Ritsem

Ritsem (Lule Sami: Rijtjem) is a Sami settlement in Norrbotten County, Sweden, in the north-west end of the Laponia national park system.

Ritsem itself is in Gällivare municipality, at the northern shore of the lake Áhkájávrre (Akkajaure).

Understand


Ritsem is a transport hub and together with the nearby other Sami settlements the main civilization around in this remote part of the Swedish fells. There are also facilities of a hydroelectric plant.

The Sami language here is Lule Sami. Everybody speaks Swedish and English.

Get in
There are buses from the municipal centre Gällivare 180 km away. Gällivare in turn is on the Malmbanan and Inlandsbanan railways, and on European roads E10 and E45, thus easily reachable. Gällivaare also has a small airport with flights from Stockholm (not combining well with the bus, overnighting usually necessary).

The bus from Ritsem takes about 4 hr (driving takes about as long). and costs 600–700 kr. Transfer at Stora Sjöfallet (off season?). Try to book the trip together with your train ticket, with "Resplus", which helps if the train is late.

If you are coming from the south along E45 you can turn to Ritsemvägen before Gällivare, some distance after Porjus. There are few other significant roads.

You may of course also come by some of the long-distance hiking trails in the area. There is boat transport to Ritsem from several trailheads.

Get around


Ritsem itself is quite small. For the surroundings, hiking or local boat are the main means of transport. A bike is useful at least along the roads. In winter you can use skis or a snowmobile (mind ice safety).

By boat
Boat transport can be cancelled in bad weather. In the winter the lake freezes over, use your skis or a snowmobile instead.



See


There is a nice view to the lake Áhkájávrre and to the Áhkká massif.

Do
Hiking. Ritsem is at the western border of the national park of Stora Sjöfallet. The national parks Badjelánnda (Swedish: Padjelanta) and Sarek are a day's hiking from the lake. All three are part of Laponia. Long-distance hiking trails reachable from here include Kungsleden (from Hemavan via Kvikkjokk and Vákkudavárre to Abisko), Padjelantaleden (from Ritsem to Kvikkjokk), Rádjebálges (to Tysfjord on the Norwegian coast), Nordkalottleden (from Kautokeino to Kvikkjokk or Sulitjelma) and E1 Long Distance Path from Nordkapp to Sicily. Most of these trails are well marked and have cabins a day's hiking apart. For Sarek you are on your own: the trail just passes through a corner of the park. There are a few bridges; otherwise there is little infrastructure. Also Rádjebálges and the nearest section of Nordkalottleden are demanding. All require some experience of wilderness backpacking in a Nordic climate if you lose the trail or get bad weather.

Also day hiking (or skiing) to the closer surroundings is rewarding. A tent can be hired (to be booked a week in advance).

Fishing is available in several places. Get the permits (and equipment, if needed) in the shop.

Snowmobile driving.

Guided tours are available for all activities.

Buy
The STF fjällstation has a shop. Also some of the cabins along the trails do, with a smaller assortment. Fish, bread and souvenirs may be available at some Sami settlements.

Sleep
Lodging and camping site available.



Nearby cabins


These may be suitable for an overnight trip along some of the trails. Most are manned in season.



Backcountry
If you prefer, pitch your tent some distance from the settlement. That's what most hikers do along (or off) the trails. If you do, leave no trace.

Go next

 * Laponia or some of the trails:
 * Kungsleden
 * Nordkalottleden
 * Padjelantaleden
 * Rádjebálges (Trail description at Gällivare's pages)