Discover Nattavaara: History and Cultural Landscape

In Nattavaara, local history, cultural landscapes and natural areas are distinct facets of the destination. Its historic role along Malmens väg, older buildings and the surrounding landscape each offer a different focus. This makes it easier to decide what interests you most without reducing the village to a single attraction.

Traces of settlement and transport

Traces of human activity near Nattavaara date back to the 8th century. During the historic transport of ore, Nattavaara by was the only settlement along Malmens väg and an important transport hub. Built in 1886, the school is now home to the Nattavaara local heritage site. The upper part of the village has a mix of buildings, including several older, well-preserved Parstugor and several single-room cottages. The school and houses offer different architectural points of reference for the village's history.

Cultural landscape along the Venetjoki

The cultural landscape of Nattavaara by slopes down towards the Venetjoki, a tributary of the Råneälven. About fifteen hay sheds stand on former marsh cultivation land north and northwest of the village. The buildings in the upper part of the village and the traces of earlier agricultural use are both part of the surrounding landscape. The number of hay sheds is approximate; it describes a feature of the landscape, not an exact count.

Nature reserves and getting around

About 25 kilometres southeast of Nattavaara, in the southern part of Gällivare Municipality, lies the Pellokielas Nature Reserve. It is home to pine trees up to 550 years old, and visitors can easily walk through the dry pine heath. The road between Polcirkeln and Nattavaara by passes through the protected area. Pellokielas thus combines a distinctive forest landscape with a clear landmark along the road.

Other protected areas lie in different directions. To reach Ainavarto, drive about 14 kilometres north from Nattavaara by, then turn east onto a forest road that runs through the area. Granlandet is reached via länsväg 810 from Nattavaara by towards Murjek and Vuoddas; south of Siekavaara, several suitable access roads lead to the protected area in the east. Naulajärvi-Kirvesvuoma lies about five kilometres northeast of Nattavaara by. Road 818 to Purnu runs along its northern boundary, while road 817 to Sarvisvaara runs along its southern boundary. Päivävuoma lies about 15 kilometres southeast of Nattavaara; the road between Polcirkeln and Nattavaara by passes it.

Trails and activities

Malmens väg is now used as a cross-country ski and snowmobile trail. Along the route are shelters and picnic cabins with indoor fireplaces, as well as prepared outdoor barbecue areas. The route is about 200 kilometres long and connects a network of ski and snowmobile trails with rest shelters, fishing lakes, viewpoints and wind shelters, including in the Nattavaara area. Seasonal use may vary; check conditions before setting out on your planned trip.

The Råneälven flows through the Nattavarabygden and offers sport fishing for salmon, grayling and trout. Check fishing regulations and any required permits separately. Together with the protected areas and seasonally used trails, this makes for a stay that can focus on nature watching, local history or active days, depending on your interests.

Discover more destinations: Koskullskulle, Skaulo, Puoltikasvaara, Malmberget, Ritsem, Gällivare.

Go to the main travel overview: Gällivare.