Mattmar’s cultural and historical sites and seasonal activities take center stage. The medieval Mattmar Church and the nearby rest area offer historical and scenic highlights. At Vaetabacken, there is also an observation tower and a fäbod with buildings from different parts of the parish. Winter activities include fishing on Lake Stora Drafsjön and snowmobile trails that start in Mattmar. When planning, you can decide whether to focus on local history, the landscape or a seasonal activity.

Mattmar Church and the View from the Rest Area

Mattmar Church is a medieval church whose original form was built in the late 11th century. A stone church was built on the site in the 14th century. Together, these two dates tell a story of construction spanning several centuries at this church site.

A municipal webpage updated in April 2026 reported that occasional visits were possible when staff were present and that visits could be booked. Check in advance whether a visit is possible on your chosen date.

A Trafikverket rest area is located directly beside the church. It sits on higher ground and offers views over the Indalsälven valley, the Oviksfjällen mountains and the Årefjällen mountains. Two different highlights are therefore close together: the history of the church site and views of the valley and mountains.

Vaetabacken and Local Heritage Association History

The Mattmar Local Heritage Association built an observation tower at Vaetabacken. There is also a fäbod at Vaetabacken, gradually assembled from buildings from different fäbod sites in the parish. Its composition points to several places of origin within the parish, distinguishing it from a structure assembled at just one site.

Over the years, recurring Midsummer celebrations have been among the Mattmar Local Heritage Association’s activities. A bakehouse can be rented through the association. If you would like to include it in your trip, check dates and conditions in advance.

Winter Activities and Choosing When to Travel

Ice fishing is possible on Lake Stora Drafsjön in Mattmar. Before your trip, check the fishing regulations and whether a permit is required. This will help you plan the activity according to the conditions on your chosen date.

The snowmobile trails starting in Mattmar are operated and maintained by the Sällsjön Snowmobile Club. Operating conditions vary by season, so check in advance which conditions apply to your travel dates. Compared with fishing on the lake, planning for the trails depends especially on their seasonal operating conditions.

Summer and winter also offer different highlights: during the summer holidays, the local heritage association ran a waffle café, while ice fishing is possible on Lake Stora Drafsjön. If you would like to include the café in your plans, check in advance whether it will be open on your chosen date. This way, you can plan your travel dates around the local activities that interest you.

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