Discover Gällivare: Fells, Culture and Trails along the Vassara River

Gällivare combines nature-oriented trails, fell landscapes and diverse cultural impressions. Those planning a trip with varied days will find both a route through central parts of the town and destinations in the surrounding area. When choosing your holiday apartment, you can therefore consider whether culture, hiking, water or an excursion into the fells should be the focus of your trip.

Culture and history in Gällivare

A special place is Gällivare gamla kyrka, also known as Ettöreskyrkan. It is located by the Vassara River and stands in a wooded area on the edge of the town that grew later. Every year, it is used for baptisms, weddings and services during three summer months. This gives it an independent cultural point of reference that differs from Gällivare kyrka, which is located centrally in the town of Gällivare.

At the Welcome House, you can also experience some of the film and VR experiences about the social changes in Gällivare. This complements the historical and landscape impressions with a multimedia perspective on the town. Those who enjoy switching between nature and culture during their trip can consciously include both themes in their daily planning.

Kulturstigen and nature-oriented trails

Kulturstigen is a nature-oriented and easily accessible hiking trail that follows the Vassara River through central parts of Gällivare. It is 4.2 km long in total, and the walking time is approximately 55 minutes. These specific details help you fit the trail into a day of travel. You can view Kulturstigen as a manageable tour and then take in further impressions in the town without having to turn it into a longer hike.

For longer days in the landscape, there is another perspective: On day hikes in Gällivare, you can pass through forests, across marshes and into the fells. Dundret is a fell accessible year-round and is located a few minutes from the centre of Gällivare. If you mainly want to spend time outdoors, this connection between the town and the fells is an important consideration when planning your trip.

Forest, water and summer experiences

East of Gällivare lies Ekopark Leipipir, a large roadless forest area near the fells, with natural forests in the north and fire-influenced pine forests in the south.

In summer, kayaking and canoeing are possible in Gällivare. Fishing is also possible in forest lakes, mountain lakes, rivers and flowing waters. This makes it possible to combine peaceful days by the water with active pursuits. If different interests come together in your travel group, you can consider accommodation in Gällivare as a base for a mix of Kulturstigen, the fells, water and exploring the town.

Getting there and planning the right trip

Gällivare is also a starting point for travelling to Naturum Laponia. You can travel to Gällivare by train, among other means, and then continue to Naturum by bus or car. This travel option may play a role when planning a trip if you would like to combine Gällivare with a further nature experience.

Whether you are looking for a holiday apartment for peaceful days of exploring, hiking or summer activities, the first important question is which experiences should shape your stay.

Discover more places

For further orientation, you can also look at Nattavaara, Malmberget, Puoltikasvaara, Koskullskulle, Skaulo and Ritsem.

For the higher-level travel overview: Gällivare.