The Arkeologistigen near Jävre combines a hiking route with a hands-on search for clues: The trail is 7.5 kilometres long; alternatively, you can walk a 2-kilometre section that passes graves in a natural setting. Markers and signs provide information about historical finds and the presumed way of life of people in this area around 3,000 years ago. In this way, finds are presented alongside an explicitly speculative account of earlier ways of life.
The Solanderleden also brings hiking and cultural history together. The route runs for 23 Swedish miles from Luleå Airport to the coastal village of Jävre south of Piteå, through a landscape with a cultural history stretching back 5,000 years. Along the route, village life, grazing animals, summer cafés, farm shops and places to stay are all part of the picture. The summer cafés indicate a seasonal offering.
Hiking trails of varying lengths
On Fingermanholmen, there are walking trails from 1 to 3 kilometres long, as well as a network of paths. Facilities there include a jetty, a bathing beach, a sauna, a fire pit and a toilet. Fårön outdoor recreation area offers a different focus: nature trails and rest areas accompany hiking routes of up to around 3 kilometres. The first 300 metres of the trail run along wide wooden boardwalks and are suitable for wheelchair users, pushchairs and rollators.
Karlbergsleden offers short circular walks as well as routes of up to 17 kilometres; some sections run along wooden boardwalks. There are wind shelters and barbecue areas at both the Råberget and Falkberget viewpoints. Eliasleden puts the landscape and knowledge of nature centre stage: the trail passes through old forests and lush wetlands, as well as over easy-to-walk rocky and hilly terrain. Viewpoints and rest areas lie along the route, and information about local geology, flora and fauna is also available. The trails thus differ not only in length, but also in what they bring into view along the way.
Nature among islands, forests and beaches
The nature reserve Lustgården covers around 315 hectares of surroundings resembling natural forest. It is home to around 30 endangered plant and animal species listed on the Red List. Stenskär brings together other landscape and cultural features: a long sandy beach, a diverse birdlife, ancient labyrinths and a fishing village with red-painted fishing huts. The Bondöfjärden nature reserve comprises around ten islands in Bondöfjärden. These islands are part of the Pite River Ridge, which is of national geological significance.
Paddling and discoveries on the water
In the Piteå archipelago, Piteå Kajakcenter gives kayak renters access to 23 kayak routes. Kayak and canoe trips range from a few hours to multi-day tours. For stand-up paddling, Piteå rents out SUP boards at the marina in Norra hamn. Trolleden offers another option for longer paddling trips: its first section is over 20 kilometres long. A further 15 kilometres of paddling route can be added via Trappån and Kilisån to Byske älv. The canoe routes were created jointly by Domänverket, Arvidsjaurs revir and the Municipality of Piteå in a forested area rich in cultural history.
Culture and local insights
Piteå Museum is located in the old town hall at Rådhustorget. Objects, photographs and stories convey the history and cultural heritage of Piteå. Museum visits, guided tours in Piteå and lectures can be booked. Piteå kyrka, a cultural landmark in Upper Norrland, dates from 1686 and is the oldest wooden church in northern Sweden.
There are cultural traces to discover beyond the museum and church, too: Rosfors Bruk is an old industrial site where you can walk through cultural landscapes, avenues and forests. AlterHedens Rhubarb Farm has a self-service shop selling edible gifts such as cloudberry jam and rhubarb liquorice. Guided tours of the old Alterdalen farm community are also available. For information about attractions, places to visit, campsites and fishing spots, Piteå Turistcenter is a useful point of contact; tickets for several events are also sold there. It is located in the old brewery building next to the bus station.
Discover more destinations: Piteå, Sjulsmark, Sikfors, Norrfjärden, Storsund, Altersbruk, Rosvik, Lillpite, Gråträsk, Koler
For the full travel overview: Norrbotten.
