Skaulo between the lake, wetlands and winter experiences

Skaulo combines the landscape around Lake Soutujärvi with close-to-nature experiences and unique insights into the culture of Soutujärvibygden. The lake drains into the Kaitum River, while Soutujärvi is also designated as a Natura 2000 site. Those looking for a holiday apartment or other accommodation in Skaulo can therefore consider the village a starting point for a variety of day-trip ideas: observing nature, staying active, discovering regional traditions or spending time outdoors with children.

Landscape between the lake, wetlands and forests

Skaulo lies at the northern limit of arable farming. The landscape alternates between mires, wetlands and forests; numerous lakes and waterways also shape the surroundings. Lake Soutujärvi gives the area a clear geographical centre without reducing the landscape to a single type. For your trip planning, this means you can combine a stay by the water with nature experiences in a varied environment and focus on different activities depending on your daily plans.

The journey can also be taken into account when choosing your location. Skaulo lies on the E10/E45. There is also an existing walking and cycling path between Skaulo and Puoltikasvaara. These two connections are useful points of reference when choosing your accommodation and considering which destinations and activities suit your stay.

Active experiences for different holiday days

Skaulo has a 1 km illuminated cross-country ski trail. The cross-country ski trails are signposted and start at Hulkis. The short illuminated trail can therefore be a practical option for a compact cross-country skiing session, while the information about the other trails helps with orientation. In addition, Naturpasset offers orienteering across large parts of Soutujärvibygden. This orienteering activity is organised by the orienteering group of Bergens IF. If you enjoy exploring independently, this offers a different way to experience the landscape than winter sports.

Recreational fishing takes place at Soutukoski. This adds further opportunities alongside cross-country skiing and orienteering to centre your stay around natural waterways. The activity you choose to prioritise can also influence your choice of holiday apartment: a sports-focused stay involves different daily routines from a trip centred on landscapes, culture and leisurely discoveries.

Polar night, church and local discoveries

Kaamos is celebrated every year in Soutujärvibygden. During the Kaamos festival, around 1,000 ice lanterns are placed along the footpath between Skaulo and Puoltikasvaara. The approximate number and the specific route along this footpath make the festival a distinctive regional experience. If you plan your trip around this celebration, Kaamos is one of the area’s special cultural impressions.

Another cultural landmark is Soutujärvi Church. The altar textile there was composed by Brita Rendahl. Those interested in ecclesiastical art and local culture can include this aspect in their personal trip planning without focusing their stay exclusively on sports activities.

Practical points of interest in Skaulo

For families with children, the village offers a nature-themed playground with a range of activities. It includes balancing equipment, sand play, swings, a zip line, a playhouse and a slide. The playground also has a barbecue shelter, benches, tables and a grill. If you are travelling with children, you can include this place as a dedicated stop between excursions and nature experiences.

Maps and punch cards for Naturpasset are sold at the Soutujärvibygdens ICA store in Skaulo. The service office in Skaulo also offers a workplace with a computer and Wi-Fi that can be booked free of charge. These two points of interest are useful when preparing activities or when you occasionally need to take care of organisational tasks during your stay.

For further orientation in the area, you can also visit Gällivare, Ritsem, Malmberget, Koskullskulle, Puoltikasvaara and Nattavaara. This allows you to compare Skaulo with other places and tailor your accommodation choice to your preferred mix of lake, nature, culture and activities.

To the overarching travel overview: Gällivare.