Backe: Forest, Water and History

Backe lies at the foot of the mountains in a mosaic landscape of forests and waterways between the Fjällsjöälven and Backsjön. The town has medieval origins and was an early trading centre. Nature trails and waterways shape a stay here, alongside churches, historic sites and art venues.

Hiking Trails, Views and Historic Landscapes

The Stigen runt Backsjön trail is 3.5 kilometres long and lies 100 metres from Backe town centre. Lidtjärnsstigen leads on a walk of about one kilometre to a viewpoint overlooking Lidtjärn. This gives you both a trail around Backsjön and a shorter walk with a specific viewpoint as its destination.

From Backe, you have access to 60 kilometres of hiking trails in the Fjällsjö hiking area. Another special feature is the Vasatallarna just outside town: these several-hundred-year-old pines bear the marks of fire and can be reached by a short path from the road.

Djuptjärnsstigen leads to Jansjöbodarna. This historic summer pasture was established in the mid-19th century. Jansjöbodarna is also accessible by car, so you can shorten the walk. On the way there is Mystiska korset, an ochre painting on a huge glacial erratic. The site is an archaeological findspot; its date is unknown. The find is estimated to be around 1,000 to 2,000 years old.

Activities on the Water and by Bike

You can canoe on Backsjön and follow the waterway to the river. Another suggested activity is an independent beaver safari. This offers two distinct options: a trip on the water and watching beavers.

Backe Bike Park covers 3,000 square metres. Its facilities include a pump track, a pump trail, a dirt line with a wall ride, and a skills arena with balance obstacles. The Landsomberget ski and recreation area is near Backe, on the shore of Jansjön between Backe and Rossön. It has a vertical drop of 211 metres and three runs, one of which is lit.

Churches, Historic Sites and Art

Fjällsjö Church stands on the shore of Fjällsjön in the centre of Backe. It has a 13th-century Madonna figure of the Norwegian-English type and a late-medieval winged altarpiece. Fjällsjö Hembygdsgård is located on Backsjön in Backe. Around 1,000 historic objects from bygone times are on display there.

Backe kägelbana was built in 1888 on the so-called Kägelbaneudden just outside town. The bowling alley is playable again, and balls and pins are available. Briefly check its current condition before your visit. The stairwell of Gamla Lasarettet in Backe features murals by Kaj På Höjda depicting life in earlier times.

Svartvik handpappersbruk makes and sells paper art. The site includes a paper art gallery with unique works, and courses of varying lengths are also offered. Opening hours vary by season. Contact them before your visit.

Market Dates in Backe

Fjällsjömarknaden is held in Backe on the first weekend of July and has taken place in its current form since 1946. If the market is a key reason for your trip, check the exact dates in advance.

Discover more destinations: Hoting, Strömsund, Norråker, Gäddede, Stora Blåsjön, Lidsjöberg, Rossön, Hammerdal

Return to the main travel overview: Strömsund.