Ammarnäs, a village tucked away in Sweden's Västerbotten County, is a gateway to the wild. It's a place where the Vindelfjällen Nature Reserve, one of Europe's largest protected areas, is just a stone's throw away. This is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, with hiking trails that meander through verdant forests, along crystal-clear lakes, and up to viewpoints that offer awe-inspiring vistas. When winter arrives, the landscape transforms into a snowy wonderland, perfect for cross-country skiing or snowshoeing. But Ammarnäs is more than just natural beauty; it's a living testament to Sámi culture, offering a peek into the traditions and lifestyle of Sweden's indigenous people.

Potatisbacken

Built on an ice age hill, the potato field slopes are steep but have been worked continuously since 1827 by the community. Originally started by the first farmer in the area, Nils Johansson, it was voted as Sweden's Eighth Wonder in 2010. At the top, a firepit and benches offer a resting spot with lovely views across the town and the delta.

Ammarnäs kyrka

The wooden structure was built in 1910-12 by Karl August Eriksson, replacing the older chapel from the mid-nineteenth century.

Lapplatsen Sami Kyrkstad

Next to the church is a very well preserved Sami Church town, known as Lapplatsen. Originally windowless, over time, windows were added to the structures and they were used by the Sami when they came into town on errands or for church events.

Naturum

In better days, a small nature museum, at the time of writing, the various Naturum's on the King's Trail was closed for visitors and offered outdoor meeting times to find out about safer activities that could be booked.

Ammarnäs Fritidscenter

The first thing you encounter, the Fritidscenter is a caravan park at the ski slopes' base. In the winter months, it also sells ski passes.

Ammarnäs Wärdshus

Partnering with STF, the Wärdhus is a hiker's hostel offering good sized clean rooms, shared private showers and delicious food.

Ammarnäsgården Fjällhotell och Vandrarhem

Perhaps the most 'high end' place to stay in Ammarnäs. The Fjällhotell offers a swimming pool as a particular perk.

Ammarnäs Livs

Not quite as large as Jäkkvik ICA, the Ammarnäs Livs is still a good-sized place for resupplying. It also has a more outdoor focus on its items than you find in the ICA, a more traditional supermarket with a few extra hiking options. Ammarnäs Livs has a range of dried foods, staples, and some cheap outdoor gear like fire-starters, sporks, pots, pans, and clothes. It also has a range of souvenir clothing. Additionally, Ammarnäs Livs is one of the King's Trail locations where you can send a post to yourself for collection. The staff are super helpful with storing it for you but do get in contact ahead of time to confirm the best delivery services to use any cost for storage or any policy changes.

Ammarnäs Livs also operates as a post centre, meaning you can send things back to yourself, and unlike Jäkkvik ICA, it does not require pre-preparation of printed shipping labels. 3/4 of the way along may seem late to be sending back items. Still, it was helpful to clear out some of the item's I realised I didn't need some old and dirty clothes (having had a resupply of new underwear and t-shirts in Jäkkvik) and ensuring my full memory card was safe.

Ammarnäs Guidecenter AB

A triple-threat in Ammarnäs, The Guidecentre is a hostel with a few rooms and a small store offering dried and fresh hiking food, some supplies and fishing equipment, and an excellent cafe/restaurant.

Same Shop

Closed the day I was in Ammarnäs, the Sami shop sells locally made. Sami handicrafts. A small selection of them can also be found in Ammarnäs Wärdshus. Worth a look, and many are small and light, making ideal additions to your pack at this late stage.