The forest silently envelops and the only sounds are your own footsteps and the gentle song of the forest birds. The shadows are still long and the morning air is still, warm and clear. You look out over the mirror-like lake, where ripples on the surface hint at the fish below. On the other side, reindeer graze at the edge of the forest. Your hike continues to the mountain peak, where you will be met by a breathtaking view.
Through the clear air, you can see distant mountain peaks and the majestic golden eagle looking for its next prey. Hiking in Arvidsjaur, Swedish Lapland, is a pleasantly peculiar experience. The large, untouched nature reserves with their many untouched places can be reached by old, well-preserved trails and paths, taking you straight out into the wilderness. Here, the Forest Sámi would walk long distances, many of them lived side by side with their reindeer herds, something that has created unique remains in the landscape, almost invisible to the untrained eye.
The annual walk to the Arvidsjaur Church carries many memories, not least the Kyrkstigen (church trail), beginning by the old rectory and leading further out into the country beyond the public roads. Even though many of the trails and nature reserves are far apart, closer and more accessible hiking is also available. The Kyrkstigen trail runs near to the town centre, offering beautiful views of mires and meres. The Vittjåkksleden trail will take you on an adventure beginning in the forest and leading up to the barren summit of the mountain, Vittjåkk. Once there, you can choose to continue along one of several hiking trails in the Vittjåkk-Akkanålke nature reserve, hike on your own or take a guided tour through flora and fauna, lined with tales of both past and current times.