Backfors Fäbodvandring: 3-Hour Hike to Höglidberget and the Öreälven Valley

On the slopes above Backfors in northern Västerbotten, the Fäbodvandring 3 timmar follows old mountain paths through boreal forest and open pasture to a working fäbod, a traditional summer mountain farm, perched on Höglidberget with uncompromised views over the Öreälven valley. This guided 3½-hour walk starts in the low meadows around Bjurholm and climbs for about an hour on stepped footpaths used by herders for generations. Along the way you pass spruce and birch stands, moss-slick boulder fields, and flowering meadows that open into the fäbod's sheep-grazed clearings.

At the fäbod, meet the sheep that maintain the high pasture and learn how local farmers use the site during summer grazing. There’s time for a simple lunch served family-style, and in warm months a dip in the small tjärn (pond) that reflects the ridge and sky. The view from the ridge reads like a map: the Öreälven river cuts a green corridor through the valley below and distant ridgelines define the horizon. The landscape is defined by glacially shaped hills, mixed-wood boreal forest, and human-maintained pasture, a landscape where cultural history and outdoor recreation overlap.

This walk rewards hikers who are comfortable on uneven ground and steady uphill stretches; it’s not technical, but you should be able to hike for at least an hour in hilly terrain. Guides speak English and Swedish, and groups are intentionally small to keep the experience intimate with the land and animals. The route follows established trails up and back, so route-finding is minimal and the pace is moderate.

Why book this with the Backforsgård experience? It’s a living example of Västerbotten’s fäbod tradition, seasonal mountain farming that shaped local settlement patterns for centuries, combined with contemporary outdoor guiding. The combination of sheep, open pasture, and an accessible summit view is rare in this part of northern Sweden and makes the hike a stand-out day trip from Bjurholm.

Practical details: allow three to four hours for the full outing; bring sturdy boots, layered clothing, and insect protection in summer. Children over ten are welcome; the terrain accommodates older walkers but includes some steep sections. Respect the animals: approach quietly, follow guide instructions, and leave no trace. Whether you come for the sheep, the swim, or the miles of horizon, the Fäbodvandring 3 timmar is a concise, memorable way to feel the region underfoot.

For photographers, bring a wide-angle lens to capture the valley, and a telephoto to frame sheep portraits. Parking is by the trailhead outside Backfors; public transit options are limited, so plan a transfer from Bjurholm or arrange a local taxi. The guide will brief you on seasonal hazards such as mosquitoes and boggy stretches, ensuring a secure outing. Enjoy the walk.