Discover Gällivare on foot and in nature
Accommodation in Gällivare
In Gällivare, Kulturstigen runs along the Vassara River through central parts of the town. The nature-oriented, easily accessible walking trail is 4.2 kilometres long in total, and the route is estimated to take about 55 minutes. This makes it easy to plan the route as a walk in its own right, while day hikes in Gällivare also lead through forests, across marshes and into the mountains. If you are looking for suitable accommodation, you can first consider whether a walking trail in town or more extensive nature experiences will shape your stay.
File:Gällivare kommun - Muddus - 2026-05-02 11-35-36 001 - Vattenfall.jpeg
Photo: Jojoo64 via Wikimedia Commons, CC-BY-SA-4.0
Churches by the Vassara and in the town centre
By the Vassara stands Gällivare gamla kyrka, also known as Ettöreskyrkan. It is situated in a wooded area on the edge of the later-developed town and lies along Kulturstigen. Here, the riverside trail and a striking old church meet. Gällivare kyrka is a different church: it is located in the centre of Gällivare. The two churches therefore offer different points of reference for finding your way around town, without confusing their locations.
The old church is used each year for baptisms, weddings and services during three summer months. This seasonal use is part of its character and differs from being available to visit at any time. If you are interested in the social changes in Gällivare, the Welcome House still offers some of the related film and VR experiences. The church, the riverside trail and these experiences each have a different focus: religious use, movement through the town and engagement with change.
Hiking, mountains and outdoor activities
Dundret is another landmark for an excursion into the landscape: the mountain is just a few minutes from the centre of Gällivare, is a popular destination for excursions and is accessible year-round. Kulturstigen and Dundret represent different scales of day-trip planning: the length and estimated walking time are given for the trail along the Vassara, while Dundret is described as a year-round excursion destination. Day hikes range through landscapes from forests and marshes to the mountains, so the route you choose depends on which of these landscapes you would like to include in your hike.
The season can also influence your choice of activities. In summer, kayaking and canoeing are possible in Gällivare. Fishing is available in forest lakes, mountain lakes, rivers and flowing waters; local fishing regulations vary depending on the body of water. So, alongside hiking, there are water-based activities to choose from, bearing in mind the regulations for the body of water you select.
Gällivare as a base for Naturum Laponia
Gällivare is a starting point for travelling to Naturum Laponia. You can travel to Gällivare by train, among other options, and then continue to Naturum by bus or car. This regional connection adds another consideration to planning your trip beyond the trails and activities in town: should Gällivare itself be the focus of your stay, or will you also use the town as a base for onward travel? Kulturstigen and Dundret are different landmarks for excursions; kayaking and canoeing are listed as summer activities, while Dundret is accessible year-round.
Discover more destinations: Malmberget, Koskullskulle, Skaulo, Nattavaara, Puoltikasvaara, Ritsem.
Back to the main travel overview: Gällivare.
