Risbäck brings together a wooden church, local history and landscape, along with attractions in the surrounding area. The church and cemetery, as well as the hembygdsområde opposite, give the village a historical focus; nearby and farther afield, there are ancient forests, fishing waters and a regional art exhibition. When choosing a holiday rental, it helps to consider whether you would like to focus on the village’s history, nature, or both.

Wooden Church and Lakeside Cemetery

Risbäck’s wooden church stands on the northern shore of Arksjön and is considered the oldest church in Dorotea Municipality. Twelve farmers from the parish built it in 1858–1859 to plans by Crown Bailiff Eleazar Rehn. Architecturally, it is an example of late Neoclassical wooden architecture. The construction dates, number of builders and architect provide a specific historical context for the church.

The church and cemetery are situated on a rise that slopes down to Stor-Arksjön to the west and southwest. The cemetery offers an exceptionally beautiful view of Stor-Arksjön and adds to the site’s appeal. It was surveyed as early as 1850 and apparently did not come into use until 1859, when the church was completed. The survey and its apparent later opening mark two distinct stages in its history.

Historic Buildings and Local History

Risbäck’s hembygdsområde is opposite the church and includes several historic buildings: a parish meeting house, a bakehouse, a smoke sauna, a granary, a church cottage and the large barn Kämpeslogen. The parish meeting house was built in 1884 and later served as a primary school and museum. Kämpeslogen was used, among other things, as a dance hall. For those interested in culture, the site adds a range of historic building types and former uses to the history of the church.

Risbäck’s history dates back to the 1820s; historically, the village’s livelihood came mainly from agriculture and forestry. The church was built during a later period in the village’s history. This makes it possible to distinguish the construction of the church from the village’s longer history.

Landscape, Barbecue Spots and Fishing Waters

Trollklinten Nature Reserve lies near Risbäck on the southwestern side of Stor-Arksjön. It is a steep mountain with old-growth forest, including pine and spruce trees more than 300 years old. Oxfjället Nature Reserve is seven kilometres southwest of Risbäck. While Trollklinten is described by its location on Stor-Arksjön and its old-growth forest, the distance to Oxfjället provides another point of reference in the area.

For a break outdoors, there are quiet barbecue spots in Risbäck at Kyrkudden and Majberget. There are also numerous fishing waters around Risbäck; a fishing licence is required. In the wider region, the Risbäck short-fishing area includes several lakes, ponds and waterways in the Långseleån catchment area. The waterscape therefore includes not only lakes but also smaller bodies of water and waterways.

Art in the Wider Region

Konstvägen Sju Älvar broadens the focus beyond local history. The art exhibition is 350 kilometres long, with 13 different artworks to experience along the route. Its regional reach sets it apart from the locally rooted themes around the church and hembygdsområde. If you would like to include art in your travel plans, it offers an additional cultural point of interest in the wider area.

Discover more destinations: Borgafjäll, Dorotea.

Go to the main travel overview: Dorotea.