Vildmarksvägen, or the Wilderness Road, forms a roughly 500-kilometre circuit through northern Sweden. It runs from Strömsund through Gäddede and Vilhelmina, returning by the E45 through Dorotea. Its highest paved stretch reaches 876 metres above sea level. For a motorcycle traveller, this is a route to measure in stops as well as kilometres: mountains, lakes and waterfalls reward a generous schedule and an unhurried pace.
The defining section crosses the Stekenjokk plateau. Because of snow, that high stretch is normally open only from 6 June to 15 October, so a complete plateau crossing is off the itinerary in late October. For next season, choose summer dates and check the current road status again before departure. The country is sparsely settled, making it sensible to mark fuel and overnight stops in advance and leave time for changing weather.
Stekenjokk is also a protected Sámi heritage landscape, with grazing reindeer and nesting birds. From 15 May to 10 July, strict restrictions apply to leaving the road in parts of the area to protect breeding birds and newborn reindeer. The pleasure here lies in the ride and in views from permitted stops: park safely, follow local signs and give wildlife plenty of space.