Hike from Arvidsjaur town up to Vittjåkk mountain in a hilly landscape with forest and wetlands. Admire the fine view towards Arvidsjaur lake and the mountain and have a picnic by the shelter halfway up. Choose to continue your hike into Vittjåkk-Akkanålke nature reserve via one of the connected paths or hike back towards Arvidsjaur.
You can choose to start either at the Old rectory near Arvidsjaur or at the Ski resort Prästberget in central Arvidsjaur. An alternative is to hike down from Vittjåkk to Arvidsjaur instead.
Note that parts of the path is placed within the military training area. There are signs along the path indicating this and it’s not allowed to leave the path when hiking these parts.
Who should go: everyone with some experience of hiking in forests and good hiking boots because the path can be wet and slippery at some times.
Note that parts of the path is placed within the military training area. There are signs along the path indicating this and it’s not allowed to leave the path when hiking these parts.
Directions: you can start hiking either at the Old Rectory, Gamla Prästgården (recommended) or att the ski resort of Prästberget. The Old Rectory is accessible by car or walking from Storgatan, 300m from the roundabout. Turn at the sign “Hembygdsmuseum”.
Prästberget is also accessible by car from road Storgatan, turn beside the church and continue straight ahead until you reach the parking lot.
You can also start at Vittjåkk and hike down to Arvidsjaur. From E45 for Bodö/Arjeplog, turn left 2km after the roundabout and continue all the way up to the parking lot at Vittjåkk ski resort.
To do: enjoy the stunning view and unspoiled nature. Visit the Old Rectory were there’s a museum and café.
Accommodation and cafés: within walking distance from Arvidsjaur with a lot of hotels, b&b etc. There’s a café in the Old Rectory and restaurants in central Arvidsjaur.
Map: map of the trail to the right under this link http://www.arvidsjaur.se/Documents/Vandringsleder/Vittjokksleden.pdf. A printed map is available for free at the Tourist information in Arvidsjaur. There’s also a much larger map of the Vittjåkk-Akkanålke nature reserve including Vittjåkksleden available there.
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: 8,8km (från Gamla Prästgården)
Höjdskillnad: 250m
Tid: 3,5h
Svårighetsgrad: Medel
Koordinater (Gamla Prästgården):
N65° 35,956 E19° 8,626
N7281534 E690908
Koordinater (Prästberget):
N65° 35,234 E19° 9,109
N7280220 E691367
Koordinater (parkeringen Vittjåkk):
N65° 34,706 E19° 3,110
N7278940 E0686827
Information:
Arvidsjaurs Turistbyrå, Storgatan 14B
93332 Arvidsjaur
Tel. 0960-175 00
arvidsjaurlappland@arvidsjaur.se