From Dundret’s summit, on a clear day, you can see the Kebnekaise massif and one-eleventh of Sweden’s area. The summit is 820 metres above sea level; here you can experience the plants and animals of the alpine habitat. Gällivare is not only a mountain landscape, but also a place with its own cultural stories and a present shaped by mining.
Dundret: Trails, Views and Alpine Nature
Dundret has hiking trails, cross-country ski trails and a snowmobile route. Shelters, toilets and rest stops add to the facilities; individual amenities may change. Alpine skiing is also possible there. As opening times are seasonal, it is advisable to check them before your trip.
In summer, the easiest accessible route to Toppstugan can be used with a stroller, bicycle or wheelchair. The surface and seasonal accessibility may vary. The options on Dundret therefore depend on the route and time of year: the summit offers views across the landscape, while the trails and ski tracks provide opportunities for different activities.
Kulturstigen and Gällivare’s History
Kulturstigen follows the Vassaraälven through central parts of Gällivare, sharing stories about the town’s history, culture and social change. The route is 4.2 kilometres long, with a walking time of approximately 55 minutes. The distance and estimated time may be affected by conditions. For people who cannot use the stairs at the viaduct or railway station, there is an accessible section along Industrigatan, Prästgatan and Kaitumvägen.
Gällivare gamla kyrka, also known as Ettöreskyrkan, stands by the Vassaraälven. It is Gällivare’s oldest church. The Gällivare Cultural Museum presents the municipality’s history, with a focus on Sámi people, settlers, the mining industry and nature. Guided tours explore changing and permanent exhibitions; workshops are offered for preschool, primary school and upper secondary school. Specific programmes may vary.
Laponia: Nature and Stories of Life
At the Laponia Visitor Centre Jiellevárre/Gällivare, the exhibition showcases parts of Muddus/Muttos National Park and the Sjávnja and Stubbá nature reserves. It explains how people have lived in this region for thousands of years and how life has developed up to the present day. Topics also include hunting, reindeer slaughter and berry picking in the land of the Forest Sámi.
Naturum Laponia is the gateway to four national parks, two nature reserves and nine Sámi villages. The Laponia World Heritage Site is located in the municipalities of Gällivare and Jokkmokk and offers experiences year-round; access and activities vary seasonally. From Gällivare, you can reach Naturum Laponia by train and then by bus or car. As transport connections may change seasonally, check your travel plans in advance.
Landscape, Mining and Excursions
Gällivare’s landscape includes mountains, forests, marshes, rivers and thousands of lakes. The cuisine also reflects three cultures that once met here, using ingredients from lakes, rivers, forests and the mountains. Lule Sámi and North Sámi are the main languages spoken in Gällivare.
Large-scale industrial mining has been carried out in Malmberget for more than 100 years. As a result, large parts of the town are currently being abandoned or relocated. South of Gällivare, Boliden Aitik offers guided mine tours in collaboration with Visit Gällivare. You can see some of the world’s largest machines. Tours may be seasonal; check dates and availability before your trip.
The E45 between Porjus and Gällivare crosses the Stubbá Nature Reserve. The area is suitable for short day trips, skiing in the surrounding area and early-morning birdwatching; conditions vary seasonally. Sandviken offers opportunities for swimming and beach volleyball, as well as picnic areas, grills and firewood. Outdoor activities and seasonal availability may vary.
Getting There and Getting Around
If you are driving to Gällivare, you can take the E10 or E45; check road conditions and possible closures before setting off. Gällivare has daily flights to Stockholm Arlanda Airport. Flight schedules may change and should be checked before booking. An airport—not Stockholm Arlanda Airport—is about a 10–15-minute drive from central Gällivare; travel time depends on traffic and conditions.
Discover more destinations: Nattavaara, Gällivare, Koskullskulle, Puoltikasvaara, Skaulo, Malmberget, Ritsem, Haparanda.
See the regional travel overview: Norrbotten.
