Discover Arvidsjaur: Sámi Culture, Nature and Winter Sports

Arvidsjaur offers a journey combining Sámi culture, nature experiences and winter activities. Those looking to combine different interests when choosing their destination will find historical sites, short routes, viewpoints and sports activities with clear areas of focus. This makes it possible to choose suitable accommodation based on your own daily plans.

Sámi Culture and Local History

Lappstaden is a Sámi church town and the only one of the older preserved church towns of Sámi origin that displays a Sámi building tradition. A special event in the annual calendar is Storstämningen: The festival is celebrated every year on the last Sunday in August with traditional festivities. Those visiting Arvidsjaur on this occasion can plan their stay around a specific cultural event.

Gamla Prästgården is also part of the historical highlights. The building was constructed in 1891 and has been a museum since the 1970s. Guided tours that can be booked in advance are available for groups. Café Hembygdsgården at Gamla Prästgården often serves waffles. This allows a museum visit to be combined with a culinary break without assuming the availability of any other offerings.

Short Routes, Views and Nature

Several differently designed routes are available for walks. Kulturstigen is 300 m long and begins at Bogårdsmuren. Kyrkstigarna are short paths in the town of Arvidsjaur. Those who prefer a longer loop can plan to follow the 2.5 km-long Prästtjärnsstigen, which runs around Prästtjärnen. The different lengths make it easier to plan the day according to the desired extent.

In the surroundings of Arvidsjaur, Vittjåkk-Akkanålke Nature Reserve offers numerous hiking trails, fire pits and wind shelters. It also features mountain peaks more than 700 m high and expansive views. Another viewpoint can be reached via a short hiking trail at Lillberget; from there, the view extends across Arvidsjaur and its surroundings. Those who want to combine nature experiences with a visit to the town can include these destinations separately in their travel plans.

Winter Sports and Special Excursions

In winter, Arvidsjaur has its own special attractions. Rymmarstadion has a 4.5 km-long illuminated cross-country ski trail as well as a biathlon facility with illuminated targets. The location is suitable as an arena where children and adults can playfully develop their skiing technique. Prästberget offers three slopes of varying difficulty, ranging from red to black runs. This places cross-country skiing, biathlon and downhill skiing alongside one another as clearly distinct options.

The history of the railway includes the steam train ride from Arvidsjaur railway station to Slagnäs. There, visitors can swim and grill sausages. On certain weekends, steam trains depart from Arvidsjaur railway station. The railway area of Arvidsjaur includes a station building with a waiting room, storage and office buildings, a loading ramp and smaller storage buildings. Nyborgstjärn also offers a specific option for families and active travellers: Children up to the age of 16 can fish there free of charge.

Guidance for Your Accommodation Search

When searching for hotels, you can consider whether culture, nature, winter sports or a varied mix forms the focus of your trip. Those planning to visit restaurants, cafés and shops will find numerous options on Storgatan in Arvidsjaur. For a nature- or sports-oriented stay, the routes and activities you want to pursue can help guide your personal selection. You can also consider Akkavare, Glommersträsk, Moskosel and Abborrträsk as additional destinations.

For the overarching travel overview: Arvidsjaur.