site with its dramatic granite cliffs and proximity to the sea.
How to get to Strömsund – the start of the Wilderness Road
Car: 1–1.5 hours from Östersund.
Bus: Daily buses from Östersund. It is possible to take a bus or demand-responsive transport via Länstrafiken as far as Stora Blåsjön from Strömsund. Unfortunately, there are no buses along the entire length of Vildmarksvägen.
Train: Train to Östersund, then further transport by bus or rental car. During summer, there is tourist traffic via Inlandsbanan to Ulriksfors, with the possibility of having a rental car delivered to the station.
Flight: Fly to Åre Östersund Airport or South Lapland Airport in Vilhelmina, and then continue by bus or rental car.