Akkavare: Village History, Mountain and Accommodation

Akkavare is a hillside village on the southeastern slope of Mount Akkavara, six kilometres north of Arvidsjaur on Route 45. Its history can be read in individual buildings and traces of earlier work; to the northeast, Hedvallen is a nature reserve with a distinctive landscape and Sámi context. If you are looking for a hotel, holiday home or holiday apartment as a base, distinguish between a stay in the village, a visit to the mountain and an excursion to the reserve. The name Akkavare alone does not establish proximity to each of these destinations.

A village with a visible settlement history

Pehr Christjersson Brännare came to Akkavare as its first settler in 1801. Brännar-Pehr’s Storstuga was completed in 1835. A long stone wall in the village recalls the work of creating usable farmland. These three details tell different parts of the early history: one person’s arrival, the construction of a house and the transformation of the landscape. They are more specific than a general claim about “old traditions”, but do not guarantee that the house can be visited at any time.

A mill was built in Akkavare in 1868. It ceased operating in 1928, was later moved to Lake Dyras and now stands there as a hunting and fishing hut. So, if you are looking for the former mill, do not assume it remains in its original location or that milling is still carried out in the village. Later infrastructure also changed Akkavare: the road connection was established during construction of the Arvidsjaur–Moskosel line between 1903 and 1907; the Inlandsbanan railway connected the village in the 1930s. These dates describe the history of its development, not current timetables.

The original schoolhouse served as a school from 1910 to 1936. The prayer house, built in 1957/58, is now a modernised community hall. These changes of use are of interest on a village walk, but do not guarantee public access to the interior. Another detail relates to industrial history: a mobile sawmill began operating in 1939, and in 1947 a permanent facility belonging to Lundbergs’ sawmill was completed beside the railway station at the time. The proximity to the station refers to this historic facility, not to the location of a present-day hotel.

The mountain and its film connection

A historic aerial observation tower still stands above Akkavare; it has been modified and extended since it was built. There is a weather shelter and a fireplace at the tower. This is a different destination from the buildings in the village; check current information about routes, accessibility and the conditions for using the fireplace in advance. The mere existence of the tower does not imply a marked, easy hiking trail or panoramic views from every angle.

Akkavare also has a film connection: scenes for Kay Pollack’s 2004 film “Såsom i Himmelen” were shot here. This places filming in the village, but does not indicate a public exhibition or an officially signposted film tour. If you are interested in film history, you can combine it with a look at the village’s development without making unsupported claims that particular buildings were filming locations.

Hedvallen to the northeast

The Hedvallen nature reserve lies five kilometres northeast of Akkavare. The landscape there is shaped by old-growth natural forest, small ponds and marshland. The reserve is therefore a different nature destination from the mountain directly above the village. Before setting out, check the actual access point and choose a suitable route; the five kilometres indicate the reserve’s location in relation to Akkavare, not walking time or distance from your accommodation.

Hedvallen also has a special use: in summer, it is a place where the Östra Kikkejaur Sámi community stays and marks its calves. This relationship should be respected as part of the area, not mistaken for a tourist performance or bookable activity. The landscape and its use belong together; visitors should plan considerately rather than assume that the community’s activities are freely accessible.

Choose accommodation and travel arrangements to suit your plans

Different bases may suit a visit to the village’s historic sites, the mountain or Hedvallen. Check the exact address and facilities of each hotel or holiday property, especially if you are travelling without your own vehicle. The overview of Arvidsjaur provides the broader regional context. Prices, availability and current transport connections should be checked as part of your specific travel plans; historical railway and road information does not provide them.