Storforsen is an unregulated rapid with a total length of five kilometres and a total drop of 82 metres; it is considered Europe’s largest unregulated rapid. At Storforsen Nature Reserve, visitors can experience the largest rapids in the Nordic countries up close. Boardwalks in the area also allow people with reduced mobility to get close to the entire waterfall. Before your visit, check whether weather or maintenance work may affect access.
Döda fallet near Storforsen also tells the story of how the water was used: the site came about in connection with historic log-driving facilities. Nearby are potholes formed by stones, water and friction. Here, industrial history and geological formations meet.
Forest Trails and River Landscapes
Älvsbyn lies by the river, between forested mountains. The surrounding area also includes expansive landscapes, old-growth forest, open country, lakes and river landscapes. The trails in the nature reserves offer different perspectives on this landscape.
Rackberget is near Älvsbyn and offers views over the Piteälven Valley as well as rare plants growing on beautiful rock surfaces. In Rackberget Nature Reserve, pine trees can be up to 500 years old; a hiking trail leads to fire pits and rest areas. At Storberget, a trail passes through old-growth forest to a summit with far-reaching views. The area is easiest to visit in summer and autumn.
You can also explore the surroundings on foot at Storforsen. The trail network offers mountain biking, trail running and hiking routes between Storforsen and Brudforsen along the Piteälven and is open to everyone. If you’re looking for another way to get active besides hiking, the same network also has mountain biking and trail running routes.
Activities Through the Seasons
Kanisbacken offers a family slope, more challenging runs, a snow park with jumps and rails, off-piste skiing and cross-country ski trails. In summer, the Kanis recreation area is used for hiking and berry picking; it also has barbecue areas, the Canis restaurant and Kanisbacken Camping. The activities on offer therefore vary considerably by season. Check current conditions and offerings before visiting.
Älvsbyn offers fishing opportunities in both still and flowing waters. Before fishing, check whether you need a fishing permit and where permits are currently sold.
Church Town, Early Settlement and Laver
Almost 40 church cottages have been preserved in Älvsbyn’s Kyrkstad, most of them built in the 19th century. You can explore the church town on foot or use a digital resource to discover what life there was like. Archaeological finds take us even further back: excavations in Älvsbyn have unearthed traces and unique finds showing that hunter-gatherers lived here as early as 7,000 years ago.
The remains of a short-lived mining settlement have been preserved in Laver. The first miners moved into what would later become a model settlement in 1936. On site, you can see former streets and squares, house foundations and several information boards. Laver is reached via Route 94 between Älvsbyn and Arvidsjaur: turn north at the “Laver” attraction sign; after about 12 kilometres, turn north again at another sign onto a smaller road leading to the former settlement. As signs and road conditions may change, check the route information before setting off.
Museums and Local Experiences
The Bensinmuseum in Älvsbyn features Sweden’s largest exhibition of petrol stations from the 1920s to the 1960s. Check current visitor access when planning your museum visit.
In summer, groups can book an appointment at Bagerimuseet to bake the historic “10-Öres-Kaka”. Afterwards, they sample the freshly baked bread with butter, cheese and drinks.
Discover more destinations: Älvsbyn, Vidsel, Bredsel, Vistträsk, Luleå, Kiruna, Arvidsjaur, Pajala.
For the main travel overview: Norrbotten.
