Vindeln – Rapids, Trails and Historic Sites

Vindelforsarna lies immediately adjacent to the town of Vindeln and forms one of the most powerful stretches of rapids on the Vindelälven. The approximately 77-hectare area near the centre is both a nature reserve and a Natura 2000 site. The Vindelälven–Juhttátahkka area was declared a biosphere reserve in 2019 and includes parts of eight municipalities, including Vindeln.

Nature

A marked trail circles the Vindelforsarna nature reserve in about an hour, follows the riverbank on both sides and passes several rest areas. Along the banks are around 30 remnants from the historic era of log driving, including stone boxes and wing dams.

The Nedre Vindelforsarna area can be experienced by hiking, cycling or fishing in a comparatively little-disturbed natural landscape. The 31-kilometre trail through the nature reserve runs along impressive rapids and woodland between the town of Vindeln and the area near Rödåsel. From Degerforsheden, a trail descends along the edge of a gorge to a sandy beach at Nyåkersforsen, which is suitable for swimming.

The trail to Kärleksön ends at a shelter on the riverbank with a fire pit and a beautiful view of the river. The popular Isälvsleden runs between Vindeln and Åmsele through a landscape shaped by the inland ice sheet. The 5-kilometre Forsarna Runt trail is also accessible and passable by wheelchair and pushchair. In Vindeln Municipality, hiking trails, paddling routes and fishing waters are part of the natural attractions available to visitors. The varying trail lengths and types of activities help visitors compare their own day plans.

Culture and History

Vindeln Church is a Neo-Gothic church made of stone and red brickwork; it was designed by Umeå city architect Fredrik Olaus Lindström. Vindeln's Hembygdsgård comprises buildings from the early 19th century and a large number of old objects. Traditional Midsummer celebrations, craft days, school activities, community and harvest markets, as well as a Christmas market, are held there.

Degerfors Qvarn in the Kvarnområdet was built in 1888, at the end of the 19th century. At the cultural-historical mill near Renforsen, Konst i Kvarn 2026 is being held as a three-storey group exhibition featuring painting, photography and sculpture; the mill still has its machinery and hand tools. S:t Mikael's Chapel was inaugurated in 1770 and built as an equal-armed cross church with a high, steep roof and a roof turret. Today, only a few wooden churches of this style remain.

River and Winter

Aurora Borealis Adventures offers stand-up paddleboarding tours along the Vindelälven. They begin in Ekorrsele, initially follow calm water and then reach more challenging currents in Ekorrstryckan. A beaver safari by paddleboard can also start in Ekorrsele and take place either on the Arvån, a tributary of the Vindelälven, or on the Tannbäcken, a tributary of the Umeälven.

Wilderness Adventure Vindeln operates in Vindeln and along the Vindelälven. Its main offering is moderate and challenging white-water rafting; calmer rafting, riverboarding, gold panning, fishing and adventure competitions are also offered. The dog-sledding tours of the Aurora Borealis Adventure Camp begin and end in Ekorrsele in Vindeln on the Vindelälven. In autumn, Aurora Borealis Adventures offers tours there, approximately 40 kilometres outside Vindeln and Lycksele, with Siberian Huskies and specially built carts.

Buberget has five ski slopes with difficulty levels ranging from black to green, as well as four lifts, including a children's or platter lift. There is also winter camping for caravans, a large car park, ski hire and food served in the cosy large cabin.

Getting There

The travel centre Vindeln can be reached by bus and train and is located near the Vindelforsarna nature reserve. Vindeln can be reached by bus and train year-round; regular regional trains operated by Norrtåg run from Umeå to Vindeln.

For the overarching travel overview: Västerbotten.

More destinations

More places within the same destination:

Storuman, Sorsele, Skellefteå, Vilhelmina, Nordmaling, Åsele, Bjurholm.