SO R SE LE GAR G N ÄS A M M A R N ÄS
the destinations of
SWE D I SH LAPLAND YOUR ARCTIC DESTINATION
winter/spring
soft adventures On snow and ice and under the northern lights
Groomed trails and back country Skiing in all the different ways
Land of the lodges CHARMING PLACES TO STAY
Try the lo c kitche al n HEART Y FOO INE DI D NING
AND F
Photo: Outdoor-Ticket 2
DE ST I NAT I ONS OF SW E DI S H L A PL A ND   S ORS EL E
Share our love of nature n o t m a n y t h i n g s d e f i n e t h i s p l ac e more than the unconditional love for nature. In fact, the love of nature is probably why many of us once moved here. Following the changing of the seasons makes life a little richer, more sustainable and less stressful. That’s probably why we are warm and welcoming. We want you to feel as good as we do. More than half of the natural world here is protected, all because of its high value. And “high value” when it comes to nature doesn’t mean that it is beautiful — even though it is. No, it means that it is rare, unique and worth protecting for future generations. Even if the nature here in many ways is untouched and unspoilt, we rather not call it wilderness. People have lived here for six thousand years, and every hilltop, lake and mire has a name. It is brimming with history. There’s a season here for everyone, as well as a terrain for everyone, and the season covered in fuzzy snow, glistening like a wintry diamond, is one we like particularly well. You see, something happens when the snow settles. The world turns bright, even if it’s dark outside. Every little light there is, from the stars and nebulas, from the moon and from the northern lights, is reflected in the snow. Despite the surrounding darkness, the arctic winter is a light that never goes out. Perhaps that’s why we appreciate the active rest, activities that recharge our batteries. The arctic lifestyle? It’s all about our many different seasons and how we adapt to them. The Vindel River, one of the four national rivers in the country, runs from the alpine area close to the Norwegian border down through the entire destination. The frozen Vindel River is a playground for different activities in the winter. The Sami presence and identity is important. There are several producers of Sami food, crafts, experiences and culture. In the Sami year there are eight different seasons. Maybe, for us, it is enough that there’s a season for everything – and that the best time for momentous experiences is now, beneath the northern lights and in the crisp, cold air. Maybe you are here to experience the breathtaking nature and the exciting culture. We, however, think that you will be coming back to experience our hospitality once again. 3
Photo: Arne Pontan / Geunja Sami Ecolodge+
Vindelfjällen nature reserve is a working place for the Sami. If you come across this, keep a respectful distance!
Reserve facts SIZE: 5,551 square kilometres LOCATED IN: Västerbotten county,
Sorsele and Storuman municipalities.
FOUNDED: 1974, extended with
three primeval forests in 1988.
SAMI COMMUNITIES: Ran, Gran and
Ubmeje Sami communities.
HIGHEST POINT: Norra Sytertoppen
peak, 1,767 metres above sea level.
THE ARCTIC FOX: The arctic fox has
Photo: Geunja Sami Ecolodge
a natural habitat in the Vindelfjällen mountains, and is a symbol for the nature reserve.
4
The snowy peaks VINDELFJÄLLEN NATURE RESERVE is a unique part of the mountain range in northern Sweden, and one of the largest protected areas in Europe, twice the size of Luxembourg. The landscape was once sculpted by the inland ice sheets, and has glaciers and alpine peaks over 1,700 meters above sea level, as well as valleys no more than 600 meters above sea level. Lots of research is going on in the nature reserve, to study endangered species; one example is the ongoing Arctic Fox project. There are 129 endangered species registered in the area — and here live unusual as well as common wild animals, such as the wolverines, brown bears and lynxes, and the small lemmings that are associated with the mountains. And the birds found in the Vindelfjällen mountains make it an area of interest for the whole of Europe. The nature reserve is also unique for its culture. There are several remnants of the indigenous Sami people, dating back thousands of years, for example arrowheads, hearths, and bone caches. The nature reserve is a cultural landscape in the midst of unspoilt nature. The reserve was originally founded to protect reindeer husbandry. While most of the reindeer move to grazing pastures by the coast in the winter, they move back to the mountains during spring winter in April, to prepare for calving.
t h e v i n d e l fjä l l e n nat u r e r e s e rv e
DE ST I NAT I ONS OF SW E DI S H L A PL A ND S ORS EL E
Photo: Staffan Widstrand / Geunja Sami Ecolodge
e d i u G
s
AND ACTIVITIES IN THE RESERVE
Tracking for animals The nature reserve is a place to spot animal tracks, wildlife and birds of winter like the ptarmigan, or the Siberian jay, also called the bird of the northern lights. The animal tracking tour led by the guide Mikael Vinka at GEUNJA SAMI ECOLODOGE takes place along a creek surrounded by primeval forests and giant rocks where animals take refuge. With Mikael, who works with mammal inventories for different research projects, you can also find the northern lights, go ice fishing in Sami waters or go out and about on snowshoes or skis.
Winter riding in Ammarnäs
The prepared tracks and routes surrounding Ammarnäs isn’t just suitable for skis and snowmobiles. They’re suitable for horses as well. Riding with FJÄLLHÄSTEN, is a gorgeous winter experience, either going along the frozen Vindel river, or going to the old settlement Örnbo. In the spring winter, you can also go horseback ridning in the Ammarnäs area with AMMARNÄSFJÄLLENS ISLANDSHÄSTAR. www.fjallhasten.com www.ridiammarnas.com
Start at the Naturum The NATURE VISITOR’S CENTER in Ammarnäs, Naturum, is a gateway to the Vindelfjällen nature reserve. There’s an exhibition, where you can smell, read, listen and feel your way into the nature and culture of the Vindelfjällen mountains. The exhibition will tell you about special plants, herbs and animals that live in the reserve. The Naturum guide can also tell you about how to behave and appropriate ways of getting around the nature reserve.
Photo: NordTrek
Photo: Fjällhästen
www.geunja.com
Good to know... ASSIGNED TRAILS FOR SNOWMOBILES
There’s a general prohibition of snowmobile traffic in the nature reserve, with the exception for snowmobiles used in reindeer husbandry. Snowmobiles are allowed on marked trails assigned for snowmobiles. Note that the authorities also can issue temporary snowmobile prohibitions within the reserve.
THE MOUNTAIN VILLAGE Ammarnäs mountain village is in the middle of the nature reserve of Vindelfjällen, and it is a gem for Sami culture and cultural history. Several places in Ammarnäs enjoy protection as important historical sites, such as the old church town and the famous Potato Hill. It’s also a place where you can easily ski your way into the mountains without any hassle.
Along the King’s Trail on skis
The King’s Trail is one of the most famous trails in the world — and considered one of the best. It has been around for over 200 years and stretches all the way through the northern Swedish mountain range, beginning in Hemavan and ending in Abisko, or the other way around. The King’s Trail displays a wide range of different mountain environments. For the King’s Trail, the skiing season starts in the end of February when the STF cabins opens, and ends in the end of April or beginning of May. If you want a guide, talk to NORDTREK or AMMARNÄS GUIDECENTER. www.ammarnasguide.com • www.nordtrek.com 5
Sami craftsmanship. Photo: Maria Broberg / Geunja Sami Ecolodge
WHAT IS A SAMI COMMUNITY? A sameby, literally translated to a Sami village, is an administrative and economical union for reindeer husbandry. The members of the Sami community are entitled to keep reindeers in the geographical area that the Sami community manages. There are two Sami communities in Sorsele municipality, Ran and Gran.
