The Ume River flows right through Lycksele and shapes the cityscape. Exploring the area on foot, you’ll encounter not only river scenery and forest, but also traces of early routes and meeting places. Gammplatsen is particularly revealing: for several centuries, it was an important meeting and trading place.

Gammplatsen: trade history and Sámi culture

In the past, Sámi people, settlers and traders, among others, gathered at Gammplatsen. Markets and court days were held here, and religious festival weeks were also celebrated several times a year. Today, its cultural history can be discovered through various buildings and institutions. The Skogs- och samemuseet features exhibitions about the forest and Sámi culture. In the Kulturbotan garden, traditional cultivated plants are preserved and arranged with inspiration from Sámi and settler cultures.

Among the historic buildings at Gammplatsen is a church that is a copy of Lycksele’s second church, built in 1736. Brudstugan is a church cottage dating from 1760; it was returned to Gammplatsen in the mid-1990s. Kägelbanan also tells the story of the site’s construction: it dates from the late 19th century, when only around twenty similar buildings were built in Sweden. Karlbergsgården, in turn, is a parstuga house typical of Västerbotten, dating from 1850 and moved to Gammplatsen in 1982.

At Sameviste, next to Samegården, there is a Sámi forest hut and a South Sámi turf hut. The ensemble also includes three storage huts: a Buerie on one post, a Luovve on four posts and a Härbre. Samegården, also known as Mamsell Lovisas skola, is now used by Lycksele’s Sámi association. Margaretakyrkan at Gammplatsen is used mainly for weddings, baptisms and other celebrations.

Hiking trails with different highlights

The trails around Lycksele differ both in length and in what you’ll see along the way. The approximately 2.5-kilometre Magdalenastigen is easy to walk and family-friendly. It follows an old church path and passes a historic croft site, a timber bridge and the remains of a water-powered mill. Its destination is the stone dam crest of Sodomsdammet, dating from the first half of the 19th century. The route combines a manageable distance with several stops showcasing local history.

Kyrkstigen, also called Lillskogsstigen, is a hike of about six kilometres on the edge of town, over easy terrain. The best access is from Tannbergsskolan in Lycksele; check access information before your hike. Grivetjärnsrundan is up to 6.6 kilometres long, mostly dry and easy to walk. Where sections are wet, boardwalks cross the trail. These details provide specific points to consider when choosing a route, but do not replace checking current trail conditions.

Even shorter trail sections can tell a story. An approximately nine-kilometre section of Smörbanan runs mostly over firm, easy-to-walk ground, as well as forest and cycle paths. Historically, Smörbanan follows an old reindeer and horse route that led from Anundsjö in Ångermanland to the market and court site in Lycksele. Along a marked trail on Paubäcksleden, you can also learn more about the so-called irrigation technique used in the 19th century.

Forest, river and more things to do

Nearby, the Gammplatsen nature reserve lies on the Ume River, about one kilometre from the centre of Lycksele. It has a forest trail and pine trees that are 400 to 500 years old; nearly 500 different insect species have been recorded in the reserve. There is a large car park at the Gammplatsen recreation area. As access information may change, it’s best to check it before travelling.

Lycksele also offers opportunities for cycling and golf enthusiasts. The approximately eight-kilometre Ponderosaleden starts at the golf course in Solsidan and runs through forest towards Lycksbäcken and the Ponderosa area. The central nine-hole golf course is next to Ansia Camping. Its woodland setting is combined with some park-like sections and several challenging water hazards; practice facilities include a driving range, bunker and putting green.

For a different perspective on nature, Lycksele Djurpark focuses on the conservation, education and study of Nordic wildlife. Visits are seasonal: in summer, no advance booking is required; in winter, visits must be booked in advance. Check seasonal visiting conditions before your trip. Ansia Badpark has slides, a wave pool, waterfalls, a children’s pool and a playground.

Rivers and waterways also shape the range of activities. In Lycksele Municipality, paddling options range from multi-day trips along long, connected waterways to short day trips on varied lake systems. The Lycksele FVO offering includes central Lycksele, waters in the Ume River, several lakes, Tannbäcken and the lower stretch of Lycksbäcken. Boats can be rented at Storbacksjön. Fishing is possible in both flowing and still waters, including salmon fishing in the Vindel River; at Paubäcken, you can fish for grayling and trout with a rod or fly rod. Rules and conditions may change.

Between excursions, enjoy a Swedish coffee break and tastings at Budhas Kafferosteri; coffee beans are also available to take away. In summer, Diversehandel at Gammplatsen mainly sells caramel and sweets.

Discover more destinations

Örträsk, Lycksele, Vormsele, Åsele, Vilhelmina, Norsjö, Sorsele, Umeå

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