Älvsbyn: Storforsen, Nature and Culture
Älvsbyn lies by the river between forested mountains. The surrounding area features vast expanses, ancient forest, open countryside, lakes, mountains and river landscapes. Storforsen is an unregulated rapid with a total length of 5 kilometres and a total drop of 82 metres; it is considered Europe's largest unregulated rapid.
The destination includes Älvsbyn, Vidsel, Bredsel and Vistträsk.
Nature by the River
In the Storforsen nature reserve, visitors can experience the largest rapid in the Nordic region up close. Boardwalks in the Storforsen area also enable people with reduced mobility to reach the entire waterfall. Döda fallet at Storforsen was created in connection with historic timber-floating facilities; its surroundings contain whirlpool potholes formed by stones, water and friction.
There are 17 nature reserves in Älvsbyn Municipality. Rackberget is located near Älvsbyn and offers views over the Piteälven valley as well as rare plants on beautiful rocky terrain. The Rackberget nature reserve is home to pine trees that can be up to 500 years old, and a hiking trail leads to fire and resting areas.
In the Storberget nature reserve, a trail leads through ancient forest to a summit with far-reaching views. The area is easiest to visit in summer and autumn.
Trails and Activities
The Storforsen trail network offers mountain biking, trail running and hiking routes between Storforsen and Brudforsen along the Piteälven and is open to everyone. In Älvsbyn, fishing opportunities are available in both still and flowing waters; information about the required fishing permits and points of sale is available.
Kanisbacken offers a family slope, more challenging runs, a snow park with jumps and rails, deep-snow skiing and cross-country ski trails. The Kanis recreation area is used for hiking and berry picking in summer; it also has barbecue areas, the Canis restaurant and Kanisbacken campsite.
Culture and History
The Bensinmuseum in Älvsbyn displays Sweden's largest exhibition of petrol stations from the 1920s to the 1960s. Almost 40 church cottages have been preserved in Älvsbyn's Kyrkstad, most of them built in the 19th century. The church cottages of Älvsbyn can be explored on foot; digital access to life in the church town is also available.
Excavations in Älvsbyn have uncovered traces and unique finds showing that hunter-gatherers were already living here 7,000 years ago.
Laver can be reached via Road 94 between Älvsbyn and Arvidsjaur: At the “Laver” tourist attraction sign, turn north; after approximately 12 kilometres, turn north again at another sign onto a smaller road leading to the former settlement. In Laver, visitors can see former roads and squares, house foundations and several information boards.
The remains of a short-lived mining settlement have been preserved in Laver. The first miners moved into the later model settlement in 1936.
At Bagerimuseet, groups can book an appointment in summer to bake the historic “10-öre cake” and then sample the freshly baked bread with butter, cheese and drinks.
To the main travel overview: Norrbotten.
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