If you want a nice little adventure near Piteå, you should try the hike called Eliasleden. It offers a bit of climbing and exciting nature. Larssonberget’s highest point is 140 metres above sea level, with a splendid view of Svensbyn. There’s a path to follow, and it’s around 2 kilometres from the car park to the top. There are few places where it’s so easy to visualise the post-glacial rebound. The area around Piteå rose out of the sea some five thousand years ago, before then there were only a few islands above the surface, such as Larssonberget.
If it’s a stunning view you’re after, walk up Märkberget, located within the nature reserve Märkberget in the valley Laisdalen in Arjeplog, 600 metres above the sea, along the wide path past Sikselet – some 1.5 km – arriving at a barbecue spot with a shelter. On the way up, take a look at Märkforsen rapids and the canyon they’ve carved out. North of Märkberget you’ll find the so-called Märkklyftan that was cut out by masses of water as the ice sheets melted. The peak itself can be reached if you keep walking for another kilometre (not signposted).
Dundret is a favourite in both summer and winter, visited by those who live in Gällivare as well as those who visit. At the foot of the low mountain, 820 metres high, the town begins. The mountain is easily accessible, and many paths lead to the top. There is also a road that takes you all the way up to the western peak. Park your car and explore the mountain on foot along one of the marked paths. If you arrive between the beginning of June and the middle of July you can hike Dundret both day and night, as it is lit by the midnight sun around the clock.
Luossavaara is not far from Kiruna city centre. From the top of Luossavaara, 728 metres high, there’s a view of mountain peaks in the distance and all of Kiruna, including the large mining area that spreads out and causes the city to transform. Wait for the midnight sun and bring a snack. The hike Midnattssolstigen, the Midnight Sun Path, is clearly marked and begins at Camp Ripan, a 15 minutes’ walk from the centre.
How about a mini-hike to a magical place in the valley Jurundalen in the Arjeplog mountains? You start at the trail just next to the Silver Road near the Norwegian border and aim for Jurunvaratj. The hike is about six kilometres, and there are no steep slopes apart from the last short section up to the summit. You start at 700 metres above sea level at the car park Guoledisjávrre, and the peak itself is 890 metres high, meaning that you start on the mountain itself, accompanied by a few mountain birches scattered about. Bring boots or wellies, because some parts of it might be covered in snow far into the summer season.