Underjords vägen 1
Also known as the Blue Road or its Swedish name, E12 Blå Vägen, the route winds from Norway through Sweden and Finland, covering some 1, kilometres. Of these, kilometres traverse Sweden, making for a continuous drive of just under six hours. The Swedish stretch of the Blue Highway makes for an epic road trip. Set off any time of year, and you'll be immersed in the majestic nature and cultural heritage of Västerbotten and the southern part of Lapland.
One of the many options for anyone compelled to get behind the wheel and lose themselves in the splendour of Swedish nature is the Blue Highway. Of these, kilometres traverse Sweden, making for a continuous drive of just under six hours. The spectacular Swedish section runs from the Norwegian border at Högstaby, north of Hemavan, continuing south to Holmsund, which forms part of Umeå municipality on the east coast.
The road's name derives from the abundance of water surrounding it, including the kilometre-long Blue Ume River, which flows alongside it. You'll also get the chance to discover the nearby Vindel River and Vormforsen rapids. There's plenty to see and do as you travel from Hemavan to Umeå and Holmsund — so much so that the road is popularly called 'the tourist route Blå Vägen'. You could comfortably complete your adventure in a day, but we suspect you'll want to extend the experience.
Summertime in Hemavan. Magnificent mountain views and dramatic nature - perfect for hiking, cycling, fishing, and paddling. Setting off from Högstaby, you'll travel through mountainous terrain — replete with marvellous views. Given the Blue Highway's water-rich nature, it's the ideal road trip for fishing enthusiasts. With a permit, you'll find opportunities to hook fish such as arctic char or salmon at numerous marked places.
Hemavan Tärnaby Tourist Information Office has all the necessary information and permits.
Sweden's unique ' Right of Public Access ' policy also invites you to stop for a spot of wild swimming or a therapeutic moment of 'forest bathing' anywhere. You're even allowed to pick berries and mushrooms. Look out for the plump, amber-hued cloudberry — a northern Swedish delicacy thriving in marshy terrain. To drink — help yourself to clean water straight from the river or mountain stream. Over half of Sweden's drinking water is sourced from naturally pure groundwater, with no treatment necessary before consumption — but avoid stagnant water when refilling your bottle in nature.
Wintertime, the Blue Highway is a paradise for skiers and snow-sport fans. The two major ski resorts, Hemavan and Tärnaby — named after the mountainous beauty spots they extend across — collectively offer several slopes and ski areas, along with restaurants and accommodation in the shape of comfortable cabins and a large hotel. Spring: Spend time in nature, where a blanket of snow typically remains until late April, by setting off on a snowshoe hike followed by an outdoor 'fika'.
Summer: Take advantage of the long summer days and midnight sun by going wild swimming, kayaking, berry picking and trail riding — on a horse or bike.
Sofiehof Underjord
Summer's also a good time to join a moose safari. Autumn: Go hiking or biking surrounded by colourful autumn leaves, or set off on a rafting excursion on one of the many spectacular rivers and lakes. Forest bathing is another ideal autumn activity and a therapeutic one at that. Winter: Be dazzled by the snow-covered terrain of Västerbotten — on skis, snowmobiles, dog sledge or a stationary chair while ice-fishing.
About 20, Sami live in Sweden — with their own cultural heritage, language, flag and parliament. Granö Beckasin, Västerbotten. Heading east, you'll soon discover Storuman and its many gems.
The Blue Highway – a riverside road trip through northern Sweden
Pick a trail and set off on a hike through Vindelfjällen nature reserve — one of Europe's biggest protected areas. Don't miss the Alpine Botanical Garden or the Stensele Church — entirely built in wood and the largest of its kind in Sweden. Accommodation options in the area include Storuman's Camping , which offers both cabin and caravan sites, as well as all manner of outdoor activities. Culture mavens have plenty of museums and compelling historical sites to look forward to.
Learn about Västerbotten's history and Sámi heritage by visiting Gammplatsen in Lycksele. This former Sámi gathering place, idyllically situated on a peninsula in the Ume River, is studded with historical remnants, and you'll also find the inspiring Forest and Saami Museum here. Accommodation-wise, Granö Beckasin in Västanå, some 54 kilometres from Lycksele, is a decidedly unique option — particularly its 'bird's nest' cabins, which will have you staying up in the treetops.
If you prefer traditional camping, this is available here, too. Granö Beckasin's restaurant is an option worth considering, focusing on local, seasonal ingredients — elk meat occasionally included. Museum of modern art, Bildmuseet, Umeå. Further east, you'll find Vännäs and Starrberget Nature Reserve. Set off on a hike along the trails, snaking through its varied terrain, where flatter areas give way to steep cliffs and a mountain top with sweeping views.