Experience Gällivare through its local history, river landscape and outdoor activities. The Cultural Trail runs along the Vassara through central parts of the town; day hikes lead through forests, wetlands and the mountain landscape. The Cultural Trail and day hikes suit different time frames; in summer, kayaking and canoeing are also available.
Churches, the River and the Cultural Trail
Gällivare gamla kyrka, also known as Ettöreskyrkan, stands by the Vassara River. It is located on the Cultural Trail in a wooded area on the edge of the town that developed later. The church page, updated on November 8, 2024, notes that it is used every year for three summer months for baptisms, weddings and devotions.
Gällivare kyrka is centrally located in the town of Gällivare. The locations are different: the old church stands on the wooded edge of town by the river, while Gällivare kyrka is centrally located. The two churches therefore offer different points of reference as you explore Gällivare’s cultural sites.
The Cultural Trail is a nature-oriented, easily accessible walking route. It follows the Vassara through central parts of Gällivare and is 4.2 km long in total; the estimated duration is about 55 minutes. This time estimate helps distinguish the route in town from a day hike.
As of April 15, 2026, visitors can still experience some film and VR experiences at the Welcome House for a media perspective on the social changes in Gällivare. The focus here is on films and virtual experiences, while the Cultural Trail runs along the river and through central parts of town.
Dundret and the Forest Landscape
Dundret is a few minutes from the centre, is accessible year-round and is considered a particularly popular excursion destination. East of Gällivare is Ekopark Leipipir, a large, trailless forest area close to the mountain landscape. Natural forests shape the landscape in the north, while the pine forests in the south have been affected by fires. These different forest types give the area its own character, while Dundret offers another year-round excursion destination.
Hiking and Activities on the Water
Day hikes in Gällivare can take you through forests, across wetlands and into the mountain landscape. Kayaking and canoeing are possible in summer. Fishing is available in forest lakes, mountain lakes, rivers and flowing waters. As local fishing regulations vary by body of water, check the rules for the water you are interested in.
The time of year also helps you decide: kayaking and canoeing are summer activities, while Dundret is accessible year-round. Together with the estimated duration of the Cultural Trail, this gives you a clear comparison between a route in town, seasonal activities and a year-round excursion destination.
Gällivare as a Starting Point
If Naturum Laponia is part of your trip, Gällivare can serve as a starting point for your journey there. You can travel by train to Gällivare and then continue to Naturum by bus or car. This divides this part of the journey into two stages: travelling to Gällivare and continuing on to Naturum.
Discover more destinations: Ritsem, Puoltikasvaara, Malmberget, Nattavaara, Skaulo, Koskullskulle
Go to the main travel overview: Gällivare.
