Discover Vindeln: Trails and History
Accommodation in Vindeln
The Vindelforsarna Nature Reserve, right next to Vindeln, and two hiking trails with different routes give the area a strong connection to nature. Vindelforsarna is also a Natura 2000 site. Culture and history are part of the picture too: the church, the former site of the village of Degerfors and the railway area offer further topics to consider when planning your trip. If you are looking for accommodation in Vindeln, your planned activities can help you decide what to focus on during your stay.
File:Vindeln Buildings northwest of the bridge 2.jpg
Photo: Ymblanter via Wikimedia Commons, CC-BY-SA-4.0
Hiking trails with different highlights
The 29-kilometre Tvåälvsleden runs between the Vindelälven River in Vindeln and the Umeälven River in Granö. It is suitable for hiking and mountain biking and follows an old church path for most of its length. The trail starts at Renforsen in the Vindelforsarna Nature Reserve. This means the route combines river scenery with the historic course of the church path. At 29 kilometres, Tvåälvsleden is the shorter of the two routes described here.
Isälvsleden runs for 55 kilometres between Vindeln and Åmsele and starts at Fritidscentrum in the town. This trail is also suitable for hiking and mountain biking. Its landscape was shaped by the inland ice: the route is described as having extensive gravel eskers, rolling dune terrain, old forests and lakes with sandy beaches. Unlike Tvåälvsleden, which largely follows the old church path, Isälvsleden focuses on a landscape shaped by the Ice Age. The distance, route and starting point offer concrete details to help you choose.
Water activities on the Vindelälven
Grayling, salmon and trout can be fished in the Vindeln rapids, downstream from Renforsen. For whitewater trips, Wilderness Adventure Vindeln offers moderately difficult and difficult tours in Vindeln and along the Vindelälven. There are several ways to enjoy the water: the fishing information names a specific stretch of river and fish species, while the tours list the provider and two difficulty levels. If you are planning a whitewater trip, check seasonal availability before travelling.
Church and local history
Vindeln Church was inaugurated in December 1903 and was then called Degerfors Church. The Neo-Gothic stone church has a granite base and red brick walls. Seasonal opening hours are listed for June, July and August, on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Check current visiting arrangements before your visit.
Vindeln’s local heritage centre, Vindelns Hembygdsgård, is located on Brånet, where the old village of Degerfors once stood. The buildings in the railway area are also significant to Vindeln’s history. These places complement the church’s historical connections with the former village site and the history of the railway. You can therefore consider nature and local history as different focuses for your stay.
Getting there and planning
Vindeln travel centre can be reached by bus and train and is near the Vindelforsarna Nature Reserve. Check the timetables separately for your travel date. The different starting points are also important for planning your hikes: Tvåälvsleden starts at Renforsen, while Isälvsleden starts at Fritidscentrum in the town.
For the broader travel overview: Vindeln.
