Swedish Lapland Attractions
This is the most northerly province in Sweden, the largest in area (120,000sq.km/46,000sq.mi) and the most sparsely populated. It extends from north to south for some 600km/370mi, with an average width of 250km/150mi. The land rises from east to west in a series of plateau-like steps. Towards the Norwegian frontier is a wild mountain region, largely untouched by man, which reaches its highest point in Kebnekaise (2,117m/6,946ft:). A number of rivers (Umeälv, Skellefteälv, Piteälv, Luleälv, Kalixälv, Torneälv, etc.), well stocked with fish, rise in this area and flow southeast towards the Gulf of Bothnia. Most of the area is covered with bog and forest; towards the east and north the forests become increasingly sparse and finally end in a scrub of stunted birch trees.
The inhabitants live mainly by timber-working, with some arable and stock farming. In addition there are the iron mines of Gällivare and Kiruna. There are numerous hydro-electric stations on the rivers; among those best worth seeing are Akkats, Porjus and Vietas. The area is traversed by a number of roads and by the mineral railroad from Luleå to Narvik.
The inhabitants live mainly by timber-working, with some arable and stock farming. In addition there are the iron mines of Gällivare and Kiruna. There are numerous hydro-electric stations on the rivers; among those best worth seeing are Akkats, Porjus and Vietas. The area is traversed by a number of roads and by the mineral railroad from Luleå to Narvik.
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Ammarnas, Sweden
60km/38mi northeast of Tärnaby (road only from Sorsele) is the village of Ammarnäs, with an old Lapp church. Popular activities in Ammarnäs include fishing, cross-country and downhill skiing.
Tarnaby, Sweden
Tärnaby lies in a magnificent mountain setting, 38km/24mi from the Norwegian frontier, on the southern slopes of the Luxfjäll (824m/2,704ft). In the little town, which is equipped to cater to skiers, there are a Lapp Museum and a school for nomad children. Tärnaby is the starting point of the Kungsleden hiking trail.
Vilhelmina, Sweden
Vilhelmina, in southern Lapland, is the headquarters of the body officially representing the Lapp community and has an interesting Lapp Museum. The town is noted for its wildlife and untouched nature. 95km/60mi northwest by way of Laxbäcken (school of agriculture) is the village of Saxnäs, in a grand mountain setting on the southern shore of the Kultsjö (alt. 540m/1,770ft), with good walking, fishing and skiing.
Vuollerim
43km/27mi south of Jokkmokk on Road 97 at Vuollerim archaeological finds have revealed the existence of a settlement dating back 6,000 years (interesting modern museum).
Hours
June 26 to August 19
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 11:00 | 11:00 | 11:00 | 11:00 | 11:00 | 11:00 | 11:00 |
| Close | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 |
August 20 to January 31
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 11:00 | 11:00 | 11:00 | 11:00 | 11:00 | Closed | Closed |
| Close | 15:00 | 15:00 | 15:00 | 15:00 | 15:00 |
Guides
Guided tour available as optional extra.
Västensjö and Gieravardo - Views
12km/7.5miles west of Tårnaby on a marked path or a road are the Västensjö and the hill of Gieravardo (views). The neighboring village of Hemavan also offers good skiing and has developed into a tourist center. From Hemavan there are good views extending to the hills of Jofjäll and Okstinder on the Norwegian frontier. In summer canoes and gliders can be hired. Fishing is permitted in the lakes below the village.
