Piteå: Hiking Trails, Archipelago and Culture

The Solanderleden stretches for 23 Swedish miles between Luleå Airport and the coastal village of Jävre south of Piteå. Along the way, it passes through a landscape with a cultural history dating back 5,000 years and connects hikers with village life, grazing animals, summer cafés, farm shops and accommodation along the route.

The direct local division of the Piteå destination includes Piteå, Sjulsmark, Norrfjärden, Altersbruk, Rosvik, Lillpite, Gråträsk, Sikfors, Koler and Storsund.

Hiking among forests, rocks and viewpoints

Fingermanholmen has walking trails ranging from 1 to 3 kilometres, as well as a network of paths.

Facilities on site include a jetty, a bathing beach, a sauna, a fire pit and a toilet.

Fårön Friluftsområde offers nature trails and rest areas with hiking opportunities of up to approximately 3 kilometres. The first 300 metres of the trail run along wide wooden boardwalks and are suitable for wheelchair users, prams and walking frames.

The Karlbergsleden offers both short circular trails and routes of up to 17 kilometres; some sections run along wooden boardwalks. Viewpoints at RÃ¥berget and Falkberget complement the trail, and both locations have shelters and barbecue areas.

The Eliasleden passes through old forests, lush wetlands and easily accessible rocky and mountainous areas. Viewpoints, rest areas and information about the local geology, flora and fauna are also part of this route.

The Arkeologistigen in Jävre is 7.5 kilometres long. Alternatively, visitors can walk a 2-kilometre section that passes graves in a natural setting. The marked trail uses signs to provide information about historical finds and the presumed lives of people in this area around 3,000 years ago.

Islands, beaches and protected nature

Stenskär offers a long sandy beach, a diverse bird population and ancient labyrinths. Its fishing village includes red-painted fishermen’s cottages.

The Bondöfjärden nature reserve comprises around ten islands in Bondöfjärden. The islands are part of the Pite River Ridge, which is geologically significant nationwide.

The Lustgården nature reserve covers approximately 315 hectares and features an environment resembling a natural forest. Around 30 plant and animal species classified as threatened on the Red List live there.

History and local life

The Piteå Museum is located in the old town hall at Rådhustorget and presents the history and cultural heritage of Piteå through objects, photographs and stories. Museum visits, guided tours of Piteå and lectures can be booked at the museum.

Piteå kyrka is a cultural landmark in Upper Norrland and the oldest wooden church in northern Sweden; it dates from 1686.

Rosfors Bruk is an old industrial environment where visitors can walk through cultural landscapes, avenues and forests.

AlterHedens Rhabarberfarm has a self-service shop with edible gifts such as cloudberry jam and rhubarb liquorice. Guided tours of the old farm community of Alterdalen are also offered.

The Piteå Turistcenter provides information about attractions, excursion destinations, campsites and fishing spots. Admission tickets for several events are also sold there; the centre is located in the old brewery building next to the bus station.

Near Destination Sikfors, there is a suspension bridge with views of the Pite River and the old power station. Guided tours are possible there in summer.

Exploring the waterways by SUP, kayak and canoe

Piteå SUP rents stand-up paddleboards at the marina in Norra hamn for an archipelago experience.

Piteå Kajakcenter gives kayak renters access to 23 kayak routes in the Piteå archipelago. The routes are suitable for kayak and canoe trips ranging from a few hours to multi-day excursions.

Trolleden consists of canoe routes created jointly by Domänverket, Arvidsjaurs revir and the Municipality of Piteå in a forested area rich in cultural history. The first section of Trolleden is more than 20 kilometres long; a further 15 kilometres of paddlable route is added via Trappån and Kilisån to the Byske River.

For the overarching travel overview: Norrbotten.