Archaeology handicrafts and science and technology sites to visit Norrland

These red huts with white windows and sills are unique. They were built to allow parishioners who lived far away to come and attend church services and therefore to stay for a few days. Even today this tradition is respected and the owners cannot live here all year round! At number 253, located at Framlänningsvägen, the cottage Kyrkstuga is open during the summer months. Built around 1750, it reflects the constructions made by the bourgeoisie at that time.

Following the road 363 to the north, we reach the river Vindel which we can follow up to the town of Åmsele. In several places, the river accelerates to form rapids that are sometimes impressive. A little after Åmsele, about a hundred kilometers from Umeå, a superb site has been created where the river splits into several arms. Ideal for a picnic in the middle of nature. Or for an afternoon of fishing. Trout are predominant!

This is a little known site, but it has the largest concentration of rock engravings in Northern Europe, made between 4000 and 1500 BC. The tribes and groups of hunters and fishermen who populated this valley have left thousands of frescoes, drawings and symbols on the rocks. Characters, elks, footprints, tapered boats... These works can be seen every day from June 15 to August 15, when the water level drops due to the action of dams.

In Strömsund, take Route 342 which leads to the splendid caves of Korallgrottan, a little after Stora Blåsjön, near the Norwegian border. This 6 km long underground labyrinth was discovered only in 1985. 

A guided tour of the largest underground iron ore mine in the world. The tour takes you 540 meters underground on an underground track that the bus can take (the mine has 400 km of them)! The development of the mine, its impact on the city - and the ongoing displacement of certain neighborhoods - and the processing of iron are explained in broad strokes, before showing some old machines and other tools in a small museum.

A little out of the city centre, attached to the university, this centre allows young and old alike to discover certain modern technological inventions and to understand how they work. A much smaller Cité des sciences! The main themes are concentrated on the major Swedish activities: mining, fishing, forestry, etc. Texts in Swedish are often in English, but the most important thing is to be able to touch and test! A nice introduction to the main economic activities in Swedish Lapland.

This site is one of a kind. It is the only space base open (intermittently) to civilians. Rockets and atmospheric balloons are launched here. A tour including transportation to Esrange, presentation, guided tour is possible. For those who have less time and a smaller budget, a Visitor Center is open in the summer on the spot, where a shorter and lighter version of the tour is available. Book in advance.

Mining is the engine of the local economy and the reason for the city's expansion. Two companies exploit the deposits here: LKAB for iron and AITIK for copper. It is therefore possible to go underground to understand how iron ore is extracted or to discover the impressive fault where the copper comes from. We discover the role of the different machines and miners, as well as the importance of these materials in our daily lives. Original and instructive visits.

The church city of Arvidsjaur is extremely well preserved. These pyramid-shaped Lappish tents were never permanently inhabited by the Sami, but were used as overnight accommodation during religious retreats. The buildings are still owned by the Sami people today. It is the largest preserved Saami village, with many outbuildings and barns dating from the ^18th century. Not to be missed if you pass by Arvidsjaur!

A superb site at the intersection between the Piteälven and Vitbäcken rivers near the town of Vidsel. From Jokkmokk on the road 45,70 km before Arvidsjaur, turn left on Route 374 on 35 km to the village of Bredsel. Just before joining, the Vitbäcken and Piteälven rivers turn into a timeless succession of rapids. The flow of the river is enormous. In order to be better able to attend the show, the banks have been set up in an enchanting place of relaxation spaces for the family in the midst of an offshoot of calm streams.

Tom and Lotta Svensson are reindeer herders. They will show you how to herd the herd, help you get acquainted with the bear huts and talk about shamanism over a good fire and coffee. An interesting, enriching and authentic way to immerse yourself in the local culture. Several tours are available, ask the establishment directly. In the summer, it is possible to spend one or more nights in a kåta, a traditional shelter. All this in a relaxing natural setting.

This cute little town has a water mill (powered by a hammerhead), a blast furnace, a mansion and over 60 workers' houses. The manor house was built in 1883 for the mill manager and is now used as a restaurant. It can also be rented! The 18th century factory comes back to life each summer when craftsmen and painters occupy the workshops. The forests and waterways have enabled the production of high quality pig iron and bar iron. A true cultural heritage!