Two rivers shape different sides of Bjurholm: the Öreälven flows through deep-cut valleys as an unregulated forest river, passing steep outer banks and meanders. The Lögdeälven is characterized by ravine landscapes, steep outer banks and caves. Trails along both rivers are used for hiking, observing nature, paddling and fishing. The landscape and outdoor activities are at the heart of the experience, although the two river valleys do not look the same.
Hiking trails and river landscapes
The Öreälvens vandringsled runs for about 50 kilometres between Örträsk and Agnäs in Bjurholm Municipality. The Lögdeälvens Vildmarksled is about 85 kilometres long in total, of which 32 kilometres lie within the municipality. When comparing the two, it is worth keeping these figures distinct: the roughly 50 kilometres refers to the stretch between the two named places, while 85 kilometres is the total length of the Lögdeälvens Vildmarksled. On the Öreälven, paddling ranges from calm to more challenging experiences, depending on the stretch you choose.
Facilities along the trails also vary. The Öreälvens vandringsled has many overnight and wind shelters, as well as beaches, barbecue areas and outdoor toilets. Of the 19 wind shelters in Bjurholm Municipality, 17 are along the Lögdeälvens Vildmarksled; there are also nine overnight cabins there. At Lagnäset, a pedestrian suspension bridge crosses the Öreälven. The hay meadows there may stand out for their golden-yellow globe flowers—a distinctive landscape detail along the river trail.
On the Lögdeälven, Drakryggen is one of the most striking steep outer banks. The Balberget Nature Reserve offers a different view: its summit is 439.8 metres above sea level and offers wide-ranging views across the Bjurholm landscape. A marked trail leads to Balklinten at the summit, where there is a rest area with a barbecue and wind shelter. You can reach Balberget via the road between Umeå and Åsele; a few kilometres before Balsjö, signs point to the reserve, with a car park at its entrance.
Local history and art
The Hembygdsgården is located on higher ground by the Öreälven. The first settlement in Bjurholm was founded here in 1752. The site comprises just over ten buildings in a 19th-century setting, furnished with items from the region. Several of the buildings are considered unique. The site thus connects the history of the early settlement with a glimpse of regional everyday objects and historic buildings.
Bjurholms kyrka also tells the story of the town’s development. It was inaugurated in 1935 as the parish’s third church, on the centrally located site of earlier churches. Its altarpiece was also created by Hildur Haggård in 1935. The church is one of the best-preserved churches designed by Kjell Wretling.
Konstvägen Sju Älvar is an approximately 350-kilometre-long art exhibition featuring 13 works of art; two of them are in Bjurholm Municipality. In the village of Balsjö, the artwork Oh Du härliga land consists of eight sculptures on eight iron posts, each with its own story. Vägabstraktion is a sculpture made from road signs in various colours, located by the rapids on the Lögdeälven, 23 kilometres west of Bjurholm. In Karlsbäck, Konsthall Väst på Fjället hosts exhibitions, openings and various performances.
Experiences in every season
For winter sports, the Agnäsbacken alpine resort has three lifts and about ten runs. The ski and exercise trails in central Bjurholm, by contrast, can be used in both summer and winter. Those interested in the water will find fishing opportunities on the municipality’s rivers, lakes and waterways, as well as along the river trails—both in summer and winter. The swimming pool in Bjurholm offers lane swimming and other swimming activities, public swimming, family swimming and swimming for young children.
In summer, Balfors Gård hosts craft courses and café days, often alongside changing exhibitions. So, as well as river landscapes, the programme includes handicrafts and culture. You can tailor the different activities to your interests, from river trails and viewpoints to historic buildings, public art and seasonal activities.
Discover more destinations: Bjurholm, Vilhelmina, Norsjö, Umeå, Skellefteå, Vindeln, Nordmaling, Åsele.
For the broader travel overview: Västerbotten.
