Vilhelmina: Church Town, Culture and Paths by the Water

When planning a trip to Vilhelmina, you can choose between local history and outdoor activities as different focal points. The church town and museum offer insights into the local past; walking trails, lakes and seasonal activities round out the picture. If you’re looking for a hotel in Vilhelmina, you can start by considering whether culture, time by the water, fishing or activities in a particular season will shape your stay.

The Church Town and Local History

Kyrkstan is Vilhelmina’s oldest district. Along Storgatan, below the church, stand wooden cottages dating from the 19th century. The church town consists of 27 red cottages around the church in the town center. They were built for residents of the surrounding villages who needed somewhere to stay overnight when attending church services and markets. The present-day church was built between 1835 and 1840 and consecrated in 1846.

The Vilhelmina Museum is housed in an old vicarage dating from the 1890s in the church town. It presents the history of the municipality from prehistoric times to the present day. Exhibits include tools from the time when settlers were self-sufficient farmers, as well as Sámi objects. Also on display are the rich 7th-century Maksjöfyndet burial find and a ski dating from the 3rd century. The collection thus brings together very different periods and themes in local history.

Sámi Culture and Trails on Kyrkberget

The Samegalleriet, opposite the church town, displays, among other things, the world’s largest Sámi knife. Knowledgeable guides lead tours of the exhibition and also offer adventures in the Lappish wilderness. Kyrkberget has nature trails, including one adapted for children. The Sámi association Vualtjeren Saemien Siebrie has built huts and storehouses there in different Sámi architectural traditions.

By the Water and Out and About

Strandleden offers walks along Lake Volgsjön in the area around town. The lake lies just outside Vilhelmina and is known for its large trout. Grayling fishing is also excellent in the lower reaches of the Vojmån River. At Baksjötjärn, you can follow the walking path around the lake; there are barbecue fire pits along the route. A fishing license is required to fish there.

All motorized traffic is prohibited on Baksjön, next to the town, year-round. Activities vary by season: in summer, you can explore the lake by rowing boat, canoe or kayak; in winter, a groomed cross-country ski trail crosses the lake and continues into the forest on the opposite side. There are also easy cycling routes near Vilhelmina. Gubbseleforsen is about 1.5 kilometers from the center and can be reached on foot, by bicycle or by car. You can light a fire at the wind shelter there.

Hiking in Vilhelmina Municipality

There are also hiking opportunities outside town: the extensive Marsfjället Nature Reserve in Vilhelmina Municipality includes alpine areas, mountain birch forest, high-altitude wetlands and old-growth forest, with marked hiking trails. Urskogsleden is a 50-kilometer forest trail connecting the Matskan area in Marsfjället Nature Reserve with Dainans Nature Reserve. There are four trail access points with parking areas and four overnight huts along the route. The length and route make this a different kind of plan from a walk along Strandleden.

Seasons, Events and Local Products

Nybyggarveckan takes place in July. This themed week celebrating settler culture features guided town tours, exhibitions, concerts, a country store, talks, Sámi culture and other activities. Every February, a winter festival is held, with snow, ice, cold and numerous activities over a packed weekend. Check the latest dates and programs before traveling. Market days in the church town include stalls, food and entertainment; dates are set anew each year.

Bergmans Fisk & Vilt smokes and processes fish, including locally caught Arctic char and trout, as well as other seafood. You can also have lunch and dinner there; check current services before traveling. Västerbottenssåpa is made in Vilhelmina by hand on a small scale. The company runs a gift shop in Kyrkstan; check current access information before visiting.

Plan Your Journey

Vilhelmina Airport, also known as South Lapland Airport, is 12 kilometers from the town center and offers flights to Stockholm Arlanda. The Inlandsbanan railway runs through Vilhelmina, but operates tourist train services only in summer. Umeå is the nearest station for year-round rail services. Check the latest timetables before traveling.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Dikanäs, Vilhelmina, Kittelfjall, Marsliden, Klimpfjäll, Saxnäs, Storseleby, Vännäs.

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