Things to do in Hemavan

Winter

Most things to do in Hemavan in winter involve skis. The ski area is run by Hemavan Alpint, and its vertical drop is 665 metres – only Åre in Sweden has more. Cross-country tracks run both in the village and up on the fell. See skiing in Hemavan.

Snowmobiling. Several companies in Hemavan and Tärnaby rent out snowmobiles and run guided tours. Around Hemavan and in Vindelfjällen Nature Reserve snowmobiling is regulated: you may only ride on marked snowmobile trails, and in the village riding is banned except on certain marked trails. Normally you need a snowmobile driving licence (a licence from another EEA country is valid), but on an organised, guided safari a car driving licence is enough – the safest way to start if you are new to it. Helmets are compulsory, and the speed limit off-road is 70 km/h. Norwegian rules are much stricter, so do not ride into Norway without checking. In spring some areas are closed while the reindeer calve, and if you meet reindeer, slow down or stop and let them pass.

Ice fishing. On frozen mountain lakes, such as Överuman, people fish for Arctic char through the ice, and late winter is the brightest time for it. All travel on ice is at your own risk, and on regulated waters such as the Umeälven river and its lakes the ice can be particularly unreliable. Never go out alone.

Northern lights. The northern lights can never be promised, but on dark, clear winter nights you may see them – read how to improve your chances under northern lights in Hemavan.

Summer: the gondola to the fell

Hemavan Gondol also runs in summer, up to the Hemavan Viewpoint. Marked hikes start at the top, and Kungsleden passes close by. Dogs and bikes may come along, but there are no designated bike trails on the fell, and all cycling and hiking is at your own risk.

When the snow has melted, hiking takes over. For short walks, summits and Drottningleden, see hiking in Hemavan; for the multi-day trail to Ammarnäs, see Kungsleden.

naturum and the alpine botanical garden

naturum Vindelfjällen is the visitor centre for the Vindelfjällen nature reserve, with exhibitions on animals, plants and geology, trail tips and maps. In season there are also talks, children's activities and guided walks. Entry is free.

Next door is Fjällbotaniska trädgården, an alpine botanical garden of just over four hectares at about 600 metres above sea level, with hundreds of species. Nature paths and a 400-metre gravel path adapted for accessibility lead around it. It is at its finest when the mountain flowers bloom in summer.

Fishing

The Umeälven river and the mountain lakes hold brown trout and Arctic char. You need a fishing permit, and which one depends on where you fish:

• In the valley – the river and the lakes along the road – you fish on permits from the local fishing associations, sold at the tourist information office and in shops in the village.
• Up in the mountains the County Administrative Board's mountain fishing permit (fjällfiskekort) applies. You buy it online, or at naturum when it is open. Children under 16 fish free with a permit holder.

On state mountain waters, fishing in flowing water is banned from 15 September to 15 October. Local rules vary, so read the conditions for your permit. Coverage is poor at many lakes – save or print your permit before you go.

Mushrooms and berries

Late summer and autumn are the time for mushrooms and berries, and September brings autumn colours to the birch forest. Chanterelles grow around Hemavan, in the mountain birch forest and in the conifer forest further down the valley. Under the right of public access you may pick mushrooms that are not protected, and the Vindelfjällen regulations contain no ban on picking them.

Only eat mushrooms you are certain of – a yellow mushroom is not necessarily a chanterelle. If you suspect poisoning, call 112 and ask for the Swedish Poisons Information Centre (Giftinformationscentralen); do not wait for symptoms.

Eating out

Restaurants in Hemavan are in three places: up on the fell, in the ski area and down in the village. In the village there are hotel restaurants and independent restaurants, a bistro, a pub, a sports bar and fast food.

Some places open only in the ski season, and which have après-ski or open late varies from season to season. Book a table at New Year, during the Swedish school winter holidays (sportlov) and at Easter. Staying in a cabin or apartment? There is a supermarket in both Hemavan and Tärnaby – see practical information.

Children and grey days

With children, the botanical garden and naturum are easy outings: short paths, a children's trail and indoor exhibitions. In winter the children's areas on the slopes make a good base. On a rainy day, start at naturum when it is open.

Save the fell for days with good visibility and little wind, and dress for it – it is colder and windier up there than in the village, even in summer. For your base, compare accommodation in Hemavan, or spend a day in neighbouring Tärnaby.