On the shore of Västra Jutis, the area includes open grassland, mixed forest consisting mainly of birch and pine, and a small open wetland. This brings open and wooded areas together along the lakeshore, with the wetland complementing the landscape. For a trip to Jutis, the surroundings offer a tangible way to experience the place, alongside its settlement and village history.
Landscape and Getting Your Bearings
The Jutis Moose Safari departs from Jutis daily; advance booking is required. If you plan to take part, make sure to book in advance as part of your preparations. Jutis is on the Silver Road, 39 kilometres from Arjeplog. Its location and approximate distance help you place Jutis in your travel itinerary.
From Rioktus to a Historic Smallholder Settlement
The Sámi settler Per Eriksson settled in Jutis in 1775 and named the place Rioktus. Historically, Jutis was a typical smallholder settlement whose main livelihoods were agriculture and forestry. The village’s history thus connects an early settlement recorded by name with the smallholder way of life that shaped it historically.
A survey carried out by Nasabolaget in 1781—Nasabolaget operated the state silver mine on the Norwegian border—recorded a kåta, a livestock shed, a barn and a raised granary, as well as stony soil and sandy loam. The buildings and soil types alike are part of the picture of the settlement landscape at the time.
From the mid-1930s onwards, Jutis served for a long time as a local centre with a post office, telegraph station and shop. In addition to agriculture and forestry, communications and everyday services also shaped the role of the village. The waterways around Jutis were once used to operate a mill, a smithy and a smelting works. This former use adds a craft and technological aspect to the settlement’s history.
Traditions Throughout the Year
The village community has recurring events throughout the year: a palt dinner is held every Good Friday, and a moose festival takes place at the start of the autumn moose hunt. On Walpurgis Night, a fire is lit at Byastuga, where people grill food and celebrate together.
The Byastuga, run by Jutis Byaförening, is a 200-square-metre community hall with a restaurant kitchen and facilities for large groups. The recurring Jutis calendar features nature-inspired images of the area around Jutis. Its annual edition features participants in the nude and benefits the Cancer Fund and the local village association.
When to Visit and Planning
The safari and village traditions have different schedules: the safari departs daily, while local events take place on recurring dates. If you would like to time your stay to coincide with one of the festivals, check the date in advance. When choosing a holiday rental in Jutis, you might also consider whether the lakeshore landscape or the village history and community traditions better match your travel interests.
Discover more destinations: Jäckvik, Mellanström, Laisvall, Vuoggatjalme, Slagnäs, Arjeplog
Back to the main travel guide: Arjeplog.