Sami culture PAST AND PRESENT
dat i n g bac k t h o u s a n d s o f y e a r s ,
Sami people have lived in this area. This is a part of Sápmi, the Sami country that stretches across the northern parts of Scandinavia and Russia. In fact, the flag of Sápmi was inspired by a poem, Päiven pardne or the Sons of the Sun, written by Anders Fjellner, a Sami priest from Sorsele. His “thinker’s tree” is still to be found by the church in Sorsele. There are tracks from those earliest inhabitants all over the area — some of them only visible to the trained eye, others more apparent. There are hunting pits, hearths and dwellings. It was during this time, the Sami culture, the arts and crafts, religion and lifestyle, developed. The young reindeer herders of today are nomadic and live close to their reindeer, just as before, only with modern technology to help them. The strong tradition of sto6
rytelling and knowledge, transferred from generation to generation has kept the Sami culture and lifestyle alive, making it possible for us to take part in traditions that date back thousands of years. Wheather buying a piece of dried reindeer at Fjällvilt, listening to a joik from the singer Sara Ajnnak from Gargnäs, or listening to a story by the fireplace in the goahti at the Sami church town in Ammarnäs, you’ll be swept away by the Sami traditions and storytelling. It works the same way when you visit the Sami artisan Margareta Grahn and learn about the different patterns on a bracelet embroidered with tin thread — they speak about the difference between man and woman, water and mountain. They are also seen in the eight Sami seasons. Those contrasts, and eye for detail, are found in a story worth telling, over and over again. DE ST I NAT I ONS OF SW E DI S H L A PL A ND S ORS EL E
Photo: Håkan Stenlund
Photo: SapmiVisti
a good story to go with the award winning gurpi burger he serves. www.fjallvilt.se Also keep an eye open for the arrangements made by the SAMI ASSOCIATION of Ammarnäs.
A FULLFILLING EXPERIENCE AT GEUNJA SAMI ECOLODGE Visiting GEUNJA SAMI ECOLODGE is an experience. A learning and harmonious experience that will give you memories for life. As a guest there, you’re invited to stay with a Sami family in a traditional Sami settlement, inside the Vindelfjällen nature reserve. The host and guide at Geunja, Mikael Vinka, is one generation of many who have lived here. He is deeply rooted in the Sami culture and reindeer husbandry. He hunts, fishes and uses his knowledge of the surrounding landscapes and natural environment in mammal inventories, for research projects, and mountain rescue — and that is some knowledge which he will share with you in the activities offered here. www.geunja.com
Margareta — a unique artisan The Sami have been creating items using roots since the 16th century, mostly molds for making cheese. Today, creating objects with roots is a threatened form of Sami handicraft. Margareta Grahn from Ammarnäs is one of the few Sami artisans who knows how to work roots, and an accomplished one at that. Her work has been in exhibitions all over the world. Margareta has been an artisan all of her life. When Margareta and her sister were children their mother passed on her knowledge to them. They started their studio in Ammarnäs together, and soon became famous for their work. Margareta does mostly needlework today. Crafting in roots is hard on the hands. The roots are picked in the autumn, before the elk hunting season. The roots are tougher in the autumn than in the springtime. After that, the roots are prepared by being scraped and dried. Margareta’s studio is found in Ammarnäs and stays open occasionally, or by agreement.
Photo:Ann-Kristine Vinka
Another must-visit is the local farm shop
FJÄLLVILT. Run buy the Sami artisan food maker ANDERS SKUM who can supply
Photo: Staffan Widstrand / Geunja Sami Ecolodge
This area is said to be the most reindeer dense in Sweden, and reindeer husbandry is an important part of Sami culture. The reindeer is the center of the culture, food, work, handicraft and stories. During the different winter seasons SÁPMIVISTI offers activities and food experiences that explains more about the everyday life of the Sami and the importance of the reindeer. You’ll be invited to visit the Piltos in Ammarnäs, with an eight-season dinner and storytelling on the menu — traditional Sami food made of local specialties such as reindeer meat, arctic char from the mountain lakes, berries and herbs growing in the mountains. You can also visit the Piltos reindeer enclosure in Ammarnäs, have a lunch — traditional Sami food, of course — and feed the reindeers with lichen. www.sapmivisti.com
Photo: Outdoor-Ticket
MEET REINDEERS AND THE SAMI CULTURE
7
Photo: Outoor-Ticket
True winter SHARE OUR ARCTIC LIFESTYLE t h e w i n t e r s e a s o n has many faces. The first part of the winter is a time to be calm and peaceful. Plants and animals are in a resting state, as well as those of us who live here. Maybe you find yourself by a crackling fire, thawed by the warmth and the light and the strengthening pot of jet-black coffee cooked on it. During true winter, the cold has its hand on everything and all is calm and still outside. The Swedish word smällkallt — thwacking cold — is self explainatory, especially when the northern lights are singing and when the ice humms. This is a time you enjoy on a kicksled, or when you have your 8
back on a reindeer hide, looking up in the sky. Soon the days get longer, and we wake up from the almost dormant state we’ve been in the last few months. That’s when we put our skis on. That’s when we take our ice drill, the fishing gear and the thermos with warm beverage, and we sieze every outside moment we can. Snow and ice in abundance is a large part of our arctic lifestyle, and one we appreciate. Spring winter is a favorite for most of us. We enjoy every moment and every ray of sun that lands on our faces, warms our skins, our souls and the reflecting snow. DE ST I NAT I ONS OF SW E DI S H L A PL A ND S ORS EL E
Photo: Angelo Brack / Outdoor-Ticket
Share the arctic lifestyle
Photo: Sandsjögården
Many of our accommodations have taken the art of living and made it into theirs. While they could arrange for more demanding adventures if that’s what you wish, they’re places perfect for couples looking for a romantic hideaway and families with children.
AMMARNÄS WÄRDSHUS
AHA LODGE
SANDSJÖGÅRDEN HOLIDAY RESORT
WÄCKERLIN’S BED & BREAKFAST
If you want to go to a charming mountain village, AMMARNÄS WÄRDSHUS is the place to go. The beds are comfortable, the rooms you hardly want to leave, the food is great and the activities plentiful. We recommend, for example, experiencing northern lights and going ice fishing and a romantic threecourse dinner. www.bjorkexperience.com
AHA LODGE is a place to go for those soft activities. Snowshoe hiking, skiing on Lake Aha or in the surrounding forests, going hiking in the snow looking for the northern lights and breathing fresh air in general. There’s no restaurant there — but they make up for it, at Aha Lodge you can enjoy a meal outside, cooked on a camp fire. www.aha-lodge.com
The view from the sauna at SANDSJÖGÅRDEN HOLIDAY RESORT is to die for. Looking out at the frozen lake Sandsjön, you could experience the magical blue hour, brimming with light, having an ice bath. Furthermore, they have small activity packages for their guests. They treat you with good food and a warm atmosphere as well! www.sandsjogarden.com
Gargnäs is somewhat of a fairytale village, picturesque and welcoming. By the beautiful lake Hemsjön, you find WÄCKERLIN’S BED & BREAKFAST. At Wäckerlin’s you can be sure to have some added value to your stay, with the possibility of soft activities in the neighborhood as well as recharging your battieries under the northern lights. www.aenglagard-gargnas.se
Ice fishing was once called “the moronic sport”. We disagree. Ice fishing speaks to our basic human instincts, and is one of our favorite things to do in the winter. You can’t see anything. The hook and line just disappears into nothingness. You have to feel it: the fish nibbling on the bait, the bite, the struggle without knowing what you caught. For the most part it’s actually fundamentally meditative. Either you could do it all by yourself —you could probably do it a short walk from your accommodation with rented equipment. Or you hire a guide!
GUIDED ICE FISHING While it looks like ice fishing is — well, ice fishing — it will be different experiences depending on where you go, and who you’re going with. The fishing guides in Ammarnäs collaborates with the Sami villages to offer ice fishing for arctic char in exclusive lakes. Those tours include helicopter or snow mobile transport and a full day of ice fishing. When not in the highlands, there’s a bigger chance of catching a perch. The fishing waters are easily reached and the guides will make sure you have a small adventure by your hole.
mountain guides. Fish for arctic char with Ammarnäs GuideCenter, Björk Experience, Geunja Sami Ecolodge or Imperial Lake Farm.
