Ájtte in Jokkmokk is Sweden’s main museum of Sámi culture and a specialist museum devoted to the nature and culture of the mountain region. Its exhibitions explore Sámi life, the mountain region and the relationship between people and nature. Ájtte also serves as an important source of information about the mountain region for visitors. This gives the museum a distinctive place in Jokkmokk: cultural themes and connections to nature can also be found elsewhere in the municipality.

Garden paths and church art

Fjällträdgården is a green oasis beside the rushing Kvarnbäcken. You can explore the grounds along landscaped walking paths and learn about mountain nature and flora. A reconstructed mountain hut adds a historical connection: more than a hundred years ago, pioneer mountain researcher Axel Hamberg had a mountain hut built in Sarek; a reconstruction stands in Fjällträdgården.

The history of the churches also goes back a long way. The first church in Jokkmokk was built in 1607. Jokkmokks Gamla Kyrka was built in 1753, burned down in 1972 and was rebuilt in 1976. Its interior colour scheme is inspired by a Sámi kåta. Jokkmokks Kyrka was inaugurated in 1889 and has been the main church of the municipality ever since. It was designed by architect Ernst Abraham Jacobsson.

Another art stop lies outside Jokkmokk at the Akkats power station: Uvssat Davás / Dörrarna västerut is an installation featuring monumental paintings. Lars Pirak, Bengt Lindström and Lars J:son Nutti created the works, which relate in different ways to life in northern Sweden. In Jokkmokk itself, Samiska Skulpturparken is on the eastern shore of Lake Talvatis. There you can see a selection of artworks by Sámi artists and stroll through the park to experience the interplay between culture and nature.

Marknad and local experiences

Jokkmokks Marknad has continued as an unbroken tradition for more than 400 years. At the market, you can experience reindeer races, art exhibitions, snowmobile and dog-sled tours, concerts and talks. The programme also includes seminars, theatre and other local events; the programmes vary from year to year. Local food and outdoor and indoor trading are also part of the market. Participating vendors may vary.

Walks and hiking trails

There are several trails by Lake Talvatis, with different lengths and levels of difficulty. The loop closest to the lake is 2.3 km long, partly has boardwalks and is accessible to wheelchairs and pushchairs. Surface conditions may be affected by the season. You will also find several barbecue areas in the area.

The Mineralstigen trail runs along the eastern shore of Lake Talvatis, between the bathing beach and the dam by the fjällbotanical garden. Along the trail, you can learn about minerals found in Jokkmokk Municipality; it also includes a stone labyrinth. This route combines exercise with insights into local nature.

At Getberget, several hiking trails range in length from 1.6 km to about 10 km; from the summit, the view extends far across the surrounding area. The 2.3 km loop by Lake Talvatis is therefore shorter than the range of routes at Getberget. There are also numerous trails and paths for hiking and cycling around Jokkmokk. Another hiking route runs for 7.7 km from Lake Skabram via Lake Talvatis to the Lule River at Notudden. Along the route, 20 information boards describe local nature and culture.

Outside the centre, Jarre lies in Pärlälvens fjällurskog Nature Reserve and reaches 800 metres above sea level. The hiking trail on Jarre passes through different vegetation zones and continues into alpine terrain with wide-ranging views.

Jokkmokk in winter and getting there

In winter, there is a 10.2 km cross-country ski trail. It consists of a lit 5 km trail and three easy loops that branch off from the lit trail and rejoin it. Lighting and trail grooming may change; check conditions before setting out.

If you travel by Inlandsbanan, Murjek is the nearest station on the route. The bus journey from Murjek to Jokkmokk takes about an hour. Check the timetables for your connection before travelling.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Jokkmokk, Porjus, Randijaur, Kåbdalis, Vuollerim, Haparanda, Kiruna, Pajala.

Back to the main travel overview: Norrbotten.