The low mountain of Vittjåkk in Vittjåkk-Akkanålke nature reserve has several hiking paths easy accessible by a road and near the town of Arvidsjaur. Hike through an old and unexploited pine- and spruce forest and admire the variation of the landscape, from mountain to forest and wetlands. Hiking on this path you’ll pass the traditional Vargtjärnskåtan beside the tarn Vargtjärnen continuing down through dense spruce forest before you enter a landscape filled with small tarns and an astonishing view of the mountain Akkanålke. The path then takes you past the northwest shore of lake Stenträsket and back to Vittjåkk on planked mires and wetlands. You can also continue your hike up to Akkanålke and to the small village of Storberg if you want to. Follow the signs for Storberg and Akkanålke. Although that hike is recommended as a two-day hike.
It’s also possible to fish in lake Stenträsket. You can buy a fishing license at Intersport in Arvidsjaur.
Who should go: experienced hikers with good hiking boots and fit enough to hike 15km. Bring your own food and plenty of water.
Directions: start at the parking lot at Vittjåkks ski resort. Arrive here by car from road E45 for Bodö/Arjeplog. Turn left after 2km at the sign for Vittjåkk and continue all the way up to the mountain and the parking lot.
Follow signs for Vittjåkk 15km. If you hike counter clockwise turn right at the sign for Vargtjärnskåtan and follow signs for Vittjåkk.
To do: enjoy the view over Arvidsjaur and the mountains Vittjåkk, Akkanålke and Guorbbabuovda. Hike through an old untouched pine forest with many rare plants and enjoy the silence of Swedish Lapland. Bring lunch and have a picnic by one of the many tarns or in one of the shelters along the path. Bring your fishing rod and fish in lake Stenträsket, you can buy a fishing license at Intersport in Arvidsjaur.
Accommodation and cafés: there are shelters and two traditional sami kåtor along the path were you can sleep but we recommend bringing a tent.
In Storberg there’s a bed and breakfast with 6 beds. They’re also offering dinner and lunch on request.
Map: map of the trail to the right on this link
http://www.arvidsjaur.se/Documents/Vandringsleder/Vittjokk-Akkanalke.pdf. A printed much larger map is available at the Tourist information in Arvidsjaur.
How to behave when you’re hiking in nature:
Littering, leave no trace: it’s forbidden to leave garbage in nature. Bring it home with you. A tip is to bring an extra plastic bag for garbage in you backpack.
Lighting a fire: it’s forbidden to light a fire directly on cliffs and note that there might be special rules in nature reserves. It’s recommended that only existing fire places are used and note that if you light a fire no traces of the fires is to be left when you leave the spot. Check that there’s not a fire ban at the time (link here).
Dogs: are to be held on leash in nature reserves and national parks. During march 1th to august 20th all dogs has to be held on leash not only in nature reserves but in all kinds of nature including parks. This is to protect the wild animals.
Berries, mushrooms, fish and protected plants: it’s permitted to pick berries and mushrooms but some plants and mushrooms are protected (more information here). It’s also forbidden to pick plants and branches etc. of trees. Bring your own wood or use wood that is placed by the fire places. Note that in nature reserve also dead trees are an important part of the forest. Do not harm these trees. If you want to fish you have to buy a fishing card. They are sold at Intersport in Arvidsjaur.
Reindeer industry: many sami villages have their pastures were the paths are. If you meet a flock of reindeers or a stray reindeer you have to stay calm so that the reindeers are not frighten by our presence.
You’ll find more information about the Swedish Right of Public Access here.
Längd: 15km
Höjdskillnad: 120m
Tid: 6h
Svårighetsgrad: Svår
Koordinater (Vittjåkks parkering):
N65° 34,706 E 19° 3,110
N7278940 E0686827
Information:
Arvidsjaurs turistbyrå, Storgatan 14B
93332 Arvidsjaur
Tel. 0960-175 00
arvidsjaurlappland@arvidsjaur.se