Holiday apartment in Jokkmokk: Culture, nature and Sámi traditions

Jokkmokk combines Sámi culture, the natural landscapes of the mountain world and diverse trails around lakes, gardens and nature reserves. Between the museum, historic churches and local events, a multifaceted picture of the town emerges.

Culture

A central place for understanding the region is Ájtte in Jokkmokk. The museum is Sweden’s principal museum of Sámi culture and also a specialist museum for the nature and culture of the mountain world. As Ájtte Svenskt Fjäll- och Samemuseum, it presents exhibitions on Sámi culture, the nature and culture of the mountain region, Sámi life and the relationship between people and nature. Ájtte also serves visitors as an important source of information about the mountain world.

The churches also tell the story of Jokkmokk’s history. The first church in Jokkmokk was built in 1607. Jokkmokks Gamla Kyrka was built in 1753, burned down in 1972 and rebuilt in 1976. The interior’s colour scheme is inspired by the Sámi kåta. Jokkmokks Kyrka was inaugurated in 1889 and has been the parish’s principal church since its inauguration. It was designed by the architect Ernst Abraham Jacobsson. Its furnishings include the monumental paintings Uvssat Davás / The Doors to the West, created by Lars Pirak, Bengt Lindström and Lars J:son Nutti. The paintings refer in different ways to life in northern Sweden.

Jokkmokks Marknad has its own historical continuity and has been maintained as an unbroken tradition for more than 400 years. At the event, visitors can experience reindeer races, art exhibitions, snowmobile and dog-sled tours, concerts and lectures. The programme also includes seminars, exhibitions, concerts, theatre and other local events.

Nature and trails

Fjällträdgården, a green oasis beside the rushing Kvarnbäcken, is part of the townscape. At the site, visitors can learn a great deal about mountain nature and flora and walk through the garden along landscaped paths. The area around Getberget offers a different impression of the landscape: there are several hiking trails ranging from 1.6 km to approximately 10 km in length. From the summit of Getberget, the view extends far across the surrounding area.

Several hiking trails of varying lengths and difficulty levels are available at Talvatis. The loop closest to the lake is 2.3 km long, partly equipped with boardwalks, and accessible to wheelchairs and prams. The Talvatis area also has several barbecue sites.

Mineralstigen in the Talvatis recreation area focuses on the minerals found in Jokkmokk Municipality. The trail runs along the eastern shore of Talvatis between the beach and the dam near the mountain botanical garden. Mineralstigen also includes a stone labyrinth.

Jarre offers broader experiences of nature. The place is located in the Pärlälvens fjällurskog nature reserve and reaches 800 metres above sea level. The hiking trail on Jarre passes through various vegetation zones and continues into alpine terrain with expansive views.

Art by the water

Samiska Skulpturparken in Jokkmokk is located along the eastern shore of Lake Talvatis. The park displays a selection of artworks by Sámi artists. Visitors can stroll through Samiska Skulpturparken and experience the interplay between culture and nature.

Getting there

The nearest railway station on the Inlandsbanan railway line is Murjek. The bus journey from Murjek to Jokkmokk takes about one hour.

More destination pages

Direct destination selection includes Jokkmokk, Porjus, Randijaur, Kåbdalis and Vuollerim.

More destination pages: Älvsbyn, Gällivare, Luleå.

For the broader travel overview: Norrbotten.