Visit SCA's ginat pines in Backe
In a forest area called Gammflon, just outside Backe in northeastern Jämtland, two giant pines grow on SCA-owned land. The trees most likely began sprouting during the reign of Gustav Vasa — or possibly even earlier. The pines are well worth a visit, and there is both an information sign and a nice picnic table on site.
These are two very impressive pines that spread out both in width and height in the considerably younger and relatively recently thinned SCA forest.
The pine closest to the forest road is just over 21 metres tall and has a circumference of 2.95 metres. The other, even more majestic pine, measures 3.2 metres in circumference and stands over 28 metres tall. It is located 100 metres from the road and can be reached via an easy walking trail.
The exact age of the pines has not been established. This is mainly because a drill long enough has not been available. There is also a strong possibility that the trees are hollow inside, which would make it impossible to count the annual rings.
It is said that the pines date back to the 16th century, when Gustav Vasa was king, but they may also be as much as 200 years older. Thus the pines are called "The Vasa pines". One of the trees shows traces of at least three forest fires.
The pines grow in a so-called sandy pine forest, where the poor, dry soil is ideal both for pines and for a range of unusual ground fungi. The area has been used for a long time and is also shaped by both reindeer grazing and forest fires.
Trees of nature conservation value
The pines are classified as trees of nature conservation value, which means they are protected and will remain standing regardless of what kind of forest operations might happen in the area. In this type of forest, however, it is important to clear away deciduous trees and young saplings if they manage to become established, in order to ensure that the pine forest receives plenty of sun and light.
A pleasant excursion destination
The local residents Sven Elfving and Hans Bagge have long been fascinated by the pines and hope that more people will discover them. They have kept an eye on the trees for many years and care deeply about ensuring that they remain standing.
“Such giant trees are really fascinating, and these two are easy to reach, so they make for a fun excursion. There are also several beautiful hiking trails nearby,” says Hans.
With support from SCA, Sven and Hans, together with the Fjällsjö Framtid development group, have been able to arrange a picnic table and an information sign next to the largest pine. There is also a lovely guest book, which shows that the pines are well visited, by people from the local area as well as from other parts of Sweden and other countries
Photo: Michael Engman
How to get there
From Road 346 just before Backe, take Road Z986 towards Vallen. Then turn off at the first road on the left leading towards Öster-Jansjön. There are signs for “Vasatallar” along the way. On the left-hand side of the forest road, you will eventually see one of the giant pines. There is a small parking area on the right-hand side of the road; simply continue a few dozen metres past the pine. From the pine by the forest road, a well-trodden path begins that leads to the other giant pine.