Photo: Peter Schmitt / Ammarnäs Guidecenter
Photo: Angelo Brack / Outoor-Ticket
The exiciting sport of ice fishing
www.ammarnasguide.com www.bjorkexperience.com www.geunja.com www.imperial-lake-farm.com
ice fishing events. Snuggle up on a reindeer hide, drill your fishing holes and have a nice time with your hosts at Aha Lodge and Sandsjögården. www.aha-lodge.com www.sandsjogarden.com
9
Winter wandering AND OTHER SOFT ADVENTURES
b e a s l i g h t a s a f e at h e r ,
on snow that is soft, fluffy and so deep it would be possible to sink down to the waist. Winter wandering is almost magical. The snow is glistening in the sun and creaks softly while you’re treading — or gliding, or cycling — on top of it. Skiing is the old Sami way of transporting oneself from one point to another, and it is also one of our favorite things to do in the winter. Well, there are plenty of places to go cross-country skiing here, in a comfortable pace — wheather you wish 10
to do it in the mountain environment, on a frozen stream such as the Vindel River, or in a forest heavy with snow. If snow shoe hiking or cross-country skiing aren’t what you’re looking for, but adrenaline and excitement, you probably want another kind of adventure. Rest assured, we have those as well. Winter is not just a time for resting in front of a fireplace while the darkness looms outside. For us, winter is a wonderful time to be active. Find an outdoor adventure that suits you! DE ST I NAT I ONS OF SW E DI S H L A PL A ND S ORS EL E
Photo: Peter Schmitt / Ammarnäs GuideCenter
Ammarnäs GuideCenter can treat you to a genuine, breathtaking snowshoe hike in the mountain area.
Photo: Aha Lodge
Forest riding in Aha
The snowshoe hike and cross-country ski tour There are several activity companies that offer snowhoe hiking and cross-country skiing. And why wouldn’t they? Snowshoes are easy and suitable for beginners. If you can walk, you can do snowshoes. Cross-contry skiing is a little trickier, but with the right guide, the tour will be adapted to your level of experience, and a comfortable pace.
Outdoor activities
AMMARNÄS GUIDECENTER can teach you how to snowshoe or cross-country ski in the mountain area, a full on experience with food and a gracious host. www.ammarnasguide.com. GEUNJA SAMI ECOLODGE combines snowshoe hiking or skiing with animal tracking and teaching. An opportunity to learn about Sami culture! www.geunja.com. OUTDOOR-TICKET is not only experienced in dog sledding, they’re experienced in snowshoeing as well. www.outdoor-ticket.com
Photo: Pontus Holmgård / Suorge
Photo: Outdoor-Ticket
Not too long ago, North Swedish horses were the only way of working in the forests during winter. With AHA LODGE you can take riding tours in the countryside outside the village Aha. Feel the horse work beneath you while you drink in the surrounding winter wonderland, finishing with a warm beverage back at the lodge. www.aha-lodge.com
Biking on ice, of course! Fatbikes are all-terrain cycles that work on unstable surfaces. The charm of the fatbike is that it affords you great opportunities to discover the area in a totally different way. In fact, those ballooned tires are an experience in themselves. And how often can you say that you’ve biked on ice or snow? Explore frozen rapids, bike to an archipelago in the Vindel river or under the northern lights with SUORGE and SORSELE FATBIKE TOURS. www.suorge.com • www.pensionatholmen.se
AHA LODGE will give you a day frolicking in the snow, looking for the northern lights or enjoying the surrounding forests. www.aha-lodge.com SANDSJÖGÅRDEN is located by lake Sandsjön, a huge and frozen activity center appropriate to have a snowshoe walk perhaps with their huskies? www.sandsjogarden.com.
Photo: NordTrek
The waterfall Brudslöjan is a popular viewpoint on the way from Sorsele to Ammarnäs. It offers amazing views over the Vindel river valley during summer. Come winter, the waterfall freezes into a majestic pillar of ice and snow, as smooth as glass and a challenge to climb. A breathtakingly beautiful environment and an unusual adventure — who can resist? www.nordtrek.com
Photo: NordTrek
Ice climbing
Out and about on a snowmobile NORDTREK will take you on a day of snowmobiling, and you’ll experience most of what Swedish Lapland has to offer — from dense forests to the vast expanses above the treeline in the mountains. Of course you’ll make a stop to have a strengthening lunch and prepare a cup of coffee on the camp fire before going back on the frozen Vindel river along the Vindel river route. www.nordrek.com 11
Care for nature SUSTAINABLE EXPERIENCES
w e c a r e a b o u t t h i s p l ac e .
We try to work strategically with preserving our natural resources and cultural values and developing the destination in a sustainable way. We want our children, and our children’s children to be able to enjoy this place in the same way we do. The municipality and the companies here have a long tradition of working with sustainable development. There are several companies who have worked with Nature’s Best for many years, and 12
many other companies work with sustainability without certification. The municipality has also come a long way in areas such as ecological fishing conservation, renewable energy and responsible agriculture. One way of getting a sustainable experience is through eco tourism and the Nature’s Best certified companies. But in a bigger sense, you will have a sustainable experience through sharing our arctic lifestyle. DE ST I NAT I ONS OF SW E DI S H L A PL A ND S ORS EL E
Many are those who work with sustainability. LJUNG HUDVÅRD is one of those companies. Ljung makes skincare and offers treatments with their own products — in this case locally produced, organic skincare.
Photo: Ljung Hudvård
LOCAL ORGANIC SKINCARE
www.ljunghudvard.com
Photo: Lars Hoffmann / Cold-Nose-Huskies
Five ways to travel responsibly read about the destination. It’s easier to be considerate of the local culture and traditions if you know them beforehand. Ask for tips on literature! make an active choice. Make contact with a Nature’s Best certified company or ask the companies you wish to visit how they work with sustainability. ask for help. If you wonder about local rules or recommendations around protected areas, how to handle waste or anything else, ask! shop locally. When you shop groceries or arts & crafts locally, you contribute to the local economy, the destination and the people who live here. rent and borrow equipment. Perhaps you think you need plenty of equipment or special clothes to visit here? Don’t! There’s a good chance you can borrow or rent clothes and equipment, if you need it. Check with your guide!
Nature’s Best is the quality label used for sustainable nature experiences in Sweden. It combines responsible nature and culture conservation with environmentally friendly ways of travelling with care for the local community and economy. AMMARNÄSFJÄLLENS ISLANDSHÄSTAR has a wide selection of riding tours, and works actively with culture preservation. www.ridiammarnas.com FISHYOURDREAM AMMARNÄS cares for and engages in the local community. Protection of the fish stock and the quality of the fishing experience characterises Fishyourdream Ammarnäs. www.fishyourdream.com FJÄLLHÄSTEN offers exclusive riding tours with a deep and important Sami dimension. www.fjallhasten.com GEUNJA SAMI ECOLODGE is a company that makes Sami culture come alive. Professionalism, quality, authenticity and respect are the hallmarks of Geunja Sami Ecolodge. www.geunja.com
Photo: Staffan Widstrand / Geunja Sami Ecolodge
Nature’s Best and eco tourism
13
Photo: Angelo Brack / Outoor-Ticket
The call of the wild Photo: Angelo Brack / Outoor-Ticket
A DOGGY ADVENTURE
14
i t ’ s q u i e t . roa r i n g q u i e t .
