Mountain fare and art – all along the Krutfjell Road

The Krutfjell Road runs through an area of lush mountain countryside that lies between the Vindelfjällens Nature Reserve in Sweden and the Borgefjell National Park in Norway. Nature is generous providing the perfect conditions for growing produce of the highest quality and a short but intensive summer grazing that results in excellent meat from reindeer and sheep.

Using these ingredients the Krutfjell Road has a well established tradition of preparing local food. In addition salted, smoked and dried food are age old methods still in general use by Swedes, Norwegians and southern Sami. New generations are carrying these traditions forward – you could say it is in the blood. Local producers have set the standards and know that they have to build on these. Tradition is alive and well along the Krutfjell Road.

Tärnaby has long been associated with tourism. Quite apart from the active Sami culture, visitors enjoy the a whole range of outdoor activities and a large number of hotels and excellent restaurants. Hiking, fishing and hunting during the summer months are exchanged for skiing and snowmobiling during winter.

When tourism began to establish itself as an industry local families could either leave and receive - a good price for their property or choose to remain and build cottages for rent. The income from these red painted cottages replaced income from traditional farming and the buildings became known has “wooden cows”.

In the border region of Atoklimpen, the Sami communities of Vapsten and Umbin continue with reindeer herding – just as they have done for many hundreds of years.

Atoklimpen Cultural Reserve

Atoklimpen is Scandinavia’s first Sami cultural reserve. The many archaeological offer a fascinating insight into how man has lived off the areas area's resources. Atoklimpen has another dimension, the remains, myths, religion and traditions are all intertwined with the natural world.

Parking places with art

In ancient times a trail led from World Heritage Site Vega, on the Atlantic, coast all the way to Russia and, with all likelihood, passed by the lake Rossvatnet. This is where the Krutfjell Road runs today. At parking areas/places along this route the Spanish artist, Xavier de Torres, has placed seven works of art – stone poetry. He has chosen to hew ancient Sami symbols into the stone furniture where travellers have the opportunity to rest and contemplate. Xavier points out that “Many of the most primitve symbols known to us today are shared by many civilisations.

They tell us about their lives and their religion. That the symbols are found all over the globe is simply fascinating. What is unique about a cultural society can also be what is universal”.

The parking places are located at spots which have been used as places of rest for generations. Places for staying overnight, taking a rest beside the stream or preparing food. The stones might inspire the traveller to a little reflection, or they can just be enjoyed for the excellent craftsmanship they display. They are now part and parcel of the Krutfjell Road.

Take along with you a little bit of local produce and coffee to enjoy outdoors – enjoy your trip!