Laisvall developed as a mining settlement in the forest landscape by Lake Laisan. Its well-preserved buildings, surrounding forest areas and fishing waters along the lower Laisälven reveal different sides of the destination. When planning your stay, you can weigh up cultural history, scenery and activities: Laisvall has illuminated cross-country ski trails and a mini-golf course; Storlaisan and the Laisälven offer different fishing waters.

Mining history in the townscape

Laisvall’s well-preserved buildings form a valuable cultural environment and reflect the development of mining. The steel disc has been preserved as a reminder of mining and is now a symbol of almost 60 years of mining. Buildings and memorials draw attention to different aspects of the town’s history: its architectural development and the duration of the mining era. At the height of its development, Laisvall had a cinema, shops and cafés, as well as a rich cultural life.

The settlement’s history extends beyond the mining era: The original Laisvall was a small farming settlement founded in 1789, four kilometres to the south, and is now called Laisvallby. This makes it possible to distinguish the older settlement and the mining community by Lake Laisan as different points of reference in the town’s history.

Forest landscapes and protected areas

For an insight into the forests, it is worth looking at different areas. Assjatj Nature Reserve lies just over two kilometres southeast of Laisvall and can be reached via Road 628. There, a forest resembling old-growth forest has regenerated naturally after a fire. It includes trees of all ages, among them spruces several centuries old. Laisdalens fjällurskog extends along both sides of the Laisälven; spruce dominates downstream from Laisvall. Coniferous forests shape the landscape in the area along the lower Laisälven.

Fishing waters along the lower Laisälven

Laisvall is the centre of the fishing area along the lower Laisälven. The waters vary in length and fish species: Storlaisan is more than 30 kilometres long and is home to grayling, whitefish, perch, large trout and char. The Laisälven downstream from Storlaisan is rich in fish, dominated by grayling and has a good population of trout, including some very large specimens. The river is of interest to sport anglers. When comparing the two waters, Storlaisan stands out for its length and the variety of fish species mentioned, while the river is particularly noted for its grayling and large trout.

Activities and practical information

One of the two mini-golf courses in Arjeplog Municipality is located in Laisvall. Equipment can be picked up at the mini-kiosk, and payment is made via a mailbox on the wall. There are illuminated cross-country ski trails of 1 and 2.5 kilometres, so you can choose between two different trail lengths. Conditions may vary by season, so it is a good idea to check them before setting out. The fee for the snowmobile route in Laisvall can be paid at Bröderna Sundström AB.

Discover more destinations: Jutis, Arjeplog, Jäckvik, Mellanström, Slagnäs, Vuoggatjalme

Go to the main travel overview: Arjeplog.