Mount Skierffe and the The Mythical Rapa Valley

Mount Skierffe overlooking The Rapa Valley

Mount Skierffe and The Mythical Rapa Valley

The most beautiful place in Sweden? It’s definitely one of the candidates. The Rapa Valley with its winding river delta situated in what’s called Europe’s last wilderness offers a spectacular view from top of the majestic mount Skierffe. The roundtrip hike to Skierffe takes about three days and is a fairly easy hike, but still a hike that requires a strong mindset.

Day 1. The easiest way to get to Skierffe is to go by car to Sitolälvsbron. From there you cross the wooden bridge and your hike begins. This stretch, which ends at the STF Aktse hut, is about 16 kilometers (9,95 mi) and takes around 4 hours to hike. It’s possible to bike the first 10 kilomoters since it’s a fairly comfortable and flat gravel road.

Day 2. From the Aktse hut it takes you around 4-5 hours to get to the top of Mount Skierffe. The stretch is 7,5km (4,7 mi) and 770 altitude meters (2296 ft). The descent to Aktse takes roughly about 3 hours.

Day 3. On day three you’ll hike the same way back to Sitojaure.

Start of the hike following the route to Aktse

After 10 kilometers (6 miles) the gravel road is replaced by a footpath. To the right Mount Skierffe from a far.

The Aktse huts and the basecamp for Mount Skierffe.

At the Aktse huts you can rent a bed in one of the huts or pay a small fee for a camping spot. Here you’ll find fresh water and necessities such as food for purchase. The Aktse hut is located on the popular Kungsleden, next to the Rapa Valley, just outside the border to Sarek National Park.

Before heading up to the mount Skierffe we took a detour down the water for some different views.

When beginning the ascend to Skierffe, make sure to have enough water and snacks to last the entire stretch, the length of the hike is easily underestimated. The first bit winds uphill through the birch trees, followed by a long stretch with clear views over the delta and with Skierffe in eyesight for the most part of the hike.