Discover Ås through two themes: its built cultural heritage and a cultural landscape that opens up views of Storsjön in several places. The present-day stone Ås Church was built in 1875–1877 and stands beside the village’s buildings, high above the lake. Ås is part of Storsjöbygden [Z 25], an area of national interest for cultural heritage conservation. This brings together a clearly datable building and the broader history of settlement and agriculture as distinct perspectives.

Church and protected cultural heritage

The church and its churchyard are protected as ecclesiastical cultural heritage under Sweden’s Cultural Environment Act (KML). Together with its construction dates, this status makes the church a concrete reference point for local architectural history: the focus is both on the stone building from the late 19th century and on the churchyard. Its elevated position above Storsjön also places the building in a landscape context. Those interested in architecture and cultural heritage can thus consider an individual building alongside its wider surroundings, rather than viewing Ås solely through one attraction.

Farmsteads and cultural landscape

Parts of Ås retain the character of an agricultural landscape, with views across the cultural landscape to Storsjön. The cultural landscape includes farm buildings such as barns, hay sheds, granaries and haylofts, which are important features of the area. Well-preserved village and farmstead settings can be found particularly in Gärde-Backen-Dille. Several farmsteads in Ås also still have houses dating from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Together, these details show different aspects of rural cultural heritage: buildings, farmstead settings and the landscape in which they stand.

Storsjön and different views

The area’s relationship with the water can also be understood through its different local settings. The church stands high above Storsjön, while Ås båthamn is on the shore and offers views of the Oviksfjällen mountains. These provide two distinct landscape perspectives: an elevated position above the lake and a waterside spot with mountain views. If you appreciate both cultural history and scenery, Ås brings these interests together; for views of the shore and mountains, Ås båthamn is the specific place to visit.

Local places to visit and when to go

For a different kind of local discovery, visit Fröjas, Oasen i Ås, which offers a café, a garden centre and a world shop. The nearest bus stop to Fröjas is called “Rösta vägskäl, Ås”. If you are planning to travel by bus, check the current timetable for this stop before setting out.

Birka’s summer course week is an annual tradition and takes place in the week after Midsummer. Course offerings may change; if you are planning your trip around this date, check in advance which courses are actually available.

Discover more destinations: Föllinge, Offerdal, Laxviken, Kaxås, Krokom, Nälden, Åkersjön, Dvärsätt

Return to the main travel overview: Krokom.