Åsele: Discover Trails, Nature and Culture

Åsele combines diverse nature experiences with regional history and a wide range of opportunities for active days. Hiking trails lead through pine forest, across marshes and to viewpoints; in winter, ski slopes and groomed cross-country ski trails add to the offering. When planning a trip, you can therefore choose between short nature experiences, more demanding highland trails, culture and excursions in the surrounding area.

Hiking trails for different day plans

The Kyrkstigen begins in Norrstrand at Gamla Lyckselevägen and leads through open pine forest and flat terrain to Älgsjö. On some sections, hikers cross the marshes via boardwalks. The trailhead can be reached from the centre of Åsele: At the roundabout, turn right onto Road 90 towards Junsele. For trip planning, the trail is interesting if you want to combine forest, marshland and a clearly described route.

The Åslia Magical Forest Trail offers hikes for experienced hikers as well as families. Its viewpoint opens up views of the mountains and forests around Åsele. Several wind shelters with fire pits are located along the trail. If you are looking for a shorter nature break, you can also head to the viewpoint on Vispsjöberget: A 3-kilometre hike leads to the summit, where there is a barbecue area, a wind shelter and a barbecue hut. From there, the view extends over the Ångermanälven.

Highland trails, lakes and distinctive landscapes

At Bergvattenberget, popularly known as “Offerhällan”, there is a viewpoint in Sörnoret. The route there is equipped with boardwalks across marsh sections, has an elevation difference of 120 metres and includes some steeper passages. According to tradition, the summit is a sacred place for the Sámi. Another landscape perspective is offered by Stenbithöjden Nature Reserve, with a hiking trail to a viewpoint over forests and lakes. Many of the small lakes there contain self-sustaining trout populations; perch, roach and occasional pike are also found.

At Torvsjö Kvarnar, a hiking trail leads to a mill complex and the mill stream. In 1972, the complex was declared a legally protected historic building of national interest. Stockholmsgata is also a distinctive natural destination to consider: The canyon formation is 50 metres deep and 1.5 kilometres long.

Culture and events in Åsele

At the heart of the town centre lies Hembygdsområdet, with 17 buildings and 50 exhibitions. The history of the Sámi in Åsele Municipality is presented there through an extensive collection of information and objects in several exhibitions. A large mural by artist Q, Anya Blom, has adorned a gable end of Åsele Kulturhus since summer 2019. The older history of the locality can also be experienced: Queen Christina financed Åsele’s first church, which was built of wood in 1648.

Åsele Marknad is a four-day summer market with origins in the 17th century. It takes place every year on the third weekend of July in the centre of Åsele. Usually, around 200 traders take part, sharing approximately 900 market stalls. In this way, the market shapes the town’s annual cycle in a special way, without requiring you to organise your trip exclusively around this event.

Swimming spot, winter days and excursions

Stamsjöbadet is a gently sloping swimming area with a sandy beach, approximately 4 kilometres from the centre of Åsele. For winter sports, Åslia offers several ski slopes with different levels of difficulty, from children’s slopes to more demanding descents, as well as a cross-country ski trail. The central illuminated exercise and cross-country ski trail system is groomed in winter for both classical cross-country skiing and freestyle. In summer, you can walk, power walk, jog or run there.

For an excursion to the Angsjön main entrance of Björnlandet National Park, the route from Åsele follows Road 92 towards Umeå. After 47 kilometres, there is a turn-off; from there, approximately 24 kilometres of gravel road lead to the main entrance. Åsele Golfklubb also offers its own highlight: The club has a challenging 9-hole course, and you can fish in the Ångermanälven 100 metres from the clubhouse.

Choose Åsele to suit your trip

Those looking for culture and local history will find different points of interest at Hembygdsområdet, Kulturhus and Åsele Marknad. For active days, there are flat forest and marsh trails as well as routes with an elevation difference of 120 metres and steeper passages. When spending time in nature, you should bear in mind that Åsele lies within a reindeer-herding area: Dogs must be kept on a leash, and reindeer must not be disturbed, especially during the calving period in spring.

For further orientation within the same broader region, you can also look at Fredrika and Hälla. This makes it possible to combine your search for a suitable hotel in Åsele with your personal preference for hiking, nature, culture or winter activities.

For the broader travel overview: Åsele.