Risbäck: Wooden Church, History and Lakes

In Risbäck, the history of a wooden church and a group of historic buildings meets the surrounding lakes and old-growth forests. The wooden church on Arksjön and the buildings in the local heritage area provide tangible points of reference for the town’s history; nearby, there are also nature reserves and fishing waters. Those looking for accommodation in Risbäck can tailor their stay to interests such as church architecture, local building history, nature or fishing.

Church on Arksjön: Construction and Architecture

Risbäck Church is considered the oldest church in Dorotea Municipality. The wooden church stands on the northern shore of Arksjön and was built in 1858–1859 by twelve farmers from the parish. The plans were drawn up by Crown Bailiff Eleazar Rehn; architecturally, the building is an example of late neoclassical wooden architecture. Its construction period, local initiative and style give the church a precise architectural-historical profile. The cemetery was surveyed as early as 1850 and apparently did not open until 1859, when the church was completed. The church and cemetery stand on a hill that slopes down towards Stor-Arksjön to the west and southwest. The cemetery offers an exceptionally scenic view of Stor-Arksjön.

Historic Buildings Opposite the Church

Opposite the church is Risbäck’s local heritage area, with several historic buildings. These include a parish meeting house, a bakehouse, a smoke sauna, a granary, a church cottage and the large barn Kämpeslogen. The parish meeting house, built in 1884, was later used as a primary school and museum. Kämpeslogen was used, among other things, as a dance hall. The historic area is interesting not only for its individual building types, but also for their different former uses: the parish meeting house connects the history of schools and museums, while Kämpeslogen’s use as a dance hall evokes community life.

Risbäck’s history dates back to the 1820s; historically, the town’s livelihoods were primarily farming and forestry. Together with the church’s construction period and the building of the parish meeting house in 1884, this creates a timeline stretching from the early 19th century to the later historic buildings.

Forests, Nature Reserves and Lakes

Trollklinten Nature Reserve lies near Risbäck on the southwestern side of Stor-Arksjön. It is a steep mountain with preserved old-growth forest, where pines and spruces over 300 years old grow, among other trees. Oxfjället Nature Reserve is seven kilometres southwest of Risbäck. At Trollklinten, steep slopes meet very old trees; Oxfjället can be identified by its location southwest of the town. The two natural attractions therefore differ both in their described landscapes and in their geographical orientation.

Fishing and Regional Culture

There are many fishing waters around Risbäck. A fishing licence is required. The wider region’s Risbäck short-fishing area includes several lakes, ponds and waterways in the Långseleån catchment area. There are quiet barbecue spots at Kyrkudden and Majberget, offering a different focus from the waters around the town.

You can also explore the culture beyond Risbäck: in the wider region, Konstvägen Sju Älvar is a 350-kilometre-long art exhibition. Visitors can experience 13 different works of art along the route. Its considerable length and artworks offer a different scale from the local history centred on Risbäck’s church and historic buildings.

Discover more destinations: Dorotea, Borgafjäll.

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