The nature reserve “Stockholmsgata” lies on the boarder of the counties Västerbotten and Västernorrland. The name of the area is said to origin from the comparison between the enormous canyon that tears through the landscape and the narrow streets in Gamla stan (the old part of Stockholm). Stockholmsgata however, offers a different kind of experience to the streets of Stockholm.
The canyon of Stockholmsgata was formed by an ice river that hollowed the softer parts of the bedrock in the area 9400 years ago. The result was the 1,5 kilometer long canyon with its vertical walls that rises up to 40 meters. From the top of the canyon sides the visitor has a mighty view over the landscape.
From the dry heights, where the pines grow, a hiking path leads down to the leafy bog at the bottom of the canyon. The difference in temperature between the top and the bottom of the canyon is noticeable and so is the shifted atmosphere. The world is quieter at the bottom of the canyon, but still, the presence of the mountain itself is more tangible.
At the beginning of the hiking path, there is a fireplace with a wind shelter where one can sit and enjoy the nature. A bit further away, there is a woodshed from which one can bring firewood to the other resting area, which is located in the so called “Jättegrytan”. Jättegrytan is an erosion in the mountain that covers five meters in diameter. It serves as a well needed resting area after the hiking along the steep sides of the canyon.
Stockholmsgata offers an amazing nature experience that can be shared by the experienced as well as the unexperienced hiker. For the hike we recommend visitors to use proper hiking boots and mosquito repellent. Please do also keep a close eye on children and other hikers. The sides of the canyon is very steep and the ground can sometimes be wet and slippery.
How to get here:
Stockholmsgata is located about 50 kilometers south of Åsele and can be reached from road 557. From Häggsjömon there are signs that show the way to Stockholmsgata. The road can sometimes be difficult to travel by. We therefore recommend the use of higher cars with four-wheel drive.
- From Åsele, drive along road 90 towards Junsele.
- After 1,7 kilometers, make a left turn on to Björnavägen (road 557).
- After 47 kilometers, make a right turn.
- Keep driving for 2,1 kilometers.
- When the road splits in two, follow the left road for 850 meters.
- After 850 meters, make a left turn.
- Keep driving for 3 kilometers, thereafter, make a right turn.
- Drive for 8,1 kilometers, then make a right turn.
- Drive for another 3,3 kilometer.
- The destination will be on your right.