Right by the town of Vindeln lies Vindelforsarna, one of the most powerful rapid landscapes on the Vindel River. The area, covering around 77 hectares near the town centre, is a nature reserve and also part of the Natura 2000 network. Here, the river landscape and protected area meet right next to Vindeln.
The wider region also provides context beyond the town: the Vindelälven–Juhttátahkka area was designated a biosphere reserve in 2019 and includes parts of eight municipalities, including Vindeln.
On foot between river and forest
A marked trail loops around the nature reserve in about an hour, follows both banks of the river and passes several resting places. The 31-kilometre trail through the nature reserve covers a different scale: it runs between the town of Vindeln and the area near Rödåsel, alongside rapids and woodland.
Forsarna Runt is five kilometres long and accessible and navigable by wheelchair and pushchair. The condition of the ground may vary. The different estimates of duration and length help you choose a trail to suit your own schedule, without combining them into a single loop.
More ways to reach and explore the water
In the Nedre Vindelforsarna area, you can experience a relatively undisturbed natural landscape by hiking, cycling or fishing. At Degerforsheden, a trail descends along the edge of a ravine to a sandy beach at NyĂĄkersforsen, which is suitable for swimming. Seasonal water levels may affect swimming conditions.
The trail to Kärleksön ends at a shelter on the riverbank with a fire pit and a lovely view of the river. Check the condition of the shelter and fire pit before your visit.
There is also a way to experience the Vindel River in motion: Aurora Borealis Adventures offers stand-up paddleboarding tours that start on calm water in Ekorrsele before reaching more challenging currents at Ekorrstryckan.
Traces of log driving and local history
Along the banks of Vindelforsarna are around 30 remnants from the historic era of log driving, including stone cribs and groynes. These structures link the river landscape with the history of work on the water.
Vindeln Church is a neo-Gothic building made of stone and red brick, designed by Umeå city architect Fredrik Olaus Lindström. Vindeln’s Hembygdsgård, with buildings dating from the early 19th century and numerous old objects, offers another glimpse into local history.
Traditional Midsummer celebrations, craft days, school activities, community and harvest markets, and a Christmas market are held at HembygdsgĂĄrd. Dates vary from year to year, so check them before your trip. Degerfors Qvarn in the KvarnomrĂĄdet was built in 1888. The historic mill still contains machinery and hand tools.
Excursions, regional cuisine and getting there
In autumn, Aurora Borealis Adventures offers tours with Siberian Huskies and specially built carts in Ekorrsele. Ekorrsele is about 40 kilometres from Vindeln and Lycksele. Ask the operator about the tour season before booking.
Meals featuring the flavours of Lapland and Västerbotten are served in the large log cabin Storspoven at Aurora Borealis Adventure Camp. The ingredients are locally sourced and organic. Contact the operator directly to find out whether meals are available during your visit.
Vindeln is accessible year-round by bus and train; NorrtĂĄg regional trains run regularly from UmeĂĄ to Vindeln. Vindeln Travel Centre is near the Vindelforsarna nature reserve. Check the current timetables before setting off.
Discover more destinations: Vindeln, Lycksele, Vännäs, Sorsele, Vilhelmina, Bjurholm, Nordmaling, Malå.
Go to the main travel overview: Västerbotten.
