RIDE AROUND HÅCKREN
Just east of the more familiar Ottsjön in Jämtland lies the peaceful lake Håckren. What makes it quite special is that you can cycle all the way around it, following beautiful gravel roads along the way. After several days of rain and dreary weather, I finally decided it was time to take a test ride.
I parked the car by Storån, where it connects Ottsjön and Håckren, and it wasn’t long before I was on a gravel road. I chose to cycle counterclockwise, hoping to avoid the worst of the headwind. In the distance, Åreskutan rose majestically to the north, while just south of me, the mighty Höttogsfjället towered at 1,106 meters above sea level.
I would imagine that the roads around the lake were primarily built for the forestry industry, as the southern part offers little view of the lake. Forests line both sides of the road, but every now and then, you catch a glimpse of the water, like here at Björnviken. Not long after, I came across a little stream, where the water tumbled down toward Håckren.
After just over 30 km, I arrived at Håckrendammen, where the lake ends and the route turns northward and west. The dam stands out somewhat abruptly in the midst of the otherwise stunning landscape, but I suppose it serves its purpose.
Halfway across the dam, there’s a little peninsula where I took the opportunity to stop and enjoy my lunch. The path leading out was partially covered with water, but it was still passable. It was a truly beautiful spot, though a bit windy.
The northern part of the lake was much more scenic, offering beautiful views, though also a bit more hilly. The gravel roads were in great condition the whole way, making for a smooth ride.
Soon after, I arrived at Bergviken, which featured a little beach where I paused for a brief snack. Then, it was time to roll on. Along the way, I also encountered a large white reindeer. According to Sami tradition, white reindeer are believed to bring good fortune, and having spotted quite a few by now, I’m hopeful for plenty of luck ahead ;)
The final stretch was similar to the previous sections, though there were occasional patches of rougher gravel that made it a bit bumpier. In the end, the loop totaled 71 km and 1,032 meters of elevation. It was a fantastic ride and a truly delightful day.
