# Wilderness Road (Vildmarksvägen)

> The Vildmarksvägen runs from Strömsund via Gäddede and the Stekenjokk plateau to Vilhelmina. It is a separate road from the E45, and the plateau section is op

Source: https://camping-spirit.com/destinations/wilderness-road-e45/

The Vildmarksvägen runs from Strömsund via Gäddede and the Stekenjokk plateau to Vilhelmina. It is a separate road from the E45, and the plateau section is open only in summer.

- **Region:** Sweden (Jämtland, Västerbotten)
- **Length:** about 360 km (loop about 500 km)
- **Start / end:** Strömsund / Vilhelmina
- **Top elevation:** 876 m (Stekenjokk)
- **Best season:** Summer to early autumn, once the plateau is open

Tolls and vignettes for a car: about €13 (Norway). Mountain passes: Trollstigen (852 m, usually open June–October). Size limits for motorhomes: Trollstigen (Norway) (length 12 m).

## What should you know before visiting Wilderness Road (Vildmarksvägen)?

- The Stekenjokk plateau is closed in winter because of snow and usually opens from early June to mid-October. Check the current status with the Swedish Transport Administration (Trafikverket).
- In early summer a stopping and parking ban applies along about 5 km on the Västerbotten side to protect reindeer. Stop only at the Stekenjokk and Tjåkkola parking areas; check the dates each year.
- In reindeer grazing areas dogs must be leashed all year. In the Skåarnja bird protection area, leaving the road is banned for part of the summer. Take litter with you.
- According to the municipal guide, motorhomes may not drive or camp freely in nature. Use roads, rest areas and permitted parking. Chemical toilets may not be emptied in the countryside.

## The drive

The Vildmarksvägen runs from Strömsund via Gäddede, Jormvattnet and Stora Blåsjön to the Stekenjokk plateau, then through the Klimpfjäll and Saxnäs area to Vilhelmina. Sources give about 360 km for Strömsund to Vilhelmina and about 500 km for the circular route via Hoting and Dorotea. The highest point is Stekenjokk at 876 m; the municipal guide and Visit Sweden call it Sweden's highest paved road. It was built in the 1960s. The road is separate from the Inlandsvägen E45, which the circular route meets at Dorotea.

## Planning

The plateau section is closed in winter because of heavy snow and usually runs from early June to mid-October; exact dates change every year. From early June to mid-July a stopping and parking ban applies on about 5 km of the Västerbotten side to protect migrating and calving reindeer. Reindeer may be on the road, so adjust your speed. The municipal guide shows fuel stations only as a symbol on its map, so check the map before you set off. Traffic information comes from Trafikverket.

## Camping

The municipal guide lists campsites in Strömsund, Hoting, Gäddede, Saxnäs, Klimpfjäll, Vilhelmina and Dorotea, among others. For motorhomes, caravans and cars with rooftop tents the rule is not to drive or camp freely in nature but to use roads, rest areas and permitted parking. Do not empty chemical toilets in the countryside. Keep dogs leashed in reindeer areas. Check opening times and current rules with the municipalities beforehand.

## FAQs

**When is the Vildmarksvägen open?**
The Stekenjokk plateau is closed in winter and usually open from early June to mid-October. Dates change yearly; Trafikverket and the county administrative boards publish the status.

**Where may I stop at Stekenjokk?**
Only at the open parking areas Stekenjokk and Tjåkkola. In early summer a stopping ban for all vehicles applies along about 5 km on the Västerbotten side. Follow the signs on site.

**May I wild camp in a motorhome?**
The municipal guide says motorhomes may not drive or camp freely in nature and should stay on roads, rest areas and permitted parking. If in doubt, choose a campsite.

**Is the Vildmarksvägen the E45?**
No. The Inlandsvägen E45 is a separate long-distance road from Gothenburg to Karesuando, mostly two lanes. The Vildmarksvägen is its own road; Visit Sweden says the circular route joins the E45 through Dorotea.

**How much are the tolls on Wilderness Road (Vildmarksvägen)?**
Tolls and vignettes for a car: about €13 (Norway). Estimate with typical rates; motorhomes pay more, and vehicles over 3.5 t often pay by distance.

## Places to see

- [Trollstigen](https://camping-spirit.com/places/trollstigen/)
- [Atlanterhavsveien](https://camping-spirit.com/places/atlantic-road/)
- [Reine](https://camping-spirit.com/places/reine/)
- [Torghatten](https://camping-spirit.com/places/b5-torghatten/)
- [Engabreen](https://camping-spirit.com/places/b5-engabreen/)
- [Saltstraumen](https://camping-spirit.com/places/b5-saltstraumen/)
- [Ørnesvingen](https://camping-spirit.com/places/geiranger/)
- [Nordkapp](https://camping-spirit.com/places/nordkapp/)

## Campsites nearby

- [All campsites in Norway](https://camping-spirit.com/camping/norway/)
- [All campsites in Sweden](https://camping-spirit.com/camping/sweden/)