Bakvattnet: Pack horse trekking tour in Blomsterkogen

Horse-powered hiking beats hauling gear. In Bakvattnet, this pack-horse trek in the Swedish fells takes you walking near Ansättfjäll with calm Icelandic horses that carry your extra layers, drinks, and a small picnic.

I love that the whole thing stays relaxed. You get the chance to enjoy the horses up close, and the small group format keeps the experience hands-on, guided in English or German.

The main thing to consider is your physical comfort, since this tour is not suitable for people with low fitness, and it is also not for children under 6.

Quick hits you’ll feel fast

• Icelandic horses carry the extras so you hike light, with drinks and a small picnic handled for you
• Beginner-friendly horse handling with a focus on enjoying the company of horses, not testing your skills
• A halfway picnic and rest where the horses graze peacefully while you take a breather
• Small group size up to 6 so you get real attention from the guide
• Guide language support in German and English

Bakvattnet, Ansättfjäll, and why this route works

This tour is set in Jamtland County, Sweden, in the Blomsterkogen area, with hikes in the Swedish fells around Ansättfjäll. If you like mountain air and wide open space, this is a good fit because you spend real time outside instead of rushing from one viewpoint to another.

What makes the location especially likable is the pace. The horses help set it. You are not fighting a heavy pack or moving like you’re chasing a bus schedule. You can slow down, look around, and actually notice small things like how weather shifts in the fells and how the trail feels under your shoes.

Icelandic pack horses do the work (you do the enjoying)

Here’s the heart of the experience: you do not carry your own jacket and sweater changes. The Icelandic horses carry what you want to put on or take off along the way, plus drinks and a small picnic for the road.

That sounds small, but it changes everything. When your hands and shoulders are free, you naturally walk more relaxed. You’re more likely to stop to pet a horse, adjust your layers calmly, and stay warm when clouds roll in.

The other big payoff is the horses themselves. They are described as friendly and happy to be petted. That makes the tour feel more like time with animals in their home territory, not just “go for a ride, take photos, move on.”

How the 3-hour rhythm plays out in real life

The activity is listed as a 3-hour tour, but it also fits the idea of a 3-4 hour excursion once you factor in stops. The timing varies by starting time, so check what is available when you book.

The flow is simple and that is a good thing:

• You start at the farm with the group and guide, then set out on foot with the pack horses.
• Around halfway, you stop at a nice spot for a picnic, plus a rest break.
• During this stop, the horses graze peacefully while you take your time.
• After that, you make your way back home to the farm area.
• After the return, the horses are cared for together and given their well-deserved feed.

For you, the practical benefit is fewer transitions. You are not jumping in and out of lots of activities. It’s walk, breathe, rest, repeat, with horses as the steady engine of the day.

The halfway picnic break is the best part to plan around

This is not a “quick bite and run” situation. The tour looks for a picnic spot about halfway where you can rest and enjoy the horses while they graze. You also get time to refresh before the hike back.

That matters because Sweden’s fells can feel different from one hour to the next. In misty or rainy weather, a warm pause helps. Even in dry conditions, a break lets your legs reset before you head back.

If you want to maximize comfort, think about your clothing layers. You might not be carrying them, but you will still need to be able to put on something warm when the breeze picks up.

What you actually get: guided hiking, picnic, and horse support

Included in the tour are:

• Guided pack horse tour
• Picnic
• Drinks

The guide also supports you with live guidance in German and English. And because the group is limited to 6 participants, the guide can keep an eye on what you need, how you’re handling situations around the horses, and when you should slow down.

Value-wise, the “included picnic and drinks” piece is not just about food. It means you do not have to plan supplies for a fairly short hike. You can pack lighter and show up with the right outerwear, rather than guessing what to bring to eat on the trail.

Meeting point at Taikuri Adventures Farm in Bakvattnet

You meet at Taikuri Adventures Farm in Bakvattnet. In practical terms, that matters because it signals a true farm setting, not a roadside meetup.

Plan to arrive with enough time to settle in before walking starts. Even if you are only out for around 3 hours, you’ll want to be ready for the horse setup and the start of the hike. If you’re new to being around horses, arriving early helps you feel calm instead of rushed.

Price and value: what $109 buys you for 3 hours outside

The price is $109 per person for about 3 hours. On paper, that’s not the cheapest way to get outside.

But look at what you are paying for: guided time in the fells, small group size up to 6, and the specific benefit of horses carrying your extra layers plus drinks and a small picnic. Most hikes in this kind of setting cost less, but they do not include horse handling, horse-powered logistics, and a planned rest stop with grazing time.

For the right traveler, $109 feels like paying for an experience that’s more comfortable and more personal than typical walking tours. It also works well if you want a horse day without turning it into a full-day activity.

Who this tour suits best, and who should skip it

This experience is described as suitable for beginners who want to enjoy the company of horses while hiking. It’s also framed as for anyone who wants an easy, leisurely time in the Swedish mountains.

It is not suitable for:

• Children under 6
• People with mobility impairments
• Wheelchair users
• People with animal allergies
• People over 75
• People with low level of fitness

So here’s the honest fit-check for you:

• If you want nature time with a low gear burden, this is a strong match.
• If you need strict mobility support or you are worried about stamina, skip it.
• If you have allergies, be careful. Being close to animals is central to the experience.

What to bring for Swedish fells weather and muddy surprises

Even in good weather, fells can change fast. And horses mean the ground can get a little “farm real.” Bring:

• Rain gear
• Clothes that can get dirty
• Outdoor clothing
• Closed-toe shoes
• Waterproof shoes

If you only do one thing, make it this: wear waterproof shoes. It’s the easiest way to stay comfortable if the trail is damp or if you get light rain during your hike.

Also, choose clothing you won’t mind if it picks up a bit of trail dust or mud. You are outdoors with horses, and “spiffy hiking” usually does not survive contact with the real world.

Book it if you want a horse day without the heavy baggage

I’d book this tour if you want a relaxed 3-hour hike where Icelandic horses carry your layers and your picnic, and you enjoy being around animals that are calm enough to be petted.

Don’t book it if you need accessibility accommodations, if you have animal allergies, or if you know low fitness will make a hike uncomfortable. Also think carefully if you are sensitive to being on uneven outdoor terrain.

If that sounds like your sweet spot, Taikuri Adventures Farm in Bakvattnet is a very practical way to spend a morning or afternoon in the Swedish fells.

FAQ

How long is the Bakvattnet pack horse trekking tour?

The duration is listed as 3 hours, and it is described as a 3 to 4 hour excursion.

Where do we meet for the tour?

You meet at Taikuri Adventures Farm in Bakvattnet.

What is included in the price?

The tour includes a guided pack horse tour, plus picnic and drinks.

How big is the group?

The group is limited to 6 participants.

What languages does the guide speak?

The live guide speaks German and English.

What should I bring?

Bring rain gear, clothes that can get dirty, outdoor clothing, closed-toe shoes, and waterproof shoes.

Is the tour suitable for children and limited mobility?

It is not suitable for children under 6, people with mobility impairments, or wheelchair users. It also is not suitable for people with animal allergies, people over 75, or people with low level of fitness.

What is the cancellation and payment flexibility?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve and pay later to keep plans flexible.