In Nattavaara, traces of early settlement meet a cultural landscape shaped by historic transport routes and agriculture. The natural attractions nearby also vary considerably: some can be identified by their location and road access, while Malmens väg is now used as a ski and snowmobile trail. This lets you choose your own focus for your stay, whether local history, landscapes, or outdoor activities.

Local History and Built Cultural Landscape

Traces of human activity near Nattavaara by date back to the 8th century. The village later played a historic role in ore transportation: Nattavaara by was then the only settlement along Malmens väg and an important transport hub. The route thus represents both the region’s earlier transport and economic history and its present-day activities.

The buildings are varied. In particular, the upper part of the village has several older, well-preserved Parstugor alongside a number of single-room cottages. This architectural heritage also includes the school built in 1886, which is now the Nattavaara local heritage site. About fifteen hay barns north and northwest of the village, on former marshland cultivation plots, recall the landscape’s past use.

The cultural land can also be located in the terrain: it slopes down toward the Venetjoki, a tributary of the Råneälven. This offers visitors a different perspective on the village than its historic houses alone—the cultural landscape extends to the river and is part of the region’s landscape.

Nature and Routes Nearby

The Pellokielas Nature Reserve lies near Nattavaara by. It is home to pines up to 550 years old, and visitors can easily walk through the dry pine heath. Malmens väg offers a different way to experience the landscape: the route is about 200 kilometers long and connects a network of ski and snowmobile trails with rest shelters, fishing lakes, viewpoints, and wind shelters, including in the Nattavaara area. Today it is used as a cross-country skiing and snowmobile trail. Along the route are shelters, picnic cabins with indoor fireplaces, and prepared outdoor barbecue areas. Seasonal use may vary.

Further afield, the Råneälven flows through Nattavarabygden and offers opportunities for sport fishing for salmon, grayling, and trout. Check fishing regulations and permits separately.

Finding Your Way to Protected Areas

Directions vary by protected area. To reach the Ainavarto Nature Reserve, drive about 14 kilometers north from Nattavaara by, then turn onto a forest road heading east through the area. Granlandet is reached via länsväg 810 from Nattavaara toward Murjek and Vuoddas; south of Siekavaara, several suitable access roads lead to the protected area in the east.

For Naulajärvi-Kirvesvuoma, its location about five kilometers northeast of Nattavaara is a useful reference point: Road 818 to Purnu runs along its northern boundary, and Road 817 to Sarvisvaara runs along its southern boundary. Pellokielas lies about 25 kilometers southeast of Nattavaara, in the southern part of Gällivare Municipality. The road between Polcirkeln and Nattavaara by passes through the protected area. At Päivävuoma Nature Reserve, about 15 kilometers southeast of Nattavaara, this road passes by the area. The difference between “through” and “past” helps distinguish the locations of the two protected areas along the same road connection described here.

Discover more destinations: Malmberget, Gällivare, Koskullskulle, Skaulo, Puoltikasvaara, Ritsem.

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