All you can hear is the swishing sound of the sled gliding across the snow and the dogs panting.. But thirty minutes ago, when we were harnessing our dogs, the sounds were different. Forty dogs brimming with energy, wanting to run. Forty dogs with no other outlet for all that energy but to bark, howl and pick a fight. In a way it’s the price you pay for harnessing them to a sled. Frustration. But as soon as we’ve released the brakes and begun to move, everything goes quiet. Silence and beauty. Solitude. Dogsledding on our way along the frozen ice of the Vindel river, is nothing less than magnificient. Our guide Matthias is Swiss but has lived in Sorsele with his family for many years. Today Matthias runs tours from December through to May. He loves his dogs, the environment that he works in, and his life. We love the experience we’re offered. And things get even better when we arrive at our destination the following day. At the camp, our hosts Per Nils and Ingrid, have prepared dinner. Char grilled on their wood-fire stove. Snared grouse hang in the hallway – we’re having them for dinner tomorrow. Later during the week there’s time for cured fillet of reindeer, gurpi sausages made from smoked reindeer mince, smoked DE ST I NAT I ONS OF SW E DI S H L A PL A ND S ORS EL E
Photo: Lars Hoffmann / Cold-Nose-Huskies
Meet the Cold-Nose-Huskies To Malin and Lars at Cold-Nose-Huskies, dog sledding is a lifestyle. They love their dogs, they care deeply about what they do, and they’re passionate about racing. We’re proud to say they are Swedish Champions in long distance! Needless to say, they know what they’re doing and they’re happy to share their love, interest and skill with you. With Cold-Nose-Huskies you’re welcome to experience multi-day adventures as well as shorter tours, all surrounded by winter. www.cold-nose.se
Photo: Sandsjögården
reindeer souvas, blood pancakes, marrowbone and a proper, old-fashioned reindeer hotpot. Unfortunately all journeys come to an end. So does this one. We’ll begin our journey back to what we usually refer to as civilisation soon. But I think no one really wants to. We’ve grown accustomed to the simple life. No mobile coverage – just doing uncomplicated things. Like fetching snow and melt water for the dogs. Like feeding the dogs before we eat ourselves. The dogs are ‘everything’, or at least a priority, just like they were in Jack London’s time. There are so many ways of experiencing a dog team, but travelling where there are no roads, staying with the Sami Ingrid and Per Nils, who really offer something spectacular in all its simplicity, and being in an area with very little snowmobile traffic – all this makes the trip even more special. ‘New’. In the old days Sami and pioneers skied, following the reindeer or flocks of grouse. Then came the tractor, the car and the snowmobile. But today we’re travelling by dog sled. It feels like it belongs here. Naturally. There are many companies offering dog sled tours in Swedish Lapland with world-class experiences. Matthias is one of them, of course, but there are more in Sorsele alone and they offer adventures just as amazing. OUTDOOR-TICKET. The Sami flavoured, multi-day dog sledding tour in the story is their specialty. www.outdoor-ticket.com
Family fun at Sandsjögården Want to try out mushing? With a focus on kids, Sandsjögården offers a family mushing get together. It’s an afternoon filled with dogs: make a visit at the dog pen, learn about the different nordic sled dog races, and life as a musher. Finally the kids can take a short tour with the sled dogs!
Photo: Huskyfarm Tväråträsk
Photo: Angelo Brack / Outoor-Ticket
www.sandsjogarden.com
Dog sledding in Tväråträsk Unforgettable dog sledding adventures. Multi day tours and shorter day trips in the northern winter landscape. www.trails-of-lapland.de 15
Photo: Håkan Stenlund
16
DE ST I NAT I ONS OF SW E DI S H L A PL A ND S ORS EL E
Calm, peaceful and a sustainable arctic lifestyle. It’s a lot brighter than you could imagine during winter. The mesmerising northern lights is one way the world brightens.
17
Photo: Lars Hoffmann / Cold-Nose-Huskies 18
DE ST I NAT I ONS OF SW E DI S H L A PL A ND   S ORS EL E
A good place to ski UNTOUCHED SLOPES AND PREPARED RUNS the possibilities are endless.
It’s simple to get out and upwards. In some cases it’s pretty much putting your skis on and going out. Wheather you prefer downhill skiing on prepared and marked runs, going off in the mountains on traditional wooden skis on a short adventure or doing a summit climb and skiing off-piste in pristine snow, silence and solitude, there’s something for you here.
One of our selling points is that few have discovered us. There’s no crowd, wheather you wish to ski to a place where you can spend an afternoon by a campfire or if you’re taking the ski lift in one of our two resorts. What turns the mountains to the perfect place for the skier is exactly that: few people, silence and snowy, untouched expanses. And you won’t be disturbed by snowmobiles.
19
ALPINE SKIING ON PREPARED RUNS The prepared runs in Ammarnäs can be seen in bright white as soon as one comes into the village. The ski resort, AMMARNÄS FRITIDSCENTER, has two lifts, nine runs and a 255 meter drop. It is a popular winter camping site, has a nice restaurant and ski rental. 15 kilometers north of Sorsele is NALOVARDO, a mountain and ski resort. Nalovardo is known for the nice micro climate that makes it possible to ski when it’s too cold in other places. Nalovardo has three lifts, fourteen runs and a 315 meter drop, and a winter camping site. www.ammarnasfritidscenter.com www.lapplandskatan.nu
r u o F
DIFFERENT WAYS TO ENJOY SKIING
PRISTINE FOR THE FREESKIER
Want to do a summit climb? Well, around Ammarnäs there’s a few summits to choose from, some more demanding than others. With NordTrek you’ll get a guide with avalanche experience. www.nordtrek.com
THE VINDEL RIVER ROUTE The Vindel River route is a 400 kilometer long track starting in Ammarnäs, prepared for the long-time running sled dog race Vindelälvsdraget. The Vindel River route works for skiing, snowmobiling and, you guessed it, dog mushing. The route is marked and offers different landscapes and views!
Where to go cross-country skiing The truth of the matter is: almost anywhere. Traditional nordic skis take you anywhere. Staying close to the river or a lake are sure ways to find a place to go skiing! With a pair of classic cross-country skis you can go on one of the well-kept groomed trails that are found around Ammarnäs, Sorsele and Gargnäs. There are trails for classic skiing as well as skating.
GROOMED TRAILS AND BACK COUNTRY The mountains and the frozen lakes and rivers make excellent ways of discovering the back country. In fact, cross country skiing has an extremely long tradition in the area and is a common way for locals as well as visitors to enjoy a day out. If you feel adventurous, you could go ski touring with skis suitable for terrain skiing, like the traditional nordic skis. There are marked trails to follow, like the long King’s Trail, but our ski guides know their way around and can take you on a real back country adventure. www.ammarnasguide.com • www.geunja.com • www.nordtrek.com 20
DE ST I NAT I ONS OF SW E DI S H L A PL A ND S ORS EL E
Photo:Jonas NordenstrĂśm
Yes, there’s snow, and plenty of it. But this is early in the winter season, and on the highest point of the mountain where snow usually blows away.
21
Photo: Ammarnäs Wärdshus
The taste of nature
Photo: Maria Broberg
Photo: Maria Broberg
FOOD FROM THE FORESTS, MOUNTAINS AND LAKES
22
w e e n j oy f o o d f ro m t h e nat u r e ’ s ow n o rg a n i c pa n t ry . We enjoy food from the surrounding rivers, forests and mountains, and those feed us very well: the vibrant yellow cloudberries from the mires, the arctic char from crystal clear mountain lakes, beef from cattle grazing the banks of the Vindel River. The birds and berries from the forests and mountains, and the reindeer and elk. All with a taste of the wild and natural. You’ll find Sami specialties like gurpi on the menu in some of our restaurants, or the traditional potato bun palt that gathers plenty of locals for lunch. Or maybe you’ll be treated to suovas, lightly smoked reindeer cooked over open fire. Once you come here, you’ll realize that how the food is prepared can be as important as what is actually served, and that those cooking methods will add that extra spice to your food and your stay here. However, the food here is not only about old traditions, it’s also about taking things to the next level. The innovation and raw material refinement of our award winning artisan food makers, and the skill of talented chefs, does that. The food you are served here is as genuine as the people you meet. It is not overly fancy, it is hearty and delicious and cooked with care. Those who live here have a shared love of good food and will proudly invite you to share a meal with us. DE ST I NAT I ONS OF SW E DI S H L A PL A ND S ORS EL E
Photo: Peter Schmitt / Ammarnäs GuideCenter
Welcome to the table AMMARNÄS GUIDECENTER – For a reindeer burger and a trendy ale from one of the micro-breweries in Swedish Lapland, this is the bistro to go to. AMMARNÄSGÅRDEN – À la carte with local flavors and produce. AMMARNÄS WÄRDSHUS – Some of the finest dining available in the destination, when it comes to à la carte. SANDSJÖGÅRDEN – Asian fusion, Grill n’ Chill, buffets and à la carte. Regardless, Sandsjögården delivers exciting, fine dining with a local flavour. SORSELE RIVER HOTEL – Offer appreciated lunch and dinner buffets.
OUTDOOR COOKING
The crackling of a campfire, fresh air and the aroma of burning wood makes food taste a little extra savoury. Sami food, like suovas and the smoked meat bundle called gurpi, is easy to carry in a rucksack and cook over an open fire. Why not enjoy a dish in the open whilst enjoying a guided tour? Most of our activity companies offer outdoor cooking as a part of their experience. Enjoy!
Photo: Ammarnäs Wärshus
Palt for lunch at Sorsele River Hotel.
Photo: Maria Broberg
ÄNGLAGÅRD RESTAURANT – The restaurant in Gargnäs has hearty food cooked with care. The menu offers Swiss and Swedish specialties alike, all using local produce.
MEET THE LOCALS
A sure way of meeting the locals is going out to lunch. SORSELE RIVER HOTEL is a place packed with people, mostly Wednesdays when the potato bun filled with salted pork belly — the traditional palt — is served. TROLLFORSEN in Gargnäs isn’t a restaurant, but they do lure locals to their recurring pizza evenings. In Ammarnäs the locals like to visit after work at
AMMARNÄS GUIDECENTER.
Photo: Fjällvilt
Photo: Maria Broberg / Piltos goda
The artisan food makers
ANDERS SKUM, FJÄLLVILT
INGRID PILTO, PILTOS GODA
Anders Skum develops traditional Sami raw materials and refine them to modern, new products. He recently won the national artisan food award with a high quality burger inspired by the Sami meat bundle gurpi. — Gourmet food is everyday food for us. We don’t understand the treasures we have, he says. Anders says that the reindeer tastes differently depending on when it was slaughtered. The Sami adapts the seasoning accordingly. — Reindeer has a gutsy and clean flavour. It doesn’t have to be fancy, it’s probably better to keep it simple, maybe just using salt.
Ingrid Pilto is Sami artisan chef and Sápmi slow food creator who cares about Sami food tradition alongside good taste and a keen care for quality and detail. — The Sami tradition has always been about taking care of as much as possible of the animal. Ingrid likes to develop the traditional Sami ways of preparing food. One of her award winning products is a salted, smoked mountain fish that she preserves in oil, just like Italian anchovies. A visit to Ingrid can result in a treat of tea, a jam you probably never heard of and biscuits made from bark. — I’m most proud of my knowledge about traditional Sami cooking, though.
Sami flavours We have a vibrant Sami culture, and part of that culture is food and flavours. Taste your way through this part of Sápmi with our award-winning artisan food makers. In the small farmshop FJÄLLVILT in Ammarnäs, the artisan ANDERS SKUM sells his dried and smoked reindeer products as well as raw materials and other tasty souvenirs. Other Sami flavours is offered by SÁPMIVISTI. Their eightcourse dinner, with traditional Sami food made from local specialties, revolves around the eight seasons of the reindeer herding year, and the dinner is served along storytelling about the everyday life of reindeer herders, cooking and Sami handicraft. PILTOS GODA also has a small farm shop with Sami delicacies.
23
Photo: Joachim Kaiser / NordTrek
Snuggle up at NordTrek lodge in Bjärdakken.
Land of the lodges
PERSONAL, SMALL-SCALE AND COSY t h e r e a r e no hug e hot e ls h e r e .
But we do have something else. Welcome to a place where the accommodations are plentyful, small-scale, individual and with a personality entirely of their own. This is a place where you can find a secluded lodge without any other visitors around, or another one where you can enjoy your vacation together with family and friends. There are still plenty of options, though. Either you prefer to stay in soft beds with crispy sheets in a newly renovated hotel room, in a Sami goahti on reindeer hides surrounded by the frangrance of birch trees, in a cosy northern timber lodge or under the bright summer night sky, you’ll find something to suit your preferences here. Wherever you choose to go, you can be sure to have an accommodation close to nature and all
24
the adventures and activities waiting there. Some of the accommodations will give you a view over the Vindel River — even in the middle of Sorsele — and some of them are hidden away in a clearing somewhere. In Ammarnäs, you’ll be staying near the mountains and the possibility to ski straight from your accommodation into unspoilt nature. When you come home from your outdoor adventure, you’ll be taken care of by your hosts in the best way imaginable. For us, hospitality means something more than just being service-minded. When you come here, you can be sure to expect a personal welcoming and being treated like family. Many of those who come here, want to come back to see their hosts again, besides enjoying the grand nature. Welcome to the land of the lodges and warm hospitality! DE ST I NAT I ONS OF SW E DI S H L A PL A ND S ORS EL E
Photo:Maria Broberg
Photo: Outdoor-Ticket
THE SECLUDED LODGE
THE CHARMING B&B
biking distance from the central village of Sorsele. The lodges are found in a secluded place, close to nature and right by the Vindel River, with their own beach. All three lodges are newly renovated, to a high standard — and they are bright, fresh and have wellequipped kitchens and nice bathrooms. The private location gives you the opportunity to relax and enjoy the silence!
who decided to stay after coming here on their motorcycles on vacation. They run their Bed & Breakfast with lots of love and care for their guests and with a passion for developing activities in the area — their fatbike activities being one. They are ranked high on social media. The finest example of their popularity, however, is that many of their guests choose to return.
holmen bed & breakfast is run by Janet and Dennis, a couple
Photo: Trollforsen
Photo: FishYourDream Ammarnäs
outdoor-ticket is located in Idbäcksheden, a slightly longer
THE LUXURIOUS LODGE
The village Gargnäs is small, but with plenty of things to do, and you’ll be treated as one of their own while living here. Live in the charming old vicarage, in the generous rooms in the main building of wäckerlin’s bed & breakfast, or in one of their nice lodges. Another pleasant place to stay in Gargnäs is in a guesthouse, a small cottage or the camping of trollforsen. Either way, you’ll be cared for — and close to a warm sauna!
Newly built, seventy square meters, three bedrooms, a nice living room with a view, a fully equipped kitchen and a sun terrace overlooking the pond in Ammarnäs — that’s the lynx lodge, the place to choose if you’re a larger company or need a little extra room. Plus it’s close to the sauna! Of course, there are nice and newly renovated hotel rooms at ammarnäs wärdshus as well if you prefer that.
THE LODGES WITH LAKEVIEW
THE PICTURESQUE LODGE
sandsjögården is a charming resort sitting in the middle of
You don’t have to go far from the central village of Sorsele to find a place that’s quiet and close to nature. aha lodge is a farm just outside Sorsele where you can relax and discover the surrounding from the back of a horse. There’s a nice house suitable for four, and two smaller cottages — one of which is new — to choose from. With Aha Lodge you find a nice hideaway for the winter, as well as activities outside the door.
Photo: Aha Lodge
Photo:Sandsjögården
BETWEEN WATER AND SKY
a clearing surrounded by pine trees, right by the shores of the breath-taking lake Sandsjön. In the traditional and fresh wooden cabins — some of them newly renovated — you’ll find the perfect getaway for a romantic holiday, a group of friends going on a wellness getaway or for a family vacation filled with different activities. Make sure you try their sauna with a view to die for!
25
Our hidden gems that we keep closer to the heart than others. You are most welcome to get to know our destination a little better. Maybe you’ll come to love this place as much as we do. Here are a few tips to get started.
t h e r e a r e a f e w p l ac e s
NO
THE CHURCH AREA IN SORSELE
TÄRNASJÖ
SW
TIC DE S TI
N
A
The start of Vindelälvsdraget N
Photo: Maria Broberg
IO
Photo:Maria Broberg
ARC
Photo: Trollforsen
E
Potato Hill.
A FEW EVENTS
VIEWPOINTS
The church town.
SW
'S
AMMARNÄS CHURCH TOWN
Ammarnäs was founded by settlers in the 19th century. Before that, it was an important place for the Sami people of the area — Gávtjávrrie. Remnants of the Sami and the settlers are seen in and around the village. One of them is the old church town, used by the nomadic Sami for their compulsory church visits in the village. They are some of the best preserved church cabins in Västerbotten county.
H
KING´S TRAIL TO HEMAVAN AND TÄRNABY
ED
IS
The village of Blattnicksele is, like Gargnäs, one of the small villages with a lot going for them. A place well-known for their outdoor activities, village events and inclusive ND: atmosphere. And there’s Aan PL ice road! LA
SERVE
Tjulträsket — the place where the road literally ends — is a frequently used viewpoint in Ammarnäs, offering views over the snow-capped mountains. From Mount Nalovardo it’s possible to see the Norwegian mountain range. From the viewpoint at the Potato Hill in Ammarnäs there’s a pleasant view over Ammarnäs.
There are some recurring events each winter, and they are all good opportunities to meet the locals. Here are a few examples:
• The Burbot festival in Ammarnäs
• Blattnicksele ice festival • Burkarcupen, veteran snowmobile race
• Vindelälvsdraget, long
distance dog sledding race
• Kungsledenrännet, ski race
along King’s Trail Calender at sorseleunited.se
DE ST I NAT I ONS OF SW E DI S H L A PL A ND S ORS EL E
Photo: Håkan Stenlund
Photo: Pontus Holmgård / Suorge
BLATTNICKSELE
T
Photo: Therese Lundin
SKIDBÄCKSCOTTAGE
EN
26
DALOVARDO
The area around the church and church bridge in Sorsele is riddled with history. A short walk from there is the beautiful forest cemetery and remnants from primeval hunting pits. By the church is the thinker’s tree used by the Sami priest and poet Anders Fjellner.
GARGNÄS Gargnäs is a village surrounded by water. Or ice, as it happens, during winter. For a small village it has a lot going for it, with charming places for meeting up. The pizza evenings at Trollforsen Camping are popular amongst the villagers. As with other villages here, it is an active community who take a pride in their hospitality.
VINDELKROKEN
D
The river Juktån runs from the Vindelfjällen nature reserve. The river valley is also one with high natural and cultural values, probably one of the places with the highest natural values. It is also one of the river valleys in the mountains that is, to greater extent, inhabited. The unregulated Lake Överst Juktan is found at the far end of the river valley. By the shores of the lake is the Viktoria church, a church built in the middle of roadless land in the 1930’s.
Y
TÄRNASJ Ö N
THE JUKTÅ RIVER VALLEY
RW
A
We l c o m e t o m m A , a e l rnäs e s r o S a n d G a rg n ä s KING´S TRAIL TO JÄKKVIKK
VITNJUL
E W INTER
RÄVFALLSCOTTAGE
NÄSBERGET
TH
AMMARNÄS/GÁVTJÁVRRIE
IN
AIGERT
T
S
NO
GILLESNUOLE
RTHERN
LI
G
H
AIVAK
VI JU
N
D
E
L
K
R
TA
IV
E
36
3
N
R
RI
VE
R
NALOVARDO
FJ
EN
ST
O
SO
V
ÖVER
K
LAISÄ
E
L
GIMEGOULTS
SLAGNÄS
N
E4 5
TO ARVIDSJAUR
SORSELE/SUORSSÁ ST
R
O
JU
K T
A
N
TO NORWAY
BLATTNICKSELE
GARGNÄS/DRÁHKIE
SANDSELE
SANDSJÖN
E4
5
363
TO ÖSTERSUND
TO UMEÅ
27
FJÄLLHÄSTEN Televägen 2, Ammarnäs +46 (0)952-603 00 info@fjallhasten.se www.fjallhasten.com Icelandic horse riding during spring winter, around Ammarnäs. AMMARNÄSFJÄLLENS ISLANDSHÄSTAR Nolsivägen 100, Ammarnäs +46 (0)70-243 20 47 info@ridiammarnas.com www.ridiammarnas.com Shorter Icelandic horse riding tours in the Vindelfjällen nature reserve. BJÖRK EXPERIENCE Nolsivägen 6, Ammarnäs +46 (0)73-37618 97 info@bjorkexperience.com www.bjorkexperience.com Offers ”Ammarnäs adventures” — among other things guided ice fishing in exclusive Sami lakes.
28
GEUNJA SAMI ECOLODGE Geunja, Ammarnäs +46 (0)952-602 90 www.geunja.com Mikael Vinka is a versatile guide, always with a twist towards wildlife , soft adventures and Sami culture and life.
SKULPTURUM Nolsivägen 47, Ammarnäs +46 (0)70-611 03 01 reception@bertejaure.se www.skulpturum.se Art exhibition from the accomplished sculptor Marita Norin. Photo:Pontus Holmgård / Suorge
IMPERIAL LAKE FARM Fjällsjönäs +46 (0)70 - 658 51 47 fjallsjonas@hotmail.com www.imperial-lake-farm.se A B&B that offers ice fishing, snowmobile and ski tours and grouse safaris in the beautiful Juktå river valley.
SÁPMIVISTI Nolsivägen 3A, Ammarnäs +46 (0)70-302 31 81 info@sapmivisti.se www.sapmivisti.com Visit a reindeer enclosure, have lunch and feed the reindeer with lichens, or have a eight-season dinner with some storytelling to go with it.
NALOVARDO SKI RESORT Nalovardo, Sorsele +46 (0)952-310 41 www.lapplandskatan.nu Downhill skiing in a resort with great micro climate. Photo: NordTrek
COLD-NOSE-HUSKIES Jonsudden 13, Gargnäs +46 (0)70-287 85 02 info@cold-nose.se www.cold-nose.se Guided husky tours, from shorter day trips up to unique multi-day experiences. Welcome to the world’s happiest dogs!
HUSKYFARM TVÄRÅTRÄSK Tväråträsk 198, Blattnicksele +46 (0)72-704 48 52 info@trails-of-lapland.de www.trails-of-lapland.de Multi day dog sledding tours and shorter day trips.
NORDTREK Bjärdakken 152, Sorsele +46 (0)76-135 54 36 info@NordTrek.com www.nordtrek.com Skiing, summit climbs, snowmobile safaris, ice climbing and snowshoe hiking — there’s no end to what you can do with NordTrek.
SORSELE FATBIKE TOURS Strandvägen 33, Sorsele +46 (0)70-333 26 41 info@pensionatholmen.se Going from Holmen Bed & Breakfast, Sorsele Fatbike Tours offers guided cycling tours on fatbikes in and around Sorsele. SORSELE HEMBYGDSGÅRD Fritidsvägen 3, Sorsele The nice outdoor museum gathers old buildings from the history of Sorsele municipality. Photo:Outdoor-Ticket
Photo: Ammarnäsfjällens Islandshästar
AMMARNÄS FRITIDSCENTER Ammarnäs +46 (0)70-980 44 46 ammarnasfritidscenter.com Downhill skiing in the beautiful surroundings of Ammarnäs.
Photo: Lars Hoffmann / Cold-Nose-Huskies
AMMARNÄS GUIDECENTER Tjulträskvägen 2, Ammarnäs +46 (0)70-695 41 92 info@ammarnasguide.se www.ammarnasguide.com Guided ice fishing, snowshoe hikes, skiing and other tours in Vindelfjällen nature reserve.
Photo: Staffan Widstrand / Geunja Sami Ecolodge
Photo: Peter Schmitt / Ammarnäs GuideCenter
AHA LODGE Aha 106, Sorsele +46-(0)73-802 27 21 www.aha-lodge.com info@aha-lodge.com Offers horseback riding, snowshoe hiking tours, icefishing and northern lights in the beautiful surroundings of Aha.
Photo: Aha Lodge
Activities Activities / Culture
OUTDOOR-TICKET Idbäcksheden 10, Sorsele +46 (0)70-314 88 18 info@outdoor-ticket.com www.outdoor-ticket.com A company with exclusive dog sledding tours in collaboration with Sami entrepreneurs and a flavour of the best this region has to offer. SAMI CHURCH TOWN & SAMEGÅRDEN Lapplassvägen, Ammarnäs Right by the Sami church town is Samegården, that arranges activities for villagers and visitors.
SUORGE Strandvägen 5B, Sorsele info@suorge.com www.suorge.com Suorge is the biking and culture guide who can tell you all about Sorsele.
DE ST I NAT I ONS OF SW E DI S H L A PL A ND S ORS EL E
Shopping
Restaurants / Cafés Bistros and cafés Photo: Ammarnäs GuideCenter
Photo: Ammarnäs Wärdshus
Restaurants
SANDSJÖGÅRDEN HOLIDAY RESORT Sandsjö 122, Blattnicksele +46 (0)76-103 85 75 www.sandsjogarden.com At Sandsjögården you can eat your treat and coffee, a buffet dinner or a three course meal. This restaurant is mixing tradition and innovation. SORSELE RIVER HOTEL Hotellgatan 2, Sorsele +46 (0)952-121 50 www.sorseleriverhotel.se Sorsele River Hotel is a popular place for locals and visitors to have a well-cooked buffet lunch. Here you can try palt every wednesday!
ÄNGLAGÅRD RESTAURANT Mårschvägen 2, Gargnäs www.aenglagard-gargnas.se +46 (0)70-250 45 77 Änglagård serves local food with a touch of Switzerland. Have a cup of coffee or a hearty dinner, and don’t miss their Christmas buffet!
TROLLFORSEN CAMPING Byvägen 47, Gargnäs +46 (0)73-823 03 21 www.trollforsen.de While not a traditional restaurant, this place serves the occasional, northern style pizza on Fridays and Saturdays. A good place to meet the locals!
Catering & Food on demand
Photo: Sandsjögården
AMMARNÄS FRITIDSCENTER Ammarnäs +46 (0)70-980 44 46 ammarnasfritidscenter.com Fast food and à la carte at special occasions.
PRINCESS BAKERY Södra Esplanaden 6, Sorsele +46 (0)70-275 13 63 www.princess-sorsele.se The popular local bakery.
Photo:Ammarnäs Wärdshus
AMMARNÄSGÅRDEN Tjulträskvägen 1, Ammarnäs +46 (0)952-600 03 www.ammarnasgarden.se Have your choice of starters, entrees and desserts made with local produce.
Photo: Wäckerlin’s B&B
AMMARNÄS WÄRDSHUS Nolsivägen 6, Ammarnäs +46 (0)952-602 00 www.ammarnaswardshus.se A place where food matters. Fine dining made with care and local flavours.
AMMARNÄS GUIDECENTER Tjulträskvägen 2, Ammarnäs +46 (0)70-695 41 92 www.ammarnasguide.com Lighter à la carte courses, coffee and treats for lunch or dinner. But don’t be fooled, it’s tasty and hearty just as well.
ANDERS SKUM FJÄLLVILT Liftvägen 1, Ammarnäs www.fjallvilt.se +46 (0)70-600 60 27 Occasional serving outside the store and outdoor catering.
AMMARNÄS GUIDECENTER Tjulträskvägen 2, Ammarnäs +46 (0)70-695 41 92 www.ammarnasguide.com Fishing gear and outdoor products. ANDERS SKUM FJÄLLVILT Liftvägen 1, Ammarnäs +46 (0)70-600 60 27 www.fjallvilt.se Sells his own refined reindeer, moose and fish products. ELDMARK Strandvägen 15, Sorsele +46 (0)70-230 47 59 www.eldmark.se Manufactures and sells high-quality products for outdoor adventure seekers. EMILS FISHING CAMP Kraddsele 172 +46 (0)70-699 64 97 www.emilsfiskecamping.se Makes and sells embroidered jewellery like bracelets and earrings. FISHYOURDREAM AMMARNÄS Nolsivägen 6, Ammarnäs +46 (0)952-602 00 www.fishyourdream.com Well equipped store with fishing gear. LJUNG HUDVÅRD Strandvägen 26, Sorsele +46 (0)952-109 34 www.ljunghudvard.se Makes and sells their own organic skin care line. Ecoshop and facial treatments. PILTOS GODA Nolsivägen 3A, Ammarnäs +46 (0)70-302 31 81 Sami crafts and artisan food souvenirs.
PILTOS GODA Nolsivägen 3A, Ammarnäs +46 (0)70-302 31 81 Pre-order packed lunches to go from the artisan food maker Ingrid, or buy a tasty souvenir. SÁPMIVISTI Nolsivägen 3A, Ammarnäs +46 (0)70-302 31 81 Offers an eight-season Sami food experience at the home of the Pilto family!
Photo: Maria Broberg
Wheather you choose a reindeer burger at one of the bistros, drop in for a chill n’ grill at Sandsjögården or a three course meal at Ammarnäs Wärdshus, you can be sure to enjoy food made from local ingredients.
29
Accommodation
Photo: Ammarnäsfjällens Islandshästar
AHA LODGE Aha 106, Sorsele +46(0)73-802 27 21 www.aha-lodge.com Beautifully located lodge at a horse farm in the picturesque village Aha.
AMMARNÄSFJÄLLENS ISLANDSHÄSTAR Nolsivägen 100, Ammarnäs +46 (0)70-243 20 47 www.ridiammarnas.com Maybe the finest views in Ammarnäs. Charming and simple cottages! GRUNDSTRÖMS STUGBY Blomsterdalsvägen 5, Ammarnäs +46 (0)70-390 50 26 www.grundstromsstugby.se
30
Photo: Wäckerlins B&B Photo: Trollforsen
Photo: Trollforsen
VINDELÅFORSENS STUGBY Nolsivägen 47, Ammarnäs +46 (0)70-611 03 01 www.bertejaure.se
Hostels AMMARNÄS GUIDECENTER Tjulträskvägen 2, Ammarnäs +46 (0)70-695 41 92 www.ammarnasguide.com
OUTDOOR-TICKET Idbäcksheden 10, Sorsele +46 (0)70-314 88 18 www.outdoor-ticket.com Outdoor-Ticket has highstandard, private lodges just outside Sorsele
AMMARNÄS WÄRDSHUS Nolsivägen 6, Ammarnäs +46 (0)952-602 00 www.ammarnaswardshus.se
SANDSJÖGÅRDEN HOLIDAY RESORT Sandsjö 122, Blattnicksele +46 (0)76-103 85 75 www.sandsjogarden.com The holiday resort Sandsjögården is beautifully located by lake Sandsjön, and offers lots of nearby activities, good food and comfortable cabins.
FJÄLLHÄSTEN Televägen 2, Ammarnäs +46 (0)952-603 00 www.fjallhasten.com Hostel accommodation in the middle of Ammarnäs. SORSELE CAMPING Fritidsvägen 10, Sorsele +46(0)952-101 24 www.sorselecamping.se
HOLMEN BED & BREAKFAST Strandvägen 33, Sorsele +46 (0)70-333 26 41 www.pensionatholmen.se A light and airy Bed & Breakfast with a contemporary feel, with hosts well-known for their generosity and service! IMPERIAL LAKE FARM Fjällsjönäs +46 (0)70-658 51 47 fjallsjonas@hotmail.com www.imperial-lake-farm.se
Camping AMMARNÄS FRITIDSCENTER Ammarnäs +46 (0)70-980 44 46 www.ammarnasfritidscenter. com EMILS FISHING CAMP Kraddsele 172 +46 (0)70-699 64 97 www.emilsfiskecamping.se SORSELE CAMPING Fritidsvägen 10, Sorsele +46 (0)952-101 24 www.sorselecamping.se NALOVARDO CAMPING Nalovardo, Sorsele +46 (0)952-310 41 www.lapplandskatan.nu
DE ST I NAT I ONS OF SW E DI S H L A PL A ND S ORS EL E
Photo: Holmen Bed & Breakfast
NORDTREK LODGE Bjärdakken 152, Sorsele +46 (0)952-105 11 www.nordtrek.com The luxurious lodge of NordTrek is a place to enjoy to the fullest.
WÄCKERLIN’S BED & BREAKFAST Mårschvägen 2, Gargnäs +46 (0)70-250 45 77 www.aenglagard-gargnas.se Wäckerlin’s in Gargnäs is a romantic place made for active rest.
TROLLFORSEN CAMPING Byvägen 47, Gargnäs +46 (0)73-823 03 21 www.trollforsen.de Charming cabins and multiple activities available!
Photo: Sanne Brännström / Re-Wild Consulting
Photo: Aha Lodge
Lodges and cabin villages
Photo: Sandsjögården
AMMARNÄSGÅRDEN Tjulträskvägen 1, Ammarnäs +46 (0)952-600 03 www.ammarnasgarden.se
HUSKYFARM TVÄRÅTRÄSK Tväråträsk 189, Blattnicksele +46 (0)72-704 48 52 www.trails-of-lapland.de
Photo:NordTrek
AMMARNÄS WÄRDSHUS Nolsivägen 6, Ammarnäs +46 (0)952-602 00 www.ammarnaswardshus.se Newly renovated hotel rooms that you might not want to leave.
GEUNJA SAMI ECOLODGE Geunja, Ammarnäs +46 (0)952-602 90 www.geunja.com From hostel type accommodation in a Sami tent — a wooden teepee — to full pension in a Sami lodge with activities around the corner all year.
PhotoOutoor-Ticket
Photo: Ammarnäs Wärdshus
SORSELE RIVER HOTEL Hotellgatan 2, Sorsele +46 (0)952-121 50 www.sorseleriverhotel.se
Bed and breakfasts Photo: Geunja Sami Ecolodge
Hotels
Rentals AHA LODGE Aha 106, Sorsele +46 (0)73-802 27 21 www.aha-lodge.com Ice-fishing gear and snowshoes. AMMARNÄS FRITIDSCENTER Ammarnäs +46 (0)70-980 44 46 www.lapplandskatan.nu Downhill skiing gear. AMMARNÄS GUIDECENTER Tjulträskvägen 2, Ammarnäs +46 (0)70-695 41 92 www.ammarnasguide.com Ice-fishing gear. GEUNJA SAMI ECOLODGE Geunja, Ammarnäs +46 (0)952-602 90 www.geunja.com Snow shoes, cross-country skis and thermo clothing suitable for snowmobiling.
Photo: Manuel Calzada
GRUNDSTRÖMS SNOWMOBILE RENTAL Ammarnäs +46 (0)952-602 05 Snow mobiles.
NORDTREK Bjärdakken 152, Sorsele +46 (0)76-135 54 36 info@NordTrek.com www.nordtrek.com Provides snowmobiles. Rental of snow shoes, different skis and ice climbing gear. OUTDOOR-TICKET Idbäcksheden 10, Sorsele +46 (0)70-314 88 18 www.outdoor-ticket.com Rental of snow shoes, cross country skis, tents, sleeping bags and other outdoor gear. SANDSJÖGÅRDEN HOLIDAY RESORT Sandsjö 122, Blattnicksele +46 (0)76-103 85 75 www.sandsjogarden.com Ice fishing gear and snow shoes. SORSELE FAT BIKE TOURS Strandvägen 33, Sorsele +46 (0)70-333 26 41 www.pensionatholmen.se Fatbike rental.
Communications Sorsele is strategically located between airports, within a two hour drive from four different airports: Arvidsjaur, Lycksele, Vilhelmina and Hemavan. Arvidsjaur Airport is the closest to Sorsele, with a convenient transfer to and from the main village. While a little further, it is also possible to fly to Skellefteå or Luleå and go by bus or car the rest of the way. NEXTJET. Operating from Stockholm to Arvidsjaur, Lycksele, Vilhelmina and Hemavan Airports. www.nextjet.se FLYCAR. Direct European charter flights to and from Arvidsjaur Airport. www.fly–car.de
We recommend travellers to Sorsele to consider one of the overnight trains from Stockholm. Many of the entrepreneurs operating in this area can arrange transfer for you. It is also possible to book a bus-ticket in connection with your railway ticket to get here, or to one of the villages outside of Sorsele. To plan your trip and book your ticket, use the web application reseplanerare.resrobot.se.
BUS AND TAXI TRANSFER SORSELE BUSS & TAXI +46 (0)952-120 00 www.sorselebuss.se HIRE CARS
NORWEGIAN. Daily flights between Arlanda Airport in Stockholm and Luleå. www.norwegian.se
KARLSSONS BILSERVICE +46 (0)952-121 30
SAS. Flying between Arlanda Airport in Stockholm and Skellefteå as well as Luleå. www.sas.se
HELI LAPLAND Ammarnäs +46 (0)70-333 50 80 info@ammarnasstugby.com
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON HOW TO GET HERE AND WHAT TO DO:
HELICOPTER
www.visitvindelalven.org turist@sorsele.se
31
TH
E
W
ATLANTIC
KÖ
Swed ish La
RE
ST
LAK
E T OR
NETR
ÄSK
KIRUNA
N
D
O
R
AN
R
Y
nd pla
A
ER
IVE MU ONIO R
W
RIV
IO
NL
F
ÄÄ
FI
L
M
R
U
IN
VE
G
LA
Ä
RI
AM
N
K
PAJALA T O
R
N E RI
VER
KAL
GÄLLIVARE
IX RIVER
ARC
JOKKMOKK
TIC
CIR
CLE
ÖVERTORNEÅ RÅN
ÖVERKALIX
I E R
ARCTIC CIRC LE
V E
R
ARJEPLOG
HAPARANDA BODEN RIV
ER
R
ARVIDSJAUR
IV
LULEÅ
BAY O BOTH F NI A
ER
ÄLVSBYN PITEÅ
SK
EL ARCHIPELAGO
LE F
E
T
IC DESTINA
R EN RLI V
CT
VINDEL
ED
E
SORSELE
U
AR
SW
YO
e4
AND:
E
PL
L UL
H
LA
R
IS
P
IT
KALIX
TI
O
VE
R
SKELLEFTEÅ
ED
EN e4
N
SW
RI
Welcome to Sweden’s arctic destination! In Swedish Lapland you will find unique arctic experiences. Thanks to the warm Gulf Stream, here high up by the Arctic Circle, you can experience seasons with great contrasts between polar nights with sparkling northern lights in a white winter landscape and warm summers filled with swimming and hundred days without night under the midnight sun. In the east – a 300-km coastal stretch facing the Bay of Bothnia — the world’s largest brackish water archipelago, with thousands of islands. Sandy beaches, fishing camps and unique produce. In the west – vast mountains, brooks with water so clean you can drink from them and lots of adventures around the corner. In between the quiet, enigmatic, open-handed forest and river valleys from Skellefte River in the south to Torne River in the north-east, all with their unique distinctive characteristics to offer. Traditions and cultures are strong here, and love of nature is even stronger. This is our everyday-life, and we invite you to share it with us. www.swedishlapland.com
DISCOVER MORE:
www.visitvindelalven.org
Idea, text & graphic design: Swedish Lapland Visitors Board & Sorsele Kommun. Copy: Maria Broberg & Håkan Stenlund. Illustrated map by Lisa Wallin. Cover photo: Lars Hoffmann / Cold-Nose-Huskies. www.swedishlaplandvisitorsboard.com
N
LIGHTS IN
RN
R
E
HE
TE
TH
RT
IN
Map of
O