Along the Swedish Wilderness Road and just a few kilometres from the border with Norway, Gäddede has a strategic location for visitors of the area. The locality has a population of around 300 people, and there are far more visitors than inhabitants. It is especially common for people from Norway to visit the local grocery store. Groceries in Sweden tend to be cheaper, hence the food tourists.
A Short History
The name of the locality stems from the Swedish word for Northern pike, “gädda“, and a term denoting water passage, “ed“.
The local parish, Frostviken, was established in 1842 with Gäddede as its central locality with a church built three years earlier. The first permanent settlers had arrived in the 18th century. The area has a much longer history with nomadic Sami people.
Things to Do and See
The Swedish wilderness is just around the corner, but there are a few other things to explore in and around Gäddede. However, we must all agree that it is the nature that is the most attracting factor in the area.
Frostviken Fjällpark
Located right next to the tourist information center is the Frostviken Fjällpark or Mountain Park. The park includes local mountain flora. The tourist information center also gives information about the region’s nature.
Swedish Wilderness Road / Vildmarksvägen
Gäddede is located along the Swedish Wilderness Road. The road is a major tourist attraction and especially the mountain pass at Stekenjokk attracts a lot of tourists. Along the road, that will take you from Strömsund to Vilhelmina, you find waterfalls, rapids and great views. Other stops might include the small ski resort locality of Klimpfjäll or the cultural reserve of Fatmomakke.
The World’s Largest Snowmobile
Have you ever wondered where the world’s largest snowmobile is? Well, you find it in Gäddede. It was built in 1992 and was confirmed by Guinness World Record. It measures 8.2 meters long, 2.5 meters wide and 3.5 meters high. Roger Hällgren and Lars Gunnar Holgersson are the men behind the design and construction.
Frostviken’s Local Heritage Museum
Hembygdsgården, or the local heritage museum, is right outside of Gäddede and it offers an insight into the local culture and history. It is located in a historical building with other traditional buildings adjacent.
Kvarnbergsvattnet
Kvarnbergsvattnet is a 35 kilometer long lake streching from Gäddede to the Norwegian border. It is up to 99 meters deep and offers a possibility for fishing or a cooling swim.
How to get to Gäddede
- Flights: The closest airports are Vilhelmina Airport (VHM) located 207 kilometers away and Åre Östersund Airport (OSD) located 217 km away. They connect the area with the Stockholm-Arlanda Airport (ARN) for connections around the globe.
- Car: Gäddede is located along the Wilderness Road south of Stekenjokk.
- Train: The closest train station is in Ulriksfors, next to Strömsund.
- Bus: There are regional buses connecting Gäddede with the surrounding area.
The driving distance from 5 major Swedish cities, according to Google Maps:
- Stockholm – 731 kilometers (8 h 19 min)
- Gothenburg – 1008 kilometers (12 h 22 min)
- Malmö – 1250 kilometers (14 h 45 min)
- Linköping – 925 kilometers (10 h 22 min)
- Kiruna – 793 kilometers (9 h 48 min)
Find out more about other destinations in Sweden by visiting our page Exploring Sweden
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