Åsele combines local history with a variety of outdoor activities. Highlights include a local heritage area and the annual summer market, while hiking trails range from flat terrain to steeper sections. The seasons also change the character of the activities—for example, the centrally located ski and exercise trails.
History in the town centre
At the heart of the town centre lies the Hembygdsområdet, with 17 buildings and 50 exhibitions. Several exhibitions focus on the history of the Sámi in Åsele Municipality. An extensive collection of information and artefacts makes this a key theme of the tour. Åsele’s first church is also part of the area’s early history: Queen Christina funded the wooden building, which was erected in 1648. A more recent visual landmark can be found at Åsele Kulturhus. Since summer 2019, a large mural by the artist Q (Anya Blom) has adorned one of the building’s gable ends.
The Åsele Marknad in summer
The Åsele Marknad is a four-day summer market with origins in the 17th century. It takes place every year on the third weekend of July in the centre of Åsele. Typically, around 200 vendors take part, sharing approximately 900 market stalls. If you’re planning your trip around the market, check the specific event dates and programme in advance: details of this recurring market may change.
Hiking trails with different characteristics
Kyrkstigen starts in Norrstrand on Gamla Lyckselevägen and runs through the forest to Älgsjö. Open pine forest and flat terrain characterise the trail, with boardwalks crossing marshy sections. From central Åsele, head towards the access point by taking road 90 at the roundabout, to the right, in the direction of Junsele.
Just outside the town centre is the Åslia Magical Forest Trail. It offers hikes for experienced hikers as well as families. From the viewpoint, you can look out over the mountains and forests around Åsele. There are several wind shelters with fire pits along the trail. The route is therefore quite different from the flat sections of Kyrkstigen; seasonal ground conditions at Åslia may vary.
Bergvattenberget presents a different challenge, with a height difference of 120 metres and some steeper sections, while boardwalks cross marshy stretches. The summit in Sörnoret is a viewpoint. According to local tradition, it is said to have been a sacred place for the Sámi. At Vispsjöberget, a three-kilometre hike leads to the summit, where you’ll find a barbecue area, a wind shelter and a barbecue hut, along with views of the Ångermanälven.
Activities through the changing seasons
In winter, Åsele’s central floodlit exercise and ski trail system is groomed for both classic and freestyle cross-country skiing. In summer, you can walk, power walk, jog or run there. Åslia adds several ski slopes of varying difficulty to this seasonal selection, from children’s slopes to more challenging runs, as well as a cross-country ski trail. As grooming and conditions vary by season, it’s a good idea to check the latest information before your visit.
Stamsjöbadet bathing area offers another way to spend your time. It is about four kilometres from central Åsele and has a sandy beach and a gently sloping swimming area. Stenbithöjden is a nature reserve with a hiking trail to a viewpoint over forests and lakes. Many of its small lakes have self-sustaining trout populations; perch, roach and occasional pike are also found there. At Torvsjö Kvarnar, visitors can follow a trail to see the mill complex and mill stream. The site was declared a legally protected building monument of national interest in 1972.
When to visit and finding a hotel
Åsele is in a reindeer-herding area. Keep dogs on a leash and do not disturb reindeer, especially during the calving season in spring. When looking for a hotel in Åsele, it’s worth deciding on the focus of your trip first: the summer market takes place every year, while the ski trails and hiking paths offer different opportunities depending on the season.
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