The Isälvsleden trail
Between Vindeln and Åmsele in Västerbotten County, the 60 kilometer long Isälvsleden trail winds its way through the landscape. The nature you’ll encounter has been dramatically shaped by the glacial ice sheet. On this page, the route is described from Vindeln to Åmsele, but the trail can also be hiked from north to south.
The Isälvsleden trail in short
Map of Isälvsleden
This map is a planning tool and should not replace a physical map and compass. The service “Naturkartan” is operated by a company called “Outdoor map”. Please note that trail information is owned and updated by the respective trail administrator (e.g. municipality or county administrative board).
Discover Isälvsleden
The landscape along Isälvsleden owes its dramatic and somewhat magical form to the last Ice age. Here, you’ll experience impressive eskers, active mud volcanoes, Sweden’s largest sand dune, and numerous kettle holes. These kettle holes were formed when large ice blocks were left behind by the retreating ice sheet, creating hollows that are now either water-filled or dry.
Heading north, you’ll pass through Ekopark Skatan and ancient forest stands with towering pine trees. Within the park lie four reserves: Djupvik, Kammen, Skärträskberget, and the Valfrid Paulsson Reserve.
In addition to starting your hike from Vindeln or Åmsele, you can also access the trail from Hällnäs Center or the Valfrid Paulsson Reserve. The daily sections described are relatively short and comfortable, allowing the hike to be completed in fewer than the six days described if desired. The trail is suited for both hiking and mountain biking.
See and do along the trail
The numerous lakes and waterways along the trail offer great fishing opportunities. Don’t forget to bring a fishing permit for your journey.
Don’t miss
Visit the Lerfallet – Västerbotten’s very own mud volcanoes. After periods of rainfall, these fascinating mud volcanoes bubble and sputter. This unique attraction is located about a one-kilometer detour from the main trail.
Transport to the trail
You can take a bus and/or train (SJ and Norrtåg) to Vindeln. The trail starts at Fritidscentrum, about one kilometer from the train and bus station. The hiking trail begins here. (Google Maps link)
Trail markers
Markers on trees and posts painted in orange.
Sections of Isälvsleden
Below, you’ll find descriptions of the various sections of Isälvsleden, along with distances, tips on nearby accommodations, and other relevant hiking information.
Of course, you can also hike in the opposite direction from how the sections are presented.
Section 1: Vindeln–Abbortjärn
7 kilometers, 2 hours of hiking
Accommodation: Tent
The trail begins at Vindeln’s Fritidscentrum, one kilometer from the bus and train station. You start along a lighted trail, followed by a gentle climb up to Degermyrliden. The section’s final destination, Abbortjärn, is a small, charming village.
Section 2: Abbortjärn–Hällnäs
12 kilometers, 4 hours of hiking
Accommodation: Tent
The trail continues on a path through spruce forest. After a climb up Kvarberget, you’ll reach Yttersjön, where there is a wind shelter that makes a great lunch spot. The section destination, Hällnäs, has a small grocery store—perfect for anyone needing food and drinks.
Section 3: Hällnäs–Hjuksån
3 kilometers, 1 hour of hiking
Accommodation: Tent
This short stretch can be combined with Section 2. Hjukenåsarna is a nature reserve featuring gravel ridges, offering wonderful views over the Vindel River Valley.
Section 4: Hjuksån–Valfrid Paulsson Nature Reserve
16 kilometers, 5–6 hours of hiking
Accommodation: Shelter at Missutjärn or tent
The day begins with a brief walk on asphalt along the main road. Then, you’ll enter Ekodalen, with Stönningslidens eastern ridge to your left. Consider a detour to Lerfallet, where you’ll experience a mini landscape of mud volcanoes. At Missutjärn, which is this section’s final destination, there is a shelter with four sleeping spots, available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Section 5: Valfrid Paulsson Nature Reserve–Djupsund
10 kilometers, 4 hours of hiking
Accommodation: Wind shelter or tent
On day five of your journey toward Åmsele, you’ll see beautiful kettle holes filled with water and several lakes. You’ll conclude by hiking over Sundskammen, a ridge surrounded by water on both sides. The final stretch to Djupsund requires a rowboat crossing.
Section 6: Djupsund–Åmsele
12 kilometers, 4 hours of hiking
Accommodation: Wind shelter or tent
Hikers should stay on the eastern side of Abborträsket en route to Åmsele, while cyclists are better suited to the route on the western side of the marsh. There is a wind shelter midway along the hiking trail.
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