Hemavan Tärnaby Airport (HMV/ESUT): The Essential Gateway to Swedish Lapland’s Premier Ski and Wilderness Adventures
Hemavan Tärnaby Airport (HMV/ESUT) is a vital, small regional airport that serves as the primary aerial access point to the breathtaking mountains and renowned winter sports destinations of the Västerbotten region in Northern Sweden. Strategically located within the Arctic Circle’s reach, HMV is indispensable for both winter sports enthusiasts and travelers seeking the profound beauty of the Vindelfjällen wilderness and the spectacular Northern Lights. This enhanced guide provides current, SEO-optimized details for a seamless travel experience.
General Information & Airport Profile: Your Access to the Arctic Circle
HMV is a specialized, efficient facility designed to handle the specific demands of regional travel and seasonal tourism in a remote area.
- IATA/ICAO Codes: HMV / ESUT
- Strategic Location: Perfectly situated just 1 km from the Hemavan town center, and 19 km from Tärnaby. Its proximity makes it the most convenient airport for accessing the twin Tärnaby and Hemavan ski resorts.
- Operator & Usage: Managed by Storuman Municipality, the airport is a crucial hub for regional connectivity and winter tourism, including travelers seeking the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) and offering an essential cross-border access point for visitors from Mo i Rana, Norway.
- Infrastructure: The airport features a single, well-maintained Asphalt runway (15/33), measuring 5,254 ft (1,601 m). Its high elevation (1,503 ft / 458 m) offers a memorable landing experience surrounded by mountain peaks.
- Annual Traffic: Serves approximately 15,000 passengers annually (based on 2024 data), with peak operations focused on the high ski season.
Modern Terminal Facilities and Essential Traveler Services
The airport features a single, compact, and welcoming terminal focused on providing efficiency and essential services for travelers heading into the mountains.
- Amenities: Travelers benefit from Free High-Speed Wi-Fi throughout the terminal area. A small, functional Café/Kiosk offers light refreshments and local snacks before or after flights.
- Accessibility: Comprehensive facilities are in place to ensure disabled access is seamless and comfortable for all passengers.
- Support Services: For immediate assistance with lost articles, the Lost & Found service can be reached at the general airport telephone number: +46 954-30530.
- Currency & Payment: All services and vendors primarily accept the SEK (Swedish Krona), with major credit and debit cards widely accepted for convenience.
- Accommodation Nearby: For travelers prioritizing short transfer times, recommended nearby accommodations include the full-service Hemavans Högfjällshotell and the budget-friendly STF Hemavan Fjällcenter.
Seamless Transportation and Highly Convenient Parking Options
HMV’s excellent location ensures quick and efficient transfer times, allowing visitors to begin their Scandinavian mountain adventure almost immediately upon arrival.
- Efficient Bus Transfers: The most economical way to reach Hemavan village, the bus journey takes a mere 5 minutes and costs approximately €1. Services are typically timed to coordinate with arriving and departing flights.
- Quick Taxi Service: Taxis offer a direct and fast 5-minute ride to Hemavan, generally costing between €10 and €15. The airport serves as a critical link to the popular destinations of Tärnaby (19 km / 12 mi) and the Norwegian city of Mo i Rana (98 km / 61 mi).
- On-Site Car Rental: For travelers seeking independence and the ability to explore remote areas of Lapland, leading car rental providers such as Hertz, Avis, Sixt, and Europcar offer convenient vehicle pick-up and drop-off at the terminal.
- Affordable Parking: The airport provides Free short-term parking for quick drop-offs. Long-term parking is highly affordable, priced at approximately 40 SEK (~€3) per day, making it an ideal option for week-long ski or hiking excursions.
Key Flight Routes and Strategic Airline Partnerships
The connectivity of HMV is strategically focused on linking this remote, high-demand region to Sweden’s primary urban hub, ensuring year-round accessibility.
- Core Airline: Amapola Flyg serves as the airport’s main and often sole carrier, operating essential Public Service Obligation (PSO) routes subsidized by the government.
- Main Domestic Route: The airport’s most crucial link is the direct, non-stop service to Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN). This flight typically takes about 1.5 hours, providing the region with rapid access to the capital and global flight connections.
- Current Service Enhancements (2025 Focus): To effectively handle the strong seasonal demand for skiing, snowmobiling, and aurora hunting, Amapola Flyg has strategically increased its service frequency during the core winter season, significantly boosting regional tourism and trade.
Regional Significance, Adventure Tourism, and Essential Travel Tips
Hemavan Tärnaby Airport is recognized not just as a transport point, but as the official gateway to some of Sweden’s most rewarding Nordic experiences.
- Local Attractions & Activities: HMV is positioned at the doorstep of Hemavan’s renowned Major Ski Centers and is the primary aerial entry point to the massive Vindelfjällen Nature Reserve, one of Sweden’s largest protected natural areas. The airport also marks the convenient southern entry point for trekkers beginning the famous Kungsleden (The King’s Trail) hiking route.
- Best for Aurora Hunting: Given its far northern latitude and minimal light pollution, the region is highly sought after by tourists traveling specifically to witness the Northern Lights during the dark winter months.
- International Travel Requirement: Travelers should note that as Sweden is a member of the Schengen Area, all international visitors must confirm they possess the required documentation, such as a valid Schengen visa, before entry.
Contact Information and Official Resources
For the most up-to-date operational details, flight schedules, and other inquiries, please refer to the official contact channels:
- Address: Hemavan Tärnaby Airport, Älvstigen, S-920 66 Hemavan, Sweden
- Telephone (General & Lost & Found): +46 954-30530
- Official Website: www.hemavantarnabyairport